THE SKID FACTORY - Wiring a GM LS1 Engine Computer

Al runs through some of the tips and tricks he's learned about wiring in GM made ECU's into cars that aren't supposed to have them.
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Here's some links to the tools and equipment that we use on The Skid Factory:
• Bendpak 2 Post Hoist: bit.ly/2QE6Spj
• Bandsaw: bit.ly/2C0BGbL
• UniMig Razor: amzn.to/2PsSATB
• Tig Welder: bit.ly/2Us3ahk
• Linisher: bit.ly/2RL2FgN
• Drill Press: bit.ly/2PsEW2S
• Belt Sander: bit.ly/2E8hExi
• SP Tool Kit: bit.ly/2L6GeQq
• 18-135 Lens: amzn.to/2UsTraD
• 80d: amzn.to/2QkiNsU
• Go Pro 7: amzn.to/2L57NcX
• DJI Spark: amzn.to/2SwDlLk
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Please note: We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy.

[@ole661]

Dear Al. Your true Yoda is showing. Love how straight forward and honest your vids are. Please keep teaching the young gear head Jedi!

[@ninjahtory]

drink every time Al slaps the ecu

[@RandySpycyWeinr]

Oh man...I shouldn't have been drinking tequila for this one. Oh god.

[@michaelhemphill2576]

It takes so much more to make a complicated thing seem simple than it does to complicate an easy thing ,despite this so many car shows delibratly make simple things like an incorectly plumbed fuel pump or a dizzy cap thats 180 off seem like the end of the world. Yet here we all are perfectly entertained and encapsulated by watching an experienced man apply his trade in an unpanicked manner, whilst learning stuff we may not of even knew we wanted to know. Hats off to mighty car mods. From teaching me how to paint my alloys n fit a stereo over a decade ago to respecting their limitations and using their platform to help launch al benny n woody using their subscribers, all the time producing funny light hearted car content on the main channel, and doing the editing, producing all original music, starting a car themed restraunt, not giving up when fans molested their parents street, etc etc. Just realised how long this post was so il stop. Marty moog al ben woody n the Guys at haltech ryobi n supercheap. Thanks for giving us an online option thats free. We sallute u. With chopped fingers of course. Also my golf was fast!!

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

This will be VERY useful to me here in a little bit. Grabs some popcorn...🤔

[@nismojdm5950]

Everywhere I go I see you mate, I bet we would have alot of fun watching youtube or wrenching together.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

Nismo Jdm Love automotive stuff, that would be epic man and I’m always up for wrenching with good company!

[@--Zook--]

Freaking best car show hands down. Well maybe a tie for project binky.

[@phuzz00]

TBH I think the Cresta videos are the best thing that MCM have ever done, but of course they also benefit from some Yoda-goodness.

[@warriormonx]

Less cups of bloody tea tho 🤣

[@1tufhk]

And project binky is also way to long between drinks,

[@spexly]

*Slaps roof of ECU* This bad boy can do so much power

[@paulvenn4447]

LOL

[@AGuysGarage]

Don't hurt it.

[@tomcooney183]

Lol comment of the week

[@abdulr2397]

Who else liked before watching?

[@t1bud42]

Abdul R I sometimes like it when it shows up and watch later after work or whatever I’m doing.

[@DylanTK]

every time, just because Al...

[@gsppuffer]

The community and shared knowledge is what make ls so popular. Everyone that does Ford and other brands treat their knowledge they've learned like huge secrets

[@raleighsexton7734]

Unfortunately true. And I'm a trueblue Ford boy. Ford tuners are turds.

[@asjmpickle]

i gotta say i can not get enough skid factory. mcm is funny and good quality but nothing feels as real as watching al take on unique projects I feel like I'm his apprentice learning the tricks of the trade in person.

[@MrIndrek]

"It's very simple!" - Turbo Yoda Dec.2018

[@davegardiner3097]

Love the deboss garage shirt. Canada's skid factory.

[@ShainAndrews]

That's sad if you consider that clown equivalent to skid factory

[@falconater68]

@@ShainAndrews What you said...Truth...Hard.

[@ShainAndrews]

@TominBach Sense, you make none.

