SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

I'm planning to swap an LQ4 into a 64 Nova. Found an engine, but I'm getting nervous dumping the coin and not having it all planned out.

The plan thus far is to get an LQ4 engine. I've got the L92 heads already. My major concern is with the wiring, pcm, accessories and anything else I've likely overlooked. I've been told that a 2000ish camaro harness would work and is fairly popular for swaps and they're preferred to truck harnesses for aesthetic reasons. Is an f- body harness compatible with the LQ4's sensors? Do I need the truck pcm or the pcm with the harness? I'm also going to run a 4l60. Is there a separate tcm I'll need, or is it built in with the pcm?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Feel free to mention other obstacles I'll likely encounter.

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

There are numerous vendors that can get you the right harness and ECU. If you use the 411 ECU, there is no need for a TCM (TCU...whatever...LOL).

Andrew

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

So, if I was to pick up just the engine now, I'd be ok? Just wanna make sure I get what I need, if anything, with it.

HectorM52

iTrader: (5)

Is it safe to assume you're on a budget? Yes?

If so, then get the most complete setup you can find from the beginning. A "cheap" long-block can turn into a nightmare sourcing small pieces including harnesses, PCM's, bolts, nuts, sensors, connectors, accessories, accessory brackets, bolts for those accessory brackets, etc.........

So a $2,000 LS1 from a 2000 Camaro might end up cheaper than a $400 longblock LQ4 you get on Craigslist. And you end up with an aluminum block with better heads (yes, I know you said you had heads).

That will answer a lot of your questions because you won't have to wonder if you have the right sensor with the right wire plugged into the right pin on the PCM.

You'll also need an '04 to '06 GTO oil pan for your car if you have a stock front clip.

You CAN mix and match a lot of the parts, but I don't suggest it due to the infinite chasm you'll find yourself in later on chasing down issues.

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

Budget: yes... I picked up an LQ4 minus the ecm and harness... I plan on using an f-body harness and ecm at the moment. Was also thinking about maybe looking into the MSD Atomic LS unit. Does anyone have any experience with that or any opinions?

Suncc49

Don't waste the dollars on the MSD unit... Why not use a blue/green factory ecu from a donor vehicle/boneyard and buy a nice psi plug and play harness... like 4 connections and a few grounds and the psi harness will be good to go

Are you going DBC or DBW?

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

Im not sure yet regarding dbw/dbc. I worked at mopar dealers for years but this is my virgin venture into the LS world. I'm thinking that an f-body harness would be best. What ecu's should I look at? I'm not familiar with the blue/green. Will I need a tranny controller?

Thanks for the input

Bowtie316

iTrader: (1)

Do you want flex fuel? Do you want to run boost later? The simple pcm is the 0411 which is basically 01-02 gm stuff.

The 99-02 Camaro harness will hook right up to it.

It will run the trans fine but it will need tune changes for at the very least vats and emissions stuff.

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

Negative on the flex fuel and probably not looking at boosting it. I may put a small shot of juice later on... maybe. I got the engine out of an 01 yukon Denali... I'll have to see if he's still got the ecu. Thanks again!

Suncc49

blue/green ecu is the ecu for tahoe/yukons etc from 03 to 06... I used that one and kept DBW... love DBW

edit :I see the engine is out of an 01 Denali so you will want DBC and can use the 411 ecu if you want! Rock what you got

anyways though, PSI makes harnesses for either and they are a sponsor here so if you PM them you can get free shipping

Bowtie316

iTrader: (1)

The ls1 harness can work, but it will require some added relays and fuses. I would strongly recommend you just purchase a standalone harness if you have any reservations about modifying the harness yourself. The stand alone harnesses make it so quick and easy it's not even funny. Not to mention, buying a now old and used harness is probably not a good idea. Call PSI or one of the other well known harness makers and tell them what you have and they will build you one that will plug in and run fine. They can even provide a PCM flashed for you.

It will be more expensive at this point to switch to DBW because you will need the pedal assembly and throttle body, cable would be easier. The pedal in the Nova is not the best for a cable. You will have to get creative, some use the lokar pedal but I don't like it. I am currently modifying my stock pedal to work a cable.

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

I've got L92 heads that I'm going to put on and then use an LS3 intake. With that setup, can I go to a dbw style throttle body? If so, what all do I need? Throttle body, pedal and module?

G Atsma

LS3's are OEM with DBW throttle bodies. ALL Gen IV engines are this way. Get all the pieces you mention.

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Gen IV ECUs (e38,e40,e67) don't use a TAC module. The pedal plug goes right to the ECU.

Andrew

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

I can use s gen IV ecu? With the setup I'm planing, what should I take the ecu and dbw components from?

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

You cannot use a GEN IV ECM with a GEN III Engine (unless you change to a 58X Crank Reluctor Ring).

You can run Drive By Cable or Drive By Wire on a GEN III Engine. With the LS3 Intake you will need to run a 4 Bolt Throttle Body (or a 3 Bolt TB with an adapter). The Harness/PCM can vary depending on which TB you choose - unfortunately the DBW Throttle Bodies are not all the same.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or want to discuss the options to make this work.

Jeremy

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

Awesome! Wil do... Thanks!

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

What LS3 intake should I be looking for? Is there a year range or vehicle model I should use? Also, I'd like to go dbw. Same questions, year/model?

G Atsma

I believe all LS3 intakes are the same. They came in Corvettes from 2007 and Camaros from 2010 to 2014 or 2015

SheepDog209

iTrader: (2)

Got it... thanks!