help with an ecu unit

[cavalierclaire]

Just wondered if anyone would know if a ecu unit that has come off a 2litre 16 valve cav would fit a 1.8 8v

Been offered one, but don't want to accept it if it's not going to fit.
Any help, grateful.

[Gaz]

wont fit theres 3 lines of pins on the 16v and 2 on the 8v's even if it fitted it wouldn't work

[cavalierclaire]

Ok, cheers gaz

[Robsey]

Agreed the 1.8 8v is the C18NZ multec system.

You will need an ECU from the same car type (1.8 litre Central Injector or SPi) and absolutely nothing else.

There are ony two models with this sytem

The later Astra Belmont (Mk2) and the Cavalier Mk3

Nothing else will fit..even the ECU for the C16NZ and C16NZ2 will be programmed differently.

If you are desperate, there are loads on ebay.de / ebay germany

[cavalierclaire]

Ok Great. To be honest i never thought about having one till a mate offered me his old one that came off his 2. 0, he said it would fit.

[Robsey]

Did you need an ECU anyway, or was it just a spare that your friend was giving you?

If it was just a spare, then you shouldn't need one anyway.

I'm still running my 1.8LSi on a 94 (M plate) on it's original ECU with no problems...even after 214,000 miles.

On the 1.8 CFi, the usual ignition electronic weak bits are the HT Leads...not much else goes wrong.
Possibly damp around the coil and amplifier in the winter but wd40 usually sorts that!!

[cavalierclaire]

Did you need an ECU anyway, or was it just a spare that your friend was giving you?

If it was just a spare, then you shouldn't need one anyway.

I'm still running my 1.8LSi on a 94 (M plate) on it's original ECU with no problems...even after 214,000 miles.

On the 1.8 CFi, the usual ignition electronic weak bits are the HT Leads...not much else goes wrong.
Possibly damp around the coil and amplifier in the winter but wd40 usually sorts that!!

It was just one that a mate found in his shed, and wondered if i would like it as an up grade for mine. The original is running fine.
The only thing that doesn't seem quite right is that when driving it seems a bit slow, then all of a sudden it will kick in and i'll get a boost of some power. my other half has looked at plug and replaced a couple, but car still doing it.

[Robsey]

1.8 CFi isn't the fastest car...it was intended to be economical rather than having sparkiling performance.

Generally a good service with new plugs, leads, rotor and dizzy cap will keep that side at it's optimum.

However if money is tight....generally make sure that the plugs are gapped right, and that the rotor and dizzy cap are clean and dry.
As said before though...leads are the weak spot on my 1.8LSi CFi.

A clean breathing air filter will also help.

May just be that it is sluggish initially because the car needs to boil off all the damp and condensation from the engine, obviously when the engine has warmed up, their is less dampness in there to affect combustion.

Tend to find however that 1800's go the other way....start up smooth, but become almost fluttery with a tad of hesitance when warmed up.

Apologies, if I come across a little patronising...this is not intentional...
Just offering some simple ideas.

[cavalierclaire]

No, you're fine mate, Grateful for any tips. Thank you.
I think changing the leads will be the next thing to do and maybe the dizzy.
Will also look in to the other things you've mentioned and tick as i try them.

Thanks again for the advice, appreciate it.

[Robsey]

One of the best tonics for beathing new life into a Cav 1.8 is to clean all the breather system..

That is: -
the pipe that runs up the front of the engine approx in front of No.3 cylinder

the mesh filter in the rocker cover top housing

and also the pipes over to the air intake section (The do-nut on top of the Injector unit ( injector throttle body looks like a glorified carburettor).

Will make the car run smoother and more responsively.