LS Swap VATS removal using free programs PCM Hammer & Universal Patcher!!!!! [Full Tutorial] Ep.#1

I did this video help those who aren't quite ready to make 1000hp & just want to get their project rolling. Its a great step by step method to help fantastic wrenchers who struggle with computer stuff. Please mention in the comments on what you would like to see in episode 2!
PCM Hammer (reading/flashing tool)
github.com/LegacyNsfw/PcmHacks
Universal Patcher (tuning tool,think HP Tuners)
universalpatcher.net/
OBDX Pro VX (PCM Hammer supported)
obdxpro.com/product/obdx-pro-...
OBDLink MX+ ($139) (few people has had issues with this very one I used,NEVER UPDATE IT.)
shorturl.at/jlxH
MX+ is for people who work on cars, which may include newer cars or have iOS. All add-ons are free for life.
OBDLink LX (cheaper but less features $89)
shorturl.at/forV9
LX is for people who don't work on many cars and definitely nothing new 2016 & up) if they did & must have Android or Windows. add on cost $
12v AC adapter ($5)
shorturl.at/rHPUX
OBDII pigtail ($9)
shorturl.at/tSVX6
Free at junkyard
Blue Harness ($20)
shorturl.at/grsV4
Free at Junkyard, take it from vehicle that had engine already removed as courtesy just in case a future buyer wanted engine and harness. It can come from any year LS (Red/Blue or Green/Blue) the blue is interchangeable between the color ways

[@2muchspl]

Some people have issues with the OBDLINK MX+, I highly recommend never update the dongle itself. I would purchase the PCM Hammer supported OBDX PRO VX here from official website. Everything else in the video stays same. obdxpro.com/product/obdx-pro-vx-obd2-diagnostics-and-tuning/?swcfpc=1

[@pjmccoy4216]

New subscriber! I'm new to ls, dropping my lm7 into 2nd gen fbody. This helps so much. Love the way you explain, being real. Awesome

[@2muchspl]

@@pjmccoy4216 Im a sucker for a F-body!!!! I've owned 3 over the years lol. #Addict

[@jayhacker1641]

Man you did a fantastic job thank you so much for the details on the links and actually zooming in so we can actually see what you click im now subscribing

[@2muchspl]

Thank for watching, Im still trying to gather time to do episode 2 and picking a subject. I got skills in efan swap, 4L80e swap and injector upgrades. I want to keep it next video easy and may do 4L80e swap video since efans is a little more involved based on PCM. Let me know what yall wanna see lol

[@genegalpin556]

Great Video my friend. Super helpful. I am right behind you with programming my ECU. Thanks!

[@user-zy1zz4vg5o]

Even though I will be doing a Gen 4, this taught me more in just a few minutes than I could have imagined. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort you put into creating this video. Thank you Sir. Subbed

[@2muchspl]

Glad it helped!

[@chrisb1025]

I can’t wait to see the final results!

[@DustinErickson-gl2pd]

Awesome this video helps!!! Also glad to see I’m not the only one doing the trash bin workbench!

[@2muchspl]

It's my favorite work area lol, thanks for watching

[@waynebayer3144]

best description yet great job

[@2muchspl]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate this!!

[@jasonhastings5538]

Lets go!!!! Great video im gonna look into this!!!!!! Thanks👍👍👍👍👍

[@2muchspl]

No problem 🫡

[@cacoon8669]

You helped me unlock mine! Thank you!

[@2muchspl]

Excellent!!!!! I still haven't filmed episode 2 yet. I hope to keep flooding y'all with good how to from a beginner's point of view.

[@davidrobertson8035]

awesome explanation of how this works

[@2muchspl]

Thanks David!!!!

[@heroknaderi]

This is so cool I enjoyed it. I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix and occasionally have to do a relearn procedure on the passkey 3 it has. I feel this should fix it. If you do more videos of this let’s see if this van work for ford pats and Nissan nats. Keep it coming.😎😎

[@2muchspl]

This will definitely totally defeat it if you're able to get in. I miss my 98 GP!!!

[@waynebayer3144]

best instruction yet, great job

[@2muchspl]

Glad you liked it!

[@monodeagua3]

Great tutorial, as you were explaining it I was going thru the process. AWESOME!!!! Thanks I am also doing a swap- 5.3 into a land rover 2001. now deciding to stay with DBW or change to DBC. And how to change that in the pcm. My first build.

