1997 SOHC Manual PCM into 1996 SL1 Auto for Trans Swap Clarification

[KJ_LS1_96]

Alright, I am mainly asking this to try and get some clarity because I feel like I have searched these forums a hundred times looking for answers to my PCM related questions. Unfortunately, this information seems to be hard to come by and be certain of.

From what I have seen here and elsewhere, if I did a full transmission swap from a 1997 with a SOHC (for the MP2 trans) into my 1996 SL1 (currently with auto), everything would go smoothly, right?

Also from what I have seen, I believe that the 1996 and 1997 PCM have the same harness, and are fully compatible. I think that I did read in one place though that the 97 PCMs are programmed differently than the 96 ones, but this doesn't really make sense to me. Is this true and would it even matter?

I have also seen many people that leave the auto PCM in and just live with the codes, but I did see in one place that the auto PCM likes to play with the throttle/RPM more than the manual PCM. That makes some sense to me, and so if this was true I would 100% want to switch the PCM. Probably not true though, if anyone knows how the auto vs manual PCM affect throttle/RPM (or if they are the same) feedback would be appreciated.

Last question, as far as options go for the PCM, my 1996 has only A/C, but from what I have read only A/C, Cruise Control (which from what I have seen it would be easy to swap the wheel and add to mine), ABS, and trac control matter. This is correct, right?

Sorry if this is long or has already been beaten to death in other threads, I am just trying to get some feedback from the experts to confirm my thoughts after having researched these questions so long myself. Thanks for any input!

[trottida]

The 97 probably does have different programming (incremental change from model year to model year) however I don't think it would affect much in the manual transmission configuration. If the wire harness connected to the PCM is different then that would be a problem. You would need to re-pin to match the PCM.

You would gain cruise control if the 97 was optioned with it (and you moved over the CC module and switch pod). If the 97 was optioned with ABS/Trac then you would get a warning light on you gauge cluster because the expected inputs from the absent wheel sensors would not be there. It would not affect drive-ability.

As far as the auto PCM, I understand that there is a flat spot in the RPM's where the PCM is expecting a shift from the automatic transmission. Others have indicated it's not too bad but notable.

I'd give the manual PCM a go if it were me. They are easily swapped out if you determine there is a problem. I don't think it will be though.

[fetchitfido]

I believe '91-'92, '93-'94, '96-'97 and '00-'02 are the near direct interchangeable years. Can't go between groups and '95, '98 and '99 I believe are unique to that year. '95 for sure is unique, less sure on '98-'99.

Manual vs auto have different connectors at the PCM. The pinout is the same, just trim off the orientation tabs (not the lock tab).

I've done a bunch of 5spd swaps, only the '93 used the auto PCM for any length of time and I did a ton of mods to the DOHC at the same time as the swap. I could tell when the PCM cut timing to shift the auto despite all the auto trans missing codes. Wasn't a big thing like slamming into the 127mph limiter or the neutral rev limiter but was still noticeable. Not everyone notice's it, so it could have just been me or the mods.