4th Generation (1993 - Present)

4.8 Miscellaneous

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Q: I heard that starting in 1999 GM has included a "black box" in the F-bodies and Corvettes that can tell what was happening in my car during a crash. Is this true, and if so, what does this black box record?

A: Yes, there is a black box, which records data from your car right before an accident. However this isn't new. Reports as far back as 1992 say there has been a device in these cars that record air bag and ABS activity during an accident. These devices were rumored to record data only on the moment of impact. More recently, these new devices record data up to 5 seconds before an impact. The things that are supposedly recorded are:

These devices were originally installed for field research purposes only. Having these devices in our cars gives GM more information about what happens to their cars during tests. This information can also help GM in legal situations where the effectiveness of their safety systems is in question. There has been no known cases thus far about this information being used against the driver of the vehicle. There is also no known way to defeat this system.
 
 

Q: Where can I get ramps for my F-Body?  None seem to work.

A: There are a couple of brands that work.  Rhino and Tru-Cut Automotive both sell ramps that will work.  Tru-Cut Automotive ramps have an availble (optional) "Extension Kit" that will allow for lowered vehicals to drive up them without scraping, and should be available at Pep Boys, K-Mart and Autozone to name a few.
 
 

Q: Why does the gas gauge plummet after the 1/2 mark?

A: The main reason for this, is that the gas tank is sort of shaped like a 'V'. The gauge just takes the depth of gas in the tank. As gas gets lower down in the tank, it's used faster than at the top of the tank due to the smaller volume. Thus gas is used quicker. The half way mark is actually only 1/3 full. So when the needle starts going towards the 'E', find the next gas station because 'E' is means EMPTY.
 
 

Q: Why does the trip odometer on my 1999 F-body sometimes reset back to 0 during cold weather? I know I didn't reset it.

A: There is a Technical Service Bulletin that you can refer to when taking you car into the dealer for it. Apparently its something wrong with the gauge cluster on the 1999s only. The TSB number is 99-08-49-009. The problem only exists when the car is cold and the battery drops below approximately 85% normal operating voltage. This causes the instrument cluster to reset itself. The regular odometer is not affected, and no other areas of the car are affected.
 
 

Q: How does the PASS-Key II system work?

A: PASS-Key II works with a small resistor chip embedded in your ignition key. This chip gives a certain resistance. When the ignition key is inserted into the car for the very first time at the factory the computer controller memorizes the exact resistance of that chip and will not start again w/o it.

This provides pretty good protection against all but the more sophisticated thief. A knowledgeable thief can get around it with the right equipment, but the time to steal goes up considerably.
 
 

Q: How can I display the error codes from a Service Engine Light?

A: According to the 1994 F-Carline Service Manual, page 6E-6 states in part:

"Although it is recommended that a diagnostic scan tool be used to read diagnostic trouble code(s), it may be possible to flash trouble codes on certain vehicles equipped with a 12 pin DLC connector."

If your car does not have the 12 pin DLC connector, you may not be able to manually "flash" your trouble codes. The language "may be possible" appears to suggest that this method should work with most, if not all, 12 pin DLC equipped cars.

THE CONNECTOR 
   -----------------------
   | 1  2  3   4   5   6 |
   | 7  8  9  10  11  12 |
   -----------------------
 
   Pin 6 = Ground
       5 = Diagnostic Terminal
       2,12 = Serial data
       1 = TCC (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid)

DISPLAYING THE TROUBLE CODES

Some people with 94 models and on have had trouble using the following method, but it still won't hurt to try it. Ground Pin 5, the diagnostic terminal (into Pin 6), with the ignition off - then turn the ignition to the on position without starting the engine will flash the "Service Engine Soon" light in the following sequence. flash, pause, flash-flash, long pause flash, pause, flash-flash, long pause flash, pause, flash-flash, long pause Following this "12" code repeating three times will come

any trouble codes stored, flashing each of them three times. If you do not see the "12" flash three times, your diagnostic circuit could be defective. Otherwise you probably need a GM scan tool.

