if i purchase a brand new pcm is it just plug in and go or what? i am not good when it comes to the electronics of a car. im trying desperately to fix my hesitation problem and im truly desperate! i traded my daily driver for my Z28
and with kids i MUST get this running in tip top shape. another buddy told me to change the coolant temp sending unit as it may be defective and sending a wrong signal to the pcm. my budget is very tight with xmas so close so i need not to spend a small fortune figuring this out. thanks guys!!

 

What makes you think a different PCM would fix a hesitation problem?

 

Try with the basic fuel filter change,have you looked at any of the plugs?Are any of the lights on the dash?

 

First step..... Add a "Signature" with basic info about your car - year, model, engine, trans and any major mods. Not all years of the LT1 are exactly the same.

Next, have you had the PCM scanned for codes? If its a 93, you can do it with a paper clip. If its a 94, you need an OBD-I scanner. If its a 95 you need an OBD-I scanner with a 12-pin->16-pin adapter. If its a 96/97, you can use a cheap OBD-II code reader. See why knowing the basic info about your car is important?

In all my years on this site, the only PCM's that ever heard failed were the ones that someone was programming, and lost power to the programming device. Replacing the PCM would be a huge waste of money at this point.

An additional diagnostic step would be to check the fuel pressure.

This could be as simple as a tear in the inlet elbow that connects the MAF sensor (94-97 only) to the throttle body, or it could be extremely complex. Rather than playing parts replacement roulette, do a bit of diagnostic work.

 

To add...a new PCM does not come with programming. That would be an extra cost. At this point you need diagnostics.

 

ITS A 94 Z28,auto,stock tranny,and every thing else stock besides the cold air intake and flow master cat back. the previous owner said its the pcm so im just ASSuming it is. i have to wait to get paid to have it put on a obd1 cause all the auto parts stores dont have the machine. do you think its the MAF? COOLENT TEMP SENSOR? OPTI? O2s? do you know a round about price for a obd1 for me to buy?
i appreciate all your help! you guys on this site are awesome!

 

the previous owner says all new plugs and wires. where is the fuel filter and do i need a special tool to get it off to replace it? and i do have a check engine light that will go off from time to time.
thanks!

 

just going off what the previous owner says.

 

I see. The previous owner probably sold it because he couldn't fix it lol.
Just give it a tune up. New spark plugs, properly gapped, check the wires for tears/burns, listen for arcing. Check fuel pressure and regulator for leaks. look for post-MAF intake leaks and pre-o2 sensor exhaust leaks. Maybe carefully clean the MAF elements with a Qtip and rubbing alcohol. Scan the car for trouble codes though, might just have a bad sensor.

 

Fuel filter is on the driver side frame rail by the back tire,I believe that they are quick disconnects.

 

You don't need a "machine" to scan it... you need an OBD-I scanner, or free scanning software and a low cost cable.

If "the previous owner said its the pcm" and you believe him, it sounds like you've made up your mind. Look in the "parts for sale" forum, or post your needs in the "parts wanted" forum.

If money was short, I'd want to do a little bit of investigation before dumping money into replacement parts, not knowing if that will fix the problem.