My 13-yr old son and I recently purchased a 1981 Camaro as a father/son project. We are slowly moving forward but are stuck on wiring. We want to completely remove the ECM, smog control, and AC from the car. We are replacing the engine and have a 4-bbl Edelbrock carb and an HEI distributor. The original wiring harnesses had a lot of wires cut, and since we are trying to simplify, we are wondering what wiring harnesses we will need to replace. We have a new 1980 Camaro engine harness and a new (used) front light harness. Our question is the dash component harness. That harness appears to be connected directly to the ECM. Will we have to replace the dash harness? Or can we rewire so it doesn't need the connection(s) to the ECM? Will a 1980 dash wiring harness work instead? We appreciate you taking the time to help us out.

 

You can tie back any ECM wires not needed.
Your best bet is getting a Haynes manual, or a good electrical schematic, and cross off those ECM wires not needed and add power/ground wires needed for engine operation and gauge/light indication.

Keep the marked up schematic for future use.

 

If I remember right the only issue is the TCC in the trans. That is all computer controlled once you swap the Carb and distributer everything else can be removed. I believe you can get a controller for that or upgrade to a trans/torque converter that does not need it.

My guess would be that the cut wires are emission related. You key on power to the distributer, Alternator hook up and any gages you want. I know at some point GM started wiring all cars for AC so there is a good chance your AC is built into your engine electrical but I thought the emissions harness was just for the emissions.


Edit:

TCI 200-4R / 700R4 Universal Lockup Wiring Kit | JEGS High Performance

 

I have a 1981 El Camino SS without the computer hooked up. It has an Eldelbrock Carb and 1979 HEI distributor ,290 HP Chevrolet crate engine.NO Catalytic Converter. . And when Ihad to pass emissions about 12 years ago it passed with flying colors.