quick ecm question?
quick ecm question? i'm planning to pick up an ls1 drivetrain for my project but i don't know much about the computers. i can get an 01 setup minus the computer for the same price as an 00 setup with a computer with equal area mileage.
my question is what's the difference in years between 98-02 computers.
will it be worth it to have to buy a new computer to get an 01 setup or should i buy the 00 setup and not worry? i've had alot of problems with people trying to program my 91's computer in my last car and i don't want to have this problem again so i want the setup that is most user friendly over the years.
any suggestions?
my question is what's the difference in years between 98-02 computers.
will it be worth it to have to buy a new computer to get an 01 setup or should i buy the 00 setup and not worry? i've had alot of problems with people trying to program my 91's computer in my last car and i don't want to have this problem again so i want the setup that is most user friendly over the years.
any suggestions?
Last edited by 1hot91; Feb 3, 2005 at 02:43 PM.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,036
Likes: 1
From: Lake Zurich, IL
98 computers are the oddball .... however there are some easy harnesses (I believe speartech makes one) for the 98 PCM which is why they seem more popular for hybrid cars...
99-00 PCMs have the same part number, 01-02 have hte same part number (this is for F-Bodys... not sure if it's all the same for vette and truck PCMs)
But all 99-02 PCMs (F-Body) can run any of the operating systems (a 99 PCM can run a 2002 operating system)
if the engine is a 99+ as long as the PCM is also from a 99+ you'll be fine... you can have it reflashed to whatever year you want then (can't flash w/a 98 OS)
The 01 engine is going to include the LS6 Intake Manifold (make sure it does, it shouldn't have EGR on it), an LS6 intake manifold will run you about 420 new ... so if you can get the 01 engine, and then buy a PCM seperate (They sell for about 100-150 I think) may be a better deal
Make sure you get the computer harness/wiring harness though... unless you plan on making your own
But to summarize:
98 computers are unique, if you get a 98 computer, then you can use a newer engine but need to replace the temp sensor and some other things to work w/the PCM ...
99-02 computers are the same, just different operating systems (seems the 01/02 is the best for tuning)
01-02 engines had an LS6 intake manifold from the factory, no EGR, 99-00 had an LS1 intake manifold w/EGR
99-00 PCMs have the same part number, 01-02 have hte same part number (this is for F-Bodys... not sure if it's all the same for vette and truck PCMs)
But all 99-02 PCMs (F-Body) can run any of the operating systems (a 99 PCM can run a 2002 operating system)
if the engine is a 99+ as long as the PCM is also from a 99+ you'll be fine... you can have it reflashed to whatever year you want then (can't flash w/a 98 OS)
The 01 engine is going to include the LS6 Intake Manifold (make sure it does, it shouldn't have EGR on it), an LS6 intake manifold will run you about 420 new ... so if you can get the 01 engine, and then buy a PCM seperate (They sell for about 100-150 I think) may be a better deal
Make sure you get the computer harness/wiring harness though... unless you plan on making your own
But to summarize:
98 computers are unique, if you get a 98 computer, then you can use a newer engine but need to replace the temp sensor and some other things to work w/the PCM ...
99-02 computers are the same, just different operating systems (seems the 01/02 is the best for tuning)
01-02 engines had an LS6 intake manifold from the factory, no EGR, 99-00 had an LS1 intake manifold w/EGR
Originally Posted by horist
No difference... the engine is the same regardless of any upgrade options (like WS6, Firehawk, SS, etc...) and the PCM has the same operating system/instructions in it
just trying to figure out if it would be better to get the 2001 or 2000 seeing as how i'll have to modify the harness and i can get a computer cheaper then an ls6 intake i'm wondering if it's better to get the 2001 knowing i'll need a harness and computer over the 2000 which has both. i can get a 2000 harness and computer for $200 so i'm wondering if that will work with the 2001 engine?
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,036
Likes: 1
From: Lake Zurich, IL
harnesses are the same at the PCM
a 2000 harness will have a plug for EGR on it
but a 99-02 harness will work w/any of the engines and any of the PCMs (obviously though an 01 harness wouldn't give you the EGR plug to be used on a 100% stock 2000 or 1999 engine)
I'm not sure if there's a difference between the A4 and M6 wireing harnesses though... I would imagine so since an A4 controls allot more...
If you can get a 2000 computer and wiring harness for 200 , then i'd go w/the 01 motor ... the 2000 harness will have extra plugs on it, but extra is better than not enough
Only thing we need to viery is if the A4 or M6 harnesses are different (whcih again I think they are)
Anyone that knows this please post up
a 2000 harness will have a plug for EGR on it
but a 99-02 harness will work w/any of the engines and any of the PCMs (obviously though an 01 harness wouldn't give you the EGR plug to be used on a 100% stock 2000 or 1999 engine)
I'm not sure if there's a difference between the A4 and M6 wireing harnesses though... I would imagine so since an A4 controls allot more...
If you can get a 2000 computer and wiring harness for 200 , then i'd go w/the 01 motor ... the 2000 harness will have extra plugs on it, but extra is better than not enough
Only thing we need to viery is if the A4 or M6 harnesses are different (whcih again I think they are)
Anyone that knows this please post up
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in the old GM ECM days you had a ECM number and a code
Example GTA 88 with 350 and 7ooR4
ECM Number 1227165
Code AKXZ 3294
looked up the Number on my OTC Book and the code on our GM Fbody Part book!Found out what emission and trans and ratio axle it was set up for
WHERE CAN I CRAB THAT INFO ON A LS1 CPU???????????????????????
I got a 98 LS1 unit but would rather backoff the numbers before going to messwith the CPU/ Harness......HDW No. 16220610 CWJP
Example GTA 88 with 350 and 7ooR4
ECM Number 1227165
Code AKXZ 3294
looked up the Number on my OTC Book and the code on our GM Fbody Part book!Found out what emission and trans and ratio axle it was set up for
WHERE CAN I CRAB THAT INFO ON A LS1 CPU???????????????????????
I got a 98 LS1 unit but would rather backoff the numbers before going to messwith the CPU/ Harness......HDW No. 16220610 CWJP