Some vehicles will display stored trouble codes, then "12" again, followed by energizing "most system controlled relays." The fuel pump relay will not energize. The idle air control valve will fully extend to enable checking minimum idle speed.

FIELD SERVICE MODE

Starting the engine with pin 5 grounded will place the system in "Field Service Mode" Open loop will result in the Service Engine Soon light flashing more than twice per second. Closed loop will result in (1) Light flashing once per second, (2) Light staying off when running lean, and (3) Light staying on if running rich.

CLEARING THE TROUBLE CODES

Turn the keyswitch to the off position. To clear any trouble codes, disconnect the power feed for 30 seconds. If this is done at the battery, and your car stereo is equipped and programmed with a four digit pin code, you may have to re-enter that as well to use your stereo again. A better place to remove power is at the fuse.

TROUBLE CODES

13. Open circuit at left oxygen sensor
14. High temperature indicated at engine coolant temp. sensor
15. Low temperature indicated at engine coolant temp. sensor
16. Low voltage at battery
17. Circuit fault/error at camshaft position sensor
18-20. N/A
21. High voltage at throttle position sensor
22. Low voltage at throttle position sensor
23. Low temperature at intake air temperature sensor
24. Fault in vehicle speed sensor
25. High temperature at intake air temperature sensor
26-27. N/A
28. Fault in transmission pressure switch assembly
29-32. N/A
33. High voltage (low vacuum) at manifold pressure sensor
34. Low voltage (high vacuum) at manifold pressure sensor
35. Idle speed can not be set to desired RPM
36. 24X signal
37. Fault in torque converter clutch brake switch
38. N/A
39. Fault in torque converter clutch circuit
40. N/A
41. Fault in ignition control timing circuit
42. Error in ignition control
43. Fault in knock sensor circuit
44. Left oxygen sensor lean
45. Left oxygen sensor rich
46. PASS-Key II circuit
47-50. N/A
51. PROM error
52. N/A
53. High voltage at battery
54. Low voltage at fuel pump
55-57. N/A
58. High temperature in transmission fluid
59. Low temperature in transmission fluid
60. N/A
61. A/C performance
62. N/A
63. Right oxygen sensor open circuit
64. Right oxygen sensor lean
65. Right oxygen sensor rich
66. Low A/C refrigerant pressure
67. A/C refrigerant pressure circuit error
68. A/C compressor relay short circuit
69. A/C compressor relay open circuit
70. High A/C refrigerant pressure
71. Low temperature at A/C evaporator
72. Signal error at vehicle speed sensor
73. High temperature at A/C evaporator
74. N/A
75. EGR solenoid #1 error
76. EGR solenoid #2 error
77. EGR solenoid #3 error
78. N/A
79. Transmission fluid hot
80. Transmission slipping
81. N/A
82. 3X signal, ignition control error
83. N/A
84. CAGS open circuit (95's and up only)
85. PROM error
86. Analog to digital converter error
87. EEPROM error
88-89. N/A
90. Torque converter clutch error
91-92. N/A
93. Pressure control solenoid Circuit current error
97. Voltage low in transmission system
98-99. Invalid PCM Program
 
Q: How can I determine a particular wire by its color and location?

A: The wires can be found as follows:

UNIT/OPERATION
WIRE COLOR
POL
WIRE LOCATION
12V
red 
+
ignition harness
Starter
yellow (or purple)
+
ignition harness
Ignition
Pink
+
ignition harness
Accessory
orange(must enable)
+
right of dr.kick panel
Tach
White or white/black
 
ac coil/dist. assembly *
Power Lock
light blue**
5wi
either kick panel -
Power Unlock
Dark blue **
5wi
test from pass. sw.
Parking Lights
brown
 
drivers kick panel
Door Trigger
white
-
behind left rear spkr
Headlights
yellow
+
 
Wiper
green
+
black conn. steer col.
L.F. Win Up/dwn
dark blue - brown
A
in drivers door
R.F. Win Up/dwn
light blue - tan****
A
in drivers door
Trunk Pin
same as door trigger
-
 
Trunk Release
black
+
at switch
Horn Trigger
black  
-
black conn. st. column
Brake Wire
yellow  
+
at brake switch
Reverse Lights
green
+
black conn. st. column
 
*White for the V6 and white/black for the V8.
**For keyless-entry versions, there are also red/black and orange/black lock wires in the passenger kick panel which are 5-wire and still mastered from the passenger switch.
***There are also gray/black in drivers kick panel (non-delay without connection for trunk).  The gray may be found in the harness below the speaker. So do not use the orange wires from dome light and door lock B+ circuits for 12V source as they shut off with timer.
****Bypass module for drivers window and connect directly to motor leads. In passenger door motor wires are dark blue and brown.
 