[@TheBrokenLife]

What's wrong with Rich? He's a good guy. He just doesn't do a lot of the same work that Al does, yet. Besides, when one old pro endorses another, they're usually a legit guy. Al doesn't strike me as the type to put another man's name on his chest unless he means it.

[@fitzyholden1036]

@TominBach Nicely done.

[@TheSuraj03]

Neat wiring is reliable wiring... I wonder if Rob dahm heard that

[@MaxPower_Designs]

As a GM tech myself I would add to make sure the actual insulation of the wire (the coloured one, yellow, red, bleu, etc) is good in condition cause the ridges of dried up loom will act as little knives with vibrations and you will see bare or almost bare wire with perfectly space striations. Specially with smaller wire bundles in bigger looms, or around sensors connections or in tight curves. i.e.: the throttle body, maf sensor or water temp sensor. If the insulation is damaged I suggest replacing the wire while the loom is completely undone. Often the vibration will cut the copper strands and reduce the actual wire gage(diameter) or even fully cut it. If there insulation is damage there can be ingress of corrosion which is no bueno. It’s especially important to check these on engines coming from places with winter and salt, common point of failure is corroded through and through wire inside the insulation here in the north side of North America.

[@MaxPower_Designs]

Also don’t throw your unpinned unnecessary wires in the garbage keep them as they can be useful for replacing said damaged wires or pinning other options or making pin out test lead when chasing diagnostic problems.

[@raleighsexton7734]

Excellent carnal knowledge that applies to all makes. Thanks!!

[@RisupFIN]

@@MaxPower_Designs That's just common sense :) But good write up.

[@Fridgemusa]

The fact that you're willing to impart this information on a public platform for free gives me some hope for humanity :)

[@boujeePerformance]

al is the reason i get out of bed every morning

[@K1lostream]

Jayden Isemonger Are you his butler?

[@jordanoneill82]

odd question: im building a budget turbo excel. motor wise it's done and i've used MANY different LS parts already including injectors, fuel pump and throttle body.... can the ECU itself be swapped? i can only assume the stock excel ECU isn't tunable... seeing as everything electrical seems to use similar signals (o2 sensor, maf, coolant temp, injector pulse, fuel pump etc:) then in theory couldn't you make it work? from a tuning standpoint can you 'shut down' a bank of cylinders and change the firing order to 1-3-2-4? it would be no different to wiring up a head unit if my theory is correct. would this work? haltech would literally cost me more than the entire build. it's out of the question for this particular build unfortunately

[@bruceconnor7597]

Nicely explained Al it removes a lot of confusion. regards bruce

[@koolkar55]

Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge. Great explanation & making it easier to do stuff yourself.

[@christianbuczko1481]

Another vid??? Your spoiling us recently

[@christianbuczko1481]

That's not as easy as wiring a stereo. It takes some knowledge with the wiring diagram and flashing the ecu, plus which bits you don't actually need of course.

[@RisupFIN]

@@christianbuczko1481 It is actually. If you don't have common sense and don't know anything about wiring diagrams, or how to read them, you shouldn't really touch any wiring before you educate yourself on that subject. Just my 0.02€..

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Some great info there, thanks mate.

[@quintenperren3156]

Home Built By Jeff ls swap the 240

[@tomodonnell3526]

Another video! Yes, Christmas came early!

[@bmxland]

I love that they are putting American V8s in Japanese cars in Australia. I can only imagine how many people that pisses off to no end!

[@TheBrokenLife]

One thing I like to do before getting into a project like this is to lay everything out on the motor and ECU while it's still connected, and take a bunch of pictures of EVERYTHING. You never know what weird mid-model year changes have been done, or who else may have been tinkering before you, but if you take a bunch of pictures of everything first you almost can't go wrong.

[@norego6237]

how about a link to the website holding the pinout diagram ? sort of need that in my favorites too . thanks al

[@droy333]

Spoken word: Al talks about wires.

[@JDM_Jeffro]

Sweet Speed Academy sticker!!

[@redmanhigh]

I rock the exact one myself. I have some rectangular ones too, still keep them safe.

[@nathanmillard2510]

Nar epman sticker is better ali Express fo life

[@johnschutt9187]

Turbo Yoda and DeBoss garage - two winners!

