I recently got a 1983 Monte Carlo with a carbureted 305 Engine and transmission swap(it's automatic). The person before me told me that the computer in the car was not the one for the 305 but for the V6 that used to be in it, so it's not completely hooked up to the engine. Can any of you guys direct me on where to find a computer for the 305 that would work with my car? It runs fine without it completely hooked up but I'm looking to get new dash gauges and I'm pretty sure I have to run some of the gauges through the computer. As of now the only gauges that work for me are the speedometer and the fuel gauge(sometimes). Thanks ahead of time for your help!

 

I honestly don't know how much of data runs through those computers. I have an '84 Camaro, has a carb-ed 305 in it and a bunch of sensor wiring. I don't *think* the ECM does much more then monitor some very, very basics to trip a light or code. But I could be wrong.

Perhaps someone here has some wiring diagrams for your '83 that might be of help. Honestly your best bet might be to find out what vehicles are compatible and hit the junk yards. Possibly try to find a full v8 wiring harness as well. Or maybe Summit Racing might have something to fit your needs.

 

Heres a cpl I found....
I hope these help! Just click on the images to enlarge them.


enlarge 575KB, 1598x1224
1


enlarge 485KB, 1684x1212
2


enlarge 506KB, 1684x1224
3
Steering Column Switches


enlarge 484KB, 1684x1224
4


enlarge 366KB, 1546x1224
5


enlarge 31KB, 304x400
6

 

Alright, thanks guys! That leads me to another question. Do the gauges even run through the computer or do they all hook up to the engine? If I can skip getting a computer to get my gauges that would be awesome but I want to make sure so that I don't buy one and find out I do or don't need the other.

 

All you need to do is to check the wireing diagrahms and that should tell you...
Then all u need to do is trace them down on your Monte and you should be all set!

These diagrahms are for your Monte and its a complete set of diagrahms!

 

Thank you very much! I'll be sure to get pictures of my Monte up this weekend, btw. She's not the prettiest but she's a good project.

 

Everyones is always a work in progress!
I look forward to checkn her out!

YVW!!!
That's why were here and Happy to help!

 

Great find David!!

I'm not sure how the '83 Monte handles data to the gauges. I know in my 6th gen, the cluster is fed a single data wire, a ground, a power and maybe a couple others. But the read out for the gauges all come from the cluster translating a data stream off that data wire (like hooking a scan tool to the connector under the dash).
Not sure how long that was the school of thought.

Hopefully David hooked ya up with some answers in those diagrams

 

The gauge do not run with the ecu in a 4th gen.the ecu and harness can be completely removed and not bother anything.except the lock up torque feature.you would also need a vaccum advance he I and non CCC qjet