HELP Problems with LS swap

jwood1213

Apprentice
Apr 14, 2020
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51
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MA
I have a 1988 Monte Carlo that currently has a 5.3 LS and 6l80e in it. A friend and I have been working on it since May and we’ve hit several problems. The engine is in now and the only issues remaining are wiring. Has anyone here had experience with cold case radiators? I’m running that with a Holley terminator X max and a Holley electric fuel pump. I’ve had to buy 4 different adapters for the terminator and the wiring harness for the radiator doesn’t fit. Specifically the temperature sensor does not fit in the radiator port.
Part number for the radiator is GMG544-5K and the fan wiring kit’s part number is 359-EF-1
 
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Why do you need a temp sensor for the fans if you're running the Holley? It uses the sensor in the cylinder head for both engine temp readout on the handheld, and when to turn the fans on and off
 
Why do you need a temp sensor for the fans if you're running the Holley? It uses the sensor in the cylinder head for both engine temp readout on the handheld, and when to turn the fans on and off
To be honest I don’t know. We both didn’t think of that. I attached screenshots of the sensor that won’t fit in that port and the instructions
 

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We’re also replacing the wires behind the dashboard. How many (if any) of them go underneath the rug? Do we need to pull the interior out?
 
I’ve never messed with a 6L__ and Holley. Hopefully the base tune gets it to function enough to drive (wizard tune.)

If you’re using a Holley, then hopefully the 4 extra ins and outs are enough - they are for most NA street cruisers. And they give you enough to do some neat stuff as well. I’m d say to do yourself a favor and run everything through the Holley - it will make life so much simpler. And if you use an aftermarket Dash, Holley, Tinker or similar, then the options are limitless. Just be advised, you need to have access to the 3.5” for various functions.
 
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Why do you need a temp sensor for the fans if you're running the Holley? It uses the sensor in the cylinder head for both engine temp readout on the handheld, and when to turn the fans on and off
I told my friend and he said there isn’t a designed wire in the harness and it’d need to be programmed on Holley software from my laptop
 
I’ve never messed with a 6L__ and Holley. Hopefully the base tune gets it to function enough to drive (wizard tune.)

If you’re using a Holley, then hopefully the 4 extra ins and outs are enough - they are for most NA street cruisers. And they give you enough to do some neat stuff as well. I’m d say to do yourself a favor and run everything through the Holley - it will make life so much simpler. And if you use an aftermarket Dash, Holley, Tinker or similar, then the options are limitless. Just be advised, you need to have access to the 3.5” for various functions.
My friend works for a Porsche dealership as a mechanic so is relatively familiar with wiring up a car it’s just the issue of getting it started.
I’ll tell him that. He was planning on just using the fan to key on and connecting it to the harness for power without using the dedicated in/outs on the ecu. I have an autometer dash, but I don’t expect it to fully work
IMG_9712.jpeg
 
jwood1213 my son’s car has an all Autometer dash setup - tach, Speedo, oil, coolant, voltmeter, fuel level, boost - all wired analog connected to an MS3X. It has meth injection, multiple fuel pumps and multiple fans, EGT’s, boost and launch control. It utilizes the factory wiring for lights, turn signal and high beam indicators. Along with shift light,, Warning lights , etc - all of his dash is analog running through the factory wiring. My point being, it can be done.
 
jwood1213 my son’s car has an all Autometer dash setup - tach, Speedo, oil, coolant, voltmeter, fuel level, boost - all wired analog connected to an MS3X. It has meth injection, multiple fuel pumps and multiple fans, EGT’s, boost and launch control. It utilizes the factory wiring for lights, turn signal and high beam indicators. Along with shift light,, Warning lights , etc - all of his dash is analog running through the factory wiring. My point being, it can be done.
That sounds awesome. Must’ve been a fun project. My dash is autometer too I wonder if we have the same one. My speedometer had a silver hose that plugged the 2004r transmission before I put the new one in
 

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