Detroit Metro FrankenSho

[Iron Bender]

If you are in southeast Michigan you may have seen my FrankenSho on the street or at cobo. This is a 3.2 adapted to a C4 with a 9 inch rear. Factory computer stripped to bare essentials. Runs like crazy but it has recently developed a starting issue either cold or warm. It cranks and fires then drops past idle to dead. If I let the pump cycle before ignition there is not much difference. What does help is to just touch the throttle when it fires. That sends up the rpms and it settles back down to idle without stalling. I have no idea how to work on or manage the computer so I was looking for someone who knows more than me. It also jumps to 14 volts after a short drive and does not return even with fan and lights on (no other accessories). Battery is new so I am afraid it will boil during a long drive.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Jim

 

[zoomlater]

Nice build. Did you remove the IAT (idle air control valve), it is a littlle difficult to see in that area.

 

[Iron Bender]

Nice build. Did you remove the IAT (idle air control valve), it is a littlle difficult to see in that area.

NO. the IAC is in place and unaltered. The intake plenum was rotated 90 degree vertically to clear the firewall and rotated 180 horizontally to face the back of the car.

 

[zoomlater]

How old is the IAC? Did you keep the wiring to the test port so you can pull codes?

 

[Iron Bender]

Thanks for the reply. The IAC was on the motor when I bought it. Most likely original. Friend on mine brought his reader over last night since i last wrote. voltage was down till we got the regulator to fire then up to 14.4. IAC went to 50 when first running then down to 35 then to 10. Disconnect the IAC completely and manually adjusted the idle. Thought we had it fixed until I tried to restart and it would not. Rewired the IAC and drove it to the hot rod breakfast this morning. Ran great, idle variations improved Now just hard to start - takes 5 - 6 six tries. Just ordered a new IAC. Will see what that does when I pick it up on Monday. On another note, do you have any idea what type of computer people who race these motors run? Basically I am told the is little to nothing that can be done to the stock box/software and have yet to find someone who offers an aftermarket version.

 

[kzoosho]

Hey Jim. I’m the guy you spoke to at potbelly. I had the white turbo car next to you.

 

[Iron Bender]

Hey Jim. I’m the guy you spoke to at potbelly. I had the white turbo car next to you.

Hello Kzoo,
Jim with the two FrankenSHO hot rods. We met at *** Bellies during the dream cruise a few years ago. Wondering if you are still local and active with the SHO scene?? I am still working out a few bugs and could use someone with whom to brainstorm. I am staring down a free standing EMU and have questions. Please let me know if you have interest. I hope all is well after these last few years. Jim

 

[SHOdded]

may need to replace the alternator? i don't think the pcm/ecm regulates the alternator in these MYs. battery may or may not be damaged, if it tests good now, may still have to replace later on.