[@2muchspl]

LS in a Rover is going to be heaven!! Im glad you enjoyed the video. Also I kept my DBW, I didn't wanna deal with fiddling with a cable,right length,angles,etc. This did come with a cost later on when I switched to a TBSS intake and TB, I ended up needing a X-Link adapter to make the original 8 pin wire harness play nice with 90mm 6 pin TBSS throttle body. Small price to pay but worth it. I found the whole DBW/DBC debate overblown, with the only hiccup being the X-Link if you switched to TBSS intake with a TBSS TB.

[@monodeagua3]

Looks like I'm going for the x-link cable too and eliminate the original cable so to keep DBW. Also doing the TBSS set up with original injectors and fuel rail by holley. My engine came with peddle so I have mod onto my truck. Thanks again for the awesome video.

[@monodeagua3]

In the program universal patch how do check if the pcm is set up for flex fuel? or which (+) menu do you get into to check? Thanks

[@krr868]

Excellent work!

[@2muchspl]

Many thanks!

[@Shadetree_Mechanic]

Liked and subscribed ! definitely made this very simple to follow

[@2muchspl]

Thanks for the sub!

[@cvpiDOTnet]

Great video, perfectly explained. Thank you

[@2muchspl]

Stay tuned for episode 2. Im thinking electric fans or segment swapping

[@monodeagua3]

Will do- thanks

[@fearcityfpv7037]

Awesome video! Awesome car!!

[@2muchspl]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@rayjon237]

Thank you for doing this..

[@stevemadak6255]

Dood, youre a Super Star. Thanks

[@joeclement3680]

That was a great tutorial vid!!! Keep up the great work!!! Thanks and God Bless!!! Sincerely Joe C.

[@2muchspl]

God Bless you too and thanks for watching Joe♥️♥️

[@SurgicalSnowball]

Great walk-through! I'm glad you made as idiot proof as possible and even reinstalled VATS and deleted all the programs. I'm buying the bench setup now.

[@2muchspl]

Thank you so much for watching! I've always wondered did folks catch on that I did a square 1 install lol

[@SurgicalSnowball]

​@2muchspl please do a part 2 that covers deleting certain codes from showing up.

[@SurgicalSnowball]

Wanted to let you know that I finally did it! Thanks to you! I was scared that my amazon bench harness was not sufficient after looking at yours. Mine only had 4 wires to the pcm. It did work, but I had to cut the plug off and connect it to a 12v jump box. Thanks again!

[@2muchspl]

@@SurgicalSnowball [pumps fist] happy swapping!!!!!!!!

[@2015_Rubicnn]

They are more expensive, but it's best to get a flash programming power supply for in car programming. They supply a constant voltage and vary the current for this purpose. Low voltage and noisy voltage are what will brick a ECU while flashing.

[@2muchspl]

I'll keep this in mind for my next build. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!!!

[@jockwilson8563]

You friend are a genius!

[@2muchspl]

Takes a bow,lol!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@davegreen4681]

Excellent job!

[@2muchspl]

Thank you very much!

[@edmartinez7338]

thanks for learning me

[@2muchspl]

It's my pleasure

[@donfullbright8468]

Nice information

[@2muchspl]

I got more videos (beginner style) coming soon!

[@kenken4153]

Thank you!

[@2muchspl]

You're welcome!

[@SimonQuennevilleSim]

thanks for tutorial

[@2muchspl]

Not a problem, episode 3 coming soon!

[@dsmmonster]

Great video thanks for the help..!! You did tuned the cam with pcm hammer too?

[@2muchspl]

Thanks for watching, Hammer is just a flashing tool. Universal Patcher does the modding. But no, I didn't know enough at the time of filming to tune (only enough to get it running). Now that I'm versed in HP Tuners, flashing it back to day one stock and applying that knowledge to Patcher is ABSOLUTELY on the agenda.

[@luiscorreia6732]

Damn bro. So very easily explained! I'm not computer savvy, nor do I have the confidence. However I can build a engine no problem. I have a couple questions for you: the PCM/wires, what do you have it connected to that is giving you 12v power? Just an outside battery/charger?? Also I have a stock 2000 silverado 4.8 with just CAI at the moment. With the setup you are showing can I pull any extra power from the engine? Things like this make me extremely nervous but the way you have explained I feel confident that I can tackle thos myself without spending a ton of money for HP tuners or bringing my truck to soneone

[@2muchspl]

The small black ac/dc adapter is providing 12 volts at 1amp just like a car battery but on the bench. Though it is no where near strong enough to charge a car battery nor do anything inside a vehicle,its perfect for only powering the PCM.

