Actually, it may be possible to retain most, if not all of the dash functions. Someone will have to go through the wiring diagrams and see what needs to go where and whether voltage values are compatible, to determine what needs to be done. There are some other PCM options available if the LT1 computer doesn't have everything necessary, but I'm sure someone in good standing with the geek squad can figure out how to make everything work.

For reference, I write the TechLine column for Corvette Fever magazine and a reader recently sent in a question about the differences between EPROM-type ECMs versus the newer flash memory type. and also sent me a link to this thread. Based on some of the questions I receive, there's obviously quite a bit of confusion about this subject. This thread is further evidence, so I thought this is a good place to add fuel to the fire. Also for reference, I've been reprogramming EPROMS since the early 90s and have been reflashing PCMs since 1995.

Saying EPROMS are better than over flash memory is like saying that carburetors are better than EFI. Every type of system or component has advantages and disadvantages, but there are very valid reasons that original equipment manufacturers abandoned carburetors over 20 years ago, and there are also a number of valid reasons that EPROMS were abandoned in favor of flash memory. And just for the record, flash memory is an EPROM-- actually an EEPROM which stands for electronically erasable programmable read only memory. A conventional EPROM is erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light.

The real issue isn't whether an EPROM is better than flash memory, it's whether flash memory-based ECMs/PCMs offer control or calibration benefits compared to their EPROM-based predecessors. Without question, they do. The later flash controllers offer a far broader selection of tables and allow many more tuning options than the older controllers. They also offer sequential fuel injector control as opposed to batch fire. So, without question, converting to a flash memory-based system will provide the tuner with many more options and expanded tuning capability-- not because it uses flash memory, but because it's a newer, more comprehensive system.

Another benefit is that when you reprogram, you don't have to go through the fire drill of putting an EPROM in an eraser, and going through one or more erase cycles (which can last from 1 to 5 minutes) and then wondering whether the chip will erase completely or will "reburn". (I've had brand new chips that will not reprogram, and 10 year old chips that program time and again with no problem.)

Until recently, you could purchase a complete Mem Cal (the whole plug-in assembly that includes and EPROM) from the dealer if you needed one. Unfortunately GM switched to non-erasable PROMs a few years ago, so you either need to find an old core, use a piggy-back board, unless you have the equipment to unsolder an existing EPROM from the Mem Cal and solder in a new one.

In my opinion, later model flash computers unquestionably offer advantages, the question is whether or not you need those advantages. Personally, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to take advantage of newer technology, but I also realize that some people are perfectly happy with a carburetor and a point-triggered distributor.