Yesterday we got our prototype engine running with the following (see video):
  • 12200411 LS1 PCM with a true, coil per cylinder, LS1 calibration
  • LS1 Corvette Electronic Throttle Body "Drive by Wire"
  • 8 LS1 Coils
  • 1989 5.7L TPI long block
  • Ram Jet 350 Intake Manifold Kit
  • Ram Jet 350 Camshaft
  • GM 1.6 Rocker Arms




About the Vortec (Distributor) System
The 96-99 Vortec Truck engines and 01-02 Vortec Express Van engines use a 4x crank signal from within the timing cover and a 1x cam signal from within the distributor. All of these engines are equipped with the necessary sensors and hardware to use the 12200411 PCM with the 01-02 Express Van calibration. This offers the use of cable throttle only. The PCM can be loaded with either a 4L60E or 4L80E calibration.

About the LS1 (Distributor-less) System
The LS style engines use a 24x crank signal from within the block. The crank reluctor is pressed on the crankshaft and a sensor is mounted in the side of the block to pick up the signal. The 1x cam signal is generated from a sensor dropped in the top/rear of the engine. This system offers use the use of a 4L60E, 4L80E, and Skip Shift and Reverse Lockout for the T56. Neither the crank or cam components are swappable on the early small block engines as they're LS style specific. The engine pictured is receiving a 24x crank signal from within the timing cover and a 1x cam signal from a Vortec distributor. A custom harness was built to work with the system. A 2002 Corvette LS1/T56 calibration was loaded into the PCM. Basically, the PCM thinks this engine is an LS1 with electronic throttle.

Availability of Components
This engine is the result of a lot of research and development. Some of the pieces that went into making this possible are prototype, "one-off", pieces. This engine is planned for a 1991 Trans Am Convertible project. Any bugs will be identified and get worked out. As the engine sits it is equipped with the first prototype pieces. Knock sensors will move to the sides of the block, coil brackets will be revised, air filter will change, etc.