[@gabebendixsen4658]

You should do an ls brumby

[@ultimajp]

I have an LS1 airplane I am wanting to add some redundancy to. Is there a way to run 2 ECU's having one as a backup ?

[@RyTrapp0]

For any non-North 'mericans that don't know what he's talking about, 'skip shift' is this just totally s00per d00per awesome feature in a lot of manual trans North American cars that, if you're cruising around(not WOT, typical cruising around town speed, low RPM, etc.), the ECU will enable a solenoid in Tremec transmissions(since they own the market) that locks out 2nd and 3rd gear, so when you're driving around town the ECU forces you to shift from 1st to 4th. Yea, no joke - Dumb. As. Fuck. This, as well as most idiotic expensive componentry in modern North American market drivetrains for emissions/economy, are all the result of logic lacking US economy & emissions regulations. And are utterly fucking frustrating. The 'skip shift' in specific is intended to improve fuel economy(and the engine IS in fact tuned to lug 4th gear under the conditions), and is what has allowed the C5-C6-C7 Corvettes to be able to get 28mpg highway and able to avoid US 'gas guzzler' taxes(applied to the MSRP for the consumer to pay of course - because we deserve to be stolen from for buying a car with "poor" fuel economy. Nevermind the fact that we're already going to pay more in fuel taxes if we're getting worse fuel economy...).

[@yippikiyay8375]

Its awesome seeing how much more comfortable he is on camera now. Keep teaching the younger generation these awesome skills.

[@sanfordrhudy774]

Hey man, would you have a pinot-out diagram for a 2010 Silverado 4.8L 2wd? I'm putting one in my 69 Chevelle, wanting to use the auto overdrive transmission that came on engine also. Many thanks for your video!

[@camjohnson2004]

ECU's needed a Immobilizer fitted from 95 on, this is why VR commodores didn't have it but VS did, All LS ECU's have security in them, So you need to have it removed

[@mellowmarshellow9481]

Going from watching other car channels that either don't know what there talking about or don't explain anything to watching the skid factory is like a getting a knowledge punch to the face, love it.

[@MrJaiimez]

Agreed, before I started watching skid factory the idea of an engine swap or removing an engine seemed like a real ballache, now it doesn't phase me so much.

[@stevenmarshall3312]

This video just saved me a bomb I reckon! Thanks a lot for taking the time to do it. One question I have, can any auto electrician do a re-flash of the ECU, or do you have to take it to a specialist? I ask because in the NT I doubt there would be one.....

[@Korokukanas]

I totally dig this but I need to check to see if Trump is getting Impeached yet because he's a dumb M'fer. I will be back to watch the rest because this video is also important. Like just as important as my freedom.....

[@tdlaustralia7791]

Great stuff as always guys.

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

GREAT INFOMATION AL ..THATS WHY YOU ARE THE MASTER...CHEERS

[@mercedescherokee6853]

"It's easier than wiring up an aftermarket ecu by a long shot" ... MCM E30 project has left the chat

[@hsvdamian5485]

I’ve taken an ls1 from a vz and put it in a vk, it will be working time soon I have the original key for the bcm. Can I keep the vats or will it still need to be removed even though I have the key fob?

[@dropdeadfred7321]

love the DEBOSS GARAGE Tee Shirt .

[@jordanoneill82]

hire me would ya? as an apprentice i was mistreated and taught a WHOLE lotta bullshit. i could really use a mentor like you

[@jasevolgs9957]

Bettyford in the background, panelfan 👍🏼

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

Al is a legend. So much knowledge tied up in one person is amazing.

[@Andrewlang90]

If the auto business ever goes to shit, Turbo Yoda will be able to pick up work in no time as a bomb defuser

[@matts5936]

At what point do you mention the pin outs the video is titled LS wiring a No links in the description.

[@stuh4645]

Thanks, Al, maybe I missed this but what basic tool do you use for this job. Wire cutters Razor (for stripping insulation) Tape to re-rap at the end secure parts of the loom while you are working Wiring diagram Crimps? Pins? Multimeter? Also, do you check for continuity before you re-rap? Would you recommend going to a scrapyard and picking any cheap loom and tearing it down and just understand what's there as a good starting point?

