Running a LSx PCM on an LT1

[joelster]

Saw this on the latest GMHTP, where they take a TPI motor and adapt the LSx computer to it. I just checked their website and they have all of the parts there to convert an LT1 to the LSx pcm and ditch the opti. It opens up your tuning options since more shops can tune LS stuff, and no more 7000rpm ceiling.

However, there is a BIG drawback..............

Wait til you see the price :face_shocked:

It comes in pieces because not everyone will need the entire adaption kit. I roughly priced out what I would need and it was like this:

Reluctor kit---$525.00
Used LS1 pcm---$100.00
Coil assembly----$550.00
Wiring harness---$850.00 for plug-n-play or $100.00 for directions to build your own
'96-'97 LT1 timing cover--$not sure maybe $100 or so?

Let's assume I wanted the plug-n-play version, I am talking roughly $2125.00, and that is a stock tune, lol. The pcm will still need to be flashed. Yikes!

Here is efi connections website:

http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/coil_per_cylinder.aspx


Maybe some of you guys have spare LSx pcm's and extra OBDII LT1 timing covers laying around, and are super handy with wiring schematics and cutting and splicing, but I am not one of those guys, lol.

Anyone thought of doing this swap yet?

[96lt1m6]

Reluctor kit---$525.00
Used LS1 pcm---$100.00
Coil assembly----$550.00
Wiring harness---$850.00 for plug-n-play or $100.00 for directions to build your own
'96-'97 LT1 timing cover--$not sure maybe $100 or so?

pcm 30-75.00
coil assem 50-100.00
96-97 timing cover 25-45.00

Well i feel it is totally worth the price just the tunability is worth its weight in performance. i would rarther spend the cash on 2 sensors crank and cam than to buy 1 opti........... besides the PCM for the Ls1 has a few extra features that the Lt1 PCM cannot do:
RPM past 7500 wayyyy past
Cooling fan can be programmed to stay on for 5 or 6 min with KEY removed
faster processing
ease of tunning
i should have mine all done by march :claps::finger::peace2:

http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2561

[joelster]

You make some interesting points with the cooling fan part. Let me know what your total cost is when you do this. My opti is shot and needs to be replaced, so I have all winter to ponder what to do. I priced a few standalone controllers like BigStuff3, FAST EFI, and the Accel DFI, and the Accel is cheapest BY FAR at under a grand. I would still need to go to a conventional distributor, but that doesn't bother me one bit. With the BigStuff3 it has 4 different "tunes" you can load into it and switch them on the fly in the car. You can have a lean mileage tune for the way to the track, a dead-on N/A tune for going down the track, and a few nitrous tunes with pulled timing all at the flick of a toggle switch. But the price is up there at around $2000 give or take a little.

[96lt1m6]

When i am done with mine i will have a total of 1350 invested, i figure the big expense is the wire harness but why not replace it with a new one.

My car will cost less than the 93-95 since i already have the correct timing cover and crank sensor.

I feel this modifacation will even up the odds with the Ls1 quite a bit. From other comparissons i have seen this swap should add 20+ HP i could be being generous! The person that should definately try this conversion is one that has a "BONE STOCK" Lt1 just to see the true benefit.

The pcm difference, is similar to having an old ATARI compared to an X-BOX 360.......

Best part is its all GM still, so no technical advise would be needed to trouble shoot

[gregrob]

I will be doing this pending the decision of which class to throw us in at the LTX shootout.

If you source the parts used and do the DIY wiring harness you can more than cut in half. Not to mention selling your old opti parts.

[joelster]

Honestly, call me a skeptic, but i can't see how it can add 20hp. You'd have to show me how it can do this. The WOT afr determines total hp output when your foot is to the floor. You can tune an LT1 pcm to hit 12.8 just as good for an N/A car. The LSx pcm might have better tables which could be more accurate, and it might be quicker to adjust to conditions, but I haven't heard of the LS computer being ground-breaking or anything. The biggest downfall of the LT1 system is the opti itself and the 7000rpm limit which is only a hinder to about 1% of us. Getting rid of the opti is the biggest perk for me.

[Shon Herron]

Local guy has done the MSD Crank trigger set up with Megasquirt (runs 9.44 on stock bottom end, I posted the info in drag racing section) and he has put one of these EFI units on another local car. I asked him which one he would recommend b/c in the end it cost about the same. he said for a street/strip car he would do the EFI unit but for all out drag car he would probably still do the crank trigger.

Now from a tuning perspective, the LSx stuff has ALOT better programming software and the LT1 stuff is just old and not as nice. there is so much more versatility with the LSx PCM. Most uploads take 30sec...then there is real time tuning if you do that...VCM controls also....

I do not see how this would pick up HP unless there were issues with the original set up on the car in question.

BTW-we used to pick up used LS1 coils for $100 when LTCC first came out...

[96lt1m6]

[QUOTE=gregrob;117317]I will be doing this pending the decision of which class to throw us in at the LTX shootout.


PM to me from Tony S.
It will be allowed in Modified N/A and Modified P/A but not the Extreme Street classes.

[ltmaro]

hey can you post the link to the article on gmhtp

[Tricked-Out-Toy]

Mine will be running the 24X stuff to :) I already have a 99 PCm that ill be using. picked up a complete LS1 harness for 50 bucks, searching for coils and then ill be doing the rewiring (ive done this on other cars and its really not that hard).

