Lsx/4+3 swap
WVZR1 may be right (usually is) about 88 vs 85 so I will talk in general. For an 85, there is no connection between the ECM and the digi-dash except one thing for "Avg MPG" (and I don't remember what that link was). I was able to take all wires from the ECM and remove them, all the MAF, injectors, coolant sensor wire, distributor, etc.
The new PCM (your truck PCM) will talk to different sensors, it has it's own injector and coil wiring, a separate coolant sensor it will monitor, etc.
I'm not sure if you've seen my project thread, link here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...mond-6spd.html
Post #42 starts getting into the wiring. While I did go with aftermarket, your approach should be similar. If you have a complete truck harness, there is no need to try and tap into the existing 88 engine harness. What the new PCM needs is mainly power and ground and access to certain ground circuits to turn things on/off. The PSI harness guide in my thread might help identify the key circuits for you and you'll need a pin-out chart for the new PCM.
We'll get you wired up, and hopefully keep all the smoke in the wires!
Bk
WVZR1 may be right (usually is) about 88 vs 85 so I will talk in general. For an 85, there is no connection between the ECM and the digi-dash except one thing for "Avg MPG" (and I don't remember what that link was). I was able to take all wires from the ECM and remove them, all the MAF, injectors, coolant sensor wire, distributor, etc.
The new PCM (your truck PCM) will talk to different sensors, it has it's own injector and coil wiring, a separate coolant sensor it will monitor, etc.
I'm not sure if you've seen my project thread, link here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...mond-6spd.html
Post #42 starts getting into the wiring. While I did go with aftermarket, your approach should be similar. If you have a complete truck harness, there is no need to try and tap into the existing 88 engine harness. What the new PCM needs is mainly power and ground and access to certain ground circuits to turn things on/off. The PSI harness guide in my thread might help identify the key circuits for you and you'll need a pin-out chart for the new PCM.
We'll get you wired up, and hopefully keep all the smoke in the wires!
appreciate the input. I think I was most likely just overthinking it all. For some reason I had it in my head that certain wires from the L98 were needed to make the new ls engine run but now that I think about it that wouldn't make sense seeing how the truck harness is what was used to run the 5.3. I've been pretty busy with work and can't find my '88s electrical manual but hopefully the fsm has some useful schematics.
I ran the red wire into the number one and the other one uses a resistor into the third wire on the connector. The car voltage was dropping below 12 volts and throwing codes. The car was also popping/studdering thru the intake when I was free reving the engine. I can take a picture for you if you want.
I now have a steady 14.5 volts.

holes are from lining up on the tranny end?
Last edited by armybyrd; Jun 8, 2017 at 08:35 PM.
WVZR1 may be right (usually is) about 88 vs 85 so I will talk jin general. For an 85, there is no connection between the
ECM and the digi-dash except one thing for "Avg MPG" (and I don't remember what that link was). I was able to take all wires from the ECM and remove them, all the MAF, injectors, coolant sensor wire, distributor, etc.
The new PCM (your truck PCM) will talk to different sensors, it has it's own injector and coil wiring, a separate coolant sensor it will monitor, etc.
I'm not sure if you've seen my project thread, link here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...mond-6spd.html
Post #42 starts getting into the wiring. While I did go with aftermarket, your approach should be similar. If you have a complete truck harness, there is no need to try and tap into the existing 88 engine harness. What the new PCM needs is mainly power and ground and access to certain ground circuits to turn things on/off. The PSI harness guide in my thread might help identify the key circuits for you and you'll need a pin-out chart for the new PCM.
We'll get you wired up, and hopefully keep all the smoke in the wires!
I figured that's how it would be. Now I just need to get a good schematic of the '88 so I can see what wires are for the lights, heater and fan and remove all of the engine harness.
On another thought-where did you guys mount your pcms? The engine bay is already tight and I really don't want to put it above the battery.
I installed most of my relays for the fuel pump, radiator. I have to add coolant. Very close. I had one exhaust pipe sitting to low and adjusted it last night.
I've heard the engine run and it sounds good. I'm 60psi of fuel pressure, not sure on how much fuel your using.
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I've already added a bunch of fuel to my maps, as my engine didn't want to accelerate and pops a bunch. What timing you guys using? I'm 10 deg's at idle and 31 at 3500 rpm.
Last edited by Mike Holmen; Jun 12, 2017 at 10:32 PM.
did you lay it flat? I thought about that but wasn't sure if there would be Enough room.
did your aftermarket harness replace all of the stock relays by the battery?
I using one relay for the pusher fan and another for the fuel pump. I'm using the stock GM relay for the main fan. I'm also installing a over ride switch to turn on both fans.
I've installed alarm system and stereo system into my car. Most of the wiring is almost done. Just have to make some exhaust hangers and add some coolant.
I also need to install my lokar throttle cable, trans TV cable and cruise cable. Figure out a cold air intake. The build list to get the car to running state seems to never stop.

Armybrd, you get your turbo locations figured out?
Waiting on my C4 electrical manual to arrive.
In the meantime maybe someone can help me out with a few questions..
is the stock junction area needed for the lsx swap? Anyone know about the stock relays can be removed?
I'm going to run a manually switch to turn on my coolant fans from inside the car.
Armybrd, Have you run a new cable for the throttle yet? What a pain, had to remove half the dash to get that done.
Last edited by Mike Holmen; Jun 15, 2017 at 10:01 AM.
I'm going to run a manually switch to turn on my coolant fans from inside the car.
Armybrd, Have you run a new cable for the throttle yet? What a pain, had to remove half the dash to get that done.
going dbw. Waiting on my electrical manual and d36 c-beam to get here so I can move forward.
Been impressed on well the street manors are. Not sure if the car is better on fuel yet.
I seem to have a heavier foot than I did with the L98 engine.
As far as relays and junction box, I don't think there is a set answer.
It depends on what you have from the new engine and how you want to integrate. If I had to guess, that junction block goes to more than just engine harness and will have to remain. If those are fan and/or fuel relays, you can keep them and just tie the ground of the relay control circuit into the new PCM control circuit. That way (keeping the existing relays) all the wiring from the relay to the actual fan and fuel pump, power to the relays, etc. doesn't have to be redone.
I can't even imagine what a turbo LS engine would do in a manual car. Probably just blow the tires off any time you start to put some power into it.
I'm running LQ9 (6.0 stock), headers, intake and 103 mm throttle body, 700r and dana 36 with 2.73 gears. My car pulls pretty decent from stop to 80 mph.
I can't even imagine what a turbo LS engine would do in a manual car. Probably just blow the tires off any time you start to put some power into it.
I'm running LQ9 (6.0 stock), headers, intake and 103 mm throttle body, 700r and dana 36 with 2.73 gears. My car pulls pretty decent from stop to 80 mph.












