sandrock
Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2011
- Posts
- 47
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Mustang OK
- First Name
- Bradley
- Truck Year
- 1990
- Truck Model
- 2500 Suburban
- Engine Size
- 350
I thought I would share with you guys my plans on how I am building up the Suburbans engine. Since the TBI engine had well over 200k on the ticker, I made a command decision to just build up another one to replace it. I settled on using a Vortec-based 350, which as you may already know, came with roller cams and higher flowing heads than the TBI. Only problem is, it’s not plug-and-play.
Not wanting to stay TBI, and wanting the convenience of flashing tunes instead of burning chips, I decided to go the route of a full rewire to allow use of the 12200411 pcm. This computer is the last one to control the SBC, and also controls the LS1, the 4.3 V6, and a few others, depending on the OS flashed to it. In SBC configuration, it needs to see a 1x cam signal and a 4x crank signal, both of which are provided with the Vortec motor. (As a side note, this computer will also run a SBC in LS1 configuration, BUT will need a 24x crank trigger and some fuel injector wiring swapped as the firing order is different. This also means the SBC can be configured to have coil-on-plug.)
None of the wiring is done yet, as I will be tackling that when the longblock is finished. But I’ll clue you all in on the plans, and any feedback will be appreciated.
1) I’ll be swapping the two-prong coolant temp for a three-prong version. This allows separate signals going to the PCM and to the dash gauge.
2) The oil pan will also get a three-prong temp sensor to monitor oil temp. Pretty sure this PCM will accept an oil temp input, but if not I’ll just wire up another gauge to monitor it.
3) I won’t need any of the auto trans tables or wiring as I will be using the TH400, though I would like the PCM control the downshift relay if at all possible. I will be using the trans temp monitor though, just to keep an eye on that.
4) I can enable up to three fans I think (I know 2, and I think an auxiliary…I’ll have to check the file), so the blade fan gets chucked. This will free up some power, and help with fuel mileage.
5) Depending on cost, I’ll either run the factory CFI intake with the upgraded spider, OR run the Vortec TPI base manifold with L98 upper. I already have the lower and upper intakes, but the injection spider is needed, along with associated bracketry. I also need Vortec heads…
In addition to engine rewire, the frontend will also be updated with modern lighting, and new leads for an external temp sensor (for my new rearview compass/temp mirror). Interior will also be updated with steering wheel radio controls from a Camaro (already have the steering wheel and a new steering column with the control clockspring from a previous project. I’ll have to Frankenstein the parts and truck columns together), the compass autodim mirror I mentioned earlier, auto lamps/Twilight Sentinel (Bonneville sourced), keyless/remote start, dual power seats with leather and butt warmers.
Gauges…staying factory, but will be LED backlit instead. Will also be integrating either a Scangage 2 or an Interceptor in the spare gage hole, since it’ll have OBD2.
Believe it or not, I have 3/4s of the stuff already. It’s just time to get it all done up correctly.
Not wanting to stay TBI, and wanting the convenience of flashing tunes instead of burning chips, I decided to go the route of a full rewire to allow use of the 12200411 pcm. This computer is the last one to control the SBC, and also controls the LS1, the 4.3 V6, and a few others, depending on the OS flashed to it. In SBC configuration, it needs to see a 1x cam signal and a 4x crank signal, both of which are provided with the Vortec motor. (As a side note, this computer will also run a SBC in LS1 configuration, BUT will need a 24x crank trigger and some fuel injector wiring swapped as the firing order is different. This also means the SBC can be configured to have coil-on-plug.)
None of the wiring is done yet, as I will be tackling that when the longblock is finished. But I’ll clue you all in on the plans, and any feedback will be appreciated.
1) I’ll be swapping the two-prong coolant temp for a three-prong version. This allows separate signals going to the PCM and to the dash gauge.
2) The oil pan will also get a three-prong temp sensor to monitor oil temp. Pretty sure this PCM will accept an oil temp input, but if not I’ll just wire up another gauge to monitor it.
3) I won’t need any of the auto trans tables or wiring as I will be using the TH400, though I would like the PCM control the downshift relay if at all possible. I will be using the trans temp monitor though, just to keep an eye on that.
4) I can enable up to three fans I think (I know 2, and I think an auxiliary…I’ll have to check the file), so the blade fan gets chucked. This will free up some power, and help with fuel mileage.
5) Depending on cost, I’ll either run the factory CFI intake with the upgraded spider, OR run the Vortec TPI base manifold with L98 upper. I already have the lower and upper intakes, but the injection spider is needed, along with associated bracketry. I also need Vortec heads…
In addition to engine rewire, the frontend will also be updated with modern lighting, and new leads for an external temp sensor (for my new rearview compass/temp mirror). Interior will also be updated with steering wheel radio controls from a Camaro (already have the steering wheel and a new steering column with the control clockspring from a previous project. I’ll have to Frankenstein the parts and truck columns together), the compass autodim mirror I mentioned earlier, auto lamps/Twilight Sentinel (Bonneville sourced), keyless/remote start, dual power seats with leather and butt warmers.
Gauges…staying factory, but will be LED backlit instead. Will also be integrating either a Scangage 2 or an Interceptor in the spare gage hole, since it’ll have OBD2.
Believe it or not, I have 3/4s of the stuff already. It’s just time to get it all done up correctly.
risking getting a disease or chance of a DUI on the way home. Sometimes these women need a little help putting things into perspective.
