Swapping 98 ecu with 96 ecu, will it work?

[Jan]

Hi folks, new here but been following here before registered.

I own 2 suburbans, one 96 and one 98. Both of them are 1500 model with 8lugs, no EGR, same drivetrains, same color, same engines only the year is seperating them and the option LS/LT. Trans should be same, tranfser box is 241/243 I think. Both of them are vacum controlled on wastegate.

96 sub 1GNGK16F1TJ344243
98 sub 1GNGK16F9WJ375308

My 96 have a unknown perfomance chip (previously owner claimed 40hp) I upgraded it to 3" exhaust, no gauges. I drove it like this for 20k over a year, ran like a champ. I did little or less towing tho. It has 413 000 km on it now.

Will this ecu w/chip fit into my 98 and just fire it up ready to go?

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome aboard!

Simply, yes.

[a5150nut]

I thought only 94 and 95 had replaceable chips and anything newer should be sent to Kennedy for a programing upgrade.

[DmaxMaverick]

I thought only 94 and 95 had replaceable chips and anything newer should be sent to Kennedy for a programing upgrade.

Yes/no. He's talking about taking the ECM from one truck and swapping it into another like truck. They need to be "programmed" by someone who can, with the equipment to do it, if an "upgrade" (chip, power program, etc.) is desired. Once programmed, by GM or aftermarket, they will work in any like vehicle/powertrain of same OBD standard.

[Jan]

Thank you all for feedback :)

Reason doing this, is that I plan to sell my 96 truck. Moving everything over to the new one saves me some money.

My other thought is the security light in dash on 98 year, does it operate together with ECM or does it have little meaning when doing the change?

[DmaxMaverick]

The security system on your 1998 isn't related to the ECM. The BCM and radio systems control the Theft-Lock security system. No worries.

[Jan]

Okay, just swapped them today. I also had some fishbiting in overdrive on the 98 model so I borrowed the FSD from my older one.

On my 98 model with 96 ECM chipped this happened:

1) Eninge lamp was more or less missing with ignition on.
2) Sounds like a crusher 1-2 sec with new FSD (probly normal)
3) Wait to start, glowing lamp just disappeared in dash!
4) Security lamp lighten up after started driving
5) Improved throttle response and less slip on converter. No huge black smoke, only when flooring it. Engine hits redline (did that as well with normal ECM too) with ease and gearbox deliver good response to shifting.
6) Drives smooth and nice with new Ecm.
7) When hitting overdrive, "Wait to start" flashed on. Light triggered by throttle response over 1500rpm and disappeared when letting go of throttle...

So I just put in my 98 ECM again and everything seemed fine. I think it`s not worth to have to 96 ecm when it causes trouble described over here. I could have the use of more throttle response and less slipping on converter. It felt way better. So I might have to get buy a new chip or flash it with correct software to get the little I wanted.

[DieselDavy]

Jan,
I'd contact John Kennedy and ask him about his economy tune. My guess is, he can get you hooked up right away.
Dave

[Kennedy]

You can get away with a little bit, but not a lot with these swaps.

The hardware is the same, but the software is not. Odd things like lights and systems not functioning are to be expected. Security, glow, and check engine lights not functioning are not surprising.

[Jan]

Jan,
I'd contact John Kennedy and ask him about his economy tune. My guess is, he can get you hooked up right away.
Dave

Good idea^^


You can get away with a little bit, but not a lot with these swaps.

The hardware is the same, but the software is not. Odd things like lights and systems not functioning are to be expected. Security, glow, and check engine lights not functioning are not surprising.

I take that it`s himself commenting here right? I should ask for a price quote.

[Robyn]

John Knows his stuff.

PM him for $$$ info and such.

[Kennedy]

There is really no value to me for the tuned ECM except as a core. I could write a proper tune and load it if you like. That or you could try to sell to another 96'er in hopes that is a close enough match to work.