Changing the PCM

[Da Burb]

I just started the swap from my old PCM to a later model 0411 PCM.
Anyone else done this kind of swap?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/0411%20PCM/P1130024.jpg

Howard

[vytwo]

Why would you do that?

[Da Burb]

The RPM in my truck is limited to 5600 by the PCM.
Also, I want to run a 2 bar custom tune due to the Supercharger.
This gets me around both. A few guys in the States have done it with alot of success.
I can get the PCM's for USD$90.00 brand new so it's a relatively cheap mod.

[exploder]

In the picture, is the silver box the new or the old PCM?

[Hammer]

Im guessing here. but the silver pcm is the same (if not similar) to the ones used in our gen3's, and the one conceled in the black box is his current one he wants to upgrade... ???

[macca_779]

The RPM in my truck is limited to 5600 by the PCM.
Also, I want to run a 2 bar custom tune due to the Supercharger.
This gets me around both. A few guys in the States have done it with alot of success.
I can get the PCM's for USD$90.00 brand new so it's a relatively cheap mod.

I don't know much about the PCM's in the Burbs. But have you talked to a tuner about upgrading the OS. I know with EFI Live all the guys with 99-00 Operating systems. Simply upgrade the to an 01 with a full flash. I'm not sure if yours would be compatible for this kind of software upgrade. But it might be something to look into. Then go to a custom OS with a Boost VE table that goes up to 285kpa

[Da Burb]

Been down the road of PCM reflashing. This is the only way to do it.
Then I will be using EFI Live to custom tune it.
Using JET DST / Tunercat at present.

Here's the original PCM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/P1140005.jpg
And I just polished the 0411 PCM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/P1140001.jpg

Howard

[Sonnymad]

I just started the swap from my old PCM to a later model 0411 PCM.
Anyone else done this kind of swap?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/0411%20PCM/P1130024.jpg

Howard



Very interesting project,let us know how you go and if theres any hurdles,goodluck

:)

regards sonny

[Da Burb]

Thanks Sonny,
There's a few guys in the US on a small forum who have done both the Marine Manifold swap and the 0411 PCM swap with nothing but great results.
I don't expect any problems as those guys have already sorted them all.
Turns out these PCM's were used in the 2000-2001 Chevy Express vans with the same motor I'm running. This means we just use the .CAL file from the Express van. Hardest part for me was sourcing parts. I wanted to make up a small adaptor lead so as not to have to cut my original loom (once I'm happy with it I'll repin it as the other guys have done). One of the guys is sending me his 97 PCM so I can cut the sockets from it and is also sending me a couple of sets of 0411 plugs on 12" of loom he cut from some trucks at a local wreckers owned by his mate in LA. I'm getting the old PCM for nothing and he got the loom pieces for $10.00. I was quoted USD$100.00 from a wrecker in Canada. And as I mentioned the PCM, brand new in the box, he can get (and has got one for me as a spare) for $90.00.
The one I have now is already programmed with the custom 2001 Express Van tune with Boost VE.


Howard

[macca_779]

Sounds like you've done all your research Howard. Hope it all goes smoothly for you. It will be a great truck once you've got the blower sorted.

[Da Burb]

PCM is in and running.
Now for the tuning.
Runs well so far. Need to perform a crank relearn tomorrow.
Next will be the 2bar, then thermo's then the Mercruiser Marine Intake.

[macca_779]

PCM is in and running.
Now for the tuning.
Runs well so far. Need to perform a crank relearn tomorrow.
Next will be the 2bar, then thermo's then the Mercruiser Marine Intake.

Good work Howard. How did it all go. Was it as straight forward as forseen?

[Da Burb]

Hi Macca,
yeah, it was pretty straight forward.
There are a few guys in the US (on the GM Performance Index Forum) who did this a couple of months ago (I was waiting for plugs to arrive).
We've all been researching the possibilities of the 0411 so as to be able to use the Road Runner and EFILive for realtime tuning.
Now it's a reality. Now I can run a 2 bar custom tune for the SC and bigger injectors (when I put the Marine Manifold on).
I had to run 4 extra wires to the trany and that's about it.
Other than that it was a case of pull each pin out of the original plugs and swap them accross one at a time.
As the 0411 was used in a 2002 Savanna Van in the US along with the 5.7L Vortec motor and 4L60E trany, we have used that as a base tune and gone from there.
It's deffinately been a learning experience...and continuing to be.

[elv]

this sounds like an interesting project with great results so far. I am by far no ls1 expert nor will i ever use this information for my car but it is awesome 2c the sharing of rare information so freely, big ups Da Burb :thumbsup:

[Da Burb]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/P3270133.jpg

[swingtan]

Looks very nice, but there may be one problem. The body of the PCM is also the heatsink for the electronics inside. While it looks very nice all polished up, heat transfer is better with a rougher the surface ( more surface area ). It may not may a difference in your case, but if you start getting strange things happening, especially on warm days, try cooling the PCM down to see if it's getting too hot.

Simon

[macca_779]

Looks very nice, but there may be one problem. The body of the PCM is also the heatsink for the electronics inside. While it looks very nice all polished up, heat transfer is better with a rougher the surface ( more surface area ). It may not may a difference in your case, but if you start getting strange things happening, especially on warm days, try cooling the PCM down to see if it's getting too hot.

Simon


I don't think it will be a problem for Howard mate. Have a look at how our PCM's are mounted. Vertical, in a black box that is right beside the Left Header with only a piece of crappy cardboard heat shield to protect it.

[Da Burb]

Thanks Simon,
As Macca said, I think it should be fine. There's nothing really hot around it and it's got plenty of room for airflow.
Also, it has those enormous fins/heatsinks on it.
I was going to mount it upside down so it's flat. I still might later. The Whipple electronics are mounted under it at present but when they go I'll have room to flip it and do this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/hquick/P1150004.jpg

[swingtan]

It was just a caution, nothing more. You need to be careful about altering the cooling efficiency of things like this, that's all ( here's my electronics back ground kicking in ). You can cause things to over heat simply by applying the wrong paint. The reason why the majority of intercoolers are not painted is because it up sets the efficiency too much. I've never been happy about the position of the LS1 PCM, but the later ones are better. My VZ has the PCM up next to the strut tower as well, a much better place.

[Da Burb]

All input is appreciated Simon, thanks.
I'm a sparky so I have a little knowledge of electronics ie PLC's etc.
Now I have to tidy the wiring up and put the backs on the plugs.