[@Undies790]

Just had a LS3 and 6L80E put into a PX Ranger.

[@geoffcoburn5162]

Had an LS3 and TR6060 in my VF/Chevy SS...It was hilarious in that sedan, I couldn't imagine the fun the LS3/80e combo would be.

[@Undies790]

Al makes the wiring look simple. Im still waiting for the last module to be made to mate the holden and ford computer's together.

[@steveblackbird]

Cheers for the vid Al, true... it isn't super hard... just tedious.. as a beginner though was very overwhelming. ...people here just like i am are drinking your knowledge like cold lemon squash!!!

[@ryans_gu7905]

Is this fairly similar to a L98 loom. Just more wires in the L98

[@mynameis63]

Thank you Al. I'm about to start this same thing soon. Rebuilding an NA LQ4 6 litre...with big ass cam. Been debating after market ecm or using the GMC unit and harness I have with the truck...so this video made up my mind..hopefully I have my 79 Regal doing skids by the Alberta spring. And remember guys....Believe in something, even if it means LS swapping EVERYTHING!!!

[@jeremymatthews5169]

Can you supply a link to what you were using for the pinout on the laptop?

[@dGCyanide49]

It's weird, on my VT Commodore, only a 6, but the thermo fans kick in at a scary time. I've done an aircon delete for the time being as it was busted, but before I even did the delete one fan only comes on when its at 3/4 temperature. It never use to be that way though. At one point I changed the ECU and BCM (matching) as I thought I had a BCM issue, finding out it wasn't the issue I've put my original one back in, could that be what's caused it?

[@user-neo71665]

We NEED a lotto where I win a drawing where Al comes and puts a turbo on my LS in my disco nova (1978 2nd owner). Yep only me, lol. I'll supply kegs of home brew real beer. Might even supply some moonshine but of course that is illegal so I have no clue about any of that. Better yet let me win the lotto and I want to replace the gen 1 smallblock in my SAS gen one s10 blazer with a 383 gen one smallblock. I think it'll be funny to put a 2.8 back in it with the dana 60s and 33s.

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

I suppose you guys never have any 5.3's down under because you don't get any of the full size U.S. trucks? 5.3's are really popular here, probably more-so than the LS1

[@christiandunn4572]

Hey Al and Woody, you guys are doing a F*&(ing awesome job with TSF. Really really cool show. It is awesome how you guys just keep it real. Sensational Show! Thanks. Merry Christmas!

[@fillman86]

craig's list in australia is craig's list.... gumtree is a phenomenally better british website that we use

[@blackcountryme]

Scum tree?

[@Berniessen]

Been watching this video now and i did a holden 304 conversion into a euro car and its basicly the same story meaning,the wiring with the cars loom making a few relays just as the Holden engine needs......Anyway this is very informative vid thumbs up.

[@skylinevspec000]

Holden have a habit of making the ECU specific. My Crewman Cross8, only on that one ute.. get a VZ SS? nah not the same though the cross 8 is a SS at heart. same goes for the accelerator

[@yorrickwi]

watch out showing wiring diagrams on youtube. the guy from bodgit and leggit got a copyright strike because of it

[@jspilly82]

thanks for taking the time to make these vids. really helpful to us guys that are keen but dont know where to source this kind of info. what LS engine is the best value for money when sourcing one for a swap (to turbo)? ls1 are cheap and available and seem fairly simple . do you do the easy cheap ls1 option and then spend money chasing hp or spend money on an l77 or ls3? dearer to buy. more complicated to set up but heaps more hp e85 capable etc.

[@SilentKilla92]

Is there an industry preferred interconnect between the ecu, firewall and engine bay loom? Just thinking if you wanted to pull everything out of the engine bay after relocating the ECU inside the cab.

[@tightenurscrews]

Off topic ,yoda likes dirt scooters, ever laid hands on a 500 cr? If so opinion , if not i highly recommend .Craziest bike ive ever riden fr sure.

[@JoeyWebber955]

I just noticed the TMI sticker on the back of the bench beside the VIR sticker ,,,,, VIR is my local track .

[@AGuysGarage]

thanks for the info. even though wiring is a bit tedious, it is a necessary evil. ;P Where was your cape? Perfect turbo Yoda moment.

