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Do I need a 2-bar or 3-bar MAP sensor operating system for a boosted LS?

Here is what the documentation says. Each point links to its source; tables and names vary by computer, operating system and tuning software.

  • LS1B; LS Gen III; 1999-2006: Stock 1999-2006 LS1B ECMs cannot measure more than 1 bar of manifold pressure (about 14.5 psi or 105 kPa); boosted combinations need a 2- or 3-bar MAP sensor with corrected sensor scaling. (LSX Magazine)
  • E38, E67; LS2, LS3, LS7; 2006-2015: For boosted Gen IV swaps the controller must be set up for a 2- or 3-bar MAP sensor, since the factory calibration only models naturally-aspirated manifold pressure. (LSX Magazine)
  • E38, E67, E92; LS Gen IV; 2005-2013: E38, E67, and E92 ECMs can interpret 2- or 3-bar MAP sensor readings, but the MAP calibration data still has to be changed if the ECU was not originally calibrated for a supercharged engine. (LSX Magazine)
  • Terminator X; LM7, LQ4, LQ9, LS1, LS3, LS6; 1999-2013: Terminator X ECUs carry an onboard 1-bar MAP sensor suited to naturally aspirated or nitrous combinations; for boosted applications the internal sensor is disabled and an external sensor is used, with Holley recommending GM part 12592525 plus adapter 558-416 for 2-bar and up. (Texas Speed)

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Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.

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