I know this project is not 3rd gen specific but I have already been running the 0411 on my Vortec Express and I am stepping up to a better ignition system.



Years ago I swapped a Vortec back box onto a TPI 305 and backed it to a 4L60E. For those of us wanting to upgrade our traditional small block engine to a better management system with an electronically run transmission it is a great idea.

I love the HP Tuners custom operating system that allows you to Realtime Datalog and Tune going down the road (passenger seat) or on the dyno.



I am going to be using a set of D585 coils on EfiConnection brackets. They look like this.



While I have it torn apart my Etec170s are coming back off and a spare set of canadian 906s are going back on. I ported my spare marine intake and it is also going on with a L29 454 Vortec throttle body. Just helps prove the 0411 can run just about any port fuel injected intake you can think of.



I will update this project as it comes along.

 

Parts List

Used 2003 Express LQ4/4L80E wiring harness (for coil harness bits) $125
Low Mileage Used D585 coils from 2002 Tahoe 5.3 $100
EFI Connection D585 Coil Brackets $89.95 x 2
EFI Connection Coil Bracket Mounting Bolts $10.00 x 2
EFI Connection 24x conversion kit $235.00
PCM of NC Custom 24x Conversion Wireset $104.00
Miscellaneous Shipping Charges $65.00
24x Coil Per Cylinder Total $828.90

 

As of this morning my '395 Ramjet cam, LS7 lifters, and GMPP single roller timing set are here. The coil mounts/24x conversion kit and plug wires are on the big brown trucks.

 

I have decided I am also going Drive by Wire with this setup too. I am researching Traction Control as well.

 

Nice...

 

Done alot of reading and research. Found a guy that retrofitted a Duramax truck with an Express ABS EBCM and VSES module giving him traction control and stabilitrak. Looks like more work than I want to do at the moment. The benifits are 4 channel abs, slip reduction, yaw control via brake correction and traction control. I would basically add it if I were to ever convert to a newer 03+ Express van rear differential with rear disc brakes and abs sensors. At that point it would literally mean adding the newer ABS actuator aka EBCM and VSES, a precharge pump, a few bits of harness, a Yaw rate sensor, brake piping for the rear brakes to seperate the rear wheels from each other and a Stabilitrak switch.

 

Finally have it all here and starting to assemble and mock it up.



Edit- Fixed image link

 

The coils look nice, I still run the 4x on my 355.

 

Fast355, I hope you'll keep posting updates with your project; and you others keep chiming in with yours. I'm starting to gather the parts and knowledge little by little for my '68 Chevelle, but it's going to be built very similar to what you're doing. The Chevelle will be just a street cruiser.
Plan for L31 Vortec Crate engine (4-bolt) backed by 4L60E. Swapping out ZZ4 cam, so changing springs to LS6 springs with Comp Cam retainers. Ignition and fuel managed by a 0411 PCM. Run EFILive COS with Speed Density only. (And I'm glad it's easy to add cruise control.) I haven't quite worked out the intake manifold yet, but I love the tube look of TPI. So maybe Accel runners on vortec TPI manifold?
Fast355, if I may ask - why are you going with the LS7 lifters? Are you planning to run >6,000 rpm? Or is there another benefit with these lifters?

Awesome project!

 

Double check wire length. Depending on header tube positions and valve cover height, they may or may not be long enough to reach plugs if stock fbody length. I thought truck wires on some models were 4" longer. Believe fbody is 8" and some trucks may have 12"

 

Just been too busy to finish the project to be honest. I had to change the cam in the L31 because the Comp cast core cam was failing and put in a '395 Ramjet Marine cam. I will be going back into the timing cover as well as replacing the oil pan soon. Went with LS7 lifters because they handle the RPM and valve spring pressure better without collapsing. It pulls to 5,500 rpm nicely.

I ended up having to abandon my drive by wire quest for now. I could not find a 3-bolt throttle body that would clear my fuel rail with the L31 marine intake and a TB spacer is out of the question with my TB bonnet to firewall clearance. I have considered swapping to an Edelbrock or Ramjet intake someday but just put money down on this and payed down my note to refinance my daily driver 35 mpg Nissan Sentra. Hopefully I will have a 383 in it someday with a nice forward facing TB intake setup.



I am also parting out a 1-ton van to drop my 1/2-ton body on. Going full 8-lug suspension, HD brakes, 1-ton springs, and a 4.56 geared 10.5" 14-bolt full floating rear end.

 

I have not checked the length yet, but the wires I bought were specially made for LT1 24x coil per cylinder swaps.

 

Oh ok i was gonna mention lt1 wires work if you had to snake them around the back and under like distributor sbc

 

So my project got a slight shift of direction. I found an 80K mile 8.1 from a 1-ton cutaway Express party bus. The 24x small block is now destined for my boat.

 

Where are these wires sourced?