The ECM on my 89 2.8L 5 speed Trooper made a couple popping sounds, then put the truck into limp in(default) mode. I would like to know if anyone can tell me some of the different years or vehicle models I could use to replace it, if I can't find a 89. Are ECM's fixable? It didn't have any codes stored. Thanks for looking. Stan

The ECM currently in my '89 Trooper 2.8 came out of an '88-'93 (I think) Blazer Jimmie. I changed the chips from the original to the replacement to make it CA smog legal. I replaced the original because it had quit controlling the EGR, and thereby not allowing the Trooper to pass smog.

See My Photos link below for the ECMs. Caution--the link may take you to the 2.6 photos. Look around for the other albums.

Thanks for that answer Sean. I will do some looking. Do you or any one else know if a 2.8 with a AT would work? Seams I've read sometimes these ECM's find there own way after a little run time.

Great pics they really help. Do you think that ecm would have just plugged in if you didn't needed CA smog stuff? Your plug-ins are 2 blue mine are blue and black. Does it matter? Thanks.

Thanks. Compliments about my pictures are always appreciated.

I'm 99% sure the Jimmie ECM would have worked quite well had I plugged it in as it was, without changing the chips. After all, the truck it came from had the same 2.8 GMC engine. I changed them only because of the California smog requirements. I don't think the color, blue vs black, matters.

Don't forget to try and figure out what caused the smoke to be released from the first ECU. Plugging in another may produce the same result.

Good Luck,
Michael

As I remember it, the California ECM has one more input than the Federal one, although I can't remember for sure what it is. My FSM is at the other end of the house and I am too lazy to get out of bed to find out what that input is.

Oh yes, I looked in all your albums. I will start doing that. It really helps to show what you are talking about. Blazers are on my list for tomarrow, Also taking a look at chevy 350's.

Micheal I am sorry I should have discribed that sound as a clicking noise. While I have your attention. It looks like I will be doing an engine rebuild or a swap. I like the idea of the 3.4. In fact I looked at a 94 camaro with 83,000 but it was not an S. I have read every post I could find about this subject. I seams there are a lot of issues with this swap (idling, injector size, spacers, tbi etc.). Keeping in mind, when its done, I am going to give this car to my Grandson. I just want it to run right with some more power. No constant fiddling. Should I rebuild the 2.8? Or can I put in a different size engine that will basicly bolt in, except for the starter, with no issues?

I know a lot of folks have done this swap. I hope they come on board.

Thanks Jim I'm in Washington so hope that won't be an issue, but I will check for the extra pin.

As long as I have three moderaters on here I would like to say you guys do a good job. Its not easy to stay interested when you have heard it all. I wish everybody that asked a question would come back at the end with their final solution. To many times the tread just leaves us hanging. Stan

While I leave the 2.8/3.4 expertise up to EdMc and Jim, I will say that a) any effort and money you put into rebuilding the 2.8 can be easily put into putting a 3.4 into your Trooper and b) everyone I have ever met with a 3.4 swap has a hard time speaking for the smile plastered on their face.

The 3.4 swap is as close to a plug and play swap as you will probably ever see, minus a few things like drilling for the starter. But that is not a show stopper. Put the 4.3 TBI on top of it, roller rockers, a cam and exhaust and it will have plenty of power for your grandson. In fact, you may want to keep it yourself after that.

Good Luck,
Michael