Computers

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

When does a gen4 computer become needed vs a gen3 version?

I am going to build a 5.7 LS engine, and I can get a gen3 cheap + complete.

Main goal is 450hp crank NA or maybe a turbo or supercharger for 525hp.

At these power levels does the gen4 version work alot better? Or what is it better at, or is it only better when pushed harder?

[jessemthompson]

LS1 is gen3. You’ll need a gen 3 computer. You would have to change out to a 58x reluctor wheel for the crank, the knock sensors, the cam position sensor etc to use a gen 4 setup. There really isn’t an advantage to gen 4 over gen 3. The gen 3 has a pcm, the gen 4, an ecm and TCM.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Is there any advantage to the gen4 computer?

I get the gen3 is cleaner, and good enough for what I want.

[LS short box]

One of the good things about the gen 3 ecm is that its controls the engine and auto trans. The gen needs two ecm's one for the engine one for the auto trans.

[bigmoe]

Just aesthetics but the Gen IV box and plugs are physically smaller.

[Joyridin]

The Gen 3 is generally easier to tune if you are a novice and plan on messing with it yourself. The Gen 4 uses a lot of algorithms to control certain functions whereas the Gen 3 has tables. You can find tons of info on tuning a Gen 3. Gen 4 is a bit harder. As stated, you would have to buy a converter box to run a Gen 4 computer on a Gen 3 or change the reluctor wheel on the engine.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by Joyridin

The Gen 3 is generally easier to tune if you are a novice and plan on messing with it yourself. The Gen 4 uses a lot of algorithms to control certain functions whereas the Gen 3 has tables. You can find tons of info on tuning a Gen 3. Gen 4 is a bit harder. As stated, you would have to buy a converter box to run a Gen 4 computer on a Gen 3 or change the reluctor wheel on the engine.

Gen3 easier to tune for the novice.

Is there any advantage to gen4 tables?

I haven't bought parts yet, but I plan to start soon. So I want keep everything from the same gen.

[71cadc10]

only advantages to the GenIV tables I can think of off the top of my head:

flex fuel if you want to run E85 and have the computer handle it

drive by wire throttle body instead of cable operated (this might make cruise control integration easier? I have GenIV system in my truck but haven't messed with setting up cruise so I'm unsure).

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I am not interested in cruise control particularly.

Is DBC easier to install the DBW?

[LS short box]

I've used both DBW and DBC on my LS swaps with very good success.
The nice part about a DBC is you can with the hood open and the engine running you can move the throttle. With DBW you have to use the throttle pedal.
On the later DBW systems you don't need the tac? box.