ODB-II swap

**A7x** · 09-19-2005, 06:32 PM

Hi everyone, I have a 1990 Chevy Silverado and i was wondering if it was even possible to swap out the ODB-I system and install a OBD-II system.

Thanks in advance

**turbocad6** · 09-19-2005, 06:38 PM

possible, yes.... practical..... not unless you're also swapping a whole obd-II drivetrain with it, & include the whole harness/pcm etc..... otherwise why would you even consider this?

**A7x** · 09-19-2005, 06:44 PM

I am currently fabricating a custom dashboard to replace the stock one, i was considering using a computer to replace the gauge cluster and through my research learned this is possible but a obd-II is required for the software. i have not found a way to do what i want wiht the obd-I.

**turbocad6** · 09-19-2005, 07:00 PM

hmmm, if you had a whole harness with computer it is feasable.... asuming your working with the same system as what you have(speed density vs mass air, etc) it is a huge project though.... depending on the source for the obd-II stuff you may wind up with other issues like bcm communication missing/ transmission differences... but for the most part all of the sensors should be compatable.... may need to rewire some sensor plugs, etc, but the sensors themselves are the same values, you have to look for diferences in the ign system & all the other stuff mentioned.... this is no light job..... I suppose it is possible.....

**A7x** · 09-19-2005, 07:05 PM

So if i were to take obd-II out of a 1996 or later silverado with the same engine and transmission, then it could be done. you are talking alittle over my head right now. I am a master at fabrication but lacking in mechanical and electrial areas.

**turbocad6** · 09-19-2005, 10:22 PM

simply put, that could work... but I'm sure there will be a few issues to be delt with that can only be known once you dive into a project like this....chances of finding someone who has done this already are extremely slim.... now if you had the desire to do a complete swap of a late vortec or something that would make this a little more practical/feasable/justified.... if this sounds really involved that's because it is

could it be done, sure, but exactly how gung ho are you?

**A7x** · 09-20-2005, 05:44 PM

funny you mention that, i am actually planning to to a engine/transmission swap

I am planning to be putting a 4L65-E transmission and a Vortec 8100.

**turbocad6** · 09-20-2005, 06:23 PM

there ya go..... now that is a lot more practical than trying to interface the earlier hardware with the obd-II wiring & computer...... truth is the majority of the headaches with a swap like this will be electrical..the actual drivetrain is easy bolt in... at least after your done sorting it all electrically you'll have something more than you had before..... that would justify the amount of work necissary to me, plus it will be easier to get that vortec going than it would be to get it all to work with the old drivetrain..... makes much more sense.... probably easier to source the whole drivetrain than just all the electrical anyway...

good luck....