Auto/Stick Engine Differences

[GregMGB]

Hello,

I have a '97 Corvette with a stick that needs an engine, and I've found an engine out of a '00 with an auto (ZBH suffix engine). What differences (if any) exist between these engines? I know they have identical hp and torque ratings, but am unsure about differences in cams, mounting, etc. Ultimately, can this engine be put in my car, or do I need to find an engine out of a car with a stick?

I appreciate your help!

Thank you so much,
Greg McCauley

 

[Hib Halverson]

There are a few differences but suffice to say that the 00 engine, as far as mounts is the same.

I believe the 00 camshaft is slightly different but not different enough to matter. In fact, you'll probably not be able to tell the difference. Also, there may be an issue with fuel pressure but use the regulator from the 00 and you'll probably be ok.

The trick is getting the old flywheel and clutch match-balanced to the flex plate which comes off the automatic engine. If you don't do that, you may have problems with vibration.

 

[GregMGB]

Thank you so much, Hib!

The engine that I'm looking at does not have the wiring or computer. Will my '97 computer work correctly with the '00 engine? Regarding the fuel pressure issue, are the injectors different? If so, I'll have to verify if the injectors are included with the new engine.

I'm going to put a new clutch in when I do this, so I'll be sure to have a machine shop match balance it to the flexplate.

Thanks again!

-Greg

There are a few differences but suffice to say that the 00 engine, as far as mounts is the same.

I believe the 00 camshaft is slightly different but not different enough to matter. In fact, you'll probably not be able to tell the difference. Also, there may be an issue with fuel pressure but use the regulator from the 00 and you'll probably be ok.

The trick is getting the old flywheel and clutch match-balanced to the flex plate which comes off the automatic engine. If you don't do that, you may have problems with vibration.

 

[zagger]

I might be wrong but I think the PCM will have to be reprogrammed for 00. C4C5 Specialist would be the one to answer your question.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
The correct things to do follow.
First, as HIB stated, manuals are balanced differently.
At the very least, install the flywheel without removing balancing pins and as it is installed on your old engine, install on the new one.
That will give you the BEST chance that you will NOT experience vibration.
Second, look at the harmonic balancer off the old engine. If there is a balacing pin in it, which there very well may be, use a drift and punch it out and install in the EXACT same location on the new engine in the balancer.
Just as with the clutch and flywheel, your attempting to optimize balance with the clutch assembly.
Next, OBTAIN THE VIN from the car the engine came out of.
It should be stamped into the block at the passenger front pad near the head gasket.
THAT VIN should be programmed into the PCM for the engine to run at its best.
Other then that, it should be plug and play for the rest of the engine.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[GregMGB]

c4c5,

Thank you for your help! I am now looking at an engine out of a '99 with an auto, and I have a couple more questions:

1. From what I have been able to research, the main components are all the same (pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, etc,), however I know that the injectors, cam position sensor, and a few other things changed between '97 and '99. If I use the PCM from the '99, will the '99 sensors work correctly? Or am I better off using the sensors, injectors, etc. off my '97 and using the '97 computer.

2. If I use the '99 computer, will it expect a signal from the auto transmission? My car is an M6.

Thanks again,
Greg

HI there,
The correct things to do follow.
First, as HIB stated, manuals are balanced differently.
At the very least, install the flywheel without removing balancing pins and as it is installed on your old engine, install on the new one.
That will give you the BEST chance that you will NOT experience vibration.
Second, look at the harmonic balancer off the old engine. If there is a balacing pin in it, which there very well may be, use a drift and punch it out and install in the EXACT same location on the new engine in the balancer.
Just as with the clutch and flywheel, your attempting to optimize balance with the clutch assembly.
Next, OBTAIN THE VIN from the car the engine came out of.
It should be stamped into the block at the passenger front pad near the head gasket.
THAT VIN should be programmed into the PCM for the engine to run at its best.
Other then that, it should be plug and play for the rest of the engine.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Actually, according to what I see in the parts catalog, they should be complete plug and play, injectors, sensors and everything.
DO NOT USE the 99 PCM, you are correct, it will look for automatic transmission solenoids and sensors and will set the light.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[GregMGB]

c4c5,

Thank you so much!

One more question: According to WIll Handzel's book " Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s," '97-'98 uses 24.7 lb/hr injectors and '99-'00 uses 22.3 lb/hr injectors. This won't be a problem with the '97 PCM? And according to the parts book, the cam position sensor appears to be a different part number. Any idea what the difference is?

I apologize for all the nitpicky questions, but I just want to be sure of exactly what I'm getting into!

I appreciate your help so much!

Thanks,
Greg

Hi there,
Actually, according to what I see in the parts catalog, they should be complete plug and play, injectors, sensors and everything.
DO NOT USE the 99 PCM, you are correct, it will look for automatic transmission solenoids and sensors and will set the light.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Connections are the same, use the sensors that came with the engine, do NOT change them.
The injector lb hour is not the issue, due to changes in fuel atomization pintle designs.
Allthebest, c4c5