I am running a 94 Z28 (94 computer) with a 96 LT1 in it. The knock sensors are not matching up currently, since the one the 96 LT1 came with does not match up to the 94 computer (or so i've been told). The timing is apparently (I can feel it, it hesitates when you press the pedal) being retarded since there is no knock sensor being detected, I'm guessing. First off, will the new knock sensor plug right into the wiring, assuming I go buy one and install it myself? If not, do I need to buy an entire new wiring harness or something, and can I get that from GM?

Secondly, will it hurt my engine if I continue running it without swapping out the knock sensor for a month or so, because the mechanic I took it to said it would? The mechanic also said a 96 lt1 would not run in a 94 car no matter what, which is obviously wrong, and that I had to buy an entire other engine.

Not a lot of good mechanics around here, and I head back to Charlotte in a month, and wanted to take it to F-Body motorsports to get them to work on it in a month, which is why I ask if it's ok to drive it 300~ miles to school.

Thanks for the help. This forum is wayyyy more helpful than the mechanics here, who have no idea what they're doing.

 

If you have an OBD-II knock sensor connected to an OBD-I computer, you should get a trouble code. Timing advance will be automatically limited until the problem or correct sensor is used. There is no difference in the physical connection at the sensor, so no harness change is needed. Your car will just perform poorly until things are like they should be. No damage should result.

 

I do get a code for the knock sensor (43), as you suspected. Thank you VERY MUCH for your help, shoebox. You should be a paid forum member.

 

Didn't I already mention that the knock sensor swap would fix your issue?

 

Ion, you did, but the car was already at the mechanic, and he told me it'd mess up my engine to continue driving it like that and that replacing the knock sensor wouldn't fix it , although I believed you, and I am going to take your advice and just swap out the knock sensor.

I was just wondering if it would mess up my engine to drive it until I swap it out.

No disrespect meant.