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Thread: Compatible ECM??

  1. #1
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    Compatible ECM??

    I have a 5.7 TPI engine and a stage 3 4l60e trans I?d like to put in an s10 and curious if anyone knows of a tunable ecm ( with hptuners) that will control a mpfi tpi setup and a 4l60e. Preferably using the vortec distributor as a 1x signal and cap and rotor with single coil to distribute spark and converting timing cover to crank sensor compatible cover with reluctor or if theres a distributor that will work both crank and cam signal without breaking the bank. Thanks in advance

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    The 0411 wll work just fine. You will need either a 24x conversion kit from https://www.eficonnection.com/ or http://www.torqhead.com/. I would be leary of Torqhead though, simply because of some of the issues I have read about their PCMs. Check their websites for more info.
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    If you are going to use the 1996 to 2002 Vortec 5.7L distributor and single coil - then you will need to use the 4x CKP reluctor from that platform. You will also need to source a timing chain cover (front engine cover) that has the provision for the CKP Sensor - and that will seal to your Gen 1 SBC.

    The 4x CKP reluctor gets "sandwiched" between the harmonic balancer and the camshaft gear. You will need to have the snout of the harmonic balancer machined down the thickness of the 4x CKP reluctor - to restore the belt alignment of your accessory drive.

    The base programming of the 0411 PCM should be from a 2001 or 2002 (preferable) Express or Savana with a 5.7L (or 5.0L) and 4L60. Obviously, custom in vehicle tuning will be required.

    You would only need a 24x CKP kit if you wanted to run 8 individual coils. This would necessitate a different base program in the PCM.

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    ^^^Ahhhhh. Good to know!
    Daily Driver= 2003 BMW 330xi
    Weekend Cruiser= 2009 Pontiac G8 GT (Vararam, TSP LS3 N/A Stage 1, OBX, CTS-V converter, MagnaFlows w/ J-Pipes, 160 t-stat)
    Project Car= 1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS (LQ4 w/ Gen 4 Rods, LS3 heads, turbo...)
    Truck= 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT LY5 4x4

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jon S. View Post
    If you are going to use the 1996 to 2002 Vortec 5.7L distributor and single coil - then you will need to use the 4x CKP reluctor from that platform. You will also need to source a timing chain cover (front engine cover) that has the provision for the CKP Sensor - and that will seal to your Gen 1 SBC.

    The 4x CKP reluctor gets "sandwiched" between the harmonic balancer and the camshaft gear. You will need to have the snout of the harmonic balancer machined down the thickness of the 4x CKP reluctor - to restore the belt alignment of your accessory drive.

    The base programming of the 0411 PCM should be from a 2001 or 2002 (preferable) Express or Savana with a 5.7L (or 5.0L) and 4L60. Obviously, custom in vehicle tuning will be required.

    You would only need a 24x CKP kit if you wanted to run 8 individual coils. This would necessitate a different base program in the PCM.
    Great info thanks. Im looking at the holley 21-152 timing cover but will have to make sure it will work with the 4x reluctor. Also you stated using an 0411 pcm with 2001-2002 programming with 5.7 and 4l60. I have a 4L60E. Will it still work?

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    My apologies for the straight "4L60" reference. Any PCM controlled automatic transmission must have the "E" designation at the end.

    The 700R4 became the 4L60 (for about 2 years). The 4L60E came to be in 1993 and lasted in one form or another, until around 2013. I rarely use the "E" designation anymore, as these have been the norm for almost 20 years now.

    As long as your 4L60E is a 1995 or newer version, the 0411 PCM can correctly control all functions.

    The Holley 21-152 timing cover should work for your project. It is designed as a replacement for the 1996 to 2002 Vortec plastic covers. It should therefore work with the 4x CKP Sensor. Holley also states that it will fit Gen 1 SBC - which means that the mating surface has been cast to be slightly wider than the plastic Vortec cover.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jon S. View Post
    My apologies for the straight "4L60" reference. Any PCM controlled automatic transmission must have the "E" designation at the end.

    The 700R4 became the 4L60 (for about 2 years). The 4L60E came to be in 1993 and lasted in one form or another, until around 2013. I rarely use the "E" designation anymore, as these have been the norm for almost 20 years now.

    As long as your 4L60E is a 1995 or newer version, the 0411 PCM can correctly control all functions.

    The Holley 21-152 timing cover should work for your project. It is designed as a replacement for the 1996 to 2002 Vortec plastic covers. It should therefore work with the 4x CKP Sensor. Holley also states that it will fit Gen 1 SBC - which means that the mating surface has been cast to be slightly wider than the plastic Vortec cover.
    Awesome thanks. Im an old carburetor guy as far as hot rodding goes trying to dabble in the computer performance world now. Ive worked for Mercedes Audi Volkswagen and deal with all the stock oem technical work (electrical specialist certified) but im finding it hard finding the technical information im looking for to match everything together with confidence. I greatly appreciate the help

  8. #8
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    Does the plastic L31 timing cover not work on the pre-'96 blocks? I've never needed to try it, just always assumed it would work. I know it doesn't use 2 of the original bolt holes but all the others and the dowels line up.

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    Quote Originally Posted by blindsquirrel View Post
    Does the plastic L31 timing cover not work on the pre-'96 blocks? I've never needed to try it, just always assumed it would work. I know it doesn't use 2 of the original bolt holes but all the others and the dowels line up.
    The Vortec block used from 1996 to 2002 was similar to the original Gen 1 SBC design - but not identical. While the plastic Vortec timing chain cover will physically bolt on to a traditional SBC block, it will not form an oil tight seal. Some people try the "5 pounds of silicone" approach, but invariably an oil leak will develop.

    Here is a link to EFI Connection's website that may help explain the differences:

    https://www.eficonnection.com/home/p...-early-engines

    This used to be the only option - however, aftermarket companies (like Holley) now offer a more cost effective solution.

  10. #10
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    Now that just makes me curious to see what doesn't fit where - and checking photos of the L31 block, it has threaded holes for the two bolts the plastic cover doesn't use. I think I'll pick up a stock cover in my next parts order, they're only $20. I like to tinker anyway.