FAQ – Plug ‘N Play LNF Stage 1
Written by Corey Mullane Wednesday, 02 September 2009
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive and we see online is concerning the issue of splicing into the factory wiring harness to install the new sensors needed for the LNF Stage 1 kit. We see the possible arise for concern if this was an aftermarket kit but rest assured that the connections made by the tech installing this kit at your local GM dealer will be as good as the factory connections, or else this kit would not be released as such. Regardless of that fact, some guys want to keep their engine bay as clean looking as possible or have some other reason for wanting a harness adapter and we understand that as well.
While the idea of a plug ‘n play harness is a great idea and would have been the preferred way for the guys at GM HPVO to design the kit, the part numbers for the connectors that plug into the production wiring harness do not exist. The connectors that would plug into the production harness, that look like the sensors that are removed and replaced in the kit, have never been tooled by any source and the cost to tool the connectors would have made the kits too costly to bring to market.
However in order to follow the rule on development cars, that they need to be returned to stock production spec in order to be sold, GM HPVO created a jumper harness so they would not need to replace the entire engine wiring harness to put the car back to stock. For these vehicles, they created plug ‘n play connectors by cutting up production MAP and TMAP sensors and using part of the sensor housing to create the missing, un-tooled, connectors. GM HPVO then soldered the wiring harness from the kit (p/n 88988320) to the newly created connector; the connectors were then sealed with RTV and taped up.
If you want to try your hand at making your own plug ‘n play harness, you can create one by cannibalizing the production sensors or getting a couple of spare sensors (12592016 - $90.89 MSRP and 12592017 - $85.23) and using the connector harnesses that come in the kit.
10/08 - Update from GMPD:
Q. So it's been about a month now. I'm just wondering if we will get any type of update? Maybe some papers being signed even a still waiting. Maybe if the kit is even going to come out still or if it's being completely dumped. Or even a guys over at GM are eager to get it out there.
A. On September 29th CARB requested the updated spread sheet of all calibration part numbers that are included in the stage kit. We updated and sent it right back. This is the spread sheet that CARB uses in their EO publication. So....We are really close!
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Comments (30)
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WOW! I'm getting paranoid .. lol .. Each time a new topic comes out, I think its launched 
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September 02, 2009
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Thanks for the information although from the engine bay pics of the LNF Stage 1 test drive photographs; the engine bay still appeared to be in a "stock production" stance.
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September 02, 2009
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Can we get a GM Stage 1 Turbocharge emblems with this kit that will match and go with the SS emblem?
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September 02, 2009
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Sorry for posting multiple times, just wanted an answer and now I have it. Thank you for the quick responce. In light of the subject I have come to the conclusion that I can purchase some sealed 4 pin OEM style male and female connectors and fab up the PNP connection myselfso i will look almost identical to the test cars except without the expensive and risk of tearing up expensive sensors.Was looking at some from this site:
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/40
Either gonna use MX150 or MX150L depending on gauge of wire.
Do you think this type of connector would be sufficient or is there another style connector you would recommend?
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/40
Either gonna use MX150 or MX150L depending on gauge of wire.
Do you think this type of connector would be sufficient or is there another style connector you would recommend?
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September 02, 2009
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c`mon really! when is it going to be released?
blacky09ss , September 02, 2009
My guess is Christmas. Lol.
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September 03, 2009
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Sorry for posting multiple times, just wanted an answer and now I have it. Thank you for the quick responce. In light of the subject I have come to the conclusion that I can purchase some sealed 4 pin OEM style male and female connectors and fab up the PNP connection myselfso i will look almost identical to the test cars except without the expensive and risk of tearing up expensive sensors.Was looking at some from this site:
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/40
Either gonna use MX150 or MX150L depending on gauge of wire.
Do you think this type of connector would be sufficient or is there another style connector you would recommend?
1rare4door , September 02, 2009 +0
You are still not going to make a true PNP using only two aftermarket mating connectors unless you are planning on cutting off the stock connector on the vehicle harness to attach one side of your new connectors. To make an ADAPTER or JUMPER to go between the stock connector on the harness to the sensor you are going to need an exact duplicate connector of the one on the sensor. And the only way you're going to get that is by destroying the sensor and soldering that connector on one end of your jumper so you can plug it into the cars harness. This is the connector that doesn't exist. The other end of your jumper could use the connector on the new harness that comes with the hard parts kit. I know it's hard to picture it in your mind but unless you can find a connector EXACTLY like the one on the sensor it ain't going to work. Your next best alternative is shrink splices also sold by Waytek.
