a fine hello to all

hi! I'm brock. i live in Michigan. i like long walks on the beach, film noir, a nice med-rare steak, and internal combustion. I have had this affliction for ever and ever amen. The current fixation involves an 89 Reatta, a series II 3800, a supercharger, an intercooler, a 6 sp manual trans, and a moose. OK, there is no moose. Anyhow, with a little help from some friends (vendors i pay for goods and services) and probably the fine folks here, i plan to run the original computer so the car can keep its super slick touchscreen dash. in talks right now for some suspension and some wheels and some paint and the Mrs. and I will be tackling the interior. Youre probably thinking,"brock, this is silly, youll have 8 to 10k into a car worth 2500 bucks." I assure you that is not the case. It will be much closer to 15. Why? I love this car. Plain and simple.

Hope to be able to help, somehow

-brock

Hi Brock,

Welcome to the forum. That sounds like a fun build and a fun car. I'm really sorry to hear the moose was left out. IME moose are really good at picking the right hood ornament.

Years ago I grabbed the on-board CRT and related electronics from a Riviera (or maybe two) and another from a Cutlass with hopes and dreams of making the BCM communicate with an ECM from another car or even a MEFI system Turns out the on-board CRT systems are related in ways I never suspected.

Are you using the original ecm and programming?

I am. Keeping the CRT is paramount so original ECM is pretty much my only option. Programming, however will be fun. Ive built quite a few cars over the years, some carbed, some efi, none with the factory computer. I sure hope this old dog can learn a few new tricks... I'm already waaaay to far into this to turn back now!

so there's no module between the ECM and that crazy display? i find that hard to believe that they'd integrate the display and the ECM so tightly. interested to learn more about how this thing is laid out system-wise

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I am. Keeping the CRT is paramount so original ECM is pretty much my only option. Programming, however will be fun. Ive built quite a few cars over the years, some carbed, some efi, none with the factory computer. I sure hope this old dog can learn a few new tricks... I'm already waaaay to far into this to turn back now!

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It's a big project. I'll help as much as I can although these days I seem to provide limited assistance.

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so there's no module between the ECM and that crazy display? i find that hard to believe that they'd integrate the display and the ECM so tightly. interested to learn more about how this thing is laid out system-wise

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There are other modules. The BCM relies on messages to and from ABS, ECM, entertainment(IIRC) and HVAC to allow both display and control from CRT. System uses GM proprietary (It's been years, possibly Entertainment & Cruise data line) communication rather than (or in addition to) the OBDI data lines. Without creating code that communicates over E&C Bus the project wouldn't work. I have parts in totes, manuals and digital data, and... memory fade. lol.

There is a document here that could be very helpful for someone wanting to build custom code for this ecm / vehicle:
http://www.gearhead-efi.com/caldocs/...Cal%20Info.pdf

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Originally Posted by 1project2many

It's a big project. I'll help as much as I can although these days I seem to provide limited assistance.


There is a document here that could be very helpful for someone wanting to build custom code for this ecm / vehicle:
http://www.gearhead-efi.com/caldocs/...Cal%20Info.pdf

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Holy Mackerel Batman! THANK YOU!! so much info. You've already provided tons of help, 1P2M!

that looks like enough info to hack that system up a bit.

have you considered running a modern ecm and just piggybacking the old one? the tuning ability of that old thing is probably really limited, but it's pretty easy to convince an ecm that you have a running engine and everything is okay... especially the really old ones.

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Originally Posted by steveo

that looks like enough info to hack that system up a bit.

have you considered running a modern ecm and just piggybacking the old one? the tuning ability of that old thing is probably really limited, but it's pretty easy to convince an ecm that you have a running engine and everything is okay... especially the really old ones.

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that is definately plan B. With that touch screen comes a built in diagnostic computer and i would like to keep that if possible. Its kind of a tricky-mickey system- a bit tougher to fool than standard GM computers of the era... from what I have read.