 

 

Red

Blue

Grey

Black

1

Crank Sensor (96 only)

GND

IAC Coil A High

A/C Request

2

GND

Trans Press Control Sol Low

IAC Coil A Low

Low Resolution Signal

3

Injector # 1

Ignition Positive Voltage

Right Rear O2 Low(96 only)

Distributor Ref Low

4

Injector # 4

 

Right Rear O2 High (96 only)

 

5

Injector # 6

 

IAC Coil B Low

Ignition Control

6

Injector # 7

Trans TCC PWM Sol

IAC Coil B High

Sensor GND

7

FP relay

Serial Data Class 2(96 only)

Right Front O2 Low

Trans 1-2 Shift Control

8

 

A/C Clutch Control

Right Front O2 High

VSS Out

9

EGR Control

MIL Control

 

 

10

Cooling Fan R2&3

EVAP Purge Sol.

 

 

11

Cooling Fan R1

Trans TCC Sol.

TCS Active signal

 

12

EBTCM TP sensor Signal

A/C Pressure sensor

 

Trans 2-3 Shift Control

13

Tachometer Out

 

Performance Mode Switch Signal

Skip Shift Control or 3-2 downshift

14

Air Pump Relay

 

Brake Signal Switch

Distributor Ignition feed

15

Trans Mode Lamp Control

Skip Shift Lamp

PNP Switch

+12V Battery

16

 

 

Trans Pressure Control Sol.

Sensor GND

17

 

 

Left Rear O2 low(96 only)

 

18

GND

 

Left Rear O2 High(96 only)

 

19

Injector # 2

 

Left Front O2 Low

MAF signal

20

Injector # 5

Output/Field service Enable

Left Front O2 High

High Resolution Signal

21

Injector # 3

 

IAT sensor

A/C Clutch Status

22

Injector # 8

Knock Sensor

TP sensor

 

23

TCS Retard Control

 

MAP sensor

EVAP Vacuum Switch (96 only)

24

 

A/C Temp Sensor

 

 

25

Fuel Enable signal

 

ECT sensor

 

26

 

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

28

 

Trans Fluid Temp Sensor

Trans Range Signal A

5 Volt Reference

29

 

 

Trans Range Signal B

5 Volt Reference

30

 

Serial Data

Trans Range C

Ignition Positive Voltage

31

VSS Signal Low

 

 

Bat Positive voltage

32

VSS Signal High

 

GND

 

Q: Why do the fans and service engine light come on just after cold start?

A: It's probably a blown air pump fuse (20 amp). Take the cover off the fuse box under the hood and locate the fuse. If it's blown, simply replace it. If it keeps blowing, then you probably have a faulty air pump which should be replaced as per the Technical Service Bulletin (#636502).
 
 

Q: How fast is my LT1 car?

A: Numbers are always different depending on who drove the car, how it was driven, the conditions of the track, how much weight was in the car, etc. And of course every car is not created equal. However these numbers, taken from the August '94 Chevy High Performance magazine, will give you an idea.

