Topic: Tuning the Crossfire engine
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Any '82 (or '84) owners have success with some of the performance chips they offer for the Crossfire engine? When I purchased my car from the second owner he told me he believed that the cam had been swapped out, also the car seems to run very rich, and I'd like to have these things tuned for. Looking for some additonal info / suggestions / experience.
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There is a co.That makes a chip for these.I forgot and want to get one for my 82,so I'll just look in after awhile and see.I'm not sure changing a cam would do much good on these engines and might be a detrement if you don't change out the heads, and I'm not sure what heads would work good on the CF setup.My 82 is a CE so I don't want to do much to it thats the reason why I'm just as interested as you are on this.
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Stephen, The link below will take you to the crossfire injection vault. These folks eat, breathe, and sleep crossfire injection. They can answer any questions you have regarding tuning your crossfire from mild to wild. http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/ Click on the "register" link when you get to this page, the site is free and is loaded with crossfire information. You may want to contact Phill's Vette, a member of the C3vr forum, he has had work done by some of the guys at the crossfire injection forum and swears by them. Zgator is right about the cam perhaps being counter productive unless other mods are done as well. As for the performance chip, I have no experience there but have been curious about them. The chips are only beneficial at wide open throttle according to the advertisements. Let us other crossfire owners know what you find out and how you solve your problem. Good luck

I am a member of the "Vault" but I don't there post much... mainly because the ECM/BIN tech there is just way over my head
What I have gleaned so far is that many performance-oriented CrossFire owners have chosen to swap ECMs to those from more "tuner friendly" TBI models. Not really something I want to get involved in with this car. Basically I would just be satisfied if carbon soot would stop blowing out of my tailpipes and I could stand next to the car without being brought to tears by the exhaust fumes.

Try sending an email to these folks: www.x-ram.com they may have some tech help to offer.
Darryl81 2007-02-27 09:25:00
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Stephan, I tried to send you a PM but got an error. I know what you mean about not wanting to swap out your ECM and yep, lots of the stuff at the crossfire vault is way over my head too but they may be able to give you some idea of what may be the problem. Ive seen some good advise in the forum that was conservative and logical without all the reprogramming and swapping of ECMs and other voodoo stuff. Phill's vette may be able to give you some help as well if he reads this post, perhaps he can respond to you about your problem. I know he is very happy with his crossfire now.
A guy at Carlisle had an '82 and said he put the Hypertech Chip in his and it helped the "hunting" of the transmission when city driving.
I bought one from Mid-America and installed it last year.
It says you have to burn hi-test when you have the chip in it. I was usually using 89 octane because I would get pinging under load when using 87.
So i use 91 octane now, or 93 if available.
No ping, no hunting.
Slightly better gas milage.
I guess it was worth it, but it is costing me at every fill-up.

Also, I have the repair records from a previous owner. My cam was replaced at around 65K miles. I recall GM had some soft cams back then. Maybe that is why your cam was replaced.
The site that Sarge referenced looks interesting.
Anyone installed any of their products?


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I appreciate all of the help!
Don't know what happened to the PM function Chip

I think I addressed a lot of the basic tech stuff already: new exhaust/converter with no apparent leaks, O2 sensor seems to be working properly, EGR seems to be working properly, new plugs, etc. I always use Sunoco 93 octane in my cars. I wish I knew a little more about the camshaft story.
A smoother transmisson would definitely be an added bonus. I'd chalked up that "hunting" to a poor gear ratio.
My only frame of reference here is my LS1 Camaro -- throw it on the dyno, hook it up to a laptop, instant tuning
I only wish it were that simple for this car!

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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Dave, Thanks for your info about the transmission hunting. If the hypertech chip will help in that respect, it may be worth the investment. I already burn premium gas so that wouldnt add any cost for me.....they sure are proud of that "high test" gas though 

in Forum: C3 Engines
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