You might get some ideas on how to diagnose this if you post a troubleshooting thread in one of the tech areas. Electrical might be the best section but they have lots of options here heh.

An abnormally fast idle is frequently caused by a vacuum leak, but in your case it sounds like it could all be electrical. You clearly have electrical issues, and if it's bad enough that could cause an ECM not to work properly. And since the ECM controls the idle, it could just be another side effect of the electrical problem.

This jumps out at me. The flickering radio, and voltage "jumps" sounds like maybe you have a bad rectifier in your alternator. Are you saying the voltage rapidly bounces back and forth? Do your lights also flicker? If everything electrical seems to be pulsing, your alternator is dumping alternating current into the electrical system. The rectifier inside the alternator is supposed to convert the generated AC to DC.
AC in your electrical is bad, and I can see it potentially killing an ECM. It might also confuse sensor readings and generally cause havok with everything electrical in the car.

The swapping/flashing of the ECM may complicate the issue. I'm not sure if I followed the whole sequence of events, but if you have a plain, unmodified ECM that you're sure matches this car then I'd try to stick with that for diagnosis. If you're using a replacement ECM, it should have the same part number as the original, otherwise it probably isn't compatible. In addition, it needs to have been programmed for your setup - same engine, transmission, and possibly other options could be significant.

I don't think ECMs fail very often, but vacuum leaks, electrical shorts, and failed sensors are pretty common issues. In your case I'm wondering about the alternator (possible bad rectifier as mentioned above).

You might want to read up on how to build (or buy) an ALDL interface cable, and use WinALDL to hook the car up to an old laptop (uses a serial port). The oldschool guys don't normally operate this way, but it's useful. It will let you see what the computer is seeing, and might reveal problems you didn't even know you had. It can be a handy diagnostic tool.
However, it might not be needed for this particular problem.
If you post the problem in one of the tech areas, they should be able to help narrow it down.

 

Hmm my post was deleted. I'm entitled to my opinion of dislike as much as everyone is lovey dovey over the ghetto rims.

 

not knowing exactly what you said (although your use of the word ghetto is a big clue) I would suspect it's not your opinion that was deleted, it was your choice of words. There are plenty of people here that have stated they don't care for the wheels, and their posts are still intact

If you want to say you don't care for them, that's your right. Taylor has already said she likes them (for now) so that's the end of the story

 

I used no vulgarities or offensive words. I clearly stated the car looked like it was out of a ghetto, and I wanted the vin to report auto abuse. Hmmmm lol
End of what story? This is a public forum brah, if you can't handle the slightly negative yet constructive criticism you belong not on the internetz.

The rims before the ghetto sallies looked good, and I am sure is far less stress on the car itself. Not to mention it's a safety issue with such a low profile tire, one pothole and you are done.

The camaro in this thread is on the verge of a lift kit, and looking like a donk.

Exhibit A: Donk


Exhibit B: MiniDonk

 

the point is she's bought them, and likes them. No point in piliing on, it just makes you look like you are insulting her.

if your original post got deleted, you shouldn't have repeated it. good way to get yourself banned

 

The point is, she asked for opinions, I gave mine. It did not directly insult her as that was not my intent, the car looks terrible, that was my opinion and it should have not been deleted. We are all fans of these cars, but those rims are not only counter-productive but induce a larger stress on every component they are attached to and are a safety hazard.
I've seen worse demeaning comments in the passed calling people and their cars rednecks, yet someone gets on this travesty of a vehicle and all of a sudden we have empathetic causes deleting perfectly fine posts.
I sense sexism.

 

she did? when? I read through ever post since she showed her wheels, and I don't think she asked for anybody's blessing

I agree they are too big. But those giving opinions should not be jerks about it

 

The moment she posted pics on this thread. Again this a public forum, while everyone is like "OMG AWESOME" that's great, I'm glad people can show appreciation, but it does not mean that others are not entitled to saying they do not like it. That is a very one-sided and only shows how close-minded the mod maintaining this thread is. I never called anyone names, or insulted anyone directly, again, that was not my intent, as I do not even know the OP personally.

I do however, have a love and appreciation for these cars and when I see something I do not like, I voice my opinion as many others have in a reasonable manner.

