[professor229]

I will try to keep this brief. I bought a 1985 4.3 liter Chevy V6 because it was carbureted. In 1986 Chevy went to fuel injection, but with it came the complications of fuel pumps in the gas tank and computers. OK... moving on... we checked the compression, replaced all pumps etc... and are double checking everything before trying to start the engine. There is one problem. I found a wiring diagram for the motor, and it shows seven wires leading into the distributor. Four of the wires are more/less together as a harness. In the diagram it shows the wires color coded, but there is no real explanation of their purpose. Then the diagram shows a "pink" wire which is the battery lead, and that is confirmed by writing on the distributor cap. Then the other two wires are a ground wire, and the tachometer wired, also confirmed on the cap in writing. So, what's the problem? Does anybody want to speculate about the other four wires in the harness assembly? Sensor wires from pollution devices? Any/all ideas and brain storming welcome.

[LATECH]

Sounds like the computer (CCC3) connector.You need to get a distributor with mechanical and vacuum advance on it.Unless you want to run a computer controlled carb and distributor.

[professor229]

So... if I got this right, that four wire harness plugs into some sort of computer that was located on the Chevy van? So I did a search of the statewide auto recyclers looking for the computer that would control my distributor. I came up with a whole bunch of information I don't understand. Can someone give me a crash course? I found what is called a "Computer Box Engine" or "Engine Computer" and finally, and ECM or a ECU..... Can I assume these are all the same thing? How do they work? Any/all help would be appreciated.... Thanks

[professor229]

It seems that as well as the computer, I will need all the sensors that feed it information as well.. I then think I would be better off finding a distributor with a vacuum advance... any suggestions?

[LATECH]

Originally Posted by professor229

It seems that as well as the computer, I will need all the sensors that feed it information as well.. I then think I would be better off finding a distributor with a vacuum advance... any suggestions?

Absolutely get a plain distributor with vac advance and plain non electronic carb. Dont mess with the computer controll on this one. It will be a pain in the keester and wont help the car run any better.

[professor229]

Thanks... it is pretty much the same advice I have gotten from several other sources as well... I have asked techs at both Summit and Speedway for advice and both have been real good on this build. I might also look around for a used distributor but prefer a new carb so I don't have to rebuild and take a chance...although a new distributor is not that much money either.... Thanks for the advice.... This is not going to happen until next fall because I do like to check out all the swap meets in the summer.... appreciate the help...