LT-1 questions from a beginner

DAVE_HEMPSTEAD at HP-Andover-om3.om.hp.com DAVE_HEMPSTEAD at HP-Andover-om3.om.hp.com
Fri Apr 3 22:15:16 GMT 1998


Hi,
   I've been a member of this digest for some time now, but haven't been paying 
a whole lot of attention (my fault, not enough time in the day :-).

   I've seen recent posts regarding LT1 engines and I could use some advice and 
help.  If my questions are too long or too detailed, I'll be glad to send email 
offline to the 'experts'.

   I've got a LT1 and 4L60E trans from a '96 Impala SS.  I'm putting these into 
my '34 Ford street rod <VBG>.  I've talked with John Spears (found through the 
NAISSO digest).  He has swapped my '96 PCM for a '95 Camare PCM and selected a 
speedometer calibration from the possible Camaro selections to nearly match my 
rear end and tire size.  I'm running one O2 sensor on each side of the exhaust, 
headers, no catalytic converter (the car remains registered as a 1934 model :-).
 Here are my questions:

   1.  I've been told my pair of knock sensors will not work with the '95 PCM.  
I need a Camaro knock sensor, and I need only one.  Is this true?

   2.  The headers will force me to move the knock sensor.  Can I relocate it in
the block?  Does it matter which side I put it on?
   

   General question:   I'm sure I will need a scan tool.  How expensive are 
they?  I have an electrical engineering background, can I build one myself?  Is 
it RS-232 based?  I'm sure this will be a critical tool for me.

   3.  I've removed the AIR pump and the gas canister.  Can I disable the 
trouble codes for these?  Or, can I fake the PCM to think that they are present?

   4.  I've read about the VAT.  I think I can build up a 555 circuit to fake 
it.

   5.  For space reasons (the '34 engine compartment is VERY tight) I may need 
to remove the MAF.  Is this a mistake????

   6.  For the same reasons, I may need to remove the EGR.  Is this a mistake???

   7.  Should I assume that I will need to buy a PCM programmer to customize my 
setup?  I know that they are expensive.  I think I have access to a scan tool at
a friend's shop, but I think I'll really need my own.  If I also need a 
programmer, I'm on my own there.   

Thanks in advance,
Dave Hempstead
dave_hempstead at hp.com
'34 Ford Sedan
Andover, Massachusetts





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