96 LC Stoker Kit and Turbo ECU/Tuning Advice

[ThomasMore66]

 

[fzj80crew]

So MOTEC referred us to Cody Phillips Racing. We contacted them and laid out our requirements: harness and tune, to include passing VA emissions. The good new is he did not say "No" but we did not get a firm yes. He is going to do some research and get back to us. So now we wait and hope that if it is a yes it will not be cost prohibitive!

We have not heard anything back from the other companies that we reached out to.

 

[ThomasMore66]

I want to be optimistic.

 

[Joshwho44]

Because you can't plug an OBDII reader into the stock location and have it read the stock computer and have it not show any codes. You are running a standalone in parallel with the stock ECU you are intercepting signals and then sending outputs to the injectors, etc. For example if you are running a MAP tune you don't have a MAF in the system, if you do it is over voltage and CEL, if you don't CEL. If you somehow put it in a section of pipe where the ECU sees the right range of voltage for that 5v sensor, the stock computer still can not send output to the injectors as they are being controlled by the standalone so CEL.

Like I said it could be done. No one has spent the money to pay a good tuner to figure out all the nuances of having the standalone send the ECU the signals it wants to keep it from sending CELS.

The best approach here would be a standalone that's plug and play with the existing ECM/TCM. Then you can have the stock ecu for on-roaf emission compliant driving and the performance standalone for track/off-road/whatever. The integrated TCM makes things more difficult, but also allows for more customization.

I'm slowly working on this with a buddy from work. We have the ECU header connector and a basic current control board for the transmission solenoids...not sure what the engine controller will be, probably a MSPro board.

 

[iptman]

Virginia has this Rapidpass road side emissions testing thing so technically if you can pass that you pass emissions. And it only has to be done every 2 years. Not sure how'd you pre test it though, to see if you'd pass.

 

[scottryana]

Yeah but you would have to swap fuel injectors, put the MAF back in the system, etc. If you wanted to pull the standalone to test. In VA.

But I guess I have an upper hand since the OP, PM'd me. They want the truck to pass emissions in VA, and NC. NC requires OBD testing.

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Emissions Inspection
North Carolina is fighting ozone-forming emissions from gasoline-operated cars and light duty trucks. Inspections are conducted using the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system, computerized equipment installed on all new vehicles since 1996. If you live in one of these counties list you are required to have an emissions inspection.

The best approach here would be a standalone that's plug and play with the existing ECM/TCM. Then you can have the stock ecu for on-roaf emission compliant driving and the performance standalone for track/off-road/whatever. The integrated TCM makes things more difficult, but also allows for more customization.

I'm slowly working on this with a buddy from work. We have the ECU header connector and a basic current control board for the transmission solenoids...not sure what the engine controller will be, probably a MSPro board.

 

[iptman]

The Rapidpass is a road side emissions sniffing system usually setup temporarily on on ramps to limited access roads. I guess my assumption was that it'd be able to pass that on a quick drive by with all that installed. Maybe not though. Obviously that wouldn't help elsewhere.

Edit: terrible reading here, that wasnt a response to me. Leaving the above anyway.

 

[Joshwho44]

Stock harness could be repurposed somewhat, MAP sensor could use MAF harness and connector, etc. It gets you away from needing an expensive one-off harness, just need the mating connectors to match the stock one... If you were to go coil on plug, then this wouldn't be worth the effort.

Having to pass an OBD test is definitely going to be the biggest challenge, I don't see how it's possible with stand alone engine management...from an EPA/legal standpoint.

Yeah but you would have to swap fuel injectors, put the MAF back in the system, etc. If you wanted to pull the standalone to test. In VA.

But I guess I have an upper hand since the OP, PM'd me. They want the truck to pass emissions in VA, and NC. NC requires OBD testing.

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Emissions Inspection
North Carolina is fighting ozone-forming emissions from gasoline-operated cars and light duty trucks. Inspections are conducted using the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system, computerized equipment installed on all new vehicles since 1996. If you live in one of these counties list you are required to have an emissions inspection.

 

[scottryana]

Yep I agree, from a truly legal standpoint it is not. But could it be made to work? I think so. Just going to take time and money. I don't think it is worth it. And me personally I don't think I would want the added complexity for an overland vehicle. Part of the reason I want a turbo to work with the standard computer is if something happens to the standalone you're not stranded.

Stock harness could be repurposed somewhat, MAP sensor could use MAF harness and connector, etc. It gets you away from needing an expensive one-off harness, just need the mating connectors to match the stock one... If you were to go coil on plug, then this wouldn't be worth the effort.

Having to pass an OBD test is definitely going to be the biggest challenge, I don't see how it's possible with stand alone engine management...from an EPA/legal standpoint.