[uncreatedpants]

Hey guys, long time lurker here. I have a 2016 1LT V6 (IOB radio) that I'm doing a phased ZL1 conversion on over the next few years.

My immediate goal is to upgrade from the IOB 7" radio to the IO6 8" MyLink 2.5 system. I understand the IOB is a completely different architecture from the IO6 and the wiring isn't there in my car to support a direct HMI module swap.

My plan is to source a complete 2016-2018 SS dash harness from a salvage yard to solve the wiring problem, then drop in a used IO6 HMI module and display.

My questions:

1. Will a 2016 SS dash harness physically fit and mate correctly to the existing body harness in my 1LT? I understand the body/dash structure is identical across trims.

2. The SS harness will have connectors for hardware I don't have yet (memory seats, different HVAC controls, etc.) - will those unplugged connectors cause any DTCs or module issues?

3. Has anyone done this specific swap - SS harness into a base 1LT? Any gotchas I should know about?

For context my long term goal is a full ZL1 conversion so the SS harness makes sense as a foundation for everything else coming down the road (memory seats, upgraded cluster, etc.)

Thanks in advance.

[SS_Don]

So you are going to swap the engine, transmission, rear end, suspension, electronic control modules, brakes, fuel pump, hood, etc. Wouldn't it be cheaper, certainly easier, to sell or trade in your current vehicle and buy a ZL1?

[dpevans]

Drive it, enjoy it, and when you can afford it step up to a ZL1. You're talking big dollars and you'll still never have a ZL1. Most of these modules are VIN specific. I think you would be better served to find a salvage SS or ZL1 and use yours as a parts car.

[S.Macias]

As a 1LT V6 owner, our car is the most basic of the basic. While some ZL1 and SS parts can work for any trim, many of the electronics just aren’t compatible, and the ones that are require custom programming that cost thousands. The upgrade to the ZL1 dash is one I can think of, where the vin has to be custom programmed, as well as the odometer to work. I think I priced this alone at almost $2,000, which to me isn’t worth it to have a full digital dash versus the basic dash. With the money spent on upgrading parts, I’d say just upgrade the full car. You can probably find a 2SS for cheaper than all the SS/ZL1 upgrades.

If you’re wanting power, there’s a few turbochargers and superchargers that work for the V6. I know Edelbrock makes one that even has a 3-year warranty. You won’t quite hit the ZL1 power levels, but it will be quick enough.

Here’s my build thread if you’re interested in how my V6 turned out. With my minimal upgrades, I’m able to almost hit SS 0-60 times

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=575560