LS conversion with manual transmission
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
Robbi at MoTech advised me that the LS 5.3 is not designed PCM wise to work with a manual transmission. Apparently the LS 6.0, and maybe the LS 6.2 if I am not mistaken are compatible. I believe that the NV4500 is the manual transmission of choice for the LS 6.0. This is what Robbie replied to me either regarding manual transmission options for the LS: "On Mon, Sep 28, 2015 at 10:19 PM, Vegasrobbi <vegasrobbi@aol.com> wrote: We also run the 4500 and we are about to try a Tremec 6 speed. The issue is the 5.3 only supports the automatic transmission from GM so if you want OE cruise control it makes it difficult, we need to run a manual tune from a 4.8 and import all the 5.3 parameters. The 4.8 and 6.0's were offered with manual transmissions making tuning easier."
Last edited by sjdano; Jan 6, 2016 at 06:05 PM.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,068
Likes: 116
From: Bunnlevel, NC
Perhaps there's a detail being left out here. But assuming not, I'll politely disagree with what Robbie is saying about using an NV4500 behind a 5.3 - seeing that I did exactly that in my 83 CJ. I had my PCM work done by the guys at 150tunes - zero issues. 6.0 LS had the option of an NV4500. But I'll assure they can work behind the 5.3 actually using the flywheel from the 6.0, which happens to be the same for the 4.8.
So you did exactly what Robbie stated. You had someone work the PCM over so that it'll use the NV4500.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
We did a LS3 480HP with a super T56 in a 2011 JK. It runs amazing. The biggest thing you will need to address is where is the shifter going to come out. We had to do a lot of tweaking to make it come out the stock shifter hole in the JK. You don't want to be shifting gears from the back seat!
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,068
Likes: 116
From: Bunnlevel, NC
All he GM computers will require at least a little bit of custom tuning to run. Pretty much any setup can be make to run in front of a manual transmission with the correct tuning.
We did a LS3 480HP with a super T56 in a 2011 JK. It runs amazing. The biggest thing you will need to address is where is the shifter going to come out. We had to do a lot of tweaking to make it come out the stock shifter hole in the JK. You don't want to be shifting gears from the back seat!
We did a LS3 480HP with a super T56 in a 2011 JK. It runs amazing. The biggest thing you will need to address is where is the shifter going to come out. We had to do a lot of tweaking to make it come out the stock shifter hole in the JK. You don't want to be shifting gears from the back seat!
Right. My point is that Robbie didn't say it couldn't be done. He said it makes it difficult. I'll speculate that it would be a 'one-off' approach.
It's certainly not going to be a tune that is within the norm for that platform making it something you have to be conscious of each time you need a change.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Right. My point is that Robbie didn't say it couldn't be done. He said it makes it difficult. I'll speculate that it would be a 'one-off' approach.
It's certainly not going to be a tune that is within the norm for that platform making it something you have to be conscious of each time you need a change.
It's certainly not going to be a tune that is within the norm for that platform making it something you have to be conscious of each time you need a change.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,068
Likes: 116
From: Bunnlevel, NC
JK Freak
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 580
Likes: 11
From: Fort Worth, TX
I can't count how many SRT8's I've seen with over 100k miles, and still running strong. I'm sitting right at 72k miles on my SRT8. My Hemi was punched out and stroked to a 440 by Arrington. It makes right at 700 horsepower, and has been beat on!! Lots of track and street time. It drives like a champ, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
I can't count how many SRT8's I've seen with over 100k miles, and still running strong. I'm sitting right at 72k miles on my SRT8. My Hemi was punched out and stroked to a 440 by Arrington. It makes right at 700 horsepower, and has been beat on!! Lots of track and street time. It drives like a champ, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country.