Ecotec conversion to a 1928 Ford street rod project

[28Ford]

Hi everyone,
I have been looking thru the forum to see if I could find an answer to a question I have regarding a conversion I am doing.
I have fitted a 2003 Ecotec into my 28 Ford Tudor, and would like to retain use of the BCM functions. If I strip out the airbag/seat belt and ABS sections of the wiring loom, would I also need to get the corresponding VATs removed to prevent continual "check engine" warnings (I am using the VY gauge cluster as well), or should I get all the VATs removed anyway?
Any help appreciated, TIA,
Regards, Pete

[vlad01]

Nice!

[Dylan]

For VATS to work you'll need the ignition Barell from the commodore it has the key reading ring on it. Disable it and it'll be easier that way.

[Gareth]

By the look of the steering wheel he already has the commodore ignition switch.

[vlad01]

That chassis sure makes the V6 look compact.

[antus]

Vats is the security function, it wont help with the dash/sdm not being able to see the expected amount of airbags from the donor car. You'll need to reprogram the dash for correct airbag config to clear that warning. Tazzi may have software for that. There likely is something else missing triggering CEL. Best to install the obd port (if its not there allready) and datalog with matching adx in tunerpro and an aldl cable to check what is complaining. Then either fix real problems or disable CEL for codes that are no longer relevant. You'll need some kind of tuning gear for that or at least know what codes your talking about to get someone to do it for you (easy once you can data log).

[28Ford]

Thanks antus for the detailed response. As I am new to this type of conversion, I thought this would be the best place to start.
I have the entire VY loom from the donor car (including steering column and ignition key etc) that I will modify to fit the Tudor body.
I will be using the VY dash cluster in a custom dash panel, as I want to keep the functions of the BCM (and it makes future maintenance and diagnosis easier).
I will take your advice, and investigate further using the OBD port,
Cheers, Pete

IMG_20170323_113014_zpsv7mj9fht.jpg (337.62 KiB) Viewed 9042 times

Vlad - yep, it sits in there quite nicely

2014-01-29101412_zpsd671d94f.jpg (105.92 KiB) Viewed 9042 times

[antus]

Being a VY this is a flash based pcm so you will be able to change things with just the right software and the same aldl cable. See the delco flashtool thread (link in the faq - green button in the top right) but I'd recommend not attempting that until you have diagnosed the faults with tunerpro and have gained some familiarity with the efi side of things.

[28Ford]

Roger that, I'll check the faq you have described, and also investigate the EFI side of these systems
thanks again,
Cheers, Pete

[davidthiele]

Hi 28ford,

How is the conversion going. I am currently fitting a VY V6 and auto into a 2003 Ford Transit van. Like you, I want to use the dash and wiring loom as well. So I am wondering what wires you have removed from the loom and also how you got the dash and engine working.

Hooroo

David