LS computer ('0411) running a Small Block Chevy

[dave w]

My progress on this project has been slow. The budget has been tight for this project, and I've cut many corner$! I got the engine running for the first time today. I don't have a radiator on the engine, so I've only run the engine few times for 30 seconds or so. The engine is a rebuildable core that has a rod knock, so I'm not sure it will hold 5000 RPM's for the crank position learn?

Here are some pics of the project so far.

dave w

[1project2many]

Neat.

I wouldn't try a 5k run without coolant and the test may require coolant temp at normal operating temp anyway. A thermostat in the manifold and garden hose directed to the water pump inlet will provide cooling without keeping engine too cool. I wonder if the actual sensor position could be measured and the values manually written to the vcm?? And don't forget there's a distributor offset value which needs to be set after the crank learn. That one only requires TPS to indicate WOT for an update.

[dave w]

I can set up a radiator. Here is a pic of my engine test stand with a BBC.

dave w

[EagleMark]

Cool test bench!

I know the LS ECM/PCM/VCM? is far superior but does it really do anything for an old engine? Just the software and license per vehicle keeps me out of that market.

I've been saving my pennies to buy a RoadRunner from Moates just so I had rights to buy TunerCat OBDII software, it was sold to Jet and is marketed under name Dynamic Sprectrum Tuning and I had one, but after a wasted day of tech support I used 2 licenses, never got the car done and Jet would do nothing about my loss of 2 licenses on one vehicle and never got even one tune? So they suck! I just gave up and sold it. Nothing compared to EFI Live. Least when you own TunerCat OBDII and buy each definition there's no per vehicle licensing, still have no data logger. I'd rather spend the money on TunerPro to cover OBDII stuff now that would be cool!

But now there's an TunerPro XDF for LS computer being developed, don't know if the adx is done too? Moates and TunerPro are working on flash utility to write to VCM I read on another website?

[dave w]

I like my EFI Live system. Yes, my EFI Live system was expensive, but I found a decent price on a used EFI Live system on Ebay. The MPFI project has taken a few turns in direction. This is actually the second system I've built. The first system I build was sold to a BB Chrysler owner.


I really can't say if the sequential system is a huge improvement for an older SBC. What I can say, is the system I built can be installed underhood as a stand alone system, operate a 4L80E, and is completely bolt on! Maybe this system does not appeal to the budget EFI system buyer? Compared to aftermarket EFI systems, repurposing a LS PCM as a bolt on system for an older SBC has merit. I'll also comment, it would not be that big of a change to make the system pictured operate an actual LS engine!!

dave w

[EagleMark]

All good points, I like the underhood part! As time goes on you'll be way ahead in the learning curve.

Can it do 4l60E or 700R4? I know it came with manual trans...

The LT1 system is all underhood and would make for a great conversion system if it could be made to run a regular EFI distributor, if you can do it with LS computer it's probably easier. Cheap software, Flash by ALDL port. But there's just not alot of OBDI LT1 available. Only 2 years and all the cars they came in are desirable so not many end up in JY. Then 2 more years OBDII. Where your getting in on ground floor of a system that will become more and more available as time progresses.