Hi All. Been a while but I've finally got something worth asking about.

The Project: I'm building a 383 LT1 to go into my IROC. I know I need a new fuel pump (groan) and new P.S. lines (groan) and probably a dual-fan setup. But the 'real' issues I'm thinking about...

1. How do most people resolve the programming issue? I know I'll need heavy changes to the code in my computer but I was told by my local shop (that does dyno work, OBDI, OBDII, etc) that they can't tune the computer without an ALDL line. Is this true? Can the computer be shipped somewhere and just reprogrammed like that?

2. Recommended programming shop?

3. MAF / Speed Density / Vehicle Speed Sensor - The harness is for a 4L60E transmission with an electronic speedo. I have a mechanical unit. I've heard that a computer re-program can allow the system to run off speed density and totally eliminate the MAF and speed-input, true?


Those are my 2 biggies.

Help!

Tyler

 

1. You either need your own programming software and an AKM cable, or ship it to:
2. www.PCMforless.com
3. yes, but your speedo still won't work. You could swap in a later 3rd gen electronic speedo.

 

Thanks for the tips Coach. I neglected to say I'm retaining my T-5. lol. So my speedo will survive.

Thanks!

 

True, however, you will need to find someway for the PCM to get a speedo signal or you can run into issues with the car idling and not running properly. Best thing is find a wrecked 95+ car and get the ALDL out of it and wire it up, only one wire from the LT1 harness is needed, it's the tan wire in the C100 connector which is serial data. Then a 12v source, and grounds and that's it.

As for SD vs MAF, you may be better off with a MAF since it's a little more forgiving for larger cams than SD setups are, and they are easier to tune.

Programming, I'm not for sure if Bryan at PCMforless will take the entire PCM to program it, usually they go by datalogs from dyno runs and tunes off of them, send the .bin file and you program the PCM using tuning software and a data cable. Best place to get the data cables is like Coach said, AKMCables

 

As far as I know, Bryan will take a bare PCM and flash it for your needs, but does recomend datalogging afterwards so he can "tweak" it accordingly.

Good luck not blowing up your T5 behind a 383

 

I'm somewhat tormented here. Personally, I'm INCREDIBLY nervous about mail-programming - even under idea circumstances. I do believe PCM4less can do a good job...but I'm thinking that going speed density and such is a poor idea.

I had contacted Dakota Digital over a year or two ago (when I first bought the core motor) and they said they don't have a mechanical-to-electrical converter for a T5...so I'm thinking...should I just get a T56? lol

Hopefully this summer I'll get my internship and have more money than I know what to do with. If thats the case I might put my scat crank/rods aside and use forged stuff so I can supercharge it later on...

Its like, I would buy a 4th gen to put it in...but their engine bays are disasters...but I REALLY dont wanna put a pump in my formerly-TBI car. Too bad I can't get away with an inline pump.

Bah.

Tyler

 

I ran the T-5 for almost 4 years behind my LT4 with hardly any problems at all, but I also have an electronic speedo, so my life was a little easier. However, I absolutely love the T-56 now that I've got it swapped in.

I raelly wouldn't be too concerned about the fuel pump. I've dropped my tank about 6-7 times total now through the years and its really not as difficult as its made out to be. The first time sucks until you figure out how to get it out, then its not too bad.

I would also recommend staying with MAF, especially for a 383 with a decently large cam/heads. The engine will be much happier.

 

Finally some input from the legendary TexasLT1 - thanks for the input man. Like I said - money pending I'll be doing this the 'right way' - maybe that'll include watiing a bit longer for a T-56.

 

wow, I have a following. I shouldn't get anymore credit than any of the other guys on here. They've been more helpful at times than I've been able to be.


Having the mechanical speedo kind of throws things off, but you'll be fine keeping the T-5 for a while until you can swap in the T-56. Doing it all at once would be the way to go, but I think we all know how it goes having to save up and wait for certain mods. If you can wait and do it all at once, I would. I would highly suggest swapping to the electronic guage cluster though if you can.

 

As far as the aldl connector you NEED to includ this. If you want to do any diagnostic work on your car this helps alot. The most inportant reason to keep it is because you can log the car through it. If you don't have it you will probably never tune the car to it's true potential. It would be like flying blind. I have tuner cat and data master. I log my car every time I go to the track. It's very helpful to know what is going on. One time I was at the track and the car was trapping 3-4 mph slow. I checked the logs and found out that it was pulling 6 degrees of timing across the board. It happened to be a really warm night. I slept better knowing for sure why it was trapping slow.
Anywhay that's just my .02.
Good luck with your swap it is well worth it.
Kory