LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Give me an idea of...

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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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the demand for an optical sensor-less method of running an LT1 PCM. Yes it will still utilize the optispark as a distributor, but I believe an aftermarket cap & rotor will not have any reliability issues unless some of you are running HVC II coils on a stock computer

The only "difficult" part of this was finding the right high quality electronics capable of delivering the very high resolution the LT1 PCM needs. I believe I have gotten the combination correct, and will begin testing on a local stock LT1 in the next month or so. This will be similar to the design of the original Electromotive kit from ~10 years ago, however my design will give both the high and low resolution signals for trouble-free sequential injection.

Another application I see for this is relatively low cost EFI retrofitting to a traditional sbc/bbc considering an LT1 PCM and harness can be had for less than 150 dollars. I have a compatible reluctor and pickup for a traditional distributor in the works, but not as far along as the opti replacement setup.

Tentative pricing for this setup will be ~550 dollars, which would include a new non-optispark base unit, msd cap/rotor, and all bracketry, sensors, reluctors, wiring harness, etc.

Pics and vids to come
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:58 PM
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Interesting!
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked94Z
Another application I see for this is relatively low cost EFI retrofitting to a traditional sbc/bbc considering an LT1 PCM and harness can be had for less than 150 dollars. I have a compatible reluctor and pickup for a traditional distributor in the works, but not as far along as the opti replacement setup.
You talking about even running a gen 1 block in an lt1 car too?

I got ridiculed for even suggesting the possibility of doing this with something that would allow running an Lt1 pcm and gen 1 distributor or pretty much EXACTLY what you are wanting to do now look at this.

If so, I'd get one when I go to build my shortblock. Might as well get a 427 block or something and do this instead.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:05 PM
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by LSWHO
You talking about even running a gen 1 block in an lt1 car too?

I got ridiculed for even suggesting the possibility of doing this with something that would allow running an Lt1 pcm and gen 1 distributor or pretty much EXACTLY what you are wanting to do now look at this.

If so, I'd get one when I go to build my shortblock. Might as well get a 427 block or something and do this instead.
you could run a Gen 1 if you wanted too, and the cost of this setup for a Gen 1 with used pcm, harness and all sensors would come in less than 1k easily. TB would be much less than a quality carb... Sure you could do the 24x stuff, but if you don't need the capabilites (95% of people don't) why pay over 2x as much for a reliable setup?

If you're an LT1 guy this will pay for itself after a single opti failure
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:08 PM
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very nice wicked........glad to see u did it..........i got side tracked and didn't have the time lol
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked94Z
you could run a Gen 1 if you wanted too, and the cost of this setup for a Gen 1 with used pcm, harness and all sensors would come in less than 1k easily. TB would be much less than a quality carb... Sure you could do the 24x stuff, but if you don't need the capabilites (95% of people don't) why pay over 2x as much for a reliable setup?

If you're an LT1 guy this will pay for itself after a single opti failure
I agree. Good stuff. Definitely interested.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:34 PM
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subscribed!! hell ya
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:01 PM
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I'm emailing my files to the laser cutter tomorrow. Met the guy at the track on saturday and he was loving my car and the CAD files I had on my laptop His laser cutter is good to +/-.001" which should be perfect.

Mike,
Yea I've had the 1x cam sensor thing done for awhile, just waiting for some time to get it bench tested and on my car. I figured why not do an entire setup for the LT1 PCM if I have the packaging already figured out inside the opti.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked94Z
I'm emailing my files to the laser cutter tomorrow. Met the guy at the track on saturday and he was loving my car and the CAD files I had on my laptop His laser cutter is good to +/-.001" which should be perfect.

Mike,
Yea I've had the 1x cam sensor thing done for awhile, just waiting for some time to get it bench tested and on my car. I figured why not do an entire setup for the LT1 PCM if I have the packaging already figured out inside the opti.
how high do u think u can get it to rev and maintain ignition and fuel control accurately??
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:46 PM
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I think you have the entire LT1 scene looking at this thread and your word. You certainly have my at the edge of my seat! hope it works flawlessly!
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by quik95lt1
how high do u think u can get it to rev and maintain ignition and fuel control accurately??
With the signal conditioner I'm using... the hi res signal should be good accurate to >10,000, but obviously the stock style coil ain't gonna work up there. I've been talking to an electrical engineer who likes doing DIY efi stuff, and we've be thinking of a possible fix for the stock pcm 7000 rpm injector driver limit If that pans out I have a 7500rpm capable HR combination im working on as well.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 08:29 PM
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Im in Wicked. My other deal might be falling through so I'm probably gonna keep it real with the LT1 and buy a C5Z.

I could sell my Dynaspark and "partsladi" GM unit and pay for this.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 09:41 PM
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after going through 5 opti's i'm definitely interested in this!

subscribed.
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Old Dec 8, 2010 | 10:35 PM
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Very interesting. Eager to hear more info and results
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Old Dec 9, 2010 | 12:07 AM
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If you can make it not only ditch the opti sensor but also remove the 7k rpm limit like you are attepmting then I can promise you a sale.

Was looking at the 24x kit for tuning and high rpm use like so many others, but if I could get a higher rpm ceiling while ditching the opti sensor and keeping the stock harness it would be cheaper and easier to install.

I have a near complete monster of an engine and still do not know how it will be controlled...carb/dizzy, 24x, or bite the bullet and go to a FAST.
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Old Dec 9, 2010 | 11:37 PM
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Default Subscribed and excited about this!!

Am I understanding correctly that you are not only designing a set-up that retains the opti but without the sensor inside AND also one that uses a conventional style (through the intake) distributor? I would be highly interested in both!! Maybe more the latter, since you could run it in a GEN1 block using a modded LT1 intake so it would still look like and LT1, or you could run any SBC for that matter. Or even an LS based engine using a single plane efi, elbow, LT1 style TB, but instead of the usual wiring nightmares....just plug it straight up to the LT1 harness. Hhhmmm....dare I say BBC with efi using the LT1 style TB?

I know all those have been swapped into our cars before, but being able to without changing or building a wiring harness or buying a $2K - $3K dollar aftermarket efi system sounds too good to be true.

All the swaps I mentioned are just ideas, I would be interested just for peace of mind with opti failures. I refuse to invest a couple grand in a 24x setup. Not against anyone else using it, but it's not for me.
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Old Dec 9, 2010 | 11:44 PM
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I can almost guarantee one friend will be ready to buy as soon as it's ready. He had repeated opti failures a couple years back and I showed him DelTeq's website. He is not at all computer savy or an LT1 guru. Just owns and enjoys a 95 Z28...mostly for the T56. lol I recently had to tell him the $600+ ignition system I talked him into buying seems to be about obsolete since if he has a "brain" failure then it's junk because the company is dead or dormant. If your set-up is a one-man show deal and something happens to you (God forbid) will people who switched be in the same boat as DelTeq owners, or will service parts be something readily available??

I know 4 or 5 local people who would be interested as well.
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Old Dec 10, 2010 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Wicked94Z
With the signal conditioner I'm using... the hi res signal should be good accurate to >10,000, but obviously the stock style coil ain't gonna work up there. I've been talking to an electrical engineer who likes doing DIY efi stuff, and we've be thinking of a possible fix for the stock pcm 7000 rpm injector driver limit If that pans out I have a 7500rpm capable HR combination im working on as well.
if u need any suggestions im a BSEE myself ....
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Old Dec 10, 2010 | 09:23 PM
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I know that updates won't be pouring in on a daily basis, but I hope this thread stays at the top just to keep the interest level high.
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