Engine Computer Help
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Joined: Oct 2021
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Engine Computer Help I've been reading forums in here for a while and finally subscribed so I can learn more. I've searched for an answer to my question but can't find one pertaining to what I'm trying to do. I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 with the LR4 4.8. I am looking at swapping it out for a 5.3 or a 6.0. My question involves the computer. I know if I keep the factory computer then I need a custom tune to make everything run properly. However if I find a stock engine with a computer do I still need a custom tune or can you literally take out the factory computer and replace it with the one that comes with the engine with no tuning required. Thanks in advance for any help or guidance.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Virginia
I've been reading forums in here for a while and finally subscribed so I can learn more. I've searched for an answer to my question but can't find one pertaining to what I'm trying to do. I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 with the LR4 4.8. I am looking at swapping it out for a 5.3 or a 6.0. My question involves the computer. I know if I keep the factory computer then I need a custom tune to make everything run properly. However if I find a stock engine with a computer do I still need a custom tune or can you literally take out the factory computer and replace it with the one that comes with the engine with no tuning required. Thanks in advance for any help or guidance.
To your question, if you get a donor engine, trans, harness and PCM, then no, you don’t really need a tune unless the gears are different. The only issues there would be BCM related depending on computer type. So in some cases you’ll have data issues, and things like TCS won’t work, or it will cause gauges not to report properly, etc. I’m trying to stay general, since there are about a million possibilities.
Also, this should be in the tuning section.
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Thanks for the reply. I will try to get it into the other category. Sorry for that. Also the truck is stock. It has the 4L60 and I am planning on a new transmission but sticking with the same. I know gearing wise it would need to be tuned to run correct on a gear change. I was just curious on the computer specifically for the engine. So If i read what you said correctly. If I found a stock 5.3 with a computer I should be able to drop them in without a custom tune?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,220
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From: Virginia
Thanks for the reply. I will try to get it into the other category. Sorry for that. Also the truck is stock. It has the 4L60 and I am planning on a new transmission but sticking with the same. I know gearing wise it would need to be tuned to run correct on a gear change. I was just curious on the computer specifically for the engine. So If i read what you said correctly. If I found a stock 5.3 with a computer I should be able to drop them in without a custom tune?