Right page "Solder Splice Connectors" on this link. I have used them on every project I ever built involving electronics. If they work on the Space Shuttle, which they do, they're good enough for me. Good luck
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/2
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/40
Either gonna use MX150 or MX150L depending on gauge of wire.
Do you think this type of connector would be sufficient or is there another style connector you would recommend?
1rare4door , September 02, 2009 +0
You are still not going to make a true PNP using only two aftermarket mating connectors unless you are planning on cutting off the stock connector on the vehicle harness to attach one side of your new connectors. To make an ADAPTER or JUMPER to go between the stock connector on the harness to the sensor you are going to need an exact duplicate connector of the one on the sensor. And the only way you're going to get that is by destroying the sensor and soldering that connector on one end of your jumper so you can plug it into the cars harness. This is the connector that doesn't exist. The other end of your jumper could use the connector on the new harness that comes with the hard parts kit. I know it's hard to picture it in your mind but unless you can find a connector EXACTLY like the one on the sensor it ain't going to work. Your next best alternative is shrink splices also sold by Waytek.
Right page "Solder Splice Connectors" on this link. I have used them on every project I ever built involving electronics. If they work on the Space Shuttle, which they do, they're good enough for me. Good luck
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog222/#/2
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September 07, 2009
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Can we please have an update sometime this week?
I'm sure there isn't anything new, just hoping and praying.
I'm sure there isn't anything new, just hoping and praying.
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September 08, 2009
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The way I am planning on doing it will make my car specific to the male/female connectors that I find to use so going back to stock (if such a thing would be necessary) would be quick and simple. It won't be a "true" plug an play since the stock connector will still be cut off and the new male plug assembled on the engine harness and the female connector assembled on the opposite end of the stage i pigtail so it will just plug in. Sorry for the confusion.
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September 09, 2009
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1rare4door
At the risk of sounding like I'm beating a dead horse it sounds to me like you're making this a whole lot more difficult than it has to be. You say you are still going to cut off the stock connector and add another connector to the vehicle harness and the new pigtail? Doing it this way will work BUT you're adding ADDITIONAL solder, crimp (whichever you use) splices to the circuit and if you want to go beck to stock you will STILL have to cut the aftermarket connector off the vehicle harness AGAIN in order to re-attach the stock connector. Doing it GM's way requires only one set of splices which doesn't add to the danger of failure in the additional splices. I believe in the old saying KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid! No offense to you. Happy trails.
At the risk of sounding like I'm beating a dead horse it sounds to me like you're making this a whole lot more difficult than it has to be. You say you are still going to cut off the stock connector and add another connector to the vehicle harness and the new pigtail? Doing it this way will work BUT you're adding ADDITIONAL solder, crimp (whichever you use) splices to the circuit and if you want to go beck to stock you will STILL have to cut the aftermarket connector off the vehicle harness AGAIN in order to re-attach the stock connector. Doing it GM's way requires only one set of splices which doesn't add to the danger of failure in the additional splices. I believe in the old saying KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid! No offense to you. Happy trails.
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September 10, 2009
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Hey Corey! Alpha one! Or SOMEBODY! You got a bunch of guys here, and maybe some gals, hanging by our thumbs and it's beginning to hurt. Even if you can't tell us exactly when the cal will be available can you at least let us know that you guys are still alive and breathing and that the cal is making it's way, slowly I know, through government bureaucracy. PLEASE!!!
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September 10, 2009
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Buellfool - I wanted to jump in here and make sure you heard from us. As you can see - the site gets activity on it almost daily, which is what we like to do. So for sure we are alive and kicking. But what you want to know more is - what we can give you on the details of the exact date. So let me try to address that.
We have met with the powers that be inside GM and they know that we are waiting at the front door waiting for the green light on the CARB approval of this kit. We have an agreement that as soon as it gets approved - we will be the first to know - so we can get the word out to all of you.
We are already working on a post that has it all set and ready - just missing a few details that we will receive once the kit is approved and ready for sale. So once we get the news, which we feel is really any day now - we will post it that very minute.