[Neil350]

I changed direction and went this route, I don't have a budget so much as when it's done I want zero regrets on how it turned out. So it's going to get done the way I want now and be done with it. So it can be done way cheaper then what I spent, if you so choose to. If your looking to go to an after market computer, this set up isn't bad at all. I already have an ATI Super Dampner so I need to pull the spacer and I'm good.


EFI Connection Cam Sensor/24X Reluctor $525
12200411 LS1 PCM $100
EFI Connection Custom Harness $850
MTI Racing Custom Plug Wires $140
96-97 Crank Key $10
Billet TPiS Cover $335
EFI Connection Coil Bracket $200
New LS2 Coils $160
New LS2 Coil Harness $50
96-97 LT1 Knock Sensor ?

[radcannon]

Finishing mine up right now. Will be running a 2001 LS1 PCM. 360 LT1 forged crank, forged pistons, forged rods, 8 to 1 compression, LE2 heads, Vortech T-Trim smallest pulley, Sno-performance methanol injection, dynatech 1 3/4 headers, ported and matched intake, and 58 throttle body. Got a few things to finish such as rear to dana 60 and auto to manual swap.

Manual will be a t56 with mccleod adjustable master, twin disk, carbon fiber syncrhos, billet forks, brozne inserts, viper output, billet flywheel and core had 60k on it before conversion. Dana 60 will have 3.73's.

The harness is the wait right now. I am finishing it up got 40 hours of work a week and 8 hours of classes trying to finish up school while working. Its straight forward and can help you guys out little confusing but if you have the time doable. hard part is ripping it down and cutting extra wires out, plan on spending at least 13 hours in labor though at least with all info provided and get masking type and a pen to mark every wire and ciruit number for assurance.

Benefits are unbelievable. No more flash tuning and no more junk pcm tables that are cryptic almost (sorry to you guys who like it out there). It is a faster pcm more powerful to control and respond, more tuning options, maf can flow better, supports higher bar map, coils per cylinder, higher rpm capablity, lean cruise depending on year.... list goes on. Very worth it.

I did my swap for i think I paid Mike around 800 got coils and the reluctor conversion with the cam sensor and coil harness drilled holes in valve covers and cut aluminum tubing as spacers to mount them. Then i got the harness and Pcm for 200 and did the conversion, after probably 60 bucks in conversion connectors from mike, also got a custom wire set to make wires going the taylor 409 route. I am mouting my coils under the headers and running wires direct to avoid all exhaust heat. I am pretty sure Mike has a get for a 100 to do the complete swap wth instructions, my harness was half way done, I did a harness for my 93 LS1 that got hit by a scion.

[Neil350]

Radcannon,

Any how to and tips for installing the crank key and reluctor wheel?

[JoeliusZ28]

Benefits are unbelievable. No more flash tuning and no more junk pcm tables that are cryptic almost (sorry to you guys who like it out there). It is a faster pcm more powerful to control and respond, more tuning options, maf can flow better, supports higher bar map, coils per cylinder, higher rpm capablity, lean cruise depending on year.... list goes on. Very worth it.
agreed. having watched alot of my LS1 buddies use HPTuners and after actually using it myself on my truck - its not even a question for me. The problem is certainly less with the LT1 pcm than it is the tuning software and support for it.

Another thing is that if you have a good opti, and a good set of plug wires, you can sell all that and the PCM for a few bucks to bring your total down.

[harvickgm]

hey guys, im chris, i am the one in GM High Tech Mag.. i have done 3 of the EFI Kits and i can say first hand they are worth it, granted my only thing is, all the cars i did this conversion to did not run when they came in. so i could not get before and after dyno pulls to see exactly what the kit did, but just the feel of the powerband and the seat of the pants, no breaks, skips or lag in the powerband at all.
and mike at EFI Connection is great, he was a big help all the way through, and i honestly hope i get to do more. if yall have any questions about the kit, feel free to email me or shoot me a PM and ill do what i can to help those who are confused about the kit.

(ADMIN EDIT)

...these sensors will last almost a life time and the tuning capability of the 02 LS software is amazing. its worth it and a great step forward for LTx guys
Chris

[Tricked-Out-Toy]

I just got my order from EFI connection :) ive got less that 500 in the whole thing with selling my opti. only think left is to get some plug wires.. oh ya and finish building the rest of the car lol

[harvickgm]

I just got my order from EFI connection :) ive got less that 500 in the whole thing with selling my opti. only think left is to get some plug wires.. oh ya and finish building the rest of the car lol

i have the part number laying around that i use, they are pricey but the are cut to fit custom MSD Wires. they sell for like $165, but you make them to how you want to set them up, honestly with headers, the back passanger is a pain but can be done, it just takes alittle work to make sure they dont hit the header anywhere, i will try to go through my pics and see if i have any to show you how i set up the kits i have done.

[black hawk]

my opti just took a crap so i'm looking in to the 24x... but i dont know what i need for my application

[95formula383lt1]

one day... when i have money!

[eficonnection]

my opti just took a crap so i'm looking in to the 24x... but i dont know what i need for my application

Check out the "Quote Your System" link at http://www.eficonnection.com. This will help to identify what is needed for your car, provide a quote, and allow you to select lower priced alternatives.

[QC97Z]

I'm getting the EFI connection already in a complete motor I'm buying...really looking forward to it.
With the boost and high-horsepower, it'll be really nice to have a super-tunable setup with stable ignition. No more opti!
Plus, depending on where you are in the country, there are more LS1 tuners than LT1, IIRC.

[QC97Z]

my opti just took a crap so i'm looking in to the 24x... but i dont know what i need for my application

You'll definitely be happy with it, especially because you're boosted!