Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

echo72 · 12-23-2009, 04:58 PM

I'm going to purchase a 5.3L engine out of a 06 Silverado, but the computer (ECU) doesn't come with the motor. The motor has everything else like the throttle body, fuel injectors, harness, etc. I'm going to install this motor in a 72 Chevy Cheyenne pickup. Do I need to purchase a computer? If so, where do I get the computer and where do I get it programmed?

Thanks, Your help would be greatly appreciated.

**Clyde65** · 12-23-2009, 05:03 PM

Yes you will, if you keep the FI. the link will answer everything.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=377348

try this link dude lots of info.

Ackattack · 12-23-2009, 05:06 PM

I depends:

There are ways to make a 5.3L carborated and put a distributor in it. But that set up gets spending and IMO defeats the benefits of running a new engine.

Assuming you want to keep the fuel injection and the distributorless ignition, then yes you need the ECM. There are many ways to go about getting a computer and tune. I would suggest you do a lot more reading on here and LS1tech to educate yourself on what options are out there, what others have done to make your own decision.

Good luck!

echo72 · 12-23-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

I depends:

There are ways to make a 5.3L carborated and put a distributor in it. But that set up gets spending and IMO defeats the benefits of running a new engine.

Assuming you want to keep the fuel injection and the distributorless ignition, then yes you need the ECM. There are many ways to go about getting a computer and tune. I would suggest you do a lot more reading on here and LS1tech to educate yourself on what options are out there, what others have done to make your own decision.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot, Clyde65 just sent me a terrific link. Time to so some homework.

**LEEVON** · 12-23-2009, 10:02 PM

find a pcm from the wrecking yard or ls1tech.com, performancetrucks.net, or buy it from the a tuner like wait4meperformance since you will have to have it tuned anyways. (if your keeping FI) Going rate is about $100.

echo72 · 12-23-2009, 11:49 PM

Thanks. I'm going to purchase the motor. I can't wait to drop it in.

1lo67 · 12-24-2009, 09:48 AM

The computer and harness and if its a drive by wire the pedal assembly and tac module should come with the engine. you want be able to make it run with out them. you will need to get the computer re-maped and a harness made up or the old one re- worked. also need the mass air sensor and O2 sensors.. good luck

BustedTruck · 12-24-2009, 02:38 PM

Good luck with this swap. I just like finishing mine, but cant wait to drive again. Start a build thread so we all can see your progress.

echo72 · 12-24-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustedTruck

Good luck with this swap. I just like finishing mine, but cant wait to drive again. Start a build thread so we all can see your progress.

Today is my lucky day!!! BustedTruck I live close to ATL Motor Speedway, in Hampton. I'm glad to know you're a local GM guru. I don't plan on starting my build until the Spring, but I will start a build thread at that time. I saved your profile in my favorites so I can get your advice. Thanks man.

12-23-2009, 04:58 PM	#1
echo72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hampton, GA Posts: 76	Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? I'm going to purchase a 5.3L engine out of a 06 Silverado, but the computer (ECU) doesn't come with the motor. The motor has everything else like the throttle body, fuel injectors, harness, etc. I'm going to install this motor in a 72 Chevy Cheyenne pickup. Do I need to purchase a computer? If so, where do I get the computer and where do I get it programmed? Thanks, Your help would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Every day is a challenge. Keep on truckin! 1972 Chevy Cheyenne LWB 350 engine TH400.

12-23-2009, 05:03 PM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,547	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? Yes you will, if you keep the FI. the link will answer everything. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=377348 try this link dude lots of info. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-23-2009, 05:06 PM	#3
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? I depends: There are ways to make a 5.3L carborated and put a distributor in it. But that set up gets spending and IMO defeats the benefits of running a new engine. Assuming you want to keep the fuel injection and the distributorless ignition, then yes you need the ECM. There are many ways to go about getting a computer and tune. I would suggest you do a lot more reading on here and LS1tech to educate yourself on what options are out there, what others have done to make your own decision. Good luck! __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

12-23-2009, 10:02 PM	#5
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,893	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? find a pcm from the wrecking yard or ls1tech.com, performancetrucks.net, or buy it from the a tuner like wait4meperformance since you will have to have it tuned anyways. (if your keeping FI) Going rate is about $100. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 12-23-2009 at 10:03 PM.

12-23-2009, 11:49 PM	#6
echo72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hampton, GA Posts: 76	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? Thanks. I'm going to purchase the motor. I can't wait to drop it in. __________________ Every day is a challenge. Keep on truckin! 1972 Chevy Cheyenne LWB 350 engine TH400.

12-24-2009, 09:48 AM	#7
1lo67 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Morristown, Tn Posts: 275	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? The computer and harness and if its a drive by wire the pedal assembly and tac module should come with the engine. you want be able to make it run with out them. you will need to get the computer re-maped and a harness made up or the old one re- worked. also need the mass air sensor and O2 sensors.. good luck Last edited by 1lo67; 12-24-2009 at 09:53 AM.

12-24-2009, 02:38 PM	#8
BustedTruck Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Braselton, GA Posts: 245	Re: Do I need a computer with a 5.3L GEN III? Good luck with this swap. I just like finishing mine, but cant wait to drive again. Start a build thread so we all can see your progress.



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