Speed Density or MAF/IAT?

[Brians47Nova]

I bought this 74 Nova with a Swap already done (kind of). The person I bought it from didn't know much as he bought it from someone who lost her husband and she didn't know either. So as I go along and learn both classic car basics I am also learning about LS swaps (I know it's an LM7). I can assume this person did quite a bit to the engine since it has a nice Holley Pan, Cam kit, etc... but I just don't know everything he did. First thing I need to figure out is the IAT sensor (Missing) and the MAF sensor (Missing). I am starting to wonder if it might have been deleted and converted to speed density. How would I check for that? Is Speed Density better than MAF/IAT sensors?


Attachment 27214 (https://www.ls1.com/forums/attachments/f98/27214-new-member-74-chevy-nova-custom-lm7-242149971_10220376731196921_7047721185833993818_n. jpg)
Attachment 27215 (https://www.ls1.com/forums/attachments/f98/27215-new-member-74-chevy-nova-custom-lm7-242080436_10220376731956940_8366398806197593903_n. jpg)
Attachment 27216 (https://www.ls1.com/forums/attachments/f98/27216-new-member-74-chevy-nova-custom-lm7-242193069_10220376731556930_1593641532876492589_n. jpg)


Chevrolet Nova Custom 2dr Coupe Information


Year: 1974
Model: Custom 2dr Coupe
Engine: 5.3L Vortec LM7 with a Stage 3 Cam Kit (out of a 2002 Suburban)
Body/Exterior: Stock but solid
Front End: Stock for now
Transmission: 4L60
Rear End: 3.73:1
Exhaust: Dual custom
Wheels/Tires: 205/60R15 fronts 235/65R15 rears on American Racing AR61 Outlaw Rims for now (not pictured)
Interior: all stock cloth but I have plans to upgrade to custom leather
Electrical: all stock except the LS Harness

[Brians47Nova]

Well I found the plug finally. They had it tucked away (thank god they didn't cut it off) inside the fender. :hand:

[Lonnies Performance]

Proper speed density tuning still requires the IAT sensor.

For a typical street build, I would always retain the MAF, although it takes twice the tuning effort to get everything correct as you still tune as speed density & then MAF only.

[Brians47Nova]

Proper speed density tuning still requires the IAT sensor.

For a typical street build, I would always retain the MAF, although it takes twice the tuning effort to get everything correct as you still tune as speed density & then MAF only.

Thank you. I was able to locate the mysterious missing plug for the MAF/IAT sensor. I will be adding it soon so I can get it tuned.