Many computer geeks (at the time) strongly criticized Chrysler for putting ANY computer in such a hot environment, when they were used to seeing them in 68 degree F controlled environments. The B/RB police engines were certainly NOT in that environment. I understand that Chrysler put out a TSB on relocating the computer box to the inside of the car, rather than hanging over the lh exhaust manifold. Many boxes had a section of reflective material to deflect the heat.
When I saw the first ELB engine in a New Yorker, at the dealership's service dept, being prepped for its first sale, they started it and it sounded much more "happy" and "eager" than prior engines. More like a '66 than a '76. It was Chrysler's electronic leadership that made it happen. I was impressed! Especially knowing how antiquated GM and Ford were in comparison. Olds had a limited production of a similar product on one year of later '70s Toronado. The fact that Chrysler could get the engines past emissions without the dreaded and noisy air pump was a major plus, to me. Continued to give the GM engine programs fits (from the GM accountants!) as to why THEY couldn't do that!
As with so many Chrysler engineering things, they seemed to be more sophisticated than they could have been AND as they were so different from Ford or GM, a BETTER EDUCATION of dealership techs should have been done so they knew how to troubleshoot them (which the box does, although it seemed that anytime it was hooked up, it failed the computer) easily. Too much technology too soon?
As with other things, Chrysler (engineering) and Ford (marketing) do the first things in an area, then GM frantically studies and dissects it to wring out the last cent of cost, simplifying it in the process, then introduces it as an evolutionary necessity and people just take it as necessary and don't complain about diagnostics and such, nor "operational problems". But by observation, when Chrysler or Ford brought something new to the market, its "teething period" was pretty short compared to GM's 2-3 year pattern back then. Chrysler with the highest general level of execution, as GM was much more mediocre in how they did things back then. BUT GM sold more vehicles to people who didn't know or understand how Chrysler products were better and operated differently than their similar GM vehicles. EACH manufacturer's products still had their unique and different feels, unlike today where they mostly "feel" the same. Not everybody appreciated Chryslers back then, as we still do. Find a good Chrysler dealer was much more important bac then!
CBODY67
Any info?
. I was informed during a job interview that I was no longer a mechanic or they couldn't use me.
