LS Swap w/ Vintage air ECM Location

[Chvy2NV]

where are you guys mounting your ECM's ? im doing an LS swap with Vintage Air and just wondering how much room we have to work with behind the dash to fit the ECM and A/C ????

[MidLifer]

I put my ECU on the back of the core support near the left headlight.

I have VA in my truck and it takes up most of the space behind the glovebox (as well as most of the glovebox itself - you get a plastic insert from VA that is about 3" deep to replace the original glovebox). You could probably get away with mounting a stock GM ECU on the firewall behind the radio.

[MDPotter]

Depending on what ECM you have, you may or may not be able to fit it in the shrunk VA glovebox. The larger Gen III PCM's are huge, but the Gen IV PCM's are much smaller. I put mine in my center console.

[Chvy2NV]

I have the smaller ecu .. so VA gives a shallow glove box ?

[Cmillwheels]

I’m in the middle of this same exercise myself and found that right behind the radio under the dash worked well for me. I really wanted the PCM inside the cab but with the vintage air setup I could find no way to mount the PCM on the passengers side. I have a gen III PCM out of a 2006 Silverado and am using a retro auto sound stereo. It’s only mocked up right now but I think this location is going to work out pretty well.

I reworked the factory harness and there is plenty of wire to place the PCM in this location.

I’m in the middle of wiring now and will take a picture tomorrow and post it up.

[First c10]

VA uses about 90-95% of the original glove box. I used old air products and have almost a stock ac glovebox size.
My ECM is in the engine side of the radiator support under the drivers head light bucket.

[Cmillwheels]

Here are pics of my setup. I used a factory GM PCM mount and bolted it directly to the inside of the firewall as shown. Mocked up the ashtray to make sure it clears and is looking good.

[Chvy2NV]

Cool. I have the smaller ecu. So I should be good there. What about when you run the ducts ?

[Cmillwheels]

I’ll have to get back to you on that. I think I’ve got a pretty good plan for all of the ductwork, but am finishing up wiring before I begin running the ducts. As soon as I get that done I’ll post up some more pics.

[Chvy2NV]

Cool man looking forward to seeing your progress.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Cmillwheels

Here are pics of my setup. I used a factory GM PCM mount and bolted it directly to the inside of the firewall as shown. Mocked up the ashtray to make sure it clears and is looking good.

Are you planning to install a radio? A radio and duct work are going to fill that void quickly. I thought about trying to install mine under the dash, but it was just too tight. I put my PCM under the passenger side bucket seat.

[Cmillwheels]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Are you planning to install a radio? A radio and duct work are going to fill that void quickly. I thought about trying to install mine under the dash, but it was just too tight. I put my PCM under the passenger side bucket seat.

Yes sir, I’m using a retro sound Long Beach unit with a remote mounted body that will be located under the passenger seat next to my amplifier.

You’re right, it would be extremely difficult to put the radio body in the stock location with the PCM behind it and have room for ductwork. I’ve got it all mocked up with the radio face installed, ductwork, and wiring. There’s not much room left back there but I feel like it will work well and should be serviceable if I need to get back in there to pull the PCM out in the future without having to remove ductwork.

[derotoreut]

I installed the same retrosound Long Beach in the dash and it takes up quite a bit of room. With the Retrosound faceplate and radio, it sits back quite a lot. I have no room back there with my ductwork. I'll try to get a picture to help out everyone.

[lutronjim]

Mounted mine where the heater fan used to be since VA come with a plate to make that area vacant. Have attached pic which is not to good but you can see the edge of ECM. Will make a better pic if someone wants.

[Cmillwheels]

Hi everyone,

Well, I was able to get all of my ductwork installed today. It is a TIGHT fit but all of the VA ductwork is routed pretty well I think with no kinks or restrictions.

I’m remote mounting the Retrosound Radio body under the seat with the amplifier. There’s no way this would have worked with the body attached to the face of the radio.

As mentioned before, my Gen III PCM is pretty big. Those who use the gen IV PCM should have quite a bit more room.

Here are some pics.

[the ideaman]

On the floor under the passenger seat.