 

Gotta hand it to ya girl... You impressed the Hell outta me.. You did fantastic work on your car, and you should be really proud of it.. I bet you appreciate it that much more because you did a lot of the work. Also as far as the wheels are concerned you are going to find a lot of people on here who hate big wheels... They seem to think that since the cars were made in the 80's that the wheels should also look like they are from the 80's... Just remember ((( WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK!))) It's your car if you want 50 Inch rims put on 50 inch rims! Car looks fantastic!! You Go Girl!!!

 

I'm new here so I probably shouldn't get involved in the argument... but I must say I'm sick of the attitude (everywhere, not here) that "this is the internet so it's okay to be an ***".
Many people on the internet may act that way, but that doesn't make it right.

Not everybody is thick skinned about it, some people dislike getting flamed (polite criticism is different) and that discourages them from posting. In post #6, it's apparent that she almost didn't share this project publicly because she was worried about people flipping out on her. I'm glad she decided to post it.

 

Why is giving your opinion being an *** if said opinion is not positive? That's BS! If you flaunt your stuff on a public forum you are doing so to get feedback and you will always get positive and negative. If you don't want to receive a negatice reply, don't post in a public forum.

Ryan Eric, I agree with you, it's a safety hazard and looks like crap. It was good before, the wheels ruined it.

 

i don't think anybody is saying you can't give an opinion, just have a little class in how you deliver it. that's all

 

ugh i dont like the wheels, but you know what, she loves them and guess what its her car not ours, so more power to the gal, heck who can complain she is a 18 y/o gal that has a 3rd gen, who cares ill stick with the old school small wheels on my rides, but they are mine and i can do what i want to them



TAYLOR,

nice car, great job, its nice to see a gal your age be able to do the work you did and its even better you have a dad that is helping you, he will not be around forever trust me i know, cherrish the time you have with him working on your "baby" and keep the shiney side up and the gressy side down

 

I think it looks like she did a good job. My choice of color? No...but that doesn't matter, it's not my car. She's 17, and obviously knows the value of hard work and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty to get what she wants. Too many teenagers nowadays want nothing more than a handout, and beat up the BMW daddy bought for them. I couldn't stand it in High School, and still can't stand it now. You never learn the value of taking care of your stuff and hard work if everything is given to you.

I say good job and keep up the good work! You ought to be proud of your car. If people don't like it, dont worry about it. It's what you think that counts.

Thats how I got my start; my '86 IROC, when I was 16. Now I can fix just about anything on an Fbody. It wasn't that long ago, but if I had to do it again, I would still rather take care of my own car than have someone buy one for me and beat the **** out of it.

I'm in the process of painting my '88 GTA white again. Just got a Vortec 383 TPI and a T-56 put in with a digi dash. I have had many cars, but still prefer thirdgen's for toys. I have 3

What's next?

 

I'm not very wealthy, nor was I spoon fed, but criticizing the wealthy is not going to make you such, only shows your jealously and envy. Not sure if you payed any attention to the global market, but many people are lacking jobs, most of the kids that do have jobs work for under minimum wage, which is illegal, and there is very little encouragement going around these days. May sound ironic, but there is very few with a proactive and encouraging attitude, mainly because people are faster to call each other negative names than help each other. Survival of the fittest I suppose :P

Just another female who so happens to work on cars and had their car painted pretty pink, cool idea for her, but I feel as though too many people are idolizing this chick lol. Time to throw the meat back into the freezer and lock up the dogs. Too many hopeless romantics and suck ups if you ask me.

I do however appreciate good work when I see it. Looks pretty good, so a good job on the car, just put the old rims back on. lol

 

I'm not very wealthy, nor was I spoon fed, but criticizing the wealthy is not going to make you such, only shows your jealously and envy.

Nope. I'm not jealous or envious at all. I like the fact that even though I dont drive high priced eurotrash or something of the like, I can stand back and say that I built it all myself. I can take all the compliments and such that I get and soak them up because I earned them. Alot more gratifying to me then admiring something someone else bought for me that I would have no chance affording at the point in time.

I feel as though too many people are idolizing this chick lol. Time to throw the meat back into the freezer and lock up the dogs. Too many hopeless romantics and suck ups if you ask me.

That's obvious, lol! However, I do appreciate anyone who puts forth the effort to learn and work towards what they want. I've had too many people ask me to do things for them, but very few ask to learn how to do it. There is something admirable about those who want to learn and not look for a free ride without the effort, regardless of the configuration of their junk.