The time is really here. We have waited for the time that CARB said they would need - and we are at the end of the window. So rest assure - we are close and will be updating you on the news as soon as we get it.
I know it's not a drop dead date that you may be looking for - but again, this is a bit out of our hands right now.
Hope this helps a little.
We have met with the powers that be inside GM and they know that we are waiting at the front door waiting for the green light on the CARB approval of this kit. We have an agreement that as soon as it gets approved - we will be the first to know - so we can get the word out to all of you.
We are already working on a post that has it all set and ready - just missing a few details that we will receive once the kit is approved and ready for sale. So once we get the news, which we feel is really any day now - we will post it that very minute.
The time is really here. We have waited for the time that CARB said they would need - and we are at the end of the window. So rest assure - we are close and will be updating you on the news as soon as we get it.
I know it's not a drop dead date that you may be looking for - but again, this is a bit out of our hands right now.
Hope this helps a little.
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September 10, 2009
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Thanks for the quick response. I'm not usually an impatient guy (you get that way after 65 years) But I'm ready to fall off the edge of my seat as I'm sure we all are. So again, thanks for the update. I'll slide back on my chair a little and loosen the noose on my thumbs.
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September 10, 2009
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Well put and totally understand. I can't wait for it to come out. I want to see vids and photos of you guys enjoying this sucker. And I can assure you - you will be doing some enjoying!
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September 10, 2009
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Are you-guys EVER going to get this done? I've been waiting for months...
It doesn't bode well for GM (perhaps this is part of the bigger problem) that the company can't meet it's internally stated requirements - let alone promises to the customers. I'm beginning to regret I that didn't by a Subaru - they at least deliver...
It doesn't bode well for GM (perhaps this is part of the bigger problem) that the company can't meet it's internally stated requirements - let alone promises to the customers. I'm beginning to regret I that didn't by a Subaru - they at least deliver...
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September 11, 2009
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What makes it so hard for people to understand that it is the California Air Resources Board that's dragging their feet on the certification of this upgrade? GM would LOVE to sell their product but if California doesn't sign off they're dead in the water. We should all be pissed at California, not GM.
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September 12, 2009
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Not taking the time to read all posts in the thread makes many sound like a broken record. Plus getting PO'ed never made progress any less painful. Cheers to us who haven't lost our minds yet.
Buellfooll,
Have taken many rounds with myself on the idea of compiling my own version of a plug and play harness and just said f-it. Let them do all of the install at the shop so there aren't any warrnty concerns if there was ever to be an issue. Can't hold back the creativity though.
Buellfooll,
Have taken many rounds with myself on the idea of compiling my own version of a plug and play harness and just said f-it. Let them do all of the install at the shop so there aren't any warrnty concerns if there was ever to be an issue. Can't hold back the creativity though.
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September 12, 2009
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I know everyone (myself included) is getting tired of waiting. But I think the wait would be allot less difficult If we had some solid performance stats to look at. The cars on the street where's the facts? Can't wait..... Please weather the kits ready for sale or not it. It's installed And driving........
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September 14, 2009
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Thanks for the update, I certainly hope the California tree huggers get their acts in gear and approve this kit. I can't wait until it comes out. Now the question is should I spend my money on a weekend of HPDE, or wait for the stage I kit to come out and get it right away?? Either way I am anxiously awaiting the release if the stage I kit.
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September 16, 2009
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Yes, thank you for the updates!! I wish people loosing it would remember what this site has done for us and is continuing to do. It's not Andy's fault that the kit's reflash is not out. I believe that when we are getting an update that it is posted ASAP. Hence different times of new posts about our LNF stage kit. Again thank you for all that you are doing and we all look forward to updates to come.
buellfooll your 65?? That's just awsome that your sharing in this LNF niche'! I'm almost 30 and am just amazed with the already awsome performance given + the potential to come. I saw another man about the same age that was driving a cobalt sport and we shared a few words of admiration.
buellfooll your 65?? That's just awsome that your sharing in this LNF niche'! I'm almost 30 and am just amazed with the already awsome performance given + the potential to come. I saw another man about the same age that was driving a cobalt sport and we shared a few words of admiration.
