marcar1993

I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a 307. I want to do some performance work to the motor. I want to know, what would it take to put a non-computer carb on. Will I have to reprogram the computer if I put in a cam. If so, then how? I want to put in a Turbo 400 trans, will it work, with what mods?
Any input would be helpful.

joe_padavano

First, it you are subject to emissions testing where you live, removing the computer is grounds for failure, depending on how thorough the inspector is. Second, the computer controls the distributor advance and torque converter lockup. The throttle position sensor on the carb is required for this. Changing the carb requires changing to an older, non computer HEI and a standalone torque converter lockup system. Of course, changing to a non-lockup trans like the TH400 solves that problem.

The electronic Qjet is really not difficult to tune. The computer only controls the primary side, so you can change the secondary rods just like you can on any other Qjet. Filing the stop to allow the secondary air valve to open fully will also help.

marcar1993

In my area there is a special registration called collector car registration. Anything goes as long as your odometer works. You have a 3000 mile a year limit, but that is fine for me. When it turns 25, then I can use historic plates, and I won't have any emmisions testing.
2 questons. What else does the computer control? and How hard is it to remove?

marcar1993

I meant when it turns 25, it will have no inspection.

Jim's rare 80

Hi. Do you plan on driving the car in the next five years? Does your state have any allowences for "modified" vehicles. My province of Ontario does. Just curious. Jim.

Redog

I'm pulling the ECU out of my 85 Delta, but I'm also in the process of dropping in Olds 350 and a TH 350 tranny.

The ECU on the 307 controlls emissions, tranny lock up, and maybe the HEI. IF you pull the ECU out, you could install a switch on the dash and flip it manually when the car hits 35 MPH or so

marcar1993

Jim's rare 80- I can get "collector car" registration at any age, and the only "inspection" would be the odometer.

Redog- so, all the computer controls is the emmisions, hei, and the lock up?
I'm not planning on keeping the emmisions, or the trans, so I'll put in a non-computer distributor from an older car, will that work? If so, then, how would I go about removing the computer, and where is it located?

Redog

I'm not too sure where it is, my guess would be behind the glovebox

acolds

The computer is behind right kick panel on 1984 per my manual.
To get more performance put in 350 if you use computer it will work I have done this on 1982 Toronada (in 1983) In a 1983 (98 used 403) only changed jetting a little ran well and passed immission test. These were new cars when this was completed the 350 was rebuilt with econo cam. 403 was stock 1978 removed from car to install 455. All these swaps were done on cars less tha 2 years old . had no problems with transmissions

joe_padavano

The computer controls the primary metering rods on the carb, the advance curve of the distributor, the torque converter lockup, the emissions controls, and the A/C compressor relay. As previously mentioned, the secondary side of the carb is purely mechanical and it is easy to install different metering rods to accommodate a larger engine.

marcar1993

so if i keep the a/c, i need the computer, right?

joe_padavano

There is a workaround. In connector C1 on the computer, the brown wire in position 19 controls the ground to the compressor clutch relay. The black wire in position 15 is a ground wire that goes through the A/C low pressure switch. If you connect these two wires, the A/C will work without the computer and you'll still have the low pressure switch to turn off the compressor if the freon pressure gets too low.