Corvette manual to auto swap...No crank

[avacado11]

I picked up a cheap '95 Corvette C4 "project" for the summer.

Long story short, the car was originally a 6-speed manual. The engine blew and after swapping a few hands there is now a new engine and an automatic transmission in the car. I knew about the new engine when buying it, but I was not told anything about the transmission being swapped. I only found out when I searched the VIN # and came across an old listing from 2016. And sure enough my automatic C4 still has a manual shift boot without the gear indicators on the console. Nor does it show gear selection on the dash(although I'm not sure if C4's did this).

Anyways I brought the car non-running. I figured out most of VATS and have a bypass module ordered. Until it comes I cannot single out VATS for the no crank issue...but from how the wiring looks right now I got a slight feeling that that route has already been taken.

Question now is: Do the automatic and manual ECU's have different programming? Even for 90's GM cars in general?
This is the first domestic car I've really gotten in-depth with. Otherwise I've only done work on BMWs which require programming even for TCM repair let alone an AT/MT conversion. Am I freaking out or are domestic cars much more simpler?

 

[Trav]

I have no idea about this cars electronics but I would first look for a clutch or neutral switch that may be open.

 

[tshephard]

I have no idea about this cars electronics but I would first look for a clutch or neutral switch that may be open.

Good advice, KISS!

 

[Jethro_Bob]

Do the automatic and manual ECU's have different programming? Even for 90's GM cars in general?

It may depend on exactly which transmission they installed. If they used an older non-electronic it probably will be fine once it's running. Painless Wiring makes a transmission ecm kit for modern transmissions for older non- computer controlled cars. But it might be cheaper to have a dealership activate the A/T in your existing pcm.

 

[aquariuscsm]

What happened is the car got pissed off because you took away it's beloved manual tranny and swapped in an automatic

Haha just messin' with ya

 

[avacado11]

What happened is the car got pissed off because you took away it's beloved manual tranny and swapped in an automatic

Haha just messin' with ya

I have absolutely no clue why anyone would do such a thing. They made more autos than manuals, and a drop out manual cost the same as an auto. There is absolutely no benefit lol

 

[avacado11]

It may depend on exactly which transmission they installed. If they used an older non-electronic it probably will be fine once it's running. Painless Wiring makes a transmission ecm kit for modern transmissions for older non- computer controlled cars. But it might be cheaper to have a dealership activate the A/T in your existing pcm.

It's a 4L60E. Fairly old and simple trans but I'm no transmission expert.

 

[Blinker]

Question now is: Do the automatic and manual ECU's have different programming? Even for 90's GM cars in general?

Yes they are different, even with this being an OBD1 compliant vehicle.

Am I freaking out or are domestic cars much more simpler?

The Corvette is GM’s flagship vehicle and routinely receives technology a decade before any other GM vehicle besides some Cadillac’s models. Don’t be fooled by it being a 1995 model, the later C4 Vettes are very much computer controlled. Visit some dedicated Corvette forums, some have tackled this swap already.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Wow, I have been around a lot of Corvette's and never seen where someone would do this with a C-4. I hope you get it sorted out and sorry I can't help you out.