Hello everyone,

I am in the process of restoring and modifying a 1981 Camaro. I recently read that the 1981 Camaros were the first ones that came from the factory with a computer.

My car doesn't have it's original engine; it was originally a 6 cylinder and a previous owner installed a 350. (Imagine that) The car has factory gauges, all of which work.

My question is, what exactly did the computer do, and am I going to run into any problems with my gauges functioning if I rip the computer and what wiring is still attatched to it? The mess of wires is rather unsightly and I'd like to get rid of every one I don't need.

Thanks a lot!

Brian

 

I have a 1981 Firebird that originally had a 6 cylinder, but the switch to a SBC was made. As far as I know, 1981 did NOT have a computer to control the engine. 1982 was the beginning of all that. I have not seen any computer stuff on mine. You should be fine.

BamaZ28

 

American 1981 camaros recieved a computer which controlled the carb mixture, check engine light and lock up torque converter (TH350C tranny).

 

was for electronic carb... though I am not sure if the sixes had the 'commando' or not.

best bet would be to get a wiring kit so you dont have wires all over the place

 

my '81 6cyl had a computer, but it would still run without it. it has an O2 sensor, and apparently it can make slight adjustments to that, but i think it's mostly at idle. the guages will work just fine.

http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro81.html