Am I nuts? LQ9/4L65E --> 98 K1500

[RY_1998Z1]

I've been reading this site for the last few days, and there's TONS of info here! I'm still unclear though on some things and looking for help on this swap.

Here's what I got, I bought a salvage title 2003 Escalade that a tree dropped on and totaled. Got the whole thing out back now. Has 14K miles on it, and absolutely no damage to the powertrain! I got everything - nothing pulled!

I want to pull the LQ9 and 4L65E out of it and put it into my 1998 K1500 extended cab, short bed, Z71 that's turning 180K and I'm losing the trans on. I've ordered Advance Adapter's motor mounts because they advertise the trans will be right where it is now using them. So no shaft work since the 4L65E is same length as the 4L60E. I'm pretty sure I need to just hang my T-case on the 4L65E and ditch the AWD T-case (right?). My 98 does have the two-piece transmission case.

I don't want to mess with drive-by-wire because it just sort of scares me! I pulled a cable operated 6.0L throttle body from a local yard for $125 this morning.

I've don't know what I want to do with the AC, but probably won't cut my frame - just not that brave. I see different people have done some different things so I'll probably glift somewhere when time comes. I heard by word of mouth some shop here in Jersey was able to sling the compressor out of the OBS truck right next to the alternator on a 5.3 swap! Rumor has it they didn't even crack the AC system which would be ideal for me! Got to run that rumor down.

Here's where I start getting lost. I know it doesn't take much to get the motor running with the harness and it's computer. What I don't know if what I need to do to keep everything else working in my truck with its existing computer. In other words, how do I make the newer motor play nice with my old computer, gauges, ABS, and stuff? I saw this article from Street & Performance and they use both computers. Is that they way it needs to be? Can I somehow completely replace my old computer?

Thanks guys for any help! Hope I'm not in over my head!

[Defunct SO]

Street and Perforrmance have a Sanden compressor set up for this swap. It mounts the compressor up high. Not a bad price either.
You will need to keep both pcms. We have done several swaps and even on my '92, you have to keep the old pcm.

[RedHeartbeat]

I stripped the PCMs out of my 92 and 93 and must admit that when we did TRTs truck it was a lot simpler to keep the original PCM in place! That's the easiest way and it keeps everything functional.

[RY_1998Z1]

So here's a question. I live in Jersey and motor vehicle inspection requires them to plug into the OBD2 port and also sniff the pipe. No visual though. I guess I'd need to put the port for the PCM operating the computer under the dash then?

I was reading another forum over Pacific Audio where there is a really, really, long thread over there about a 0411 PCM, but I got lost reading it because it's more on the tuning side, which is over me. Anyway, seems like those guys were doing a full PCM swap out with it. I'd like to have one computer because I've got dual batteries and don't have the fender room to spare. Just wonder if this is realistic to achieve. I obviously need to get into studying that more.

I was looking at that S&P AC setup, but I wonder if there is any way I could adapt the one in the truck now. I know the Escalades LQ9 has a dual alternator option that put the second side by side of the orignal on the driver's. I was thinking maybe I could get my existing AC compressor mounted there too since it's already in that location and because there is a lot of room there on my truck now. Any thoughts from you experienced swappers?

[Defunct SO]

your swap harness will have the port to plug in. Nelson does make a nice harness.
We have used them several times.

[RedHeartbeat]

I'd like to see that dual alternator setup! S&P makes the A/C bracket to mount it high on the passenger side head. Unless you're going with a front mount turbo that is the ideal place for it if you don't feel like chopping up the frame for the stock a/c mount location.

NelsonPerformance.com can build you a harness so you can place your PCM anywhere you want, even under the front seat. Just give them length of the wires you need from the PCM to a reference point such as the centerline of the block at the back of the engine. With their setup you only hook up three wires and they provide you with and ALDL connector that has the SES light built into it to simplify the installation. Give them the length of the wires from a reference point for where you want to mount the ALDL and they can compensate for that too.

[NITROUS]

I dumped my old vortec computer, there was no need for it and everything in my truck is functional. Billy, did you keep it intact or remove it after the install? Just curious..................

[RY_1998Z1]

Nitrous, can you tell me more???

The dual alternator bracket is used in Escalade limo upfits. I have a buddy who owns a limo service and his Escalades have this. I'd see if I can get a picture.

[Defunct SO]

I dumped my old vortec computer, there was no need for it and everything in my truck is functional. Billy, did you keep it intact or remove it after the install? Just curious..................

I left it in.

[NITROUS]

Billy, is the old PCM running anything?

RY_1998Z1, what would you like to know? I'll try to answer the best I can but take all aspects into concideration. Some people like to run the old computer and tuck it on top of the transmission Like S&P does.