Glock's new project: "Fred" w/ 5.3L LS swap info

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

True, but my experience with VATS is that it will start, but die shortly after.

Short of checking spark and power/ground to the injectors, I am leaning towards stuck injectors.

When I put a 93 LT1 & 4L60E into my 67 Chevelle the VATS was not disabled in the programming at first. It would fire while in the start position but die as soon as the key was transitioned back to the run position.

You could spray a little fuel in the throttle body and it would fire up and run for a second.

After getting the chip programmer to do it right the thing fired right up.

My motor had been sitting for close to two years with no injector clogging issues.

VATS may not be disabled in your PCM.

[JohnC]

Making good progress man. It's looking amazing. Getting all giddy waiting for it to fire up.

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

True, but my experience with VATS is that it will start, but die shortly after.

Short of checking spark and power/ground to the injectors, I am leaning towards stuck injectors.

The old VATS would do that, but I think the newer ones just crank, and never turn over. I wouldn't think this is it though. The guys that did your pcm and such are pretty good, and VATS is usually a big priority to be disabled so I'm sure they did it.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

True, but my experience with VATS is that it will start, but die shortly after.

Short of checking spark and power/ground to the injectors, I am leaning towards stuck injectors.

Anybody know how VATS works on the newer trucks? My only experience with it is the older versions with the resistor chip in the ignition key.

There is nothing like that on the key to my 03 Tahoe. Maybe it is buried inside the key out of sight.

The older system I was able to physically bypass by jumping a pair of wires under the dash. I yanked the computer and 305 TBI motor out of my 91 RS and dropped in a brutal 408 small block that no longer used any computer controls. It wouldn't start even though it still had the correct resistor chip in the ignition. Turns out there is a mechanics bypass harness out there so I was able to use that info and figured out what needed jumpered to get it to start with no ECM in place.

Maybe there are a pair of wires you can connect or a single wire you can supply power to that will tell the PCM that the VATS module is sensing the correct information to allow the engine to start.

[JohnC]

The new ones are lot more advanced than the early 90's ones. The chips are in the plastic head of the key. Not all of them have them though. Most chip keys, and non chip keys look identical, with exception for a few. At my hardware store we have a little chip reader box we put the key in and reads if it has a chip. I don't think you can bypass the newer systems like you could the earlier ones either. I know the older ones you could just put a resistor in the wire like you stated, but the newer ones you have to pretty much have it disabled in the PCM.

[glock35ipsc]

All late model trucks use serial VATS, which is simply deleted in programming. Serial VATS is designed to run and fire the injectors for 2 seconds, then shut everything down if a series of data is not generated in the BCM (body control module) by the key, steering column, etc. The is nothing to bypass with serial VATS, it's programming is simply deleted in the PCM programming.

I remember doing alarm and remote start systems and having to match up resistors with the same resistance as the vehicle to get around it when installing remote starts.

[glock35ipsc]

Just sold the e-fans that I got with the engine for $125. Also just got the refund from Autobarn.com on some 3/8" FI hose I ordered that I wound up not needing, another $46. I will also be sending back the 3 AN fittings to Summit when I get them, another $44 back in the budget.

[SBTork]

Nice! Recycle old or unused new parts to buy new parts, it keeps the wheels moving

[glock35ipsc]

I should be working on Fred right now, but it's kinda nice relaxing with my kiddos too. Fred will still be in the shop in the morning.

[menace121978]

good idea buddy. take a night off and enjoy what you have around you. i'm a firm believer that i take too much for granted in everyday life and one never knows what they have until its gone! so kick back and enjoy it.

[Driveway Dreams]

Good for you man! The kids like to be out there with you...but I am sure they like having you in with them too. I hope all goes well on it tomorrow. I will try to keep an eye on here from work.

[palposity]

All I can say is Wow! You do some amazing work!

[glock35ipsc]

Well, Fred starts and runs!!!!! ;metal: But the electric throttle isn't working. Diagnosing that right now.

The problem was the ignition wire I was using to trigger the relays. 12v disappeared when the key was turned to "start". Figured that out while testing power to the coils. Changed that and it fired right up.

