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Thread: Swapping 98 ecu with 96 ecu, will it work?

  1. #1
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    Default Swapping 98 ecu with 96 ecu, will it work?

    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?
    98 6,5TD Suburban 1500 4x4, 3" exhaust

  2. #2
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    Welcome aboard!

    Simply, yes.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  3. #3
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    I thought only 94 and 95 had replaceable chips and anything newer should be sent to Kennedy for a programing upgrade.
    "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government."
    -Patrick Henry


    A5150nut
    2006 K3500 D/A
    94 6.5 4x4 5spd Sold

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by a5150nut View Post
    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.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  5. #5
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    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?
    98 6,5TD Suburban 1500 4x4, 3" exhaust

  6. #6
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    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.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  7. #7
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    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.
    98 6,5TD Suburban 1500 4x4, 3" exhaust

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Ft. Wayne, In.
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    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
    Dave, N9LOV
    Member #242
    Dave's Diesels:
    Sold June, 07 '82 1/2 ton 4X4;340k miles
    '97 2 Dr Tahoe, Intercooled,
    Kennedy ECM, 4" Exhaust
    '02 GMC

  9. #9
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    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.
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by DieselDavy View Post
    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^^

    Quote Originally Posted by Kennedy View Post
    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.
    98 6,5TD Suburban 1500 4x4, 3" exhaust

  11. #11
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    John Knows his stuff.

    PM him for $$$ info and such.
    (1) 1995 Suburban 2500 4x4
    (1) 1997 Astro
    (1) 2005 Suburban (Papa Smurf)
    THIS IS BOW TIE COUNTRY

  12. #12
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    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.
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

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