Thread: Chevy 3.8 multi-port wiring question

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I got a 1996 Camaro given to me. It has a 3.8/5 speed combo and I'm thinking of putting it into a 1960 Rambler American 2dr. What is the minimum amount of wiring I can get away with and still use the FI? The Camaro gets 28 mpg on the hiway, and I would like to have a car to take on long (1,500-2,000 mile) trips. Then I could put some deep gears and a 4 speed in my Plymouth for playtime!

There is no real minimum wiring in this convertion . You need to remove the complete GM engine wiring harnesses and mark the connectors . And try not to damage any connectors or sensors . Also you will have to use the Camaro fuel tank or one like it . You should be able to use the GM 5 speed . It has a clutch master and slave cyl that is easy enough to install in your Rambler . I think this is a cool conversion that will work out well . Save as many parts from the Camaro as possible . You will need more of them then you think .

There is many parts you can do away with, but you need to know what to do when you remove things. You can get O.S. & egr elimters, so that you don't need them, but will stop your check engine light, all the emmions can go. I would go to the "Team Camaro" forum site, or "Team Chevelle" they do swaps like that often and most of them know what they are talking about.
I have changed the '86- '93 , but I have not done the '94- to date switch yet.
I converted my Hilborn injection to electronic injectors with a chevy '92 ecu to use map not mas, and made my own wire harness.
I have somewhere step by step to convert it, some where, I'll have to look for it if you don't get your answers here.

Pat

HemiTcoupe, thanks for the info. I'll check out those places, and if I'm still confused (a good possibility), I'll contact you. Thanks again!

If you wanted to go with a early computer (obd1) you can run that with minimal wires as I have done this in a rock crawler which cheaper and easier to program the fuel system. The stock computer for that engine is obd2 and requires flash programming which is more expensive but you can delete in software what you are not going to use, wire it at a minimum.
Terry

Originally Posted by tl34ru

If you wanted to go with a early computer (obd1) you can run that with minimal wires as I have done this in a rock crawler which cheaper and easier to program the fuel system. The stock computer for that engine is obd2 and requires flash programming which is more expensive but you can delete in software what you are not going to use, wire it at a minimum.
Terry

Bear with me for a second .........Do you mean that a ecm/pcm/ecu from an earlier 3800 (lower hp) will work with this multi-port setup? If so, how much stuff can I delete? This sounds like it may be the way to go!

Yes, I would wire it as a 95 buick lesabre pcm #16183247 and use what you need such as throttle position, idle air control, mass air flow, coolant & air temp, ignition control, manifold air press, injectors, oxygen sensor, fuel pump,
possibly vehicle speed. Did you get a wiring harness with this engine? Do you have a salvage yard close to you? I would pull both wiring diagrams the camaro and a 95 buick and compare sensors and connectors.

I got the whole car. It had been broken into, the steering column destroyed. The entire harness is there. I just frankly don't know enough to try to use it and lose what I don't need. This is basically going to be a street-driven rod with no frills. No a/c, electric locks or windows, etc. Just a keyswitch, a light switch, and a radio, other than the wiring needed to make the engine and FI function. Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it. I live in a pretty rural area, but I'll see if the local salvage yard has a '95 Buick LeSabre. I will probably still bug you for ideas as I go along.

animalracer, I suggested that you ask a Chevelle or Camaro guy!
Did you happen to see what tl34ru drives?
I just sold my '68 El Camino

Pat