What ECM to use for a 97 Vortec

[eagle mark]

Once I get a clear answer from Jet who bought TunerCat OBDII software I will know if I can make the changes needed to transplant this engine into another car. Seems 96-97 are odd years and all alone compared to 98 later and 95 earlier.

But maybe I should look into an older ECM? Or newer ECM? Manual transmission...

 

[dave w]

I can think of a couple computer options for the 97, but I think the bottom line is budget.

1. For the money, a port injection modified '427 is the best option for the money. Using the '427 means going back to batch fire, but '427 controls the 4L80E / 4L60E. Batch Fire does just as good at the Dyno as the Sequential Fire. There is information over at Thrigen.org for using the MAF with a '427. The '427 has low cost / freeware software options like TunerPro and DataMaster.

2. My choice is the '0411 LS computer. The EFI Live Software / Hardware I purchased is expensive. The learning curve is steep with an LS Computer, so that is a factor also. If your going to push yourself to learn a new computer, then the LS computer is the logical choice. The future is with the LS engine family. The Vortec engine can be converted to the LS computer.

dave w

 

[eagle mark]

I'm helping a freind with the transplant so cost wise it's his wallet! Just trying to find options for him. Someday I will get the equiptment and EFI live for myself and to support my hobby like you.

No need for tranny controls as it's manual trans.

What needs to be done to a 427 ECM for Vortec or MPFI for that matter? I have read some on the .bin file changes.

 

[dave w]

What needs to be done to a 427 ECM for Vortec or MPFI for that matter? I have read some on the .bin file changes.

The Memcal chip needs to be modified as shown in the picture below.

The resistors (shown in picture below) need to be removed and a replaced with wire for ZERO resistance.

The PROM needs to completely reprogrammed for MPFI.

I've only seen the modified '427 used with TPI style injectors, so I'm not sure if the Vortec injectors will work or not on a modified '427. I don't see any electrical reasons the '427 could not operate the Vortec spider as long as the spider was rewired for batch mode.

The '427 requires using a VSS!

dave w

 

[dave w]

The link below is to a post on the EFI Live Forum with information on upgrading the Vortec PCM to '0411 PCM.

http://forum.efilive.com/showthread.php?3306-Swapping-12200411-PCM-into-98-Chevy-Truck

Changing the connectors from the Vortec "Black Box PCM" to the '0411 LS style connector is project most would not venture to do. Basically upgrading to the '0411 PCM is using the same LS '0411 PCM used in the 2001 / 2002 Express Van with a 5.7 lite Vortec engine. When the old "Black Box PCM" is upgraded correctly, the LS '0411 operates the older Vortec engine like a factory installed Express Van engine. The advantage is the '0411 PCM can be hooked up to factory diagnostics (GM Tech2), and the '0411 PCM is supported by the aftermarket DIY PCM programming software hardware like EFI Live.

dave w

 

[63chevyll]

Have you tired turn-key. I'm not sure the website but they have been making all kinds of DIY computer and harness stuff lately

 

[dave w]

I found some interesting reading on this topic, over on a GM Performance board:

http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7131&sid=84017eef6b7e0f3d792991c413500abf

dave w