97 computer w/ 60e trans?

[pwmin]

I am thinking about selling my DHP PT and getting HPT since DHP isn't going to support the ecotec motor. I need to be able to tune a 95 Monte Carlo w/ the LQ1 that is OBD-II swapped and is running a 96 computer and 4T60E transmission. Since HPT doesn't support 96 cars, is there any way to use the HPT that is set up for a 97 Monte Carlo w/ the LQ1 and 4T65E? When I talked to them a couple years ago about tuning my 96 GTP, they told me to just run a 97 computer and call it a 97 Z34, but I'm not so sure that will work.

I got a reply back for HPT and they said they have no clue. Only way to know is to try it. Hmm, not a good start for customer service, I must say.

[timg]

Yeah, their customer support for w-bodies and especially our w-bodies is going to be crap. It's possible that you might be able to rig the computer to control the 4T60E. It won't be easy. On top of that, they may not have the tables you need to do it mapped out. It's definitely not plug and play. I've thought about getting HPTuners and using it to tune my Monte Carlo and Saab 9-7X, but I've never really had a great feeling about them and it means that I would actually have to build the 4T65E-HD I have. I may actually wind up with EFILive and DHP...

Tim

[jeffglitman]

95 OBDII Swap?

Hi,
Sounds like you may have done a OBDI to OBDII swap in your 95 MC? I'm trying to update my 95 Pontiac GTP with a Vin X 3.4L DOHC as well. I need to do an engine swap and I found a "NEW CRATE" 1996 Vin X 3.4L but in order to use it, I need to update to a 1996 ECM OBDII. I'm thinking I need a 96 ECM plus wiring harness but am unable to locate a 1996 harness. Any thoughts or help would greatly be appreciated!

Thanks,
Jeff

[bszopi]

Engine doesn't care what ECM controls is. If you are running an ECM that requires inputs from X, Y and Z sensors, then the engine must have X, Y and Z sensors installed. It may also have D sensor, but if the ECM doesn't require an input from D sensor, the engine will still run just fine.

[jeffglitman]

Ok, but... The heads and intake manifolds were redesigned for the 1996 model year, incorporating a larger throttle body and plenum area, slightly shorter intake runners, cloverleaf combustion chambers, and larger "square"-shaped exhaust ports. Camshafts and cam timing were also revised for the new, higher RPM powerband. Would the 95 ECM I use today work with the 1996 motor?

[bszopi]

You could use an ECM from 1985 and it would still run the engine. Most of what you are talking about comes into play when actually "tuning" the ECM to get the most out of the engine.

[geldartb]

if you can use the 97 ecm it has twice the memory as the 96 and a bunch more options to tune

[jeffglitman]

Ok, so from what you are saying, I can either put the 1996 engine in it and run my old 1995 OBDI ECM and the engine will run fine even with the CAM changes that GM made from 95 to 96 3.4L DOHC VINX engines. Correct???

Or, if I upgrade to a 1996 or 1997 OBDII ECM then I need to get a 96 or 97 wiring harness? I've looked but have not been able to locate one. Any idea's?


Thanks,
Jeff

[timg]

Car-part.com has 96 and 97 wiring harnesses. If you can't find the harnesses listed by them selves, try this. If you see any 96-97 engines for sale, call those parts yards and ask about the wiring harness from that car.

The 95 wiring harness and PCM should run the 96-97 motors with a small amount of work. If I remember correctly, there is an article on here about using the newer engine with the older harness/PCM.

Tim

[pwmin]

yes, you can get the 95 computer to work, but I would do the OBD2 swap while you're at it. get a 97 pcm. the obd2 swap was fairly easy in the 95 MC, but it's not my car. I helped some, but didn't do all of it. the worst part is pulling the old harness and running the new one. you'll need the harness that goes to the pcm and the one that goes on the top of the engine to make it easiest.



now, if only someone could answer my question

[bszopi]

Something designed to control a 65E will not work with a 60E, mainly because the 65E is completely computer controlled, whereas the 60E is still vacuum controlled. Therefore the PCM will try to command things to the tranny that the tranny will not ?understand?

I could be wrong, but I don't think the LQ1 was ever mated to a 65E, therefore your question really wouldn't be valid anyway.

[pwmin]

97 3.4's used 65e's. It would be fine if it wouldn't understand but wouldn't set a code or cause it to go into limp mode or something. That is the question (what will the pcm do and how will the tranny act?). Some 97 vehicles still had the 60e's, though, I thought.

[Rhedalert]

isn't the only difference (as far as the PCM sees it) the fluid pressure controller? I think you may be able to force the PCM to ignore that, but I'm not positive. I know that the '97 Venture PCM and file I'm using actually has a pressure table in there for the 4T65e's but it's zeroed out by GM. Maybe this would fly in a '97 Z34 file too?

[pwmin]

isn't the only difference (as far as the PCM sees it) the fluid pressure controller? I think you may be able to force the PCM to ignore that, but I'm not positive. I know that the '97 Venture PCM and file I'm using actually has a pressure table in there for the 4T65e's but it's zeroed out by GM. Maybe this would fly in a '97 Z34 file too?

from what I recall, that is the major if not the only difference in the tranny tables (AVAILABLE)

i'll have to look at the bins on my lappy when i get home. i guess we could try to get a 97 computer, hook it up, then see if i can get the DHP to work from a 97 file on the car.