98 Camaro LS3 conversion
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
98 Camaro LS3 conversion I have no idea if this is in the right section. (sorry if it isn't)
Hey guys quick question, I bought a 98 Camaro in which the previous owner had did a LS3 conversion. My problem is that my A/C compressor won't kick on. I was told by the dealership that I need a new ECU due to corrosion, which won't allow the compressor to kick on and that it would be $2400. I plan on buying one online that is already flashed to hopefully save some money; the problem is that I have no idea which ECU to buy. Do I need to buy the ECU that originally comes with the car or do I need to buy one for the LS3. Will a LS1 ECU work with the LS3? I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff and desperately need A/C. Thanks in advance.
Hey guys quick question, I bought a 98 Camaro in which the previous owner had did a LS3 conversion. My problem is that my A/C compressor won't kick on. I was told by the dealership that I need a new ECU due to corrosion, which won't allow the compressor to kick on and that it would be $2400. I plan on buying one online that is already flashed to hopefully save some money; the problem is that I have no idea which ECU to buy. Do I need to buy the ECU that originally comes with the car or do I need to buy one for the LS3. Will a LS1 ECU work with the LS3? I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff and desperately need A/C. Thanks in advance.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
Which ECU is now controlling the engine? That will tell you whether or not the LS3 has been converted to 24x from 58x or not.. Can you get more info from the previous owner? In a case like this, the previous owner should have told you EVERYTHING he did in dropping the LS3 into the car. Or you should do a LOT of reading about the differences between Gen III and Gen IV engines. What was in it originally?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Which ECU is now controlling the engine? That will tell you whether or not the LS3 has been converted to 24x from 58x or not.. Can you get more info from the previous owner? In a case like this, the previous owner should have told you EVERYTHING he did in dropping the LS3 into the car. Or you should do a LOT of reading about the differences between Gen III and Gen IV engines. What was in it originally?
You have to pull the pcm out to see the sticker on it to tell what it is. Do that and report back.
There is no way it’s an LS3 ecu. They aren’t compatible with the rest of the car and the harness is totally different.
The J1 Blue is a clue that it’s either the original 98 Camaro PCM or possibly a later PCM from a 99-02 Camaro.
That is a popular upgrade to a 98 as it’s a better PCM. Requires re-wiring the PCM connectors.
BTW, the orig PCM will run an LS3 just fine. It needs to be retuned though.
Do what I asked above. It will be clear what’s been done.
And run away from that dealer!
Ron
There is no way it’s an LS3 ecu. They aren’t compatible with the rest of the car and the harness is totally different.
The J1 Blue is a clue that it’s either the original 98 Camaro PCM or possibly a later PCM from a 99-02 Camaro.
That is a popular upgrade to a 98 as it’s a better PCM. Requires re-wiring the PCM connectors.
BTW, the orig PCM will run an LS3 just fine. It needs to be retuned though.
Do what I asked above. It will be clear what’s been done.
And run away from that dealer!
Ron