[menace121978]

now where's the video?

[glock35ipsc]

I think the TAC module is bad. I don't have a 5v reference signal at one pin that should, and a low reference signal on another is missing. I'm going to see if any yards around here have one in just a bit. Rancho has been really slow in responding to me lately, and I don't really want to wait a week or longer for them since I really want to drive this on our cruise next weekend.

Also, I seem to have a miss on the right side, might be a plug.

Anyhow, here is a vid for now:

[IMG]http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z147/glock...

[Driveway Dreams]

I knew that is who would be behind the wheel. Little show off. I felt some room being made in my zipper area when it fired up. Nice job Bob!

[joe231]

man that is SWEET!!!!

I can't wait for some burn out videos

[rongstad]

Congrats!!! nice very nice... can't wait to start on mine....

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by menace121978

Yep, all the stuff he said!

[glock35ipsc]

Well, I still can't get the throttle to work. I am missing a 5v signal on one pin of the TAC module, so I still think the module is shot. There should be 2 reference signals; one the increases voltage and one that decreases in voltage when the pedal is pushed. As of now, both signals go up. So until I get a scanner, I'm kind of peeing in the wind.

And it runs a little rougher at an idle now too. So there really isn't much more I can do to it at this point without a scanner. I have the ODB II connector coming, but I will have to wait until I get some more $$$ to get the scanner bought. There is one guy on another forum that wants my LS1 intake, but I still haven't seen the $$$ yet.

I'm thinking unless some drastic changes happen in the next few days, I'm probably not going to make the cruise this coming weekend. I do know there is a yard in Loveland that has the TAC module I need (only 2006-07 used this part #), I might go get it because I don't want to wait on Rancho. If I have it, and if that's the problem, then I might still be able to make our cruise.

Otherwise, I found NO fuel leaks, no trans cooler leaks, and no power steering leaks! And the temp sending unit adapter seems to be sealing too.

It's just the kids and I tonight, so I think we are going to go clean up and head to Sonic for some then maybe come home and to take my mind off of it for a while.

[menace121978]

right on!! sounded good Bob! man, i hope you can get it figured. this is where i run out of ideas... except 1 which you have already covered. find a scanner... good luck! i'm gonna watch it again.

the kiddo's were happy as can be. thats awesome

[coloradosean2009]

I wish I had a couple of helpers like that. I love how the little one moved the step stool out of your way.

I guess having little helpers around can have a downside though; If that was my house, I would have tripped on the stool, busted up my camera and shin, all followed by a 3 minute burst of expletives that would make a sailor blush. While the bad language does not look good, it always makes me feel a little better.

I hope that you are able to figure the throttle control out. I know the Colorado folks are looking forward to seeing Bob at the get together next week. Good luck.

[nlped]

So close!!! I hope you get it figured out, and it turns out to be something rather simple. To bad your so far away, 'cause I have a really nice scanner .

[glock35ipsc]

I wish you were too, Ed! I pretty much have narrowed it down to the TAC module.

Well, FRED IS DONE!!!!

Well, other than fixing the throttle and installing the OBD II connector, he is done! My son and I took him for a drive down the driveway this afternoon. Yeah, no throttle, but we idled all the way!!

Otherwise, everything is done. Bed is on, both bumpers, grill, hood, interior is all together. I also got the headlight relay mod done to where they are powered directly from the battery, and also all four lights come on in high.

Also had a visitor today. Asphaltburner (Todd) came over, the first board member to see the "new" Fred.

I'm wiped out, so I'll just leave y'all with a few pics.

One of my little helpers. She got to button up the splash guards and filler necks.



Two bright eyes:



Four BRIGHT eyes!!



All happy again. I'm afraid I'm liking the Chevy grill too much to put a GMC grill in, but there are too many GMC items to change, so it'll stay a GMC. For now......



I LOVE this shot!!

[lolife99]

Looks Good!
Everything you did was top notch!
When you catch your breath,... I'd be interested in purcha$ing a step by step install guide from you.
Make plenty of copies,... I'm not the only one.
Congrats, again.

[menace121978]

Fred looks awesome with that front end! nice job man. i had to watch that video again too.