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Thread: 2011 Camaro RS V6 swap out with a 2008 Corvette LS7 help needed

  1. #1
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    2011 Camaro RS V6 swap out with a 2008 Corvette LS7 help needed

    I am in the process of putting together a LS7 powered Camaro. So far I have two pieces. I just bought a 2011 Camaro RS in rater good shape except it has a blown V6 motor. I also purchased, last year, a 2008 Corvette LS7. It's been upgraded with changes from Katech and dyno tested to 750hp. My challenge is to put these two together. I am learning about what is needed but I don't know how to do it exactly.

    In 2014 GM put a LS7 in the Camaro Z28. So all I have to do is follow that duplication. Not that easy. The motor came with the proper ECU (E38) which has the Kateck tune for this motor in it. I plan on using a 6L80E or 6L90E auto transmission.

    Some of my questions are Can a E38 keep it's motor information, be changed from a 2008 Corvette to a 2011 Camaro and to include the 6L80E transmission?

    I looked in the repository for a Camaro with a LS7 and automatic transmission (Z28) but there is none. I did find a firmware for a LS3, 6L80E transmission for a 2011 Camaro. I don't know if that would work.
    Any and all help would be welcomed.

    Thank You
    Cliff

  2. #2
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    It can be done.

    1. Read and save current V6 ECM calibration. Do it while harness is untouched.
    2. Buy 2011 Camaro LS3 AT engine harness.
    3. Replace TB to gold-blade 12605109. Silver-blade TB is not compatible with 2009+ calibrations (unless you can create custom TAC calibration).
    4. You will need later-style E38 flashed to 2011 Camaro LS3 AT with your VIN and matching Security Code in order to get VATS operational. Trust me, this is important.
    5. Perform IMMO relearn with ECM replacement using SPS.
    6. CAREFULLY transfer all tables and constants from existing tuned ECM to your new ECM paying attention to tables with different axes and do sanity check because of HPT wrong scaling for some OSes.
    7. Depending on trans you'll be installing (6L80 or 6L90) start from stock 2011 Camaro LS3 or LSA TCM calibration.

    You'll get the vehicle which cranks and runs.
    2011 Cadillac Escalade L94 w/LS3 valves and valve springs

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by verlon View Post
    It can be done.

    1. Read and save current V6 ECM calibration. Do it while harness is untouched.
    2. Buy 2011 Camaro LS3 AT engine harness.
    3. Replace TB to gold-blade 12605109. Silver-blade TB is not compatible with 2009+ calibrations (unless you can create custom TAC calibration).
    4. You will need later-style E38 flashed to 2011 Camaro LS3 AT with your VIN and matching Security Code in order to get VATS operational. Trust me, this is important.
    5. Perform IMMO relearn with ECM replacement using SPS.
    6. CAREFULLY transfer all tables and constants from existing tuned ECM to your new ECM paying attention to tables with different axes and do sanity check because of HPT wrong scaling for some OSes.
    7. Depending on trans you'll be installing (6L80 or 6L90) start from stock 2011 Camaro LS3 or LSA TCM calibration.

    You'll get the vehicle which cranks and runs.
    I was thinking along your procedure. However I didn't have all the information you provided. Thank you I now have a path to follow.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by verlon View Post
    It can be done.

    1. Read and save current V6 ECM calibration. Do it while harness is untouched.
    2. Buy 2011 Camaro LS3 AT engine harness.
    3. Replace TB to gold-blade 12605109. Silver-blade TB is not compatible with 2009+ calibrations (unless you can create custom TAC calibration).
    4. You will need later-style E38 flashed to 2011 Camaro LS3 AT with your VIN and matching Security Code in order to get VATS operational. Trust me, this is important.
    5. Perform IMMO relearn with ECM replacement using SPS.
    6. CAREFULLY transfer all tables and constants from existing tuned ECM to your new ECM paying attention to tables with different axes and do sanity check because of HPT wrong scaling for some OSes.
    7. Depending on trans you'll be installing (6L80 or 6L90) start from stock 2011 Camaro LS3 or LSA TCM calibration.

    You'll get the vehicle which cranks and runs.
    I understand that now
    I don't have the knowledge or talent to handle the programming of the ECU.
    Who would I be able to have the E38 ECU programmed by? Does someone provide that service?

  5. #5
    Senior Tuner edcmat-l1's Avatar
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    There are a few of us on here who do this for a living. Myself, Alvin, Greg, Ben. I'm sure there are others but we all seem to be the most active currently. If you're interested you can contact me through my email in my sig.

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  6. #6
    Tuning Addict blindsquirrel's Avatar
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    Is a V6 cluster and everything else going to be happy talking to a V8 ECM, without at the minimum reprogramming with a V8 VIN in those other modules?
    GM Gen4 Injectors v2.1.xls
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    Funny how accounts marked as 'banned' are still able to log in and do stuff on the site, huh?

  7. #7
    Senior Tuner edcmat-l1's Avatar
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    No, you're correct there will be a lot more work, to make it work in that car.

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    Quote Originally Posted by blindsquirrel View Post
    Is a V6 cluster and everything else going to be happy talking to a V8 ECM
    Absolutely. It'a wonderful world of standardization.
    2011 Cadillac Escalade L94 w/LS3 valves and valve springs

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by edcmat-l1 View Post
    There are a few of us on here who do this for a living. Myself, Alvin, Greg, Ben. I'm sure there are others but we all seem to be the most active currently. If you're interested you can contact me through my email in my sig.
    Thank you for your help and response.
    I am currently location the ECU of a 2011 Camaro SS LS3 AT and the engine harness.

    My son has almost the same setup except he is building his engine. He decided to go with the Holley Terminator X MAX. I looked into that path but I would still have to some how get my tune for the LS7 into the terminator so I could realize the 750hp that it has.

    I have to decide in the end of next week. I'm trying to take this to the Sick Week D&D @ the end of January. No pressure!
    Last edited by colsen2715; 4 Weeks Ago at 09:35 PM.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by colsen2715 View Post
    I would still have to some how get my tune for the LS7 into the terminator so I could realize the 750hp that it has.
    That really isn’t how it works. You won’t transfer a GM ECM tune to anything else. You would just tune it from scratch. And tuning it going to be the easiest part of this. Whether you use a GM ECM or the aftermarket.