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September 16, 2009
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Hey Kildore! Easy on the age stuff. I still wake up every morning, dress myself and chew my own food. But I have seen a lot of stuff come and go and, being a little more progressive than the V8 diehards like my brother, am amazed at this little LNF. The only thing I don't understand is why GM doesn't tell the buying public more about the Cobalt/LNF. There is still a performance oriented group of buyers out there that don't even know this performance machine exists. In the old days you advertised performance first and everything else after. Get away from the price and fuel mileage being the ONLY selling points and tell people they CAN have their cake and eat it too. Better mileage than a large percentage of the rest of the market AND better PERFORMANCE all with a price that even a retired truck driver can afford. You need some performance oriented marketing. But do that AFTER I get my upgrade.
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September 17, 2009
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Nothing bad intended sorry if it was interpretted in that way. I totally agree!! I tell people i grew up in the wrong era. 1970 Dodge Challenger w/ 440 magnum. Fell in love with that car.. Mopar I know.. but I have a Chevy now. I would like to see GM take this LNF future and run with it. I've driven a little over 200 miles to the nearest strip made about 7 passes on a T-n-T evening and drove home on the SAME tank of gas. While at the track beat a C6 Vet and CS/GT Mustang. All vehicles were stock. That being said... this little 2.0 is one bad beast!! I didn't buy this car for the interior.
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September 19, 2009
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I guess I should have put a smily face in my message. I said that in fun. I go back a little further than your 70 Challenger with a 67 Firebird 400 automatic. One of, if not the, first one delivered. My uncle was the sales manager at the local Pontiac dealer, in NY, and was tight with the district rep. who had inside info on the car so my order was in before anybody else had even heard of it. I was a NY transplant in FL at the time and when my uncle told me about the car on the phone I said go and he ordered it for me. I waited almost 2 months before it got to the dealership. I flew up, put travalers plate (temp registration) on it and drove it back to Florida. First time I ever ran brackets was with that car in 1967 at the Bithlow Drag Strip in central Florida. It was the second year of operation for that track and is still operating today as Orlando Speed World. Or something like that. I made a couple of passes, two of which was a 14.04 and a 14.01, so I set my dial in for 14.0 - 14.5. First round of eliminations I made the mistake of lining up in the footprint of a dragster that had just made an exhibition pass. I beat the GTO lined up next to me, ran 13.95, they wiped my numbers and I never ran brackets again. That was with a 400 ci V8, with headers and Casler cheater slicks (as they were known "in the day"). Today our 4 cyl 121 ci motor will probably beat that, stock, with some slicks. We've come a long long way and further if our upgrade ever hits the street. I just hope I don't drop dead when I read the calibration is available. I'm not too sure my heart will be strong enough to handle the shock.
Hope nobody gets pissed at my novel.
Hope nobody gets pissed at my novel.
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September 19, 2009
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Hi, getting back to the original post, if anyone's interested while you wait You can make your own plug and play by ordering the OP parts listed and You can buy the Pigtails ahead of time at Ballenger Performance. I think this is the way to go because You can go back to original stock config and what I have chosen to do is drive to my Dealership service Dept. on my original stock config and swap the maps right in the parking lot. That way they can drive it in and Flash my Calibration. This action will probably cost about 80 dollars extra with the savings on the install. Also I'm not so sure if I will like the high mid throttle boost that has been described. I kind of like the mildness of the car around town at low speeds. BTW, if the people in charge don't mind or anyone else for that matter, what is the best RTV sealant to surround the soldered pigtail connector to the cut up OP map connections?
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September 25, 2009
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So it's been about a month now. I'm just wondering if we will get any type of update? Maybe some papers being signed even a still waiting. Maybe if the kit is even going to come out still or if it's being completely dumped. Or even a guys over at GM are eager to get it out there.
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September 30, 2009
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HEY GUYS, DID THE UP-DATE COME OUT YET, MAY BE I MISSED IT SOME HOW WHILE I WAS A SLEEP. I BEEN CHECKING EVERY DAY! GETTING BUMBED-OUT LOOKING
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October 07, 2009
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JTurner.CTN - From GMPD - On September 29th CARB requested the updated spread sheet of all calibration part numbers that are included in the stage kit. We updated and sent it right back. This is the spread sheet that CARB uses in their EO publication. So....We are really close!
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October 08, 2009
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