Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

86 K-10 · 01-21-2012, 06:45 PM

I'm assuming it controls the timing of the HEI some how or another...what all does it do and can i just trash it when i swap in the 350?

1986 K-10, stock 305 and 700r4

86 K-10 · 01-21-2012, 07:30 PM

i figured out it controls knock...i'm putting in a pre-86 350, do i need to/am i able to retain the module?

i heart square bodys · 01-22-2012, 12:02 PM

I have had this problem a swell as solved it. there is a box under you're dash that connects to the distributor. it also plugs in to the 12v of power that your HEI needs and a knock sensor on the side of the old block. when I put an older 350 in my truck instead of the stock 86 305, I decided to remove all of this stuff (crap imo) I just got a new distributor, removed the computer box and everything that plugged into it (incl. the 12v power supply -should be fatter red wire) and plugged a new power supply into the new distributor. if you wanted to retain all of this stuff, you can keep the stock distributor and plug it into the wires on the fire wall, and removed the knock sensor on the side of the old block and put it on you're new one, and it "should" work okay (never had experience doing it that way though)

Your41Plague12 · 01-22-2012, 03:59 PM

Personally, I'd just move the knock sensor from the 305 to the new 350 and not get into a wiring nightmare. If it works, I wouldn't eliminate it. That way if something goes wrong in the future, the more "factory" the better. It makes it easier to look at a wiring diagram and not have to guess.

Axle · 01-22-2012, 06:01 PM

ESC is completely standalone, just need a regular HEI and connect the power lead to the HEI (removing it from the feed to the ESC.). Everything can be pulled out without cutting a wire, and eventually put back if you where forced to at gun point. =-)

Alex.

customisaak · 01-22-2012, 08:48 PM

x2 did it on my 85 got an old style distb. (without the 4 way weatherpak connector) you can leave everything in place too and i must have had ESC issues because my power and mileage improved drastically. FYI the MSD streetfire distributor is a cheap, quick and easy bolt on

01-21-2012, 06:45 PM	#1
86 K-10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 169	Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash I'm assuming it controls the timing of the HEI some how or another...what all does it do and can i just trash it when i swap in the 350? 1986 K-10, stock 305 and 700r4 __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K-10, SWB, 350/700r4, 6" Lift, 35" tires

01-21-2012, 07:30 PM	#2
86 K-10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 169	Re: Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash i figured out it controls knock...i'm putting in a pre-86 350, do i need to/am i able to retain the module? __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K-10, SWB, 350/700r4, 6" Lift, 35" tires

01-22-2012, 12:02 PM	#3
i heart square bodys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Blyth, Ontario, Canada Posts: 187	Re: Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash I have had this problem a swell as solved it. there is a box under you're dash that connects to the distributor. it also plugs in to the 12v of power that your HEI needs and a knock sensor on the side of the old block. when I put an older 350 in my truck instead of the stock 86 305, I decided to remove all of this stuff (crap imo) I just got a new distributor, removed the computer box and everything that plugged into it (incl. the 12v power supply -should be fatter red wire) and plugged a new power supply into the new distributor. if you wanted to retain all of this stuff, you can keep the stock distributor and plug it into the wires on the fire wall, and removed the knock sensor on the side of the old block and put it on you're new one, and it "should" work okay (never had experience doing it that way though)

01-22-2012, 03:59 PM	#4
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash Personally, I'd just move the knock sensor from the 305 to the new 350 and not get into a wiring nightmare. If it works, I wouldn't eliminate it. That way if something goes wrong in the future, the more "factory" the better. It makes it easier to look at a wiring diagram and not have to guess. __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

01-22-2012, 06:01 PM	#5
Axle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SW Ontario Posts: 1,214	Re: Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash ESC is completely standalone, just need a regular HEI and connect the power lead to the HEI (removing it from the feed to the ESC.). Everything can be pulled out without cutting a wire, and eventually put back if you where forced to at gun point. =-) Alex.

01-22-2012, 08:48 PM	#6
customisaak Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 43	Re: Electronic Spark Control Module...that box thing under the dash x2 did it on my 85 got an old style distb. (without the 4 way weatherpak connector) you can leave everything in place too and i must have had ESC issues because my power and mileage improved drastically. FYI the MSD streetfire distributor is a cheap, quick and easy bolt on __________________ 80 k35 3+3 DD (big dirty) 85 k1500 DD (scottsdale) and then a few more



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