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98 ls1 Computer vs 99+

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Old 02-25-2012, 02:05 PM
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Default 98 ls1 Computer vs 99+

I'm getting ready to get my 98 Camaro tuned but I've heard I would have to get a computer out of a 99 and newer Fbody. Is this true because I really don't want to have to do this. What are the big diffrences in these two computers. ??
Old 02-25-2012, 03:08 PM
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While they are different, tuning the 98 pcm is not a problem. If your tuner is telling you he cant tune the 98, get a legitimate tuner.
Old 02-25-2012, 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by RARON455
While they are different, tuning the 98 pcm is not a problem. If your tuner is telling you he cant tune the 98, get a legitimate tuner.


Some people like to make this into a bigger deal than it needs to be. There is no reason why you can't tune a '98, unless your tuner sucks horribly. Yes, it's true that the '99+ will be easier to tune for extreme setups, but for most normal builds the '98 PCM can be tuned just fine.
Old 02-25-2012, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by RPM WS6


Some people like to make this into a bigger deal than it needs to be. There is no reason why you can't tune a '98, unless your tuner sucks horribly. Yes, it's true that the '99+ will be easier to tune for extreme setups, but for most normal builds the '98 PCM can be tuned just fine.
I agree. From my understanding, the 99-02 computer is definitely a little better, it does have a better processor and a few more beneficial tuning features, some say it's worth it to swap out the '98 for a 99+, some don't. However, it seems like most good LSX tuners have no issues tuning the '98 PCM's so I wouldn't sweat it.
Old 02-25-2012, 07:34 PM
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the 99 pcm is not compatible with the 98 fuel gauge with out alot of work inserting new files into the pcm that apparently neither I or my tuner knew anything about. I wish my car had its stock 98 pcm in it just so I dont have to deal with the gauge issue
Old 02-26-2012, 10:55 AM
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you can swap pcm's but you must do a reflash on the so they can adapt to the vehicle and then tune the vehicle each PCM has its differences
Old 02-27-2012, 09:21 PM
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Dont listen to this guy^^^. You plug a 99+ 0411 pcm in that car and you're gonna have some serious problems. If you want the 0411 pcm you're gonna have to repin the harness to accept the new computer. I have a 98 car with a 0411 pcm and I had to repin the harness to get it to work. Unless you are going extreme on your setup you dont really need it
Old 02-28-2012, 04:13 PM
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Ok appreciate it. Im on a lil budget build and didnt want to have to switch PCM's if i didnt have to.
Old 02-28-2012, 09:57 PM
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A "little budget build" should not need a PCM swap at all. If you're looking at a usual heads/cam/bolt-ons build, then any decent tuner will be able to get your car running just fine with the stock PCM.
Old 07-06-2017, 04:48 PM
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Bringing this back from the dead. Got a 98. Just emailed slowhawk, who doesn't want to tune a 98. Wtf. And is also telling me it's no big deal to swap. Just a harness and pcm. I asked about gauge cluster, and fuel level, he said "plug and play"...........wtf
Old 07-07-2017, 12:00 AM
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Originally Posted by My2000Z28
Bringing this back from the dead. Got a 98. Just emailed slowhawk, who doesn't want to tune a 98. Wtf. And is also telling me it's no big deal to swap. Just a harness and pcm. I asked about gauge cluster, and fuel level, he said "plug and play"...........wtf
My suggestion is to simply contact another tuner, unless you're planning an extreme setup that will benefit significantly from the swap.
Old 07-07-2017, 12:22 AM
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Just a guess but they may just not want to deal with some 98's bricking then the finger was pointed at them from people who don't know about the 98's and it turns into more hassle than it's worth.

Like RPM WS6 said, try and find another tuner.
I have had my 98 computer tuned many many many times including the setup in my sig with absolutely zero issues.

Now I have two buddies who had there 98's brick on them on the first initial tune. Guess I'm just lucky
Old 08-15-2017, 01:49 AM
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Originally Posted by taws6m6
Dont listen to this guy^^^. You plug a 99+ 0411 pcm in that car and you're gonna have some serious problems. If you want the 0411 pcm you're gonna have to repin the harness to accept the new computer. I have a 98 car with a 0411 pcm and I had to repin the harness to get it to work. Unless you are going extreme on your setup you dont really need it
I am gonna do this because i am trying to do a 4L80e swap on my 98 Z28 but i can't with the stock ecm because it's not capable to hold another file or something like that for the 4L80e transmission. Was this repinning easy or did it give you a headache? I purchased a 02 camaro ecm and i need to do the repin but after that is there anything i gotta do in order to turn my car back on as it would with the stock ecm?? Any tips and hints be great

thanks in advance
Old 08-17-2017, 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Camaro530
I am gonna do this because i am trying to do a 4L80e swap on my 98 Z28 but i can't with the stock ecm because it's not capable to hold another file or something like that for the 4L80e transmission. Was this repinning easy or did it give you a headache? I purchased a 02 camaro ecm and i need to do the repin but after that is there anything i gotta do in order to turn my car back on as it would with the stock ecm?? Any tips and hints be great

thanks in advance
taws6m6 hasnt been on in years (sold his car a while back). I remember him doing the swap though, and he said he labeled each and every wire in the pcm connector, and removed and re-pinned them. He said it was a quite a pain in the butt.

And thats correct a 98 pcm cannot control a 4l80e.
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Old 08-22-2017, 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 01ssreda4
taws6m6 hasnt been on in years (sold his car a while back). I remember him doing the swap though, and he said he labeled each and every wire in the pcm connector, and removed and re-pinned them. He said it was a quite a pain in the butt.

And thats correct a 98 pcm cannot control a 4l80e.
Ok i didn't know this but thanks for letting me know he hasn't been on anymore and i guess ill try to do the same try to label them then i guess take them out and repin them i probably will be time consuming but as long as i het it correct that will be good. Also i have a question? Since i have Hptuners can i have someone flash my 98 z28 vin on it or do i have to buy 2 credits again in order to be able to move and do the segment swap for the 4L80e?

Thanks in advance
Old 08-22-2017, 09:33 AM
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Default GM PCM Part Number

Hi Z28, could you report the GM part number on your PCM ?

Lance



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