Ive got an 82 LU5 Z car. Ive pulled the turd 305, and bought an 03 LM7 for it. Ive got questions regaurding my ECM and Harness options. Ive got the harness that came with the engine, and I wanted to use an ECM from a 98-99 man trans F body. Would this work? Ive read that different years ECMs use different pin outs, but... I dont exactly understand it all the way. Can anyone help me out, or point me in the right direction? Thanks alot.

I will soon be adding pics of what I have done so far, BTW.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

The LSx computer is typically referred to as the PCM, powertrain control module, because it also controls the transmission.

The '98 LS1 PCM is a different bird. Best advised to avoid it. Any chance of getting the PCM that was with the engine? If not, several people have gotten a PCM from an eBay guy called "spareecm" (okay, his name just violated my correction above, but he does have PCMs). He'll program it as well.

 

Thank you. Now, I feel welcomed. Or, something like that. So, what Im gonna be looking for is something comparable to what would have come with it? So, the PCM (my bad. I will use that terminology in the future) controls both the engine and trans? Is there a way that I could use my computer controlled engine and my non computer controlled trans and get away with it?

Edit: I looked at spareecm, and that looks like the way to go, if itll work for my application. The local shops here usually charge 300-500 bucks for a full tune.

 

Understand that spareecm won't give you a "full" tune. He'll give you one that will get you running and run decent. To get the last nth out of it, you'll have to spend that 300-500 bucks.

You can put an older transmission behind an LSx engine. But, there are issues to overcome, such as the torque converter spacing. The PCM will have to be told not to worry about the transmission (you'll have to contact spareecm to ask if that is something he'll do). It could be argued that it is simpler to get an LSx 4L60E, although you'll need a swap crossmember with that. Either way you go, there will be choices and expenses that you will have to consider.

 

Okay. Well, all I really need at the moment is enough to get me by. Im FAR from going all out! Thanks alot, five7. What route did you go with Berlinetta #2?

 

I got the PCM with the engine/transmission. The seller tuned out usual stuff - rear O2's, EGR, A.I.R., fuel tank pressure, EVAP, skip shift.

 

I'm not too familiar with the early style computers, but I went with a 411 computer and bought an F-body harness for my 5.3/T-56 swap. I think I paid $300 for the computer but I bought it completely tuned from SpareECM. Anyways, have fun with the swap you won't regret it!

 

Oh, Im sure I wont! At least after its done. Ive come to accept the realization that Ill end up making up curse words because Ill run out of them eventually. Pics of what Ive got so far are going up today. Dont cringe TOO aweful bad, please?

 

Well... Here it is. The 305 must wait until I get a cherry picker, but for now its alright. Ive got LOTS I can do until then . Whatcha all think? The body is INCREDIBALLY straight! It may be 2 toned but it works. My engine has 71k on it. All together, Ive got less than 1000 into my "project". If I can find someone who wants to buy the CrossFire and ECM (or is it PCM... ), I think I can make back some of my losses.

 

Sounds like he'll do more than a stock program, then.

 

Yeah, Im waiting for a call back from him. Im seeing if he cant get me a tuned 0411 pcm. Today will be my parts buying day. I am going to pick up the exhaust manifolds and cats from an 02 Z today, and Im debating on wether or not I should order the factory longer flexplate bolts, or find something else thats cheaper, but wont break on me...

 

Yeah I think the guy's name is Rodney? anyways he took a 411 PCM and tuned it as a 5.3 liter with camaro injectors since I put the ls1 intake and injectors on.

 

Right on. Ive called back a few times... again. Maybe hes taking a day off? SURELY when its 11:00 in arizona, its not already past 6 back east. lol I am leaving as we speak to get my exhaust. When I do do my exhaust, Im gonna be taking off the dual muffler Z28 setup, and I just cant stand to throw it away... That goes for all my CrossFire junk too. I dont know what Ill do with it. No one around here wants to buy it, but it would be great stuff for a resto...

 

Rodney DID call me back yesterday as I was going to pick up my exhaust. We talked for a good 15 minutes, and he told me what my options are. I am going to need to get a cable TB, because he cant tune a 0411 PCM with an 03 5.3 operating syatem. So, hes gonna send me an 02 tuned 0411 PCM instead, with the red connector boss. Im posting everything I have left of the small block today on craigslist, and maybe ill do an ad here on TGO. Anyways, now all Im gonna need is a few more parts, alot more money, and even more patience. I will keep everyone updated.