I've installed a 2004 Suburban 5.3L engine with a 4l60e transmission in my 1949 Oldsmobile. I'm keeping the truck intake but I've had a 4" cold air intake installed without a sensor. The mechanic tells me I'll need it only if I plan to use cruise control. I am using a Dakota Digital VHX cluster gauge panel, with a BIM extender. What sensors can I eliminate legally in California without affecting engine performance?
Bob

Bob, it is this exact type of info that tells me your installer has no clue what he is doing . the sensor in the intake tube for your 5.3 engine has 2 functions first, it is the MAF (mas air flow) sensor which measures the volume of the air going into the engine, a must have. the second is the IAT (intake air temperature) sensor, also a must have. NIETHER OF THESE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CRUISE CONTROL. nothing no where no how. PERIOD.

assuming your using the stock harness you need all the following sensors for it to run correctly, however since it is in a 49 olds NONE OF THEM are legally required, however they are all requires for the engine to run properly.
1. MAF mas air flow sensor, it includes the IAT.
2. CTS coolant temp sensor
3.knock sensors
4. both forward O2 sensors
5. crankshaft sensor
6. camshaft sensor
7. oil pressure sensor, only so the DD BIM can report oil pressure to the dash

all other sensors can be eliminated. and must be turned off in the ECU by a competent tuner, along with the vats.

Feel free to send me a pm and I'll send you my number so I can better explain all this if you need .

 

PM on it's way...thanks.
Bob

 

In the LS info sticky is a sensor location thread with pictures labeled and whats needed. Direct link https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?p=517784#post517784

I agree with Hotdog installer is iffy. I would keep the MAF sensor, your get better driveablity and MPG. Most installers delete it as they are to lazy during install. GM used it on Millions of vehicles so why not keep it.




To add CC to Gen III DBW which is pictured you will need to add a CC stalk that will work with the GM TAC (throttle control box) Depending on who did the harness you may have the wires out of the TAC box already all you do is simply hook to the CC stalk, brake light correct switch, and that's pretty much it.

 

FYI...
The harness is made by Painless. It's an 18 circuit universal harness. My Dakota cluster gauge panel includes a Dakota BIM Interface Expansion Module, and a dimming kit.
Bob

 

My installer is OK with the hookup of all sensors noted, but to be honest I don't feel safe with anything except factory installed cruise control.
I do want my computer savvy engine to work at optimum so I will stress for proper hookup of all sensors necessary.
Thanks,
Bob

 

Who is doing the engine harness?? The engine harness, if its a reworked stock GM LS harness, will come with wires for the CC stalk. Most places that rework harness will provided the wires already for CC and your year motors. If its a store bought unit then who knows ready the instructions.

If you paying this guy to do the install he should know what to do and not have the owner asking questions to figure out stuff that is common knowledge for swap shops.

 

your painless 18 circuit harness has nothing to do with engine function either. that is all stand alone in the engine/trans harness, which minimally ties into the painless harness.

 

You guys are really raggin on my installer, and it's because I don't always know how to answer your questions. The car is running, and I've driven it for a short distance myself. No mufflers on it yet, so can't get it out on the street.
He told me the engine has already been programmed, but I was concerned about not having an MFS. Yes, he did tell me I didn't need it, and I fault him for that, but he said he would install it. As far as everything else being installed? I don't now.
He did buy a new harness and it is nicely dressed in. The CB panel is mounted under the dash.
A little side note. The shop that was going to do the wiring initially, flaked out on me. It was a father and son team, with the son doing the tech stuff. When the son left, the guy closed his shop. The installer who is not a mechanic stepped up and told me he would find me a geek to program it...here I am.
Sorry guys, this is the only source I have to ask questions, and you do provide a lot of great input.
Both my Olds, and my '55Nomad project are in a rural part of SoCal. Once both cars are painted. I will be hauling them up to either Central CA, or the Bay Area where I live. This is where they will be finished...in the meantime, I need the engines installed and running. The Nomad has a sbc350 with700r4 tranny,
Thanks a heap.
Bob

 

Based on would you just stated the guy obviously doesn’t know LS motors. Nothing wrong with that but hard to pay someone money and not get what you pay for. If it was me I would cut your losses take car running and driving. Then go to an actual shop that does LS motors. They can tune inhouse most times, add MAF, and at the CC etc. They would dyno tune and dial everything in. Its seems your doing that anyway so why waste money on were it is especially of guy has no clue what he is doing to have to fine a “geek” to tune it.

 

I can do that if someone is willing to recommend a shop in the San Diego/Los Angeles area, because there is no such shop that I know of in a 100 mile radius of where these cars are being restored.
I contracted this fab shop to remove the old engine, cut the front clip, restore the old floor pan and install a custom made front clip, and mount the 2004 5.3 LS with a 4L60e transmission with a guarantee that it ran. He also installed a new radiator, rack and pinion steering, Willwood brakes, Lokar shifter, Sanderson Headers, Flaming River steering column.
Just recently I asked him to install the Dakota cluster panel, and the Painless wire harness to install the lights. Then he's done. Before it goes to paint, I want to see this puppy run like it should, but I'm not expecting him to accomplish that.
I hope this explains my situation a little better.
Bob