[@nathansachs6752]

I couldn't agree more with " I like cheap. I like function." With that being said I am about to tackle an Ls swap. I currently have no means of communicating with the pcm. Would you recommend that i buy myself a OBDLink Mx+ or would there be a cheaper way for me to go about it? Excellent video by the way. Thank you for that

[@2muchspl]

I'm sorry I just saw this. I would recommend a MX+ . If working on vehicles alot. I do alot of wrenching a side job so It a good investment for me. The next model down can do everything you want for LS stuff but will be limited to year range & modules (modules are like plug ins to see hidden areas of PCM, explained simplest) aren't free with cheaper model.

[@Demastrmind]

I just found your video and my plan is to do my first LS swap on my 76 c10 shortwide. Ive seen some of the gm bench harness build and it wasnt as detailed for me. Can you possibly show how you wired it up. Also do you have any type of check engine light indicator on your vehicle. Oh and I like that Nova.

[@2muchspl]

I still have the rough cut of my own harness video, my camera stopped recording on some critical parts. I think I will reshoot or even make a 3rd harness to help you guys out.

[@Demastrmind]

@@2muchspl thank you sir

[@robertmccully2792]

You may need 5 amp power supply if you run into problems.

[@KenHammonds-uq8df]

I've watched probably ten videos on removing vats and start getting confused pretty quick lol, but your video step by step is very easy to follow. Just got the obdx pro vx and will be doing this tomorrow, engine us going in obs chevy with a turbo 400, what else do I need to delete while I'm at it. My ac converter/ transformer is 12v. 850ma will it be ok or should I find another, thanks

[@2muchspl]

Immediately find another if you can. Anything closer to 13v and 1000ma [2000ma is even better] will give you less problems.

[@KenHammonds-uq8df]

@@2muchspl got it, thanks!

[@KenHammonds-uq8df]

Ok having problems, as stated above I have the obdx pro vx. I initially had pcm wired with four wires like most bench harness. It kept failing pretty much at first step, can't remember what it said had several beers at that point. Today I wired exactly like you told another member checked all wires with multi meter before putting back together. Today I'm getting, failed to switch to dvi protocol, unable to Initialize obdx on com 3, any thoughts?

[@KenHammonds-uq8df]

My pcm is a 4896 if it matters

[@gregmartin7470]

Quick question. I have a 6.0 gen 3 ecu, is it possible to change injector size in universal patcher to 5.3 size? Just curious if I will still need to send out for a flash to get up and running before I purchase the Pro VX.

[@2muchspl]

Absolutely possible, the injector size and it's data (fancy for injector on/off pulse timing,) will need to be put into the tables. Let me gather some of my day 1 BIN data and compare it to a current/new (That was done with HP Tuners). I think this will be a great next episode.

[@emidiomontes4633]

Can you make a video on how toy made the harnes

[@monodeagua3]

Awesome -- What throttle body is attached to the TBSS?

[@2muchspl]

Its a 90mm, make sure if you need a replacement to get a true GM Gold or Silver blade (not aftermarket). X-Link has issues with how they work vs the GM counterpart.

[@monodeagua3]

@@2muchspl Thanks for the information.

[@TooTallMike]

Are you able to do a segment swap for changing the transmission? Like 4l60 to 4l80

[@2muchspl]

Its on episode 2, i uploaded it a week ago. Enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmi6lqBnl9uKoKMsi=yLBiyQJi0js_o0Ya

[@joeyrangel228]

Awesome video i just downloaded the programs now i need the obd port and reader to connect to my laptop, the one for $89 is that the best one or could i use a wired connection?

[@2muchspl]

There has been a issue with that very dongle I use, according to Facebook. This issue comes after users update the dongle,Ive never experienced any such issues,but Ive also never updated it. I've only seen one post about it. For problem free issues I recommend the OBDX Pro VX. This company is working hand in hand with the makers of PCM Hammer.

