Best way to get reverse lockout?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
Best way to get reverse lockout? Alright boys! LS1 and T56 out of a 2004 Pontiac GTO have been put inside a 1981 Corvette. Car is running and driving, using Holley Terminator X, and everything seems to be working well. Only thing is, I don't have reverse (because it's locked out).
I want to retain the reverse lockout (because I don't trust myself) and am trying to figure out the best way to set it up. I have cheap reverse lockout and VSS pigtails that I got off Amazon, but can I connect them to the I/O of the Terminator? Will the Terminator X even allow for reverse lockout functionality, or is that something only the Max can do? I know a lot of people recommend the Bowler T56 harness, but I feel like there has to be another solution that doesn't cost $325 (and I'm not running reverse lights, so that would be a waste).
All ideas are appreciate - thanks!
I want to retain the reverse lockout (because I don't trust myself) and am trying to figure out the best way to set it up. I have cheap reverse lockout and VSS pigtails that I got off Amazon, but can I connect them to the I/O of the Terminator? Will the Terminator X even allow for reverse lockout functionality, or is that something only the Max can do? I know a lot of people recommend the Bowler T56 harness, but I feel like there has to be another solution that doesn't cost $325 (and I'm not running reverse lights, so that would be a waste).
All ideas are appreciate - thanks!
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 444
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If you put in one of those solenoid delete plugs it still takes effort to get over to reverse... you wouldn't accidentally do it...many cars these days have the same shift pattern with no lockout..
but that being said...you could tie it into a brake switch so you would have to be at a stop holding brakes to get it to activate
but that being said...you could tie it into a brake switch so you would have to be at a stop holding brakes to get it to activate
TECH Resident
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 866
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From: Montgomery (Lake Conroe,) TX north of Houston
I used my Holley Dominator to unlock the reverse lockout. It's been working so well since I got the car on the road in late November 2023 that I'd forgotten all about it! I would think that you can do the same thing with the Terminator X.
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 91
Likes: 14
Change to a lighter spring so you can mechanically overcome the lockout solenoid.
I did this to a T56 in a Mustang. Just learn to shift. The shifter always spring loads to the 3, 4 gate. So when shifting 2 to 3. It's straight up with slight pressure to the right.
4 to 5 is the same. Straight up with slight pressure to the right. Avoid the Z move. You will Never upshift through the gears into reverse.
The only time this might be a problem is coasting in neutral and you want 5th. You can clutch in, goto 4rth, then again, straight up with slight pressure to the right. Have no fear, if you put enough spring you should feel if you are entering the reverse gate AND even entering reverse gate is not a problem unless you enter AND push up to engage reverse.
I did this to a T56 in a Mustang. Just learn to shift. The shifter always spring loads to the 3, 4 gate. So when shifting 2 to 3. It's straight up with slight pressure to the right.
4 to 5 is the same. Straight up with slight pressure to the right. Avoid the Z move. You will Never upshift through the gears into reverse.
The only time this might be a problem is coasting in neutral and you want 5th. You can clutch in, goto 4rth, then again, straight up with slight pressure to the right. Have no fear, if you put enough spring you should feel if you are entering the reverse gate AND even entering reverse gate is not a problem unless you enter AND push up to engage reverse.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
So how exactly did you wire that up?
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TECH Resident
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 866
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From: Montgomery (Lake Conroe,) TX north of Houston
I'm using the J4 plug of my Dominator. According to my notes in my notebook, I used pin B1 for the negative and pin B3 for the positive. I'm using pin B14 for the negative to the VSS and pin B18 for the positive.
IIRC, when the Dominator sees less than 3mph, it sends outputs to B1 and B3 unlocking the reverse lockout solenoid. Andrew (Dr EFI) did the actual remote tuning.
IIRC, when the Dominator sees less than 3mph, it sends outputs to B1 and B3 unlocking the reverse lockout solenoid. Andrew (Dr EFI) did the actual remote tuning.
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IMO, the "Best" way to do it is the same way that Danny described. You cannot do it with the Base X ECU, but if you swap the X for an X Max ECU you can tell the computer you have an auto trans and wire in only the VSS wires. Then you set up a speed based output to open the Reverse Lockout under 3mph just like the factory did. I went through that exact situation when I was building my 68 Camaro. I tried many other solutions, but didn't like the idea of pushing a button when I wanted reverse. I don't have to think about it and it just works. Plus there are other fringe benefits to having the ECU know your vehicle speed. I also have my cooling fans shut off at 40 mph, and if you have a turbo you can use speed based boost options. I was able to sell my Base X ECU and buy an X Max and it cost me a few hundred, which was about the same as a different aftermarket controller that was stand alone.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
IMO, the "Best" way to do it is the same way that Danny described. You cannot do it with the Base X ECU, but if you swap the X for an X Max ECU you can tell the computer you have an auto trans and wire in only the VSS wires. Then you set up a speed based output to open the Reverse Lockout under 3mph just like the factory did. I went through that exact situation when I was building my 68 Camaro. I tried many other solutions, but didn't like the idea of pushing a button when I wanted reverse. I don't have to think about it and it just works. Plus there are other fringe benefits to having the ECU know your vehicle speed. I also have my cooling fans shut off at 40 mph, and if you have a turbo you can use speed based boost options. I was able to sell my Base X ECU and buy an X Max and it cost me a few hundred, which was about the same as a different aftermarket controller that was stand alone.
At this point, I think going the independent module route is going to be the simplest and most cost-effective solution...that or just ripping the whole solenoid out and replacing it with a spring.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
That said, I very much like to find a balance between form and function/cost, and I absolutely despise the look of those shifter ***** with the buttons.
I’d much rather remove the solenoid entirely and run a lockout spring over the ball (although I’d still have concerns about missing 5th and going into reverse).
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
Too bad there's no way to make something like the ZF 6spd Transmissions. To get it in Reverse there was a collar with a lip on the Shifter you had to pull up on with two fingers. Early-Mid 90's LT Corvettes. C4 ZR1 had it too.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
I feel like I’ve seen that on more modern transmissions as well. Mustangs maybe?