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| What is the difference in ECUs (Page 1/3) |
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fredtoast
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JUN 28, 10:23 AM
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I know ACDelco and other top name brands cost more. I also know that "high performance" parts are more expensive. But ECUs on partsgeek range from $30 to $150 and I don't see any difference in specs or "performance rating".
I don't mind paying more for parts if it is worth it. But I am afraid I am missing something here. Is the Delco ECU really worth 5 times more than the cheap ones. There are other options between those two extremes but I don't know what to look at to judge their value.
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fredtoast
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JUN 28, 10:24 AM
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 28, 10:34 AM
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olejoedad
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JUN 28, 12:00 PM
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The ECU needs to be reliable.
The tune determines the performance level.
Are you referring nto OBD-1 or OBD-2 ECUs?
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fredtoast
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JUN 28, 01:10 PM
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I just realized I wrote ecu instead of icu. I am talking about the ignition control unit or module.
Derp!
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 28, 01:50 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by fredtoast:
I just realized I wrote ecu instead of icu. I am talking about the ignition control unit or module.
Derp! |
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There is no real performance at all between the different versions. They're all effectively the same thing. It's a part that fails because it overheats... but getting a performance one isn't going to improve performance because they essentially have a really simple job.
One thing that can improve performance is going with a multiple spark discharge 6EFI MSD unit, which works with everything you have, just sits inline between the ICM and coil, and also upgrading to a higher voltage coil to prevent voltage drop at the higher rpms.
I think Patrick and others created a little heat sink that you can install under the distributor to help extend the life of the ICM. But basically, I would just buy whatever seems to be of a higher quality. I would generally want to get AC Delco or Delphi or something like that.
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Vintage-Nut
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JUN 28, 01:53 PM
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Ignition Control Module (ICM)
Many members know that the GM / ACDelco ICM's are more reliable than 'cheaper' brands.
And look at RockAuto prices....
EDIT: GM / ACDelco don't make the units any longer, however they undergo more stringent testing than 'aftermarket' products.[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 06-28-2023).]
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Patrick
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JUN 28, 03:14 PM
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I just bought a newer style Cardone distributor for my Formula. It comes with a brand new ignition control module... which I will immediately toss and replace with an ACDelco ICM. Why? Because it's been demonstrated and reported here again and again over the years that the no name ICM's are totally unreliable. Their warranty expected life span is 30 feet or 30 seconds, whichever occurs first.
 [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-28-2023).]
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fredtoast
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JUN 28, 04:54 PM
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fredtoast
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JUN 28, 04:56 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
and also upgrading to a higher voltage coil to prevent voltage drop at the higher rpms. |
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Coil does not control spark duration does it, does it?
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