Hey Guys,
Just wanted to know if it is at all possible to use a OBD2 ECU/PCM to run TPI and not have to install the 24tooth reluctor cam sensor, coil packs etc and just run the same TPI sensors and batch injection with dizzy, and have OBD2 compliancy?

Someone said the Express Van Vortec PCM's can, but can i get that PCM and repin my existing maf 165ECM wiring into the vortec one?

I desperately need to have OBD2 running my car as i need it for a custom dash I'm working on and its the only way to get the gauges to show up on an LCD screen with accurate readings.

Edit: ALso if this is possible what specific Vortec ECU do i need?

 

I think you just use a dummy distributor to act as the cam sensor

 

Can anyone confirm?
And know where I can get this dummy sensor from?

 

Ask the experts , wealth of info over there
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/dfi-ecm/

 

no worries, thanks.
You still got my MiniRAM?
let me know and I'll put the deposit in this afternoon/now.

 

Open season until I get a deposit

 

you should just be able to use the later model vortec computer with that dizzy and front cover/stock reluctor

 

Read the sticky start to finish at the top of this thread. Its a newer PCM controlling TPI everything else. The vortec timing cover and distributor are simply cam/crank inputs. The dist is ONLY a cam sensor, the IGN module and coil are separate units completely

Why would you want only part of the package? It is a cheap and easy swap that uses mostly junkyard found parts and a LSx tune. You dont have to go for the indiv coil with the custom 24x reluctor unless you want to

It would be easier to build a new harness than to repin the old TPI harness

 

Because I'm in Australia, and thirdgen/4th gen parts in a local junkyard don't exist.
Pontiac or Chevrolet have never released any of the cars in Australia tht would be able to be used as parts.
Any cars that are totalled are parted out and absorbed instantly into any of the remaining third/fourth gens here.
I don't have the luxury of thousands of TransAM's stcked up for the picking.

I don't want OBD2 for sequential injection or transmission control, I simply want it for the dashboard display.

Edit: Also I contacted EFIconnection who informed me the upgrade would cost easily over $1500, not my definition of cheap.

 

The parts salvaged are from mid-late 90's vortec trucks. The PCM is the LSx style, GM put it on pretty much ALL vehicles of the years. None of the parts were originally on a Fbody aside from the PCM

 

Yeah but we didn't have any cars in aus released with vortec motors either.
Sucks being stuck in the middle of the ocean

 

Good luck then. OBDII PCMs need crank and ca pos sensors to even function. The engine harness would have to be redone anyways as they use serial data streams to the dash while 3rd gens use direct connections with old style sensors/senders. Find an aftermarket dash company and see what they can do for you

 

yeah tried that.
They want $1600 odd dollars for a crystal lcd display that looks like 70's high tech.
Very basic stuff, and they want you to use their ecu as well.
I'm going to try and find a place in the states than can ship all the necessary parts, if anyone knows of a good cheap wreckers that ships internationally?

Otherwise it's an LS1 swap. At least we got those motors over here. And can be had for $3500 with 4l60e, pcm, harness etc.

 

hey guys,
old thread but I'm at the next stage of doing this and needed a bit more advice.
I now have a vortec motor, with dizzy, crank sensor and timing cover.
Am i now missing wiring harness and pcm and I'm ready to go?

Evenutally the whole vortec motor will go in once it has a stroker kit, new heads etc but for now I'm wanting to just get the obd2 working so i can start experimenting on this motor with the tuning.

Is it at all possible for someone to take a picture of the plug end for a 411 pcm?
I'm HOPING that australia being the one left behind, may have used the same plug type for the commodores or monaros over here, then i can use one from here as a starting point and make my own harness.
I know i can get the PCM with a tune on it for $150US on ebay, so is that all i'll need?

Crank sensor and timing cover, dizzy, harness and pcm?

 

I admire your persistence

Dont forget the 4 tooth reluctor ring behind the timing cover. The balancer is actually vortec specific too, but any SBC balancer will work with .125" shaved off the rear to compensate the thickness of the reluctor. Got the IGN module and coil?

Common LSx connector on the left, V6 FWD car on the right. Both work fine. Most OBDII PCMs will use the red/blue configuration while common connectors will be blue/clear or blue/green. Simply shave the tabs off the wrong colored caps and it will fit the PCM no problem. Just be sure to use the pinout corresponding to your PCM, not the connector colors you're retrofitting


Holden stuff is essentially rebadged Chevys with some really cool body lines. Finding suitable parts shouldnt be difficult

 

awesome!
Thanks for that mate.
Yep got the ign module and coil, I'm assuming the reluctor ring will be on there still as it hasn't been disassembled.
Got an ex-ambulance vortec motor, heads and box of goodies over here for $550US.
Cheapest 2nd hand vortecs go for here is $2000, bunch of tightasses.
Will just have to get a balancer to suit.
Thanks again for your help.
Now i just need a wiring harness and I'm good to go!
well and order the pcm and get the tuning software.
Don't suppose you know any online wreckers over there willing to ship to Aus?

 

ooh new question.
do i have to make any mods to the tpi intake for the vortec dizzy to fit?
oh, and do i have to switch to map?
which is easier to tune, map or maf?

 

I need to fill up a boat with them and send them over. They go for $50-200 over here

Most companies are willing to ship to the few located outside the US

TPI intake fits fine around the truck dist cap. Only two is has trouble around are HSR and converted LT1

SD is not required, the 01-02 vans used a MAF

Your tuner will prefer if you kept it MAF so he doesnt have to reinvent the wheel on everything