Grim Reaper

Can you reprogram the memcal from a late 80s to early 90s Lumina to use in on a 90-92 SD TPI car? I was thinking that if the ecm's from those cars are the same, the basic EPROM (except possibly VATS) could be erased and re-programmed for my 91 GTA. I can grab the entire ecm from a wrecking yard for a Lumina's cheap.

I have been having a heck of a time getting my EPROM chips from JDR. I specifically had called them and they assured me that they could ship the EPROMs to Canada without any problem (just $20.00 for shipping). Now they have cancelled my order without explanation, but only reimbursed me for the EPROMs but not the shipping charges. Damn it sucks to get anything in Canada.

But since I also ordered/got the "header" (I always hedge my bets), I figured that if I can use this cheap sourse of EPROMs (and get a spare ecm in the process) this will allow me to have spare EPROMs to play with too.

With the VATS, I figured I could just disable it in the Lumina memcal and when I was happy with the results, burn it into my SD TPI memcal and re-enable the VATS.

I am STILL waiting for my Pocket Programmer from Xtronics. They too told me that they could ship to Canada (for an extra shipping cost), but it has now been 4 weeks. I will contact them about my order, but it really sucks living in Canada and trying to get things from the US up here. They always charge us double or triple the price, claim it is sent by AIR COURIER and then you wait a long time (and possibly never get it).

TRAXION

Glenn,

Truth is - I wouldn't do it.

1) The MemCals for '90-'92 SD cars have a ESC Filter (Knock Module) soldered to the carrier. This filter is extremely specific for each make/model automobile.

2) The MemCals contain specific non-programmable chips underneath the ESC filter that are NOT interchangeable from automobile to automobile.

So, although the EPROM itself may be a 256K EPROM ... the OTHER components in the MemCal will be different.

Now - I am not saying that it will not work. I am just saying that I would not do it. The difference in knock modules will cause your car to pick up excessive knock or not enough knock. The difference in the chips underneath of the knock module may or may not cause problems. I just don't know.

Tim

------------------
TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's after installing Hooker LT Headers and reducing weight.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

Grim Reaper

Thanks for the advice Tim...I will heed it. Unfortunately they want C$92.80 (plus taxes or around US$60.00). I hope the 1350AUJP will be the correct "donor" chip. That is the one I ordered.

Ed Maher

Oh nevermind, i'm gonna try it anyway, i'm too poor to buy a proper memcal now anyway....i'll just stay ultra conservative till i have the right one.
...ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Maher (edited March 15, 2001).]

87_TA

Sorry to bring back an old post but,
I have seen this asked but not yet answered.
currently repinning for SD, the ecm i bought off ebay had ASMJ
prom in memcal from a beretta,will it hurt anything to use this memcal w/my moates adapter to start tuning the car atleast to idle or is that unsafe to untill i can get a V8 memcal?

tpi_roc

Its nice to see a post where glenn actually asked a question

Grim Reaper

Yes, though it was almost 2 years ago. I believe I was the first to raise the question of using the SD V6 Memcals on SD V8s.

87_TA

And the answer is?

SATURN5

From what I gather from the diy archives... Yes it can be done, but it involves removing the limphome chips and replacing with resistors. Seems more of a PIA then anything. Also Grumpy stresses that memcals are specific to engine type. eg 4 cyl, 6 cyl, 8 cyl. cheers, Bob

87_TA

Ok i guess ill just spring the cash ,
You have been rather helpful of me today saturn.
Thanks again

SATURN5

Glenn, what about shipment from say me to you? Still as bad? Would like to help you if its easier for me to ship than direct from the manufacturer. cheers, Bob

hectorsn

Hehe, Bob, check the date on that first post. I think Glenn has figured out his shipping problems by now or so I hope! But I do remember a discussion on the gmecm list and from what I gathered, the cylinder select was in the netres. Now, was it the cylinder select for the limp home operation or was it the cylinder select for the prom and its calculations I never quite understood. If it was just for the limp home then it wouldn't make a difference cause it won't run on it if you have a prom failure. But if the prom uses that info for normal operation, then it won't work. Someone said they were using v6 netres on v8 cars by soldering two legs on the netres together, but just don't ask me which.

SATURN5

LOL.... I got a bad habit of skimming and rarely checks dates.. Time for me to get a CSH..

Grim Reaper

How much I have learned in the last 2 years. Lumina's are "W-bodies" and don't even use 730s...they use a 727.

Matt87GTA

.... CSH.... so, ummm... a Combat Support Hospital????

tpi_roc

Cylinder Select Hernia

SATURN5

cone shaped hat.....