LT-1 questions from a beginner

[Jennifer and Brock Fraser]

>   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?

I wasn't aware that the '96 Impala engine had 2 knock sensors.  A '96
Camaro engine has only one sensor, and it feeds pin Blue-22 on the PCM.
Call the dealership and try to match knock sensor P/N's from a B and F car,
then you will know for sure.

>
>   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?

There are many opinions on this...  Try to locate it in a location that has
similar acoustic mass between the meat of the block and the threads as the
factory location.
>
>   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?

Disabling the codes is not an easy task.  I'd reccomend faking out the
system.  You'll need a shop manual to study the schematic and system
description, if you don't already have one.  The best bet is to live with
codes, but have your scan tool handy so that you know what they all are
anytime you want to check the status...

>
>   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????

Removing the MAF will set codes, of course.  My experience is that these
controllers run just as well on the backup-mode (speed-density) as they do
with the MAF sensor in place.  In fact, no difference at all as indicated
on a chassis dyno.  As for drivability / idle / cold ambient, I don't have
much experience with that.  Another source claims BETTER throttle response
running on backup mode (MAF removed).

Of course, this should be done with a virtually un-modified engine unless
you are going to re-tune.  Backup mode won't compensate for your changes
well...


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

No W.O.T power penalties, but part throttle ping and/or stumble may occur.
And of course, more codes that aren't easily defeatable.

>
>   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. 

Somebody else reccomended a Diacom.  I agree - hard to beat it.  There's
another product at:

www.carcomp.com


Hope this helped,
Brock