'64 International c900 riding on an '06 Trailblazer

[64InterBlazer]

My plan is to put this truck on a TB frame and running gear. Since the pickup needs floors and cowl rust repair, I'll use those parts for the TB too. I want to use as much of the modern TB stuff as possible. The doner vehicle is fully optioned with auto lights, ac and wipers.
I'm a professional (depending who you ask) programmer, just not automotive. So my question is, What tools do I need to program the body control module to make this happen. I know that at least 3 doors and the sun roof are going away. I believe I want to do this off line. Linux tools are preferred. ;-]

 

[Mooseman]

That is an ambitious project which would turn an old truck into a modern running beast.

The BCM is usually programmed using the Tis2000 software (Windows based, sorry) and a J2534 passthrough tool. It can only program using available stock programs for existing models and options thus can't eliminate things like extra doors or accessories that are no longer being used, like the tailgate and doors.

I assume you want to keep some things like the HVAC, 4x4, ABS. I would recommend not using a truck that has traction control or Stabilitrak as they probably won't work right for the weight and characteristics of the old truck.

I'm not entirely sure how the BCM will react to the missing body stuff but as far as I know, most won't throw a light but the BCM will keep an internal body code. I don't think other systems care if the doors and rear hatch are missing or the radio is not there. Chassis codes are something else, like ABS and the 4x4 system as those do interact with each other as well as the PCM. The HVAC is probably the only one you would need to have working properly as the it tells the PCM to activate and control the compressor clutch. And speaking about the PCM, you'll need to have the PCM tuned to turn off most of the emissions control codes off and able to run without them unless you do want to keep them.

And engine choice can also play a role depending on what you want to do with the truck. The 4.2 is a good and powerful engine in its own right but performance parts choices are limited and mostly specialized custom parts. However, the 5.3, like all LS engines, has tons of parts for improving performance from mild to wild off the shelf. However it is wider and may be an issue to get it shoehorned in the old truck's engine bay. The 4.2 is longer and may prevent you from using a water pump mounted fan but with a good aluminum radiator and electric fans, you should be good. The stock radiator in the TB is incapable of cooling properly using electric fans.

It would be interesting to see this build documented here and how it goes.

 

[64InterBlazer]

Thanks for the reply, yes it is ambitious. The doner TB is a 4.2 which is fine for my goals of daily driver with good mpg.

Your info about Tis2000 jives with my understanding. Software with training wheels to syncronize new modules to the car. I would like to have a nice tidy system so random things don't happen while the BCM is looking for missing modules.

I see your point about traction control, the doner does not have it.

I read that Tech2Win can reprogram modules. Anyone here have experience with it?

 

[Mooseman]

Not direct experience but it basically operates the same way. It's a Windows based Tech 2 emulator and would program modules the same way. There is no way to selectively delete modules from the BCM. It uses the VIN to know which modules to program. If you use an LS VIN, you would have the lowest number of modules but modules that are common to all versions would still be in the BCM.

I've got stuff disconnected like OnStar and the radio and the truck doesn't really care. Only way you would know they are missing is if you run a full scan and it comes up with body codes for them saying the modules are not communicating.

 

[cornchip]

Even the shortest wheelbase TB at 113" will have to have the frame cut and shortened to 107" for the C900. A SWB S10 chassis might be a better option at 108".

 

[64InterBlazer]

I've read these numbers too, however my tape measure says 108 on the c900 and 112 on thr TB. IH put the rear wheels about an inch or so forward in the rear wheel wells. Since there is much rust repair needed in the bed, the plan is to add 3" there. Also the S10 is quite a bit narrower than the c900, the TB is 1" wider which will fit the bed better. There are rub marks on the c900 rear inner wheel wells from the 235/75-15's that were on it. Minor detail, I already have a 2006 TB doner.