Computerized engine Q - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldtrucknut · 08-22-2003, 04:08 PM

Has anyone here put a modern Vortech, LT1, TPI or LS1 350 with the computer into one of these trucks? I am thinking of putting one of these in my truck with all of the modern stuff like AC compressor, Alt, PS, Serpentine. I know putting the motor in by itself is no problem, but what kind of issues will I come into with the computer? I have a 97 Z71 so I am sorta familiar with the computer system. I am going to use a Muncie 4spd trans, will the computer not act right if it is not plugged into the transmission? Anything else I should know?

Thanks for your thoughts.

gmc67swb · 08-22-2003, 04:16 PM

YOU CAN GET A CUSTOM HARNESS ELIMINATING ALL THE STUFF YOU DON'T NEED. AS FOR THE LS-1, TOTALLY DIFFERENT ANIMAL. YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE MOTOR MOUNTS IF SOMEONE HASN'T STARTED OFFERING ANY KIND OF KIT. ALSO THE BELL PATTERN IS DIFFERENT SO YOU'LL NEED TO PURCHASE A BELL HOUSING SPECIFIC TO THE LS-1. I THINK LAKEWOOD MAKES THEM. I'VE HEARD THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE RUN OUT THOUGH.

cdowns · 08-22-2003, 04:51 PM

the reason i have a 71 is that i gave up on vehicles havin all that crap !!!! i want to know what i'm lookin at

orange72 · 08-22-2003, 04:58 PM

yea but you got to love those cold morning starts and fuel economy.

bpmcgee · 08-22-2003, 05:37 PM

The solution to THAT problem is something like I did -- Holley TBI kit.

Brian

oldtrucknut · 08-22-2003, 06:03 PM

Thanks for all of your input guys. My truck is just a show truck and I have some modern upgrades such as a 95 stepside bed and 97 leather bucket seats with console, so I thought a newer motor would be pretty trick too. Also, I will probably save money, because I was looking at getting a serpentine kit for it and it would cost around $1500 for everything I need, not to mention if I were to get a fuel injection setup for it that would be at least another $1500. Around here I can find a good motor fairly easily for a lot less money than adding all that stuff.

darcane · 08-22-2003, 08:11 PM

Ugh...

I love EFI, but I have a Holley TBI system and has got to be the on of the worst fuel injection setups. Mine is an older model, Pro-Jection 4D, hopefully the newer aftermarket stuff is better.

I should have done more investigation into aftermarket EFI before I bought it, but there wasn't much out there yet at the time and I didn't know too much about EFI. I'd strongly recommend that everyone stay away from anything that does not have a MAP or air flow sensor of some sort. The systems that don't utilize either won't work well at all except on small range of unmodified engines.

I'm swapping it out for a carb pretty soon.

*rickspickuppart* · 08-22-2003, 08:20 PM

If you want a nice tpi set up I reccomend checking out Arizona Speed and Marine, they make killer units and easy to put together (I have a polished big block 1250 cfm unit and have installed several others and never a hassle and if there is a snag they always have an answer)

Andy4639 · 08-23-2003, 04:12 AM

I've had mine in since 1987 and it has over 200,000 miles on it, and still running strong. I wouldn't go back to carb. for anything. The hardest part of mine was the gas tank mods. You have to run a return line and put a electric pump in. I went with a street & performance wiring harness. It is the stock 305 HO with 700-R4 with b&m shift lock up on it. It works great.
Here is a pic of it .

**PICKMUP** · 08-23-2003, 04:22 AM

Andy, exactly what does that B&M shift lock up do? What did it change from the stock trans?

Andy4639 · 08-23-2003, 04:54 AM

Back when I installed the trans they sold this as a hook up for the 700-R4 with out the computer. I have a toggle switch under the dash and when I'm in town I can flip it and the trans will not lock up at any speed, then when I get out on the highway I can flip it back and it locks up over 45mph. I don't have the computer out of the camero, so this is how I got to use the transmission. It works great.

68LSS1 · 08-23-2003, 06:25 PM

I'm in the process of installing a LS1/T56 in mine. I'm also doing a different front and rear so it will be a while until I get back to the engine. You can get SBC to LS1 adapters. The harness is no problem. You can modify it youself or send it out to have done or purchase one already done. About a six wire hookup. I will admit this is not the cheapest or easist install but it's got some great advantages. I will be using a 6.0l block to increase cid and am shooting for 475rwhp n/a. With 3.73's and the six speed I'll still be able to get better than 20mpg. You can get LS1edit to do your own computer tuning or you can send it out to have done. Not sure about the Muncie bolting up but the LS1 bolt pattern is different than the rest of the SBC's including the LT1 (supposedly just one bolt off here).

oldtrucknut · 08-24-2003, 07:28 PM

Again, thanks for the info. All of your setups that you have described sound and look really cool.

