This may have been covered before but I figured I would ask to see if anyone knew off the top of thier head. Could you use a 96-99 350 vortec distributor on a modified LT1 intake and get rid of the opti? I was doing a tune up this past weekend on my 98 Tahoe and I realized that the vortec and the LT1 have very similar ingition systems and PCMs. With some tuning in the PCM could it be possible to do this and eliminate the Opti all together?

 

that is what i run in my car. i use FAST XFI to run it though. i believe it can be done!

 

See http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tp...-opinions.html

If you're taking it that far, your best bet would be to use the 4x crank reluctor (96-97 LT1) and repin your harness (or have a new harness made) for the LS1 PCM. Load a 2001-2002 Express Van calibration into the PCM and get all of the tuning benefits of the LS1 PCM on your LT1 car. Use EFILive, HP Tuners, etc.

 

Ok I see the point in doing the ls1 pcm upgrade and with a couple of hours you could effectively spend only a 100 bucks on a pcm and what ever on the software or tune but, what would need to be done as far as parts to get a vortec distributor to work in the LT1?
I really can't get away from stock controllers because I am an A4 4l60e. The ls1 pcm can do trans control so I see that as a possibility. I am trying to keep it cheap to. It seems like a lot of these conversions either cost big money or limit you to controlling just the engine and then having to buy a trans controller.

 

Can you tell me more about you setup? Pics would be nice too.

 

The LS1 PCM has no problems with a 4L60E.

 

Yup I know. Thats why I like the stock controllers because it is one modual for both. I am just really interested to see if anyone has attempted to use the vortec distributor on an lt1 pcm to eliminate the opti. I know nothing about how the vortec distributor works. I am going to do some research on it when I get some time to see if it looks possible. Just thought I would put the question out there and see if anyone had tried or even done it.

 

The Vortec distributor routes spark and has a cam sensor. The Vortec distributor does not provide an engine position to the PCM. The cam sensor, however, does indicate the stroke (intake or exhaust).

If you pull the optispark, the PCM has no idea when to fire the ignition coil. You must retain the optispark on an LT1 engine when using the LT1 PCM.

 

I would like to use a Vortec distributor also b/c I am going with the Victor E and it already has a hole to put the distributor in. I was thinking of just putting a regular SBC distributor for ignition and keeping the opti just for the PCM to control the fuel system. I think this would work but never tried it.

 

to support S10Wildside, I to have done the TPI with Vortec ECU swap, it is cool but limited, and T/ALT1 You are missing the best Bennie of the conversion, "no more OPTI issues" dump the OPTI and go with Vortec electronics and the 411

You will however need the '96-'97 front cover to get the Vortec crank sensor and reluctor ring, for crank trigger .

jaycenk I am getting ready to install a '96 LT1 in my '97 truck and I will be posting the process of modding the intake for a Vortec Dist, It HAS BEEN DONE before. If I get time I will look at the LT1 prints and see if I can find the cam position pins on the factory setup, and maybe you can save yourself some hassle on the ECU???

 

The LS1 PCM requires a 24x signal, not the 4x of the Vortec.

EFI Connection sells the bits and pieces to do it right and they have the cap to cap off the distributor for the 1x signal.

 

Any coil per cylinder calibration in the LS1 PCM requires a 24x crank signal. For example any 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 8.1L.

Any single coil and distributor calibration in the "LS1" PCM requires a 4x crank signal. For example a 2001-2002 5.0L or 5.7L Express Van.

 

Gotcha!

 

Since you have to look at timing because you would have a distributor - What balancer would you use?

 

You could just use a timing tape and a homemade pointer.

 

There's. '93 lt1 car in my area running the OBD2 cover/4x wheel with a single plain/vortec dist and 411 ecu. It's all on an advanced induction Solid roller 383. It's been mid 9's so far.

 

this is a great read thanks

 

any updates on this