[@joeyrangel228]

@2muchspl awesome I had heard that as well but thanks for clearing that up , i think I'll get the pro vx

[@emidiomontes4633]

So do you know why this isn’t working for us with the Bluetooth isn’t showing up on my computer

[@kenken4153]

What do you recommend for Fan adjustment for South Florida "Miami" temperature zone.. Mostly Hot and lots of Traffic.. 2000 C5 Corvette, I pulled info stored from the PCM ECT_Fan1_High_Threshold 108.0078, ECT_Fan1_Low_Threshold 103.9844 ----- ECT_Fan2_High_Threshold 113.0078, ECT_Fan2_Low_Threshold 108.5156... ?

[@2muchspl]

Fans will be my next episode lol, but I would use these #s for brutal dead of summer temps. Fan1 low 93.33 Fan1 high 98.88 Fan2 low 99.10 Fan2 high 104 This way the fans are coming on sooner to keep heat in check before things get toasty. These settings will suck at 40°, particular the fan1 low (93c = 199F). I would raise it to 96c (205f) if spring/fall had cool weather.

[@quentinstadler]

Do you have more videos on this

[@stevepratt7959]

My Tahoe was recently stuck by lightning and had to get a new used ecm just wondering if clearing vats would mess my bcm up such as door locks and such also can this change vin in ecm to match my Tahoe thanks 🙏

[@2muchspl]

@@stevepratt7959 The Vats removal would not interfere with BCM, basically the BCM would scream 'hey this aint the right key, dont start up' to the PCM & the PCM would be like 'IDC,vrooom'. The door locks (& alarm) either with key or with fob would still function. The VIN, from my understanding is hidden in a few places and can be seen inside U.Patcher. I however have no experience changing them nor know the ill effects if you only switch one or so. I would get the truck running, then grab a spare identical PCM on a ½ off day from junkyard and experiment with that one.

[@stevepratt7959]

@@2muchspl appreciate all your help and advice thanks

[@ChrisSheley]

do you have to save/ save as after every modification or can i go through and modify everything and save once? Thanks for all the help

[@2muchspl]

You can make all the changes at once,save once. FYI please let be very cautious taking this advice troubleshooting a do not start (hot or cold) situation.

[@chrissheley3305]

Thank you

[@monodeagua3]

Hey so my mod process is slow- I cut my blue plug off my harness and now i need one for DBW. Any suggestions on who is trusted enough to buy a harness from? Thanks

[@2muchspl]

You cut the PCM harness? I honestly would suggest GM/stock. It can be thinned down to make it aesthetically pleasing.

[@monodeagua3]

Thanks I’ve got a friend at the junk yard.

[@2muchspl]

@@monodeagua3 perfect, try to get one from your series of donor vehicle 99-2002 trucks, 99-2002 van, 2003-07 (07 classic only) trucks,2003-2006ish van. This will give you best case for no issues. Your donor vehicle fell into one of these slots.

[@lisawhite2017]

Hi my friend, so. Have ran to a problem and was wondering if u know about it, so minds sad “unlock was not successful”. Do u know how to process from this error message. And by the way awesome video

[@TheBigGuyGarage]

Can you use the elm327 USB with the pcm hammer and tuner pro?

[@2muchspl]

Unfortunately No. The ELM ,even in USB form, does not have the right protocols to access the file structure inside PCM. Its amazing what ELM can do,but this isn't one of them.

[@TheBigGuyGarage]

@@2muchspl is their a cheaper usb reader that can?

[@tryityourself9158]

Hey bud can I do it with the pcm in the car?

[@bs549-nq8jx]

pcm hammer keeps locking up on my windows 11 on a brand new hp envy computer. when it happens i have to shut my computer down with the power button.

[@INTHELAB2010]

Don’t download pc hammer it’s already built in Universal patcher when I downloaded it separate too I kept freezing up and crashing so don’t download just download universal patcher and it’s built in hit me back if you have questions but his video just worked for me in 20 mins

[@octaviousricks3619]

using this program can you remove speed limiter

[@jaymurray92]

Hey brother I have a question have you ever had a problem with the Bluetooth connection my laptop just can't do it I'm running windows 11

[@2muchspl]

Is it doing the quick 'connected' and not connected like it does at 10:13 (pause video)? Or is PCM Hammer telling you its not finding it? Im running Win 11 in that video.