[@Marquez_0607]

Would this work for a 96 camaro lt1??

[@derekmartin8498]

Great vid as always! Can this be done to an L98’s e38 ecu? I’ve been told that they are a lot harder cause they use a CAN bus system.

[@woodys32]

How would you go running a ls pcm with an older 5ltr v8 ether holden or ford windsor? Would it be a case of running ls sensors and such then tune to suit?

[@RedNineAu]

The utes had a 210km/h speedlimiter due to the longer/one piece tailshaft if I recall correctly.

[@75randomdan75]

For these types of videos it might be more useful for people to have the camera mounted on the shelf infront of you facing the bench so everyone can get a better look at what your pointing out

[@cabe_bedlam]

I am hungover as balls after the office Christmas party last night. Al's soothing voice is great right now.

[@adelaideinvigilation5230]

"old and crunchy" sounds like me, now do you re-wrap the loom in cloth tape like Peter Anderson?

[@thepartypotatopooper6354]

is the body connector the one thats connected to the instrument cluster,key ignition switch,etc.? if so,can i use the pcm and connect it to my car or do i need the ones from the donor car? sorry about the noob questions

[@jakej7493]

Turbo Yoda knows what's good, I see the hokey pokey ice cream tub.

[@dirtyhalfdozen5225]

Wish he'd do one for l98/l77/ls3 conversion 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@steveveness3829]

Yep skids for breakfast lunch and dinner LMAO😉😊👍👍

[@trevorkupetz2138]

So soothing I'm watching it a second time. Sometimes a little logic sorts everything out.

[@ezacher4634]

Self amalgamating tape. Not black electrical tape! Just don't let the smoke out.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great insight and even better tutorial, many thanks from the UK (Old Dark!).

[@kylitosan]

It's crazy to see how much time and patience it takes to do it right. Great job.

[@brandonb8543]

Big thanks for all the information sharing guys. There isn't nearly enough of that.

[@1dickycat]

Is that Corona box on the shelf the same one from drag week?!? If so thats my kinda souvenir!

[@m180sxr]

Love the VIR decal on the work bench, local track to me. Legendary.

[@Dazza83]

The lessons learned here are invaluable

[@LoneRevD]

Such a good show. Merry Christmas to you lot!

[@funnyshowyouknow]

These are the videos I really love to watch at night with a cold beer. The builds are fun but these are a mechanical asmr.

[@HotForgeChaos]

So I should be able to fit an LS and its ECU to my Lexus LS430 then? Even though it is loaded to the tip with other ECUs and CANBUS

[@HotForgeChaos]

1UZs do, 3UZs only to a point, and I'd need a built trans before I do anything substantial to it

[@justaguy5791]

i really thought that when i saw turbo yodas tattoo peak trough his shirt sleve that it was a swastica

[@NiceHeadMr]

Imagine if NATO plugs were as good LS plugs.

[@rayg9069]

Didn't utes have torque limiting in the lower gears so they didn't unstick too easy?

[@mr265t]

Thanks Allan, my life is now complete knowing this 👍

[@brantanderson6054]

anyone have any links to commodore drive line conversion in a skyline?

[@oysterbread3367]

love the quick techs. great show. thanks boys

[@SebMyllie]

Why am I watching this... I don’t have an ls1

[@brettwalker5579]

We could use this as a training video at my job. Lol

[@Snoopy.Racing]

This is the exact video I'll be needing in a year or two! Thank you for such a great guide

[@danbob1650]

The love to hate hate to love them LS videos... Wisdom is great . engine is great. But it not a barra or have blue oval but that ok. Whatever it is it well need work/break

[@asjmpickle]

I'm not a Ford guy but after seeing what a barra can do I don't think I will be swapping in an LS1 when a barra will cost a lot less.

[@danbob1650]

@@asjmpickle ya when you live down under "dime a dozen " (old us saying) where in 🇺🇸 LS is littered our fords for years now 5.3 is dirty cheap n barra is a unicorn

[@nutsnproud6932]

Thanks for the video I learned something today.

[@toggimir]

Turbo Yoda and Wiring Wizard

[@omegamanRA28]

i feel i can do anything, watching skid factory.