My 4.9 computer is getting really hot to the touch. Once it gets hot it seams as thought it is causing my stumbling and sensor problems. Once the computer cools it runs perfectly. Is the computer supposed to get hot. I am talking almost burn your hand hot. I can't stand to touch for more than a 2-4 seconds befor I yank my hand away. Is this normal?

No - it's not normal.

Is the case grounded? Do you have the case isolated from all metal?

I don't recall mine getting any warmer than "toasty". It definitely doesn't burn my hand.

If one of the voltages the ECM puts out is getting grounded that would really cause the ECM to heat up.

It could be one of the +5v pins or it could be a pin to a sensor where the ECM sends out voltage to read a resistance.

The case is not grounded. I is in the original Fiero location and bracket modified to house the computer. It's just a plastic bracket.

If you don't find anything, we can plug it in, in my car, and see if it gets hot. If the problem follows the ECM, you'll know what's going on.

Thanks Steve.

Would it be easier for the two of you to swap ECU's for a few minutes to see if the problem follows the ECU?

Do you still have the insulation on the firewall? It does make a difference.

My ECU was getting toasty (burns the fingers) from engine bay heat, and having stumbling problems after extensive heat (like in gridlock), so I added a fan.

The heat wasn't coming from the ECU itself, because the case would stay cool if I drove without the centre console cover.

I too am using the stock plastic bracket.

yes the heat shelding is still there. But there is a pass throught where the wires go that is still wide open.

You can just slip the bulkhead fitting over the wires and not glue them to keep the heat out.

Mine gets hot as well. Not so hot as to burn but defiantly hotter than I would think it should be.

I was having the same problem on my old 85 and it turned out that the transmission cable grommet had popped out of the hole. Even though it was covering the hole, apparently there was enough air pressure to push the engine heat into the passenger compartment.

have tried the bulk head cover but I can't remember how it fits and how it attaches to the bulkhead.