LS swap gauge questions
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Port St. Lucie FL
LS swap gauge questions
I have a question before I start changing everything, I have a 1980 and am putting a 5.3 in it. I pulled the harness off to convert it to a 5 wire set up. Before I do that I wanted to addesss my gauges. I am using a 4l60e and wanted to keep it electronic. Abbott makes an analog to digital convertor that I don't really want to do. Then I need to figure out oil pressure etc.. So is there a smarter way to do this??
Also I have a diagram for the 5 wire set up but if anyone can give me another i would appreciate it as there seem to be a few problems with the one I have.
Jason
Also I have a diagram for the 5 wire set up but if anyone can give me another i would appreciate it as there seem to be a few problems with the one I have.
Jason
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
There are tailhousing for electronic trans that have a cable drive. They are expensive.
On the oil pressure sender, I assume you have an electric gauge. Remove the stock sender, get an adapter from Speedway Motor to 1/8" NPT. Reuse the old sender, wire directly to it.
You'll need the ecu tuned for 8 cylinder output, currently it's 4 cylinder.
On the oil pressure sender, I assume you have an electric gauge. Remove the stock sender, get an adapter from Speedway Motor to 1/8" NPT. Reuse the old sender, wire directly to it.
You'll need the ecu tuned for 8 cylinder output, currently it's 4 cylinder.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Here is the wiring diagram that I drew up for my car. I ended up using the relay marked 'water pump' for the single fan. That is the low speed fan relay. I didn't use the last relay on the right.
I know you said that you didn't want to use the Abbott speedo converter but there aren't many alternatives if you want to keep your original speedometer. I use the converter and it works well. I calibrated it with a GPS and it is within +-1mph.
Rick B.
I know you said that you didn't want to use the Abbott speedo converter but there aren't many alternatives if you want to keep your original speedometer. I use the converter and it works well. I calibrated it with a GPS and it is within +-1mph.
Rick B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
You need to get the pin outs for your particular year and model 5.3
There are a few differences you would need to know to mod your stock harness. As to the relays/fuses you can get by with just a few, but I like to separate them into more circuits - like O2s on a separate circuit.
There are a few differences you would need to know to mod your stock harness. As to the relays/fuses you can get by with just a few, but I like to separate them into more circuits - like O2s on a separate circuit.
Last edited by 74modified; May 23, 2013 at 11:28 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I forgot to mention that the pinout references in my diagram are for a 2001 Camaro. You will have to find the specific pinouts for your harness although I suspect they won't be too much different.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
I am in the process of gather part for the same 5.3 4l60e swap you are planning. I am learning as I go as well. I was thinking of swapping my '81 instrument cluster for one from a 99+ LS camaro. I read on LS1Tech of folks swapping LS motors into mustangs and used camaro gauges. I guess you would use the body control module BCM from donor to operate gauges. It seems best option (low cost) for me to get compatible gauges and upgrade the '81s 85 MPH speedometer. Just my thoughts...
Smiles,
Sam
Smiles,
Sam
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 174
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith AR
I have a question before I start changing everything, I have a 1980 and am putting a 5.3 in it. I pulled the harness off to convert it to a 5 wire set up. Before I do that I wanted to addesss my gauges. I am using a 4l60e and wanted to keep it electronic. Abbott makes an analog to digital convertor that I don't really want to do. Then I need to figure out oil pressure etc.. So is there a smarter way to do this??
Also I have a diagram for the 5 wire set up but if anyone can give me another i would appreciate it as there seem to be a few problems with the one I have.
Jason
Also I have a diagram for the 5 wire set up but if anyone can give me another i would appreciate it as there seem to be a few problems with the one I have.
Jason