 

I agree. Not pointing the finger at anyone in particular, but this forum, and most others, can definitely use a dose of tactful constructive criticism. Nobody argues the right to like or dislike, just gotta be nice while conveying your point.

 

Throwing my opinion out there, I also think the rims and tires are a little too much. I think 3rd gens look better on 15's or 16's with fat tires. But other than that I think you did a good job and i'm glad to see another girl fixing up a 3rd gen =)

 

I just saw a post someone did with the new 5th gen 20" stock 5 spokes. They are on a 3rd gen that is painted silver, and the 20" chrome stockers look absolutely amazing on that car, in my opinion. I normally don't like big rims/small sidewalls at all, but it does look good on certain setups, and I think that this is one of those setups. I think it looks good, but that is only my unprofessional opinion. Would I ever do this to my vehicle? No. That is the beauty of living in America, we all have the freedom to do whatever we want to our own vehicles, just short of setting it aflame and driving that down the highway.

The girl aint too bad to look at either!

 

this thread has turned into a giant argument, moderators need to

 

i support that

 

Yes, silencing people is the answer, no, not diplomacy...

 

Looking good, what if you used 20's in the front? Keeps the double deuces out back. I know of aome people are running 18 & 20 Iroc combos.

 

Oppinions are like ***holes, everyone has one & they all stink.....lol

 

true its her car and she builds as how she wants it, i don't think any one makes you all build your cars certain ways

 

I Think Her Camaro Looks Pretty Sick, Especially For A Girl Owning It, Stop Hating On Her 22's At Least they're Irocs & Not Asantis Or Some Bullshit Like That. Looks Dope! I Would Say Drop It Another Half Inch Though So It Sits Right Over The Rims But Other Than That I Like It.

 

That makes no sense. This is somebody's personal build thread, why punish the OP just because some people are making crude or insulting comments? Just delete the posts, including my own, if they are part of the problem

 

Yes, I can see your diplomacy skills are highly polished.

Seeing as how you are the reason this thread went to hell, congratulations sir!

 

At this point I think everyone just needs to stop arguing. This is just gotten plain silly now. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

As for the wiring issues were they ever solved? Was it the computer, or something else? Third Gens are notorious for having wiring issues every single one I have ever owned has had something go wrong in the wiring department. That's why on the latest one I bought I stripped them all out and ran new. Problem solved!!!

 

Take it to a automoive electrical repair shop & have them check it.

 

Yes its a public forum, but she is a female & 18 yrs old. You all know you did some crazy stuff on your car when you were a teenager, thinking it was the best looking car out their. It is2011, instead of bashing her on what she did, maybe give her advice on what she could do. Atleast she had the ***** to do something alot of us wouldnt of. Like i said previous maybe 20's in the front would work, but its my oppinion.

 

I think she gave up on this thread long ago..
too bad, I was enjoying watching it come together..

 

i regret subscribing to this thread, not very interesting or build related now

 

Blame the bashers......

 

You've already recognized that opinions will differ, and am assuming from your statement that you like no one's opinion other than your own. That not only shows closed mindedness but ignorance as well. To be honest, Asanti's or any other huge rim would make the car look like it was out of comptom as well.

Easy to point blame at people for being out of the norm. I voiced my opinion, and based off such other's chose to voice their opinion about my opinion, so if anyone is to "blame" it would be the people that are too easily offended.


I never initiated an argument, nor was that my intent. Some people's opinions don't agree with mine, that is not my problem. Perhaps tolerance is key to ending this "hell" you speak of. You should stay away from hasty generalizations when speaking of people.



You sir, win the prize. Perhaps the only one to acknowledge my point, whether it was my doing or not. You win 2 cookies =)

 

Oppinions good or bad suck, honesty is good it just depends on how you word things & how the othwr person takes it. No matter what people say, you cant please everyone. Its always easier to point out the bad things & flaws, its even harder to point out the good. Im not saying to sugar coat the negative, but their is a point when enough is enough. Point being it her car, not mines or yours. She likes it & that is the main thing.

 

Tdub, I just checked this out and I think it's awesome! Excellent job! You get it totally. It's all about making what you like come to life and getting it out on the road!