PerformanceTrucks.net Forums - LSx PCM swap for 96-00 Vortecs 0411 pcm

Everyone that has a 96-00 Vortec 305 or 350 knows of the limitations to these motors. With the stock intake, pop-it vavles/injectors, and the Black Box PCM, these engines can only support 400 crank horsepower, and with the stock PCM even with the rev limiter turn off you can only rev to 5800. The LSx PCM allows you to rev pass 5800. One of the major limiting factors is the 19lb pop-it vavles and the only way to get more fuel into the motor is to swap to a marine or ram jet intake so you have REAL injectors, and a better flowing intake too, but that can get pretty pricey. As for the PCM the stock Black Box PCM is another major limitation if you want to do anything other than basic bolt ons. That and finding someone in town to tune or dyno tune your PCM is another problem, expecially for the 96-97 motors. Everyone around my town has LSx software or 98-00 Black Box software, no one has 96-97 tuning software around here. After reading all the information about the 0411 LSx computer swap I decided that would be my next upgrade. The LSx PCM would not only allow me to have my truck tuned on a dyno and not mail ordered, but also allow me to tune for what ever future mods I would want to do. With the flip of a switch I can have a custom tune for a nitrous set-up and flip the switch back and i have a full N/A tune, what's not to like about this PCM?

"edit"What makes this PCM swap possible is that GM put the same 350 in the 01-02 Express Vans. You have to get the PCM reflashed with the 01-02 express van tune or a PCM from a 01-02 express van to make it work with the Vortec.
THE SWAP(this couldn't have been possible without the help of LexTech's wiring file, and Doc's tuning)

I started by removing the old PCM, and cutting open the wiring harness to easialy access the wires.
I then took my old 4 plugs and pulled a wire one by one and labeled it with the correct pin out for the two new 80pin LSx plugs. Which gave me this
Attachment 139758

I then separated the wires into two bundles C1 and C2 and then started to pin the LSx plugs. Once I was done with the pining I wrapped up the wiring harness so it would look factory and for now ziptied the PCM to my fender until I find a PCM holder. This is the finished product.
Attachment 139759

I painted my PCM so it looked a little like the old Black box, and it was dirty as hell too.

I have to say the truck is more responsive with the LSx PCM and seeing your motors a/f ratio, timing, and everything else on a Laptop as you drive down the road is crazy. I can't wait to do a full custom tune using the RoadRunner.

The Link to the site and guys that made this all possible.
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3240