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Thread: 5.3L vs 6.0L ECM tuning

  1. #1
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    5.3L vs 6.0L ECM tuning

    I am tuning a vehicle for someone with the following setup:

    Vehicle: 1978, Chevrolet pickup. Custom wiring harness.
    Engine: 5.3L , 2002, Escalade
    ECM: 2000 Chevrolet, 2500, 6.0L, GMP01, OS 9381344

    The engine has a new BTR3121811ONSR cam, everything else should be stock.
    Has idling issues but, otherwise seems to run ok. After it warms up, it will idle.
    Before I address the idle tuning, I wanted a second opinion on how to proceed.

    1. The ECM is programmed for a 6.0L and the engine is 5.3L. should I compare the 6.0L with a stock 5.3L calibration and adjust all of the tables?
    I have a J2534 device and considered programming it with the latest 5.3L calibration before proceeding. your thoughts?

    2. Idle tuning for the new cam. I may handle this one in a new thread after the above is completed.

    3. I have a few log files to share and will post them if needed.

  2. #2
    Senior Tuner mbray01's Avatar
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    I wouldnt bother with all the extra
    change engine size, and tune the thing
    there are many write ups on idle tuning.
    Michael Bray
    Rusty Knuckle Garage
    Slidell, Louisiana
    20yr Master Tech.
    Advanced Level Specialist
    Custom Car Fabrication, Customization, High Performance.
    GM World Class Technician
    Shop Owner

  3. #3
    Tuning Addict 5FDP's Avatar
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    Fair warning here, if you didn't install larger injectors do not be surprised if you reach over 90% duty cycle on that large of camshaft.
    2016 Silverado CCSB 5.3/6L80e, not as slow but still heavy.

    If you don't post your tune and logs when you have questions you aren't helping yourself.

  4. #4
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    Thanks for the input.

  5. #5
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    here is a file I logged.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  6. #6
    Tuning Addict 5FDP's Avatar
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    Yeah it needs help.

    Double check for intake and exhaust leaks and make sure fuel pressure it 58psi.

    Those fuel trims are pretty bad for just an idle log.
    2016 Silverado CCSB 5.3/6L80e, not as slow but still heavy.

    If you don't post your tune and logs when you have questions you aren't helping yourself.

  7. #7
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    Fuel pressure was 60psi. I made adjustments following the idle tuning thread so it will idle in park and in gear now.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  8. #8
    Tuning Addict 5FDP's Avatar
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    You still have the same problem.

    Look at those fuel trims, they are beyond bad. There is no reason that the computer should be adding in 25-50% worth of fuel.

    You either have a massive vacuum/exhaust leak or you are still trying to run open headers with o2 sensors.



    There is the off chance you have bad o2 sensors as well.
    2016 Silverado CCSB 5.3/6L80e, not as slow but still heavy.

    If you don't post your tune and logs when you have questions you aren't helping yourself.

  9. #9
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    can you post up a tune also. Do you have the one o2 sensor plugged in but not threaded in the exhaust making it think it is lean so it adds more fuel. One bank is running way richer than the other. Also do you have wideband?

  10. #10
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    I was originally concern about a 6.0L calibration file in the ECM with a 5.3L engine. Also, to have the engine run well enough to be mobile without stalling so often.
    Yes, the exhaust is open headers.
    Sorry for wasting your time with that, After reading more on open headers, I should have corrected that before attempting the tune.(lesson learned)
    Now that it will run long enough to move about, the customer will have the remaining exhaust connected in the next few days.
    If the problem persists after the exhaust repair, I will post again with both the tune and log file.

  11. #11
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    My apologies, I should have started the tread with this...
    Here is the original file I read from the ECM. Please review it and share any concerns with using this calibration file with a 5.3L.
    I understand the first change would be the engine type and cylinder volume but, what about the other tables?
    When I compare it with a stock 5.3L tune, there are a lot of differences in the tables that I am not sure about.
    The customer received it this way along with a custom harness. The details were posted earlier and I will start over when the exhaust repair is completed and the truck is returned to me.
    So, in this situation how would you proceed?
    Attached Files Attached Files

  12. #12
    Tuning Addict 5FDP's Avatar
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    Engine size, cylinder volume, base running airflow, MAF/VE table and power enrichment settings should be plenty to get it going. The little stuff different between the two won't make a huge difference.

    You are welcome to use the compare feature to just over all difference from a 2000 5.3 engine file, either way would be fine.

    Then it's starting over from the beginning with a wideband o2 sensor in the exhaust to dial in the MAF/VE tables for the camshaft change.
    2016 Silverado CCSB 5.3/6L80e, not as slow but still heavy.

    If you don't post your tune and logs when you have questions you aren't helping yourself.

  13. #13
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    The exhaust has been installed and includes a wideband O2 port.
    I updated the cal file after comparing with a stock tune. then increased the idle and airflow so it would idle.
    I have attached a log for idle and then a drive(run) down the road. Also the cal file.

    The idle seems ok but, after you rev the engine, it is several seconds before it returns to idle.
    Down the road runs ok but, not much power at full throttle during take off through first gear.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  14. #14
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    I eventually started over. I converted the original 6.0L file again, by comparing it to a stock tune from a 5.3L. I must have missed something the first time around.
    I adjusted base airflow and idle RPM until it would idle.
    Then installed a AEM 30-0300 wideband O2(using the serial port), tuned VE table, tuned MAF table, and later adjusted the idle parameters again.
    The use of the wideband O2 saved so much time and removed a lot of guess work.
    Truck runs great now.

    Thanks to those who helped in the forum.(get a wideband O2!!)
    (I also found the YouTube videos by "ChopperDoc181" to be helpful for my particular situation)