The 5 to 6 speed Allison swap must be a popular topic this week! I've been searching on other forums and have come to the point where I'm needing guidance before I make a costly mistake. DuramaxTuner.com has got a valve body and TCM swap that should work easy day for $1500. The problem that comes with this is from everything I've read on SunCoast, PPE, and D-MaxTuner, they're all going to lock your new TCM with their programs. An individual has pulled off the valve body swap and modification on his own less getting his TCM tuned and it is NOT Locked. Locked TCM/ECM etc seems like an option I'm trying to avoid as I'm bouncing around from Diesel shop to Diesel shop and will finally get my ECM unlocked from GMC next week so that I can tune it as desired.
Here's what I have going on. 8 months ago I purchased my dream vehicle; an 06' Hummer H1 Alpha with the 05' LLY and 5speed in it. I've been collecting parts for 4 years for another hummer build/conversion. A PPE LBZ and matching PPE stage 5, 6 speed Allison.
1. Can I just swap the newer built 6 speed transmission and TCM into the Hummer?... or will the ECM not communicate well/ prevent it from functioning as a 6 speed in the vehicle?
2. Will the wiring harness from the 05 Allison that's on the "2006" Hummer plug right into the 06 Allison and TCM or is there some deeper modification to the harness as well?
3. Is it just better to go with the package deal from one of the companies and not part the matching engines and transmissions? I know it's easier.
4. What problems will I have, if any, when I try and tune my engine with my PPE or an EFI live tuner and the TCM is locked to one of the diesel companies?
I know this 5-6 speed thread is snowballing. I didn't want to hop on it but forgot how to open a new one. Thanks in advance for any guidance more knowledgeable folks out there might have to help keep me from making a mistake.
Best, Ralph