GM's advertised numbers are:

   0-60         1/4 mile                Top Speed               Model
   ---- ------------    ---------       ----------------
   6.1  14.8 @ 97          155          Z28 Coupe                
   6.3          14.8 @ 97          155          Trans Am Coupe M6        
   4.9          13.5 @ 104         160          Firehawk Coupe M6

Auto magazine reviews resulted in:

   Magazine  Date   Page  0-60  1/4 mile      Top Speed  Model
   --------  -----  ----  ----  ------------  ---------  -----------------
   C&D       01/93  121    5.4  14.2 @ 99        153     Formula Coupe M6
   MT        01/93   52    6.2  14.7 @ 96.9      n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   MT        01/93   80    6.3  14.8 @ 97.6      n/a     Trans Am Coupe M6
   R&T       01/93         6.3  14.8 @ 95.5      n/a     Trans Am Coupe
   C&D       02/93   32    5.3  14.0 @ 100       154     Z28 Coupe M6
   C&D       02/93   32    5.5  14.2 @ 99        152     Formula Coupe M6
   MT        02/93   41    5.6  14.0 @ 98.8      n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   MT        06/93   52    5.8  14.4 @ 97.9      151     Z28 Coupe M6
   MT        06/93   52    6.1  14.7 @ 97.2      152     Formula Coupe M6
   MT        08/93   82    5.8  14.4 @ 97.9      n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   C&D       10/93         5.8  14.6 @ 97        104     Z28 Ragtop M6
   CR        10/93  682    6.6  15.1 @ 94        n/a     Trans Am Coupe A4
   MT        10/93   36    6.2  14.5 @ 96.2      n/a     Z28 Ragtop A4
   AW      11/22/93  19    5.8  14.3 @ 99        n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   C&D       12/93         5.4  14.1 @ 101       156     Z28 Coupe M6
   R&T Spec  1994          6.2  14.8 @ 95.1      n/a     Z28 Coupe
   C&D       08/94         6.1  14.6 @ 96        153     Trans Am Coupe A4
   MT        08/94   41    5.7  14.2 @ 98.8      159.3   Z28 Coupe M6
   R&T Sport 1995    53    6.3  14.8 @ 95.5      n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   R&T Sport 1995   130    6.7  15.1 @ 95.0      n/a     Formula Ragtop M6
   AM        06/95   53    n/a       n/a         152     Trans Am Coupe M6
   AM        06/95   56    n/a       n/a         155     Z28 Coupe M6
   R&T       06/95   79    6.4  14.9 @ 93.6      155.3   Z28 Coupe M6
   R&T       06/95   90    6.5  14.9 @ 93.9      157.8   Trans Am Coupe A4
   MT        07/95   51    5.6  14.0 @ 101.6     157     Trans Am Coupe M6
   MT        07/95   48    5.7  14.2 @ 100.2     155     Z28 Coupe M6
   C&D       06/97   50    5.3  13.9 @ 104       159     Trans Am Coupe M6 (1998)       
   CHP       04/98   40    n/a  13.34 @ 105.75   n/a     Z28 Coupe M6 (1998)

Other cars reviewed in the auto magazines include:

   Magazine      Date   Page  0-60  1/4 mile      Top Speed  Model
   --------     -----  ----  ----  ------------  ---------  ----------------
   C&D          06/93        9.2   17.0 @ 79        110     3.4 Camaro Coupe A4
   PP           06/93        6.2   14.7 @ 96.9      n/a     Z28 Coupe M6
   MT           07/93   49   4.9   13.5 @ 103.5     n/a     Firehawk Coupe M6
   MT           09/93   51   9.7   16.8 @ 77.6      n/a     3.4 Camaro Coupe A4
   CR           10/93   682  9.8   17.3 @ 79        n/a     3.4 Camaro Coupe A4
   C&D          05/94        8.9   16.8 @ 82        107     3.4 Camaro Coupe M5
   C&D          04/95        4.1   12.6 @ 114       183     Lingenfelter 383 M6
   MT           05/95   76   5.3   13.9 @ 103.6     n/a     Firehawk Coupe M6
   MT           05/95   102  7.4   15.7 @ 88.3      n/a     3800 Camaro Coupe A4
   MT Spec      05/95        4.9   13.4 @ 109.7     n/a     Rippie Camaro M6
   MT Spec      05/95        5.1   13.3 @ 113.1     n/a     Lingenfelter 383 M6
   MT Spec      05/95        5.1   13.2 @ 111.0     n/a     Paxton Camaro M6
   MT Spec      05/95        5.1   13.5 @ 107.4     n/a     Vortech Tran Am M6
   C&D          06/95        4.8   13.3 @ 109       172     Callaway Camaro C8 M6
   R&T          06/95   79   5.2   13.6 @ 110.2    177.1    Vortech Camaro M6
   R&T          06/95   89   4.5   12.7 @ 114.7    192.1    Lingenfelter 383 M6
   C&D          07/95        7.7   15.9 @ 86        114     3800 Camaro Coupe A4
Key to Magazines:
----------------
AM Automobile
AW Autoweek
C&D Car and Driver
CR Consumer Reports
MT Motor Trend
PP Petersen's Performance Cars
R&T Road & Track
CHP Chevy High Performance

