3.6 964 engine computer issues. Where to go for ECU?

Joeaksa · 10-16-2025, 01:59 PM

Everyone, as noted in my signature below I have a 1985 911 with a 1992 3.6 (Bill Verburgs old motor) in my car. Been running & driving for years just fine. Had a small engine fire (hose split and engine pad caught fire) thats now been fixed.

Engine has been cleaned up and all crispy wiring replaced but the shop ( a very good one) says that in the event they feel that the ECU wiring was damaged and caused issues to the computer itself. Engine runs but "hunts" and is not happy at lower speeds.

They feel that the ECU has a problem and its time to find another one or have this one overhauled/rebuilt. Suggestions? They are recommending "specialized ECU repair" but they are in Florida and I am in Phoenix.

Anyone have any recomendations? Thanks and am trying to get the car back on the road after two years sitting!! Before and after photos below!

rsscotty · 10-16-2025, 02:24 PM

Save yourself a lot of headaches.....send it to Loren...see link below...

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1176537-thumbs-up-systems-consulting.html

faverymi · 10-16-2025, 02:25 PM

Is it a stock ECU? Chipped?

Why don't you try a used one? Or maybe borrow one from a local enthusiast to test it in your car?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Everyone, as noted in my signature below I have a 1985 911 with a 1992 3.6 (Bill Verburgs old motor) in my car. Been running & driving for years just fine. Had a small engine fire (hose split and engine pad caught fire) thats now been fixed.

Engine has been cleaned up and all crispy wiring replaced but the shop ( a very good one) says that in the event they feel that the ECU wiring was damaged and caused issues to the computer itself. Engine runs but "hunts" and is not happy at lower speeds.

They feel that the ECU has a problem and its time to find another one or have this one overhauled/rebuilt. Suggestions? They are recommending "specialized ECU repair" but they are in Florida and I am in Phoenix.

Anyone have any recomendations? Thanks and am trying to get the car back on the road after two years sitting!! Before and after photos below!

I had one of mine rebuilt by specialized in Fla., they did a great job w/ quick turnaround and great communication.

even if the wires are good these ECU's are prone to cold solder failure at multiple points

Joeaksa · 10-16-2025, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

I had one of mine rebuilt by specialized in Fla., they did a great job w/ quick turnaround and great communication.

even if the wires are good these ECU's are prone to cold solder failure at multiple points

Bill, thanks very much! Nice to have a good recommendation! Trying to get/keep your old motor going!! It was doing great before this happened.

Thx, Joe A

Joeaksa · 10-16-2025, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faverymi

Is it a stock ECU? Chipped?

Why don't you try a used one? Or maybe borrow one from a local enthusiast to test it in your car?

If I had one or knew of one in the Phoenix area would have done this. Have been kinda out of the 911 world the last 10 years, working my rear off to make retirement work better! (it did) As far as I know its not been chipped. I have one of "Joe Bob's" updated chips but its not been installed.

Scotty, thanks and appreciate the link! I remember Loren from the old days and will give it a look!

Joeaksa · 10-16-2025, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsscotty

Save yourself a lot of headaches.....send it to Loren...see link below...

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1176537-thumbs-up-systems-consulting.html

Scotty,

Can you confirm that this is Loren's business? There appear to be several "Systems Consulting" firms out there.

Thx,

Joe A

https://www.systemsc.com/index.htm

Joeaksa · 10-16-2025, 03:51 PM

Just off of the phone with Loren! Spent over 10 minutes talking the situation out and my ECU will be heading to his shop tomorrow. Great guy, he said that it will be out and on its way back to me within a day or so.

Thanks for the referral folks!

Joeaksa · 10-17-2025, 04:47 PM

Well the ECU is out and on its way to Loren!

Car and engine is looking great, cannot wait to get the ECU back and in the car to give it a drive!!

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

I have a couple of spares just in case

Joeaksa · 10-22-2025, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ischmitz

I have a couple of spares just in case

Ingo,

Thanks, appreciate the offer. My ECU has been in Loren's hands since late Monday and hopefully he can find and fix the issue!!

Joe A

Joeaksa · 10-22-2025, 03:56 PM

Afternoon update! Loren called me a couple of hours ago and good/bad news. The difficult news is that the ECU had lost BOTH of its grounds to the engine and thats why it was hunting with the RPM's. The air-flow meter had no signal as a result.

Its now been fixed and hopefully will be on its way back towards Phoenix tomorrow. Excellent service and turn-around time and a very reasonable price!! Thanks for the referral everyone!

mepstein · 10-22-2025, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ischmitz

I have a couple of spares just in case

I have used Ingo / ischmitz for multiple units for many years. 100% satisfied and will continue sending him ecu's for repair.

Joeaksa · 10-22-2025, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mepstein

I have used Ingo / ischmitz for multiple units for many years. 100% satisfied and will continue sending him ecu's for repair.

Spending a few days with Ingo & Mike Z 20+ years ago and riding in their 3.6 converted 911's were what convinced me to do this upgrade to mine!! Good people!