S10 LS Swap W/manual CD00A Trans//2009 5.3 (E38 ECM) Tune Suggestions Please

[gjmike72]

I'm looking for the best way to flash a tune that will work with my combination.
1992 S10 LS Swap from a 2009 GMC Yukon, 5.3, LGM, bone stock. I have the factory harnesses and E38 ECM.
Obviously there was no manual trans offered in this vehicle with this ECM.
So, what are my tuning options to make this work without bricking the ECM? I've searched to forum and could not find any success stories with this combination.
What are alternatives that are reasonably priced? I really want this to be PnP considering it is completely stock. I'm ready to make the swap but I don't want to waste money on credits for an ECM that is impossible to tune properly.
Is there another model that could be flashed on the E38?

[blindsquirrel]

Corvette OS. It'll have to be flashed initially using GM SPS/J2534, HPT can't change the OS like that on a Gen 4.

If you don't have the tools & subscription to flash it, just buy one used pre-flashed to a compatible Corvette VIN.

[verlon]

GMT900 was only 6.0 LY6 Silverados with manual trans

2008 3GBJC34K08M107152
2009 3GBJC74K29M100034

[Alvin]

2010 camaro if the service number works.

Or 2009 GXP G8 would be another idea.

[gjmike72]

I currently have the original ECU that came on the Yukon and an unlocked ebay E38 that I used to get it started and running. I prefer to reflash these vs buying another ECU.
What hardware would be best? I see different scan tools at a wide range of prices.
Where do I need to subscribe/register to get the OS and flash it?
I think starting with the corvette or G8 OS might be my best option. I'm trying to keep this completely stock (for the moment) and focus on fuel milage and tuning with the manual trans.
How would I scale the maps for the smaller 5.3? Is it just a matter of reducing by x% (difference between the 2 engine sizes)?

[blindsquirrel]

It will be much much cheaper to buy a "programmed to your VIN" used ECM off ebay (~$150), than to get fully set up to do your own dealer-level reprogramming at home. If you have a shop and want to get into it as a service that's different, but for a one-off (or even a few-off) it just does not make sense unless you like lighting money on fire.

https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions
https://www.aeswave.com/flash-programming-c435/

[gjmike72]

Thank you for the info. I agree, it's not worth buying the programmer and subscription.
Are there any popular/reputable sources to send 1 of my ECM's for an OS reflash since I have 2 E38s already? Or an Ebay replacement and sell my current ECMs?
I'm planning to keep the GMC digital dash and adapt it to fit my S10. This will keep it looking factory. I think I'll need the keep the BCM to make the gauges work.
I'm going to thin out the factory harness to remove the rear O2s and other components that I don't need.
With a Corvette or G8 E38 ECM I'm basically going to make it think it still in an original vehicle with tire and gear ratio changes.
What else will I need to retain to keep everything communicating properly? Since I'm using a manual trans OS, will the BCM understand the swap?

[gtstorey]

I’m pretty sure Alvin of PCM of NC says they do it.

[Alvin]

There are limitations to what we can do. I actually don't do any of the SPS / factory re-programming here. Another employee does. Most all my day is consumed by tuning. The person who does can be reached directly at [email protected].

[gjmike72]

Hi Alvin,
Thank you for reaching out. I emailed my info on the PCM of NC tuning order sheet the other day. I'm waiting on a response. I'll send a follow-up to get things moving. I'm interested in the factory re-program for whatever model will be the easiest to tune and work with my factory harness. I also wanted to get a base tune installed when I send my ECU so I have something to start with. I'm hoping you guys can help be get started. I'll keep this updated with the progress for others doing similar swaps.
I have the pin-put for the E38, so I'm going to remove only the items I know I don't need like the rear O2's. I want to keep this basically stock to get familiar with the tuning and make changes like a cam later when I know how it will react.
This is my daily so I'm not trying to do anything radical and 320hp from a stock 5.3 will be fun to start with with the CD009 trans.

[TheMechanic]

With the 2009 you get to use the bigger injectors and it does not have permanent codes.
1G1YY36W295100795
2009 Corvette manual transmission
K63 - 110 AMP GENERATOR
LS3 - 6.2 LITER 430 HP ENGINE
MM6 - 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION MN6 - 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NE1 - 50-STATE EMISSIONS

Screenshot 2024-12-16 161827.jpg

[gjmike72]

After chatting with PCM of NC, I've decided to do a stand alone swap and ditch the BCM and factory dash. My E38 ECM is a service # 12625455 so hopefully that is compatible with the corvette OS. They also said I need to have the TB & accelerator pedal to match.
I'm on the hunt for a Corvette intake, TB, & pedal now to make sure these communicate properly with the tune.
I do have the larger injectors and hopefully I will be able to run the flex fuel sensor.
Did the 2009 Corvette use cathedral ports? That will be another complication, getting the right intake and TB.

[blindsquirrel]

Don't all the Gen 4 intakes have the same 4-bolt TB pattern (except the LS4, but that's too weird to even count)? Car TB on a truck intake and vice versa? The o-ring is different between them but I thought the bolt pattern was the same.

2009 Corvette was a LS3, and those were all rect port. The previous LS2 was cathedral.

You need to know the VIN from the calibration you'll use, then look up the correct service number by that VIN.

[gjmike72]

Now that I'm looking at the engine again, it does have a 4 bolt mount for the throttle body. I'm going to try to mount the 90mm Corvette TB to my truck intake. There may be some clearance issues; I'll find out when it arrives.
I'm not sure what the difference is in the pedal. I wonder if I could just re-pin my truck pedal or do I need to change it for the Vette pedal? I also need to know what type of clutch switch is required. If it's just an open/closed switch, I can probably use the S10 switch that is currently on the clutch pedal.

[blindsquirrel]

You will need your own access to the service manuals/diagrams/pinouts. The manual describes the APP sensor strategy, you can compate the description between models but, that often isn't the whole story to whether one will work in place of another.