[Ford_Assassin]

Hey guys, recently I bought a 1969 C10 SWB Fleetside as another project, but one that I could start with my [soon to be] wife (she loves working on my toys). Anyway, I want something dependable and something that wouldn't kill my mpg and still have a decent amount HP/TQ. After weighing cost (among other things) I decided on swapping in a 5.3 Vortec engine.

Today I bought a complete setup (engine, computer, harness, MAF, pedal, etc) from a rolled low mileage 2004 Burb. I already have the engine mounting handled, so that's out of the way. I will prob end up running full length headers too since it looks like I would have to trim too much of the stock frame to make the stock manifolds work.

I did not buy a transmission since I have 28" tall tires and 3.08 rear gears. That means the TH350 tranny I have will be bolted to the 5.3.

I did several searches and found that the stock computer will need to be tweaked to work for me (I figured). I have read that the un-used inputs can be 'edited' off the computer and I have also read something about 'pinning'? I made a list of things that would not be used in my case, but I am fuzzy on how this is done..... (please explain both).

-VATS
-Rear O2 sensors (no cats)

Okay, lay it on me. What else do I need? Any help is thanked in advance.

Thanks guys!!

[Soul_Hunter]

there are 2 ways, have the PCM programed, or do it yourself.

i recommend buying the stuff you need to tune the PCM yourself.
you can send your PCM out & have it reflashed, but odds are they won't get it right the first time, if ever.
for not too much more than what something like the hypertech programer costs, you can do it yourself. plus you can make many other changes that you would never get from having it done. then add in you can make changes to the PCM for any upgrades you may do later on.

going with a 3 speed trans is even more reason to tune it yourself. the PCM will look for the sensors & solenoids in the trans. but with a 3.08 gear, the 4L60E trans with its deep first gear i feel would work great. plus you would have overdrive which would help with fuel mileage. so you may want to think about going back & getting the trans.

there is a learning curve to tuning the PCM, but there is also a lot of help available too.

there are a couple of different companies out there that sell the hardware & software to tune your own PCM.

i think this will get you started.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368718

another thing, learning to tune it yourself will help you in trouble shooting problems that will come up from time to time.

i don't know much about it or if it will work with your setup, but there is also this option for tuning it yourself,
http://www.moates.net/index.php?cPath=53_56

[Ford_Assassin]

Thanks for the reply. Grabbing the 4L60/4L65e from the same truck is not possible both for cash reasons and the fact it was long gone.

I will look into buying the required software, thanks for the tip.

I have this thread running, but it hasn't attracted much attention......
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=959142

[BJS racing]

I would look into calling Arizona TPI for your programming needs. We have worked with them on many occasions and they stand behind their work! Very rarely that I have found that they don't get it right the first time. But they take care of buisness. And these guys do a lot of programming work. If your not going to do any modifications and just have to remove the anti-theft (which you have to) and want to remove a couple of the other little things like rear 02's they can take care of it for you. I honestly wouldn't see a need for buying a programer for a one time thing like this. Just my two cents.

Arizona TPI's number is (480) 921-2500. They will get you taken care of.

[Ford_Assassin]

I got the modified PCM and harness back from Wait4Me and plugged everything back in today. Still have to mount the PCM somewhere on the driver's side, prob on the inter fender well. I also have to wire up the the harness for stand-alone operation (3 ignition switched and 1 constant 12 volt) fuel pump and relay.