08-22-2003, 04:08 PM	#1
oldtrucknut 67-72 truck surgeon Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 155	Computerized engine Q Has anyone here put a modern Vortech, LT1, TPI or LS1 350 with the computer into one of these trucks? I am thinking of putting one of these in my truck with all of the modern stuff like AC compressor, Alt, PS, Serpentine. I know putting the motor in by itself is no problem, but what kind of issues will I come into with the computer? I have a 97 Z71 so I am sorta familiar with the computer system. I am going to use a Muncie 4spd trans, will the computer not act right if it is not plugged into the transmission? Anything else I should know? Thanks for your thoughts. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 1993 Toyota Camry LE 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee 1953 International R182

08-22-2003, 04:16 PM	#2
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	YOU CAN GET A CUSTOM HARNESS ELIMINATING ALL THE STUFF YOU DON'T NEED. AS FOR THE LS-1, TOTALLY DIFFERENT ANIMAL. YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE MOTOR MOUNTS IF SOMEONE HASN'T STARTED OFFERING ANY KIND OF KIT. ALSO THE BELL PATTERN IS DIFFERENT SO YOU'LL NEED TO PURCHASE A BELL HOUSING SPECIFIC TO THE LS-1. I THINK LAKEWOOD MAKES THEM. I'VE HEARD THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE RUN OUT THOUGH. __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

08-22-2003, 04:51 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	the reason i have a 71 is that i gave up on vehicles havin all that crap !!!! i want to know what i'm lookin at __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-22-2003, 04:58 PM	#4
orange72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: huntington,texas,united states Posts: 399	yea but you got to love those cold morning starts and fuel economy. __________________ 1972 chevy long bed. Currently under construction!! Bagged, 383/700r4.

08-22-2003, 06:03 PM	#6
oldtrucknut 67-72 truck surgeon Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 155	Thanks for all of your input guys. My truck is just a show truck and I have some modern upgrades such as a 95 stepside bed and 97 leather bucket seats with console, so I thought a newer motor would be pretty trick too. Also, I will probably save money, because I was looking at getting a serpentine kit for it and it would cost around $1500 for everything I need, not to mention if I were to get a fuel injection setup for it that would be at least another $1500. Around here I can find a good motor fairly easily for a lot less money than adding all that stuff. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 1993 Toyota Camry LE 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee 1953 International R182

08-22-2003, 05:37 PM	#5
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	The solution to THAT problem is something like I did -- Holley TBI kit. Brian

08-22-2003, 08:11 PM	#7
darcane Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 414	Ugh... I love EFI, but I have a Holley TBI system and has got to be the on of the worst fuel injection setups. Mine is an older model, Pro-Jection 4D, hopefully the newer aftermarket stuff is better. I should have done more investigation into aftermarket EFI before I bought it, but there wasn't much out there yet at the time and I didn't know too much about EFI. I'd strongly recommend that everyone stay away from anything that does not have a MAP or air flow sensor of some sort. The systems that don't utilize either won't work well at all except on small range of unmodified engines. I'm swapping it out for a carb pretty soon. __________________ *Mike Lackey* '68 C10

08-22-2003, 08:20 PM	#8
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	If you want a nice tpi set up I reccomend checking out Arizona Speed and Marine, they make killer units and easy to put together (I have a polished big block 1250 cfm unit and have installed several others and never a hassle and if there is a snag they always have an answer)

08-23-2003, 04:12 AM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	71 TPI I've had mine in since 1987 and it has over 200,000 miles on it, and still running strong. I wouldn't go back to carb. for anything. The hardest part of mine was the gas tank mods. You have to run a return line and put a electric pump in. I went with a street & performance wiring harness. It is the stock 305 HO with 700-R4 with b&m shift lock up on it. It works great. Here is a pic of it . Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-23-2003, 04:22 AM	#10
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,158	Andy, exactly what does that B&M shift lock up do? What did it change from the stock trans? __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

08-23-2003, 04:54 AM	#11
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	B & M shift kit Back when I installed the trans they sold this as a hook up for the 700-R4 with out the computer. I have a toggle switch under the dash and when I'm in town I can flip it and the trans will not lock up at any speed, then when I get out on the highway I can flip it back and it locks up over 45mph. I don't have the computer out of the camero, so this is how I got to use the transmission. It works great. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-23-2003, 06:25 PM	#12
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	I'm in the process of installing a LS1/T56 in mine. I'm also doing a different front and rear so it will be a while until I get back to the engine. You can get SBC to LS1 adapters. The harness is no problem. You can modify it youself or send it out to have done or purchase one already done. About a six wire hookup. I will admit this is not the cheapest or easist install but it's got some great advantages. I will be using a 6.0l block to increase cid and am shooting for 475rwhp n/a. With 3.73's and the six speed I'll still be able to get better than 20mpg. You can get LS1edit to do your own computer tuning or you can send it out to have done. Not sure about the Muncie bolting up but the LS1 bolt pattern is different than the rest of the SBC's including the LT1 (supposedly just one bolt off here). __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

08-24-2003, 07:28 PM	#13
oldtrucknut 67-72 truck surgeon Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 155	Again, thanks for the info. All of your setups that you have described sound and look really cool. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 1993 Toyota Camry LE 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee 1953 International R182



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