1987 tbi
 

Hey guys, I bought an '87 r10 without the drivetrain. I have a complete '95 tbi that I got with a bunch of other parts last year, and I want to put it in the '87. I've done a couple of searches, and I think the engines are virtually the same, but I'm wondering what I'm going to run into as far as the ecm and wiring. Since this truck doesn't have a motor, I don't have anything to go by, and it looks like part of the harness was cut... Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Everything should transfer over as both were TBI. Don't know of any major differences

Re: 1987 tbi
 

That's what I thought, based on my search. So I guess I should look for a harness for a '95? Would they be the same?

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Can someone tell me for sure what years wiring harness will work? I think there are going to be some differences in the transmission part.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

I think you will have to do some pin out adjustments. On the 88+ trucks they changed up the wiring some a couple of times. I know the EGR changed and I think it was mostly emissions equipment. I know that they used a couple different ECMs. The 87 may have been a big cap distributer. I would get the wiring diagrams and go from there. The swap itself is straight forward.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Thanks for the help. Where would be the best place to get a reliable wiring diagram? From what I have googled, the same ECM was used from 87 to 92

Re: 1987 tbi
 

I am sure there are a few wiring diagrams on the web but if not the factory service manual is excellent but even a Haynes manual should work.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

I was looking to do the same thing a few years back and found that the 95 used a few different plugs. If I recall, things like the TPS and maybe others as well. Not a big deal, though.

I have a 1988 GMC and a 1995 Chev wiring diagrams. PM your email and I can send them to you,

Re: 1987 tbi
 

PM sent, thanks for the help

Re: 1987 tbi
 

The engine I'm installing didn't have the idler pulley, so i bought one for it, but I still need the spacer and bolt. Anybody have a source, I can't find one on the web. Junkyard my best bet?

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Are you using the 4L60E tranny from the 95? If you are, you would do best to use the wiring harness and ECM from a 95. In the 95, the ECM controlled the tranny. The 4L60E in 95 has slightly different wiring than even the 93 or 94 (can't remember what year the extra wire appeared). I think there was one more wire in the 95 tranny harness.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Actually, I bought an 89 tbi motor and 700r4 earlier in the week, and I think I'm going to use it instead of the 95. And it came with the engine wiring harness cut at the same place as the one in my 87. Seems to be in great shape, and I think it will make things easier. Should be the same computer and wiring, according to the wiring diagram you sent.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

I believe the 89 used the #1227747 ECM.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

I think that ecm was used from 87-90, according to google. I found a 1227747 ecm pin diagram, and all the colors and locations match my truck. I hope it is the same, I got the wiring harness soldered back together this weekend.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

That's great. How many wires in that bundle? :lol:

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Actually, I think there were 24 cut...
Thanks again for all your help on this. I'll be sure to report back how it turns out.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

After a little troubleshooting, I got it fired up! I have another question: The ac compressor was on the driver's side originally, and on the new motor it is on the passenger side. Any suggestions on ac hoses? It looks bad with that much slack.

Re: 1987 tbi
 

Too bad you're not just down the road. I just dropped a 5 L from an 89 Caprice into my 51 Pontiac and I'm not using the factory A/C hoses. They are sitting in my garage waiting for me to decide what to do with them. :lol:

I think you can get the hoses shortened and there are special hose clamps for A/C hoses. Talk to someone who does A/C repairs.