Q: How fast is my LS1 car?

A: Once again, each car will perform differently, however various magazines have tested the new cars, and came up with quarter mile times between 13.6 and 13.9 stock for 1/4 mile times, and top speeds between 160 for the Camaro to 162 for the Trans Am WS6.
 
  Q: GM part numbers for common replacement parts.

A:
 

Part Number:

Description:

10105379

Stock 48mm throttle body gasket

12524653

Intake manifold gasket set

12552469

Exhaust manifold gasket set

10168457

Stock .049" head gaskets

12369145

Head Gasket Kit (includes intake/heads/exhaust/etc)

10128293

Front cover (timing cover) gasket

12552428

Front cover Optispark Seal

10128316

Front cover crank seal

12553792

Water pump drive seal

10217886

Water pump bearing seal

10128343

Water pump gasket (2)

12527741

LT1 Water Pump

10046089

Centerbolt Valve Cover Gasket 

12337972

EGR Valve Gasket 

10055726

EGR Tube Gasket 

10108676

Oil Pan Gasket 

12370835

LT4 Extreme Duty Roller Timing Set 

12555885

LT4 Roller Timing Set Cam Gear (95+ LT1) 

12555886

LT4 Roller Timing Set Crank Gear (95+ LT1) 

12555887

LT4 Roller Timing Set Roller Chain (95+ LT1) 

10128346

LT1 Link-Chain Timing Set Crank Sprocket 

10128485

LT1 Link-Chain Timing Set Link Chain 

10128349

93-94 LT1 Link-Chain Timing Set Cam Sprocket 

10126039

95+ LT1 Link-Chain Timing Set Cam Sprocket 

10457293

Optispark Cap & Rotor Kit (inc bolts/cover/o-rings) 

22146273

left motor mount (LT1) 

22146274

right motor mount (LT1) 

12555714

Rear main seal housing gasket 

17113086

Pressure regulator seal kit 

10115875

1LE AC delete pulley 

16188051

94-95 LT1 PCM 

16188309

Knock module - LT1 95 Impala SS 

16217700

Knock module - LT1 F-Body OBD-I 

16214661

Knock module - LT1 F-body OBD-II 

16214671

Knock module - LT1 Corvette 

16214681

Knock module - LT4 Corvette 

16214691

Knock module - LT1 Impala 

26026792

Pinion seal 

9785792

Pinion crush sleeve 

9783762

Pinion nut 

26029185

Series 3 Carrier ABS Reluctor (Speed sensor reluctor) 

9417784

Pinion bearing outer assembly 

22510042

Pinion bearing assembly-inner 

9420095

Carrier bearing assembly 

26016661

Differential cover gasket 

12345977

Mobil 1 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube GL-5 

26039989

93-97 f-body stock driveshaft (steel 2.5"d wall 0.065"t 40.8"l 16 lbs) 

10085375

1LE 87-92 f-body driveshaft (aluminum 2.75"d wall 0.130"t 12.2 lbs) 

25008308

3.5" MAF sensor 

2503679

1 bar MAP sensor


 

Q: What is Dal's phone number?

A:
 

Van Devere Olds Co.

300 West Market St.

Akron, Ohio 44303

800-362-9494

fax: 330-253-1370

URL: http://www.vandevere.com/

Email: lockitup@bright.net


 

Q: What can I expect from a specific mod?