[@jaymurray92]

@2muchspl the obd device is just not connecting to my hp. It's a new computer

[@2muchspl]

Hey ​@@jaymurray92try this, I believe I had to do this on the Mrs. Laptop. You have to change to Bluetooth advanced (its in middle of this page). The HP I filmed didn't have this issue support.obdlink.com/support/solutions/articles/43000706058-resolve-bluetooth-connection-issues-on-windows-11

[@emidiomontes4633]

It said operating system request failed and than it checks for recovery mode and it failed

[@2muchspl]

Original GM harness? PCM in vehicle? Power at pin 16 on OBD2 Pin 2 connected to pin 58 on blue? Can you read engine code via scanner or dongle you're using with smartphone? If bench harness is used, double check all 11 pins that I gave you prior,here they are again: Blue Pin 75 & 19 switched 12v Pin 20 & 57 12v constant Pin 40 & 1 ground Obd 2 harness Pin 16 12v Pin 4 & 5 ground Pin 2 to pin 58 (data)

[@cerodriguez66]

Can you not use universal patcher to write the file to pcm?

[@2muchspl]

Yes & no, Universal Patcher has a flash option inside of it but it's really launching PCM Hammer to do the flashing. On its own, Universal Patcher is not able to flash. I hope that makes sense,lol.

[@georgenettlesjr1466]

Mine is saying it can't find DTC code table😢

[@2muchspl]

You may have to respond inside of Chaka thread on this video. He had same issue and fixed it somehow. It was quick whatever he did (he had other major issues)

[@dbc105]

Can you not do this with the PCM installed, just turn the car on?

[@2muchspl]

Addressed at 2:00-2:46 why you shouldn't. 😂😂😂 1st 3 minutes man😂😂😂. But seriously here is another why not that I didn't want to explain in the video. When flashing, the 411 & P59 PCM hates extra accessories and even a few stock things while flashing. Headlights auto turn on, aftermarket radio, aftermarket alarm, air ride suspension with autolevel,etc. is a recipe for a bricked PCM if any of these turn on while writing a flash even with a charger on it. This is a issue with a stock truck that the engine SHOULD be sitting in. Now add a LS swap into the mix and a fondled wire loom, slightly old battery or in my case 450 fuel pump & electric power steering and you can see where this goes. Without knowing what all everyone has swapped over from the donor truck into their ride,its much safer to teach not to do it at all in the car/truck. Its a game of Russian roulette when its in the vehicle with most pulling fuses/relays to increase their odds. Smartest play is to not play the game at all and just bench flash it. Hope this helps.

[@dbc105]

@@2muchspl thanks, I'll go back and watch the one part again and watch the other vid. Thanks for explaining, may have saved me from bricking one.

[@mewrongway]

Those wall wart power supplies are shitt! Get a good regulated power supply. That wall wart might be the glitch you said you was having.

[@meanpaintandbody]

Does this work on all ls ECU or only certain years

[@2muchspl]

This is for GEN 3 PCM from 1998-2006 (aka 411/P59/P01)The all will have that shape just like mine. The next gen of pcms are E38 & E67 are noticably different and require a different procedure.

[@meanpaintandbody]

So I been told that system like evap and some sensors get removed can I remove them with the app?

[@Sr_iRL]

@@meanpaintandbody I’m also wondering the same thing, let me know if you find out please. Thanks bud

[@2muchspl]

Sorry for delay, but yes on the hush hush if the EPA is listening. All or any DTC can be disabled. I do think this will go away in a future update like HP Tuners. I will give yall 24 hours to read this answer and I will delete it. For now version 0.22.10.0 is the ticket, I suggest you D/L and put it in a few places.

[@meanpaintandbody]

@@2muchspl lol in Texas as long as the vehicle is older then 25 years they only do safety check I have a 1990 obs they have never checked or even open the engine bay I'm just trying to get a old 73 up and running a son and dad project and thank you for all the info

[@ChavaBautista]

mine says operating system query failed must match operating system on pcm

[@2muchspl]

(editing: For those reading Chava has an aftermarket vehicle harness that more than likely is his issue, disclosed about 10 replies down) When does this happen,when flashing back? It shouldn't say that because you are putting back the same exact OS that you took off if you followed directions to a T. Make sure you are putting your bin back in,not one downloaded

[@ChavaBautista]

when clicking on read entire pcm it says unable to get operating id

[@2muchspl]

@@ChavaBautista is PCM in the vehicle?

[@ChavaBautista]

@@2muchspl yes

[@ChavaBautista]

conected to a battery charger