#245007 - 02/15/04 05:50 AM
STICKY: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,228
lazygearhead
Member
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Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,228
Atlanta, GA
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Subject – Removing Computer One of the most frequently asked questions deals with the stock computer system on the Monte Carlo SS. The computer system is often removed, and many like to know how this is done. Disclaimer: Please note, performing this operation will render your car emissions illegal, and will not be able to pass visual emissions inspection, and most likely, tailpipe emissions inspection as well. This write up also assumes you are capable of installing a carburetor and distributor, timing, and tuning the motor. Also, the owner, administration, staff, membership nor anyone else affiliated with www.montecarloss.com assume no legal liability implied or otherwise for the content in this guide. Use at your own risk! Furthermore, there is no affiliation with the products and companies mentioned in the links below. There are other products available, but those were simply the most convenient links to site at the time of compositionMany Monte Carlo owners have issues when they change the carburetor or the distributor. The problem is that both of these items are computer controlled, removing one of them for a non computer controlled unit will make the car run very poorly. The computer controlled Quadra-Jet has both a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and a Mixture Control Solenoid (MCS). These are directly linked to the computer, as in input and output, respectively. The TPS just tells the computer how much throttle is applied, and the MCS either richens or leans out the mixture, based on the input of the O2 sensor, among other components. In the event that the computer controlled Distributor is removed for a traditional vacuum advance counterpart, but the Quad is not, you will run into a serious issue: The computer will set the MCS to full rich, so gas mileage and drivability will suffer. Should you replace the Quad with a non CC replacement, you will have poor drivability, as the computer is no longer getting input from the TPS sensor, and the distributor will not advance timing. To remedy these issues, both a non CC carburetor and a traditional vacuum advance distributor need to be used. If you are to use the stock intake manifold, you must get a spread bore carburetor, or an adapter. This would be an excellent point to upgrade your intake manifold, and you can get a dual spread bore/square bore design intake manifold, and run whatever carburetor you want. The computer is located in the passenger side kick panel. You will need to remove the metal floor “Body by Fisher” panel on that side, and then remove the kick panel. Removing the computer should be self explanatory, get it out of the kick panel, and disconnect it from the wiring harness. There are two halves of the wiring harness, and you will need to remove the computer/engine harness. You will need to remove the passenger side wheel well to get to the hole in the firewall where the harness goes through. There is a bolt and bracket holding the grommet in that encases the harness, remove this, and pull grommet/harness through. Now trace this back to the motor, and disconnect anything it connects to. All the items it does connect to may be removed (but use common sense, the transmission can’t be removed). This harness is not at all connected to the harness that runs the gauges and A/C, etc., so all other functions will be fine, and it will remove easily. Now just reinstall everything you took out, making sure to replace the grommet, though no wires will br going through it, so water does not find its way into the vehicle. At this point, everything should be installed and running, (assuming you have the correct throttle brackets and etc.). You should be able to time the motor, have her running, but do not drive it, as there are two more things that need to be addressed. You need to adapt your TV cable to your non CC carburetor. Assuming you have a Holley or Edelbrock, you can use this product to attach your TV cable (for your 200-4R, if you have an 85+) up to your new carburetor. This is imperative for the life your transmission, so make sure it is done. B&M TV Cable Adapters TCI TV Cable Adapters Holley TV cable Stud Holley TV/Throttle Bracket Finally, you need a lockup kit, to lockup your torque converter at highway speed. This saves gas and helps the transmission run cooler. Note- often people just run a toggle switch (like keeping the part of the harness that goes to the trans and having pins A and F od the ALDL connector on either side of the switch), but I recommend a lockup kit, because the toggle switch is easy to foget about disengaging after a long trip, which will result in trans damage. B&M Lockup kit TCI Lockup Kit Painless Lockup Kit -Note, the Painless Harness is for a 700-R4, it will work, but you are unable to use the pan gasket, and the TCC solenoid Superior Lockup Kit -You are looking for "The High gear lock-up package #K013 by Superior". This is a very simple kit, and works great, but you will need to use the plug off the harness that goes to the transmission, as it does not come with one. For other information not contained in this guide, see The Engine Tech Section of the site. There's tons of info there.
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#245009 - 08/16/04 05:09 PM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,001
SS-EXPRESS
Member
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Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,001
Jersey
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I would like to add that you don't need to buy a lock-up kit if you don't mind operating the TCC solenoid manually. Do a search in the Drivetrain forum for "You don't need to buy a lock-up kit" and I explain it all. Anyone can also e-mail me I have pictures and I developed single line AutoCAD drawings of how the system is wired.
1986 "White Diamond" Monte SS, 357cid, Dart Iron Eagle 180's, XE268H cam, 10:1, Performer RPM, Edelbrock 750, MSD6A, March pulleys, Hooker Longtubes, Pypes X-Pipe, 2.5" Flowmaster Super 10's, Eric Shertz built 200-4R with Pro-Torque 2800 stall, 2" drop kit. 17x8 IROC wheels
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#245010 - 08/29/05 05:48 PM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 181
Jeremy Asher
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 181
Ogden, UT
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Where do you tap in to power for the new distributor???
Jeremy 87 SS
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#245014 - 11/02/05 01:07 AM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 15,082
85_SS
Moderator 20+ Year
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Moderator 20+ Year
Member

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 15,082
Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by Black Knight: I have just done this and all you need is a wiring harness from a 81 and up non SS car. Its not as hard as it sounds. That won't work for US members - they have had the CCC system and computers since 1981. Canadian emissions laws/requirements varied greatly back then, as did the same car on each side of the border in this respect.
1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS5.7 LITRE / TES Headers / SShaker Hood / WC T-5 5-Speed 1970 Pontiac GTO Orbit Orange Judge Re-creation / YZ RAIII 400 / M21 4-Speed
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#245018 - 11/29/05 10:48 PM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 931
Foompla
Member
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Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 931
North Bergen, New Jersey
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Originally posted by TUTTLE: hello,I have a 1986 SS with 700r4 with no motor. the motor i have came out of a 1973 corvette has performer intake and a holly 750 double pumper and the dipstick comes out the block on the drivers side which will get in the way of the exh. manifold. the original 305 motor has dipstick out of pan on passenger side. wondering what all i need to do to put this motor in? and should i remove the computor. looking for the cheapest but right way to go! thanks......scott check out this link. itll tell you everything you need to know web page
1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Finally got the motor from the shop. Time to get to work!
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#245025 - 07/26/06 12:11 PM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Staten Island SS
Member
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Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Staten Island, NY
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What about on an 87? The wiring is different than an 86. Can anything connected to the computer harness really bne removed?
Kurtis
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#245026 - 08/13/06 09:57 PM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,460
johnz138
20+ Year
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20+ Year
Member

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,460
Sterling Heights, Mi
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Originally posted by Staten Island SS: What about on an 87? The wiring is different than an 86. Can anything connected to the computer harness really bne removed? yes.
1987 Monte Carlo SS, Lightning Rod equipped, engineless/2004-R,Holley carb, edelbrock intake, hooker headers, moog,Iceman crossmember, umi suspension, eibach springs,so much more,no computer/emissions. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2167110
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#245027 - 09/16/06 12:39 AM
Re: Removing the Monte Carlo SS computer
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 889
First Project
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Member

Joined: May 2006
Posts: 889
Pittsburgh, PA
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hey, for me your links dont work, its going to the jegs webpage main page. help!
-Sean- Project "SStealth"  86ttop: That will buff right out. tri5ss: Maybe with a 36 grit sanding disc!
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