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Engine swaps and computer removal

  • Thread starter Thread starter BTWard454
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BTWard454

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Because of damage done to my 81 proir to my owning, and a little I have contributed myself, I decided to put an entire new front clip on my Vette, along with side and rear ground effects. While I had the front end off, I figured it was also a good time to swap engine, since the old 350 was getting a little tired, so I bought and built a 454, and its around 530+ horsepower.....anyways, I've got the engine in, and it runs great, but of course none of the computer harnesses are compatable anymore. So my questions are 1) Could the computer being unhooked be the cause of my oil pressure gauge not working. I've tried a new gauge, along with a new sending unit, and also tested the power on all the wires, which all seem fine...2) If the computer is not the cause behind all this, since everything else is working, will it affect any other systems if I completely remove all the computer wiring harnesses and the computer too, because they're all just dead weight now. Any help would be appreciated.
Brent
 
Brent, I installed a new GM crate engine in my 81 this past summer , just not as hyped up as yours-mine is a stock 250 h.p.

The computer on mine was unplugged from the distributor and carb, but I left the computer connected otherwise. My oil pressure gauge works.

Keep in mind that I am computer stupid here, but I do not see where the computer has anything to do with the oil pressure guage, or it's sending unit. It looks pretty straight forward to me, ie: a sending unit, a sending wire and a sensing guage on the console.Perhaps the computer "monitors" this element, but I just can't figure out why unless it's to send a "check engine" light, but that would defeat the reason for a pressure guage.
As far as I know, my computer is just dead weight too, so I am anxiously awaiting an experts answer to your question. Hope this helps?
;)
 
BT & Mike,

To the best of my knowledge :) the computer in our L81's was there for two reasons:
Chevrolets computer command control used on 1980 Corvettes sold in California became standard equipment on all 1981 Corvettes. The system automatically adjusted ignition timing and fuel mixture.

Your Check Engine light will stay on without the computer. I've seem where guys have made a small police car image and connected the bulb to a radar detector and when radar was detected the little police car lights up.. I always thought that was pretty cool ;LOL
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate your insight. At least now I can eliminate one possible source. I guess that means I'll remove the center console again, and trace down and check all the wires. if nothing else, I'll just replace the whole circuit, since being stock isnt really an option anymore. in fact, about the only thing that is stock still is the 4 speed and the rear end. I'm already pretty sure that the stock halfshafts will one day twist in two, but does anyone know how much power the t-10's in our cars will handle?
 
BTWard454,

My computer has been unplugged for avery long time. All of my guages work fine. I suspect that you may have a broken wire, or a poor/no ground. Grounding on these fiberglass hot rods seems to be the source of many malfunctions from fuel gauges, to clocks, to lighting. :w
 

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