I might get an ECM today for my 3800sc. I had read here that using a 98 - 03ish would work without reprograming If it came from a car without an Anti Theft System (VATS).

Looking at car-part.com, I have found several near me but in looking at the Grand Prix ECMs, 98 and 99 go straight to the list, but once I put in for a 2000 GP ECM, it has a selection for this pcm opt K29.
What is it?

Just looking for the best ECM that will run the car on stock programming so I can move the car. Yes it will be fully programmed.

Any ideas on what Vehicle to get an ECM from and what is this "ecm opt K29"?

Thanks.

Steve

Do you know what year car your L67 came out of ? If so, going with that year ECU is your best bet.

I was told it was a 98. I dont know of any real way to tell for sure. I just hate to take a shot in the dark on this and it not work.
Someone here local said he could program it and I would need to drive it about 10 miles if I went this route or I could just send it to Ryan which was my initial idea.
Eitherway, I still need it to run so I can get it moved.

Steve

So why aren't you asking Ryan?

Like phonedawgz says, get with Ryan. As for using the PCM that came with your L67, it isn't always a good idea. For example I have a 2004 L67 (series II) and Ryan advised me to stick with a '98-01 PCM to make things much easier.

If you need an ECM, post it up in the mall. I am sure you could find one used at a resonable price; I know I have one from a 98 Bonni that I am not going to be using any time soon

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 02-02-2011).]

There is a transmission difference between the 00 years. If you have quick connects on your transmission, you should use 00+ programming.

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: There is a transmission difference between the 00 years. If you have quick connects on your transmission, you should use 00+ programming.

DH's statement is not correct. The only change GM made to the 4T65-E that the PCM cared about occurred in 2003 (and newer) model year 4T65-E transmissions. This change involved GM dropping several pressure switches from the circuits the PCM monitored inside the transmission. Therefore, a 2002-older 3800 PCM is not compatible with a 2003-newer 4T65-E transmission. But if you have a 2002-older 4T65-E transmission, it is compatible with any 1997-2002 3800 SC PCM/programming or any 1998-2002 3800 N/A PCM/programming.

If you have a 2003-newer 4T65-E transmission, you'll need to use a 2003-newer PCM/programming.

Concerning the K29 option, I've seen that listed before in parts books and I'm not exactly sure what it is other than the definition given by GM which doesn't clarify the difference between the same type of 3800 car that has that option and one that does not. So I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as you get the correct/compatible year PCM for what you are working with. I do have a list of compatible PCM service numbers on my website (in the tech->downloads section) if you would like to make sure you are getting a compatible PCM for whatever swap you are doing.

Concerning VATS, I've tuned quite a few of these PCMs for Fiero swaps and I have yet to find where VATS was enabled in any stock 1998-2000 Grand Prix programming. The 2003 Grand Prix programming does have it enabled for sure (stock). I haven't seen enough 2001-02 Grand Prix 3800 PCM files to tell you if all have it enabled or not.

Can you run a Fiero swap on stock Grand Prix 3800 programming that didn't have VATS enabled from the factory? Yes. But you will undoubtedly have some trouble codes setting for emissions and other equipment you won't be installing in your swap. So it is always a good idea to have the PCM custom programmed to your application so you can make sure it is set up correctly for the swap you are doing and that the check engine light only comes on when there is a legitimate problem.

-ryan

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Custom GM OBD1 & OBD2 Tuning | Engine Conversions & more | www.gmtuners.com

quote DH's statement is not correct.

So, I am wrong.

quote Concerning the K29 option, I've seen that listed before in parts books and I'm not exactly sure what it is other than the definition given by GM

And you have no clue.

Why are you posting then? Another troll post maybe?

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: And you have no clue. Why are you posting then? Another troll post maybe?

Darth, Troll Post? NOT!

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: And you have no clue. Why are you posting then? Another troll post maybe?

And you have a clue what the K29 option is so that's why you posted nothing about that; but THEN added misinformation about the "00+" 4T65E on top of it...??? And you're calling me a troll???