Messages

1

Tech Tips, Tech Questions / Re: How Unlock A GM Delco Radio

« on: April 01, 2015, 10:07:18 am »

The IC's are SMD.

Some radios quit working when its done. On the ones that do work (50/50 usually) I haven't seen any issues besides the 'CAL ERROR' message being displayed.

Clock/Settings were retained on the ones I tried.

2

General Fiero Discussion / Re: raspberry pi and ALDL

« on: March 27, 2015, 12:22:28 pm »

IMHO You're better off getting something like the Winbook TW700 ( http://www.microcenter.com/product/439773/TW700_Tablet_-_Black ) from Microcenter and running WinALDL. The RPi (even the 2) is underpowered.

$70 gets you a 720p screen, wifi, bt and a LOT more speed than an RPi. Can be powered off a standard cell phone car charger. It has an additional full size USB port so you can run an ALDL adapter and charge at the same time.

The TW700 does not have internal GPS so You would either need a USB GPS receiver or a Bluetooth one.
Example:
http://www.thegpsstore.com/USGlobalSat-BU353-S4-USB-GPS-Receiver-P3219.aspx

Try pricing out a PSU/Touchscreen/enclosure/etc for the RPi. You will probably find the prices of both solutions to be similar.

3

Tech Tips, Tech Questions / Re: How Unlock A GM Delco Radio

« on: March 27, 2015, 11:24:27 am »

Many GM Class II (data turn on) radios can be converted to work in older vehicles as well. I've done as late as 2004/2005 radios in older vehicles without issue.

Assuming You are looking from the back of the radio:

Pop the bottom cover off (no tools needed)

If equipped with cassette the mech may need to be removed (2-3 small bolts, 5.5mm on top of cassette assembly)

Behind the volume knob there will be two 8 pin chips (top right corner of Main PCB). These will often be encased in hot glue (easily removed with a pick). The one you want is the one located on the left if looking from the back of the radio.
 
Lift pin #8 (Bottom right hand pin if looking from rear of radio) of the chip on the left. This is the EEPROM that stores the VIN info for the radio.

Most GM Class II radios have both circuitry to turn on via data and via STD wiring (ie ign/constant/etc). Many will now switch over to turning on over standard wiring and work in any vehicle but display CAL ERROR briefly when first turned on.

Earlier may work (IE 99+) but seem to be hit and miss. I've had the best luck with 2002-2005.

Casette and CD mechs look to be interchangeable over a broad range of years. It is not uncommon for the CD Mech to be jammed or broken so grab a spare if Junkyard hunting.

4

General Discussion / Re: The Walter Mitty Classic

« on: April 18, 2010, 12:29:32 am »

I plan to attend. Unfortunately I don't have a Fiero anymore so I'll be hanging around the Italian Car Corral.

Last year Nissan brought out an R390 GT. Theres always quite a few Superformance Cobras, Ariel Atoms, Ford GT's (even the original 1960's ones), etc.

5

Club News / Re: Little Duke Coupe

« on: April 09, 2010, 03:40:01 pm »

Pretty sure I have mine somewhere around the garage, I'll take a look in the next day or two.

6

Club News / Re: Little Duke Coupe

« on: April 07, 2010, 07:52:05 pm »

I've got a set of floor mats that match that interior if you guys want them. I'm also going to be hitting up pull-a-part in the next few weeks if you want me to keep my eye out for any Fiero related parts.

7

Club News / Re: 2009 Polar Bear Run

« on: December 25, 2009, 11:33:21 pm »

I have an empty seat.  If you can get up to the starting point, you're welcome if you'd like to ride along.

I think I'll take you up on that offer.

8

Club News / Re: 2009 Polar Bear Run

« on: December 25, 2009, 12:50:53 pm »

Woke up this morning to find a puddle of brake fluid under the alfa. Looks like I'm going to have to pass on this one.

9

Club News / Re: 2009 Polar Bear Run

« on: December 21, 2009, 01:30:41 pm »

I'll be tagging along in this.

10

General Discussion / Re: Have you seen the 21 new cars you won't see in America

« on: November 08, 2009, 09:14:45 pm »

Alfa actually started selling the 8c Competizione in the US as of last year.

The platform current Alfas are built off of was codeveloped with GM. New Alfa engines use GM blocks. The four cylinders are based off of the Ecotec and the V6 is based off of the HFV6.

What will be interesting is going into your local Chrysler/Fiat dealership and buying a car that is half GM.

11

General Fiero Discussion / Re: Suggested Pre-Dragon Maintenance.

« on: September 16, 2009, 04:41:07 pm »

Doesn't the transmission run at a higher temperature when the torque converter is not locked up? 

12

General Fiero Discussion / Re: Suggested Pre-Dragon Maintenance.

« on: September 16, 2009, 04:16:03 pm »

Great.

There was a delay on the order for my new torque converter lockup solenoid. I ordered it last friday with express shipping and it just shipped out today... from CA.

Right now I have it disconnected because it sticks for more than an hour with it hooked up. Can I hook it up for the highway drive up there and disconnect it once we get in the mountains without causing undue harm to my transmission?

13

Club News / Re: 14th Annual Run For The Hills

« on: September 16, 2009, 09:55:17 am »

I should be there.

14

General Fiero Discussion / Re: Suggested Pre-Dragon Maintenance.

« on: September 14, 2009, 05:14:42 am »

I keep a spare ignition module in the glovebox just in case.

I was going to throw in a bottle of water wetter as well. That stuff actually does make a noticeable difference in temperatures when you put the car under a heavy load.

15

General Fiero Discussion / Suggested Pre-Dragon Maintenance.

« on: September 13, 2009, 02:39:07 pm »

Anyone have any suggestions on what to check/replace before going up there? Also, what tools or spares should I carry with me?

I've flushed my brakes with over 2L of fluid, changed the oil, slapped on new tires and rotors/pads.

My TCC has been sticking, I have a new one on its way right now and am going to replace the tranny fluid/filter at the same time. I plan to perform a tune-up (plugs/dizzy cap & rotor/check timing, etc) and properly tighten the alternator belt.