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Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

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Old 09-14-2024, 05:59 PM
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Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

Hey guys, so I just got my first Camaro and I freaking love it. The body is gorgeous and the sound of the 350 is beautiful. That being said, the previous owner did a shoddy manual swap. From the people I’ve talked to, the motor should have way more power and be able to roast the tires with ease. So I’m trying to track down where I’m losing power right now. My first thought is the neutral safety switch. The guy left in the old switch from the automatic and has it set in the park position so the car will start. Would this lead to a different tune and power loss? Why would the ecu giver’ the beans if it thinks it’s in park? Thats my thought process.. the motor sounds perfectly healthy so I can’t think of any other reason …I’m committed to digging this car out of the mess the guy left it in and I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance guys



Old 09-15-2024, 09:16 PM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

Are the rear gears stock? Automatic cars had rear gears in the 2.XX series, manual cars had 3.XX series rear gears. Gears make a big difference, also I think manual cars have a different tune but im not entirely sure.
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Old 09-15-2024, 11:23 PM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

AFAIK, manual cars do have a different tune but nothing that would be really cause drastic performance drop. My car would stall after the auto to manual stop at stoplights. Once I switched ECMs, no more issues at all. I agree that the gears could be the limiting factor.

Old 09-16-2024, 10:20 AM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

Originally Posted by badtenant
AFAIK, manual cars do have a different tune but nothing that would be really cause drastic performance drop. My car would stall after the auto to manual stop at stoplights. Once I switched ECMs, no more issues at all. I agree that the gears could be the limiting factor.
I do notice that sometimes when I let off the clutch the rpm drops really low for a second and it feels like it wants to stall but it never does. When you switched to a manual ecm, what all did you have to do? How did you get around the neutral safety switch?
Thanks for your help
Old 09-16-2024, 10:25 AM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

Originally Posted by leakyz28
Are the rear gears stock? Automatic cars had rear gears in the 2.XX series, manual cars had 3.XX series rear gears. Gears make a big difference, also I think manual cars have a different tune but im not entirely sure.
I believe the gears are stock but would that really slow it down that much? I hear that even the automatics were monsters and could roast the tires for extended periods of time.

Speaking of the tune, I did an experiment yesterday. While the car was running, I slide the neutral safety switch down just to try to place it into what I thought would be drive, obviously I was just guessing because nothing is labeled on the switch BUT, I did notice the motor hesitate as though the tune changed. I think I do need to change the ecm but idk how to get past the new neutral safety switch or what else I may have to do.
Old 09-16-2024, 10:43 AM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

I did a auto to manual swap on my 90.
I don't remember the wiring details .
I used the search function on this site and was able to find all the info needed.
Lots of posts on this topic
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Old 09-16-2024, 09:47 PM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

Originally Posted by BigBlock73
I did a auto to manual swap on my 90.
I don't remember the wiring details .
I used the search function on this site and was able to find all the info needed.
Lots of posts on this topic
im not sure what you mean.. I’m just wondering if I have to change the ecm. But could you tell me what keywords you used in your search?
Old 09-17-2024, 05:33 AM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

No need to change computer
Getting a "Tune" will help but should run well if no other mods were done to the engine

Go to the "Transmissions and Drivetrain" forum
Then "Search this Forum"

Search
Auto to manual swap
TKX swap
Swap wiring

Get creative with your search wordage

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Old 09-17-2024, 08:59 AM
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Re: Power loss-Auto to manual swap on 91 5.7 z28

I have a 92 RS. I was lucky that the neutral safety switch wires are were already in the car by the clutch pedal. Not sure if all cars were wired for both but I was lucky I guess. It was tucked up under the carpet in the back.

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