ECM/PCM starting from scratch
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
ECM/PCM starting from scratch Hello all,
New here to the forum. I have a LS1 build I am looking to start. I do not have any of the stock PCM stuff. Question is, do I look for all used stuff and buy HP Tuner or do I just go with a stand alone system like Holey EFI/ECU and harness kit for $1,600
The build I have in mind is a LS1 block with 383 stroker, ported LS6 heads, maybe 11.1 compression? and supporting mods. Most likely will run on E85
Thanks for the help
New here to the forum. I have a LS1 build I am looking to start. I do not have any of the stock PCM stuff. Question is, do I look for all used stuff and buy HP Tuner or do I just go with a stand alone system like Holey EFI/ECU and harness kit for $1,600
The build I have in mind is a LS1 block with 383 stroker, ported LS6 heads, maybe 11.1 compression? and supporting mods. Most likely will run on E85
Thanks for the help
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 414
Likes: 5
From: SV, AZ
It's completely up to you. I think there are very few situations where a gm pcm and harness don't work in a fresh build, add long as the right one is selected. It just takes someone who knows what they are doing.
Why would you run that on e85? At the very least do flex fuel tuning not just an e85 tune.
Why would you run that on e85? At the very least do flex fuel tuning not just an e85 tune.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
It's completely up to you. I think there are very few situations where a gm pcm and harness don't work in a fresh build, add long as the right one is selected. It just takes someone who knows what they are doing.
Why would you run that on e85? At the very least do flex fuel tuning not just an e85 tune.
Why would you run that on e85? At the very least do flex fuel tuning not just an e85 tune.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Most members here run the GM "411" PCM, which you can buy on ebay for $90, set up with the latest OS, set to any desired VIN, and with a few options like VATS disabled.
Getting an inexpensive harness is harder - some people by a harness and PCM from the junk yard for maybe $250. Many then tear the harness apart to remove unwanted wires and clean it up; the PCM needs to be tuned of course to at least remove VATS.
Alternative, cleaned up harnesses are often on ebay for under $300. Or you can buy a brand new aftermarket harness for $500.
If you prefer the Holley packages, IMHO I would skip the cheaper Holley "HP $1600" package, but would suggest the Dominator which with harnesses is more like $2600.
For everything you have said so far, the GM "411" is more than adequate.
Getting an inexpensive harness is harder - some people by a harness and PCM from the junk yard for maybe $250. Many then tear the harness apart to remove unwanted wires and clean it up; the PCM needs to be tuned of course to at least remove VATS.
Alternative, cleaned up harnesses are often on ebay for under $300. Or you can buy a brand new aftermarket harness for $500.
If you prefer the Holley packages, IMHO I would skip the cheaper Holley "HP $1600" package, but would suggest the Dominator which with harnesses is more like $2600.
For everything you have said so far, the GM "411" is more than adequate.
