451stroker

I just got my LS1 running in my 1981 Trans Am. It idles terribly. Because this was a transplant, all emmissions equipment was eliminated and the computer was supposedly reprogrammed accordingly. The car simply does not run well. The idle surges all over the place and it's way too rich. I don't get any trouble codes having to do with engine controls. All of the codes I get are for things like fuel level, transmission fluid temperature (TFT), oil temperature, etc. These are probably just modules that need to be turned off in the computer because they are not applicable to my set up.

Could this be a tuning issue? The motor is stock except for an SLP Mass Airflow Sensor and a Bullit cam with similar specs to an LS6. The computer has a mail order tune from PCMforless.com I even put on a brand new SLP Mass Airflow Sensor because I thought my used one might be malfunctioning. There was no difference. I'm pretty frustrated because I'm new to fuel injection and I don't know where to go from here because I'm not getting any trouble codes from the engine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

LS1>girlfriend

iTrader: (19)

how long have you had the engine running, when the battery is removed or disconnected from an ls1 it relearns idle and sometimes it may take awhile. other than that i would say its the tune.

1987firechicken

Probably your tune but it could be messed up O2 sensors.

451stroker

Wouldn't I get a trouble code if the 02 sensors were messed up?

451stroker

How should these things be tuned? My car is mostly apart and cannot be driven anywhere. Can a tuner come to my house, or does it need to be done on a dyno?

1987firechicken

Where are you located? I don't pretend to know how to tune an LS1 don't know that much but people have friends come out and tune with HP tuners. Try asking around on the regional board that is local to you, most here are pretty cool and know a ****-ton about tuning these engines. May be able to get someone to do it for a few bucks and a case of beer

1987firechicken

And you got any pics of your ride that things sounds like it is gonna be a badass

451stroker

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a shot. The car is in primer with the front clip removed. I'll get pics up by late Spring when I finish the body and paint it. I'm striving to have the straightest 1981 Trans Am our there.

1987firechicken

Sweet let me know when you post up those pic's I got an old 87 TA waiting for me to build a new motor for my 2002 WS6 I have now so it can inherit the slightly modded motor in the 02. How long it take you get get that beast in there and what kinda numbers you looking to make from your LS??

451stroker

It went in pretty easy. It was finding the right parts to make the accessories, radiator hoses and inlet system work that was the hard part.

I would think it has around 425 hp at the flywheel. I'll get some rear wheel #'s when I have it tuned.

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

I would yank the SLP maf off and put a stocker on.....those things have been known to cause lots of tuning headaches, and I'm willing to bet the mail order tune is set up for a stock MAF.