A: Various mods give various results when combined with other mods.  Sometimes the results are good, sometimes they are bad.  Be extra careful with exhaust and intake mods as oversizing on either will result in a power loss.   Below is a listing of some of the list members cars, and their results.   Whenever possible, if the same car is tested under different mods, they are listed.   While these are very informative, please realize that your results will probably be different depending on fuel pressure, environment, etc.

Note:
1.        All tests below are taken at the rear-wheels unless otherwise stated.
2.        All tests are corrected using SAE standards.
3.        R Means that the car was re-tested again with a different setup.
 
 
Car Owner                         R     Year/Model                       Mods                                                                                                         RWHP        RWTQ
---------------                        --     -----------------------             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------            ---------        ---------
Bruce Yey                                   1995 Z28 M6                    Homemade Air Intake, 3'rd Gen Flowmaster Muffler,                         276.7           317.2
                                                                                                HPP, 160 Degree Therm.
Bruce Yey                          Y     1995 Z28 M6                     Same as above, but added 1.6 Crane Gold Rockers                            283.0           322.6
Steve Profio                              1998 Z28 M6                     Bone Stock                                                                                                300.5           326.4
Jody Shapiro                             1997 Z28 M6                     Vortech 7# S/C, 160 Therm., Hypertech Blower Pgm                         363.4           357.0
                                                                                                Borla Cat-Back (no plate)
Jody Shapiro                     Y     1997 Z28 M6                     Same as above, but with the middle Borla plate                                  348.5           344.7
David Fontaine                         1998 Z28SS M6                 Bone stock, no SLP Options, single outlet exhaust                           300.0           316.9
Paul Britton                               1997 Z28 A4                      Bone stock                                                                                                225.6           243.0
David Wilson                           1996 Z28 M6                     MTI Cold air, Air foil, MTI Underdrive pulley,                                   305.5           331.7
                                                                                                Ford SVO 24# Inj., SLP Flywheel, 1LE driveshaft,
                                                                                                MSD6AL, NOS #5115,GMPP 1.6RR,Crane 10308-1 springs
David Wilson                           1996 Z28 M6                     Same as above, but with NOS                                                                407.3           549.2
Ehrich Koch                              1996 T/A WS6 M6           Borla (1.75" plate), airfoil, Crane 99846 springs                                   292.0           320.0
                                                                                                1.6 Comp Cams Pro-Magnum Rockers
Joshua Andrews                      1995 Formula M6              Edelbrock Cat-Back,FIPK,Accel 300+,160 Therm.,                             298.8           260.8
                                                                                                AFPR (42 psi),HPP+
James Nance                             1996 Z28 M6                     K&N filter, 1LE intake elbow and driveshaft                                       258.5           301.4
Allen Woolley                          1995 Z28 M6                     Borla Cat-Back,AS&M Headers,3.73's, Accel Coil                             283.0           318.0
                                                                                                1LE driveshaft,Crane HI6TR,Jacob wires,
                                                                                                HPP+ and Custom Blower pgm,Random Cat.
Allen Woolley                  Y     1995 Z28 M6                     Same as above, but with Vortech 7# and Crane 1.6RR                      396.8           391.2
Mike Graham                             1995 Z28 A4                      Decoma Cat-Back, !TB, !MAF and K&N Filter                                   269.2           315.3
Keith Lockliear                 Y     1996 T/A WS6 M6           Bone Stock                                                                                                277.1           305.4
Keith Lockliear                 Y     1996 T/A WS6 M6           Same as above, but w/1LE driveshaft                                                   278.2           310.4
Keith Lockliear                 Y     1996 T/A WS6 M6           Same as above, but w/Hypertech Underdrive Pulley                         279.4           315.5
Keith Lockliear                 Y     1996 T/A WS6 M6           Same as above, but w/HPP+, 160 Thermostat                                     283.2           317.1
Keith Lockliear                 Y     1996 T/A WS6 M6           Complete setup: Borla cat-back, driveshaft,pulley                             295.0           324.3
                                                                                                air-foil, HPP+, 160 Therm., Synthetic Transmission and
                                                                                                rear-end fluid, Hypertech AFPR, !TB Coolant, Turbo
                                                                                                Shops Power Loader II Program, K&N Filter