1981 Computer Replacement?

[7581$]

H E L P ! :cry My newly acquired 81 automatic, after New Plugs and wires, New alternator etc runs pretty good but still not 100%. Has a slight miss also. Question. She came with the Computer disconnected. So yesterday I bought a new computer for her. Do I just plug it in and see what happens Ahhhh! or do I have to do something more. It doesn't look like anything has been done to the Distributor or Carburetor. Not going to do anything until I hear from someone in our great and knowledgeable Group. Don

 

[gedmeyer]

I'm pretty sure the computer controls the distributor advance timing. Perhaps this is why you are having a slight miss. Maybe you aren't getting any advance and it is only running of the base timing?! Also, the carburetor is controlled by the computer (except during WOT). So this could/would be a problem. I wouldn't think your car would run at all without the computer controlling stock carb/distributor.

-gedmeyer

 

[LannyL81]

The '81 computer controls the spark advance along with the fuel mixture in the Q Jet. If the computer was disconnected, then probably the distributor was replaced with a vacuum advance type and possibly even the Q Jet was replaced as well.

Just plugging in the computer is not going to do anything if there is nothing for them to control, you will get the "Check Engine" light.

If the carb and distributor have been replaced, I suggest taking the computer back and staying with the current setup.

Later,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