ls newb needing some help

[gmjj13]

picking up a 5.3 out of an 08 H3 for my old truck. its complete minus the computer. i want to put a carb on it. i would also like to put a nice little cam in it. nothing too radical, but something with a little lope. i have a quick fuel 750 i could use, but was thinking that it might be too big. will i still need the computer for anything if i am running a carbed motor as opposed to the efi? this is my first ls, and would like to do it right. i was thinking a cam and intake would work well on the little motor. any suggestions are greatly appreciated. thanks.

[neki67]

Jeff,

you found a 5.3 locally? Or could Ype provide you?

W.r.t. carb on LS; all you need is an ignition module. MSD, Mallory, Edelbrock, GMPP, they all over them. E.g.; http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-6010/

Good luck!

[Z06vet]

Do you have the trans as well? The truck intake/accessories should fit in your truck. If its complete with harness- everything but computer- I'd just get the harness modified & a computer so you can run the efi. It may be cheaper that way as well. A cam in the 218-224 range should work well.

[Pro-Tour Heavy Chevy]

Just finished my Carbureted 5.3 and love it. I'm running a 600cfm, but you can tune the 750 to work fine. I'm running the Edelbrock RPM intake with there ignition box, which is fine for mild applications. The MSD version is more tunable with a laptop, but if you find a deal on the Edelbrock it can perform very well. I chose to go carb because of cost, which saved me hundreds. I started with just the motor with a cracked intake. I used LS-6 Springs and a cam with 210/218 Duration with 551/551 lift with a 114 lobe separation. It's backed with a TH200-4R trans with a 2400 stall converter. It's runs smooth with a slight lope, pulls strong past 6000RPM. The whole conversion from Gen-1 to Gen-3 probably cost about 1500 including the engine the biggest expense being headers and sorting the pulley system. I am very impressed with the conversion and highly recommend it.

[CreepinDeth]

will i still need the computer for anything if i am running a carbed motor as opposed to the efi?

I'd keep the fuel injection personally.
But no , you just need to buy a $300+ ignition module, and $300 carb intake IIRC.

[gmjj13]

Rene, i picked up the motor, trans and rear end out of a 2008 H3 with 6k miles on it. Its about 3hrs from here. I'm going to try to use everything. I'm swapping the trans, since it is a 4wd trans for a 2wd trans. I have a choice between a 4l60e and a 4l80e, newly rebuilt with a year warranty. Not sure which one to go with. Need to do some measuring to make sure which will work best. I'll have to measure the rear as well to see if I can make it work. Not a bad deal for 2200 euro.

[gmjj13]

Only problem with keeping the fuel injection is it doesn't come with a computer. i'd also think i'd like the look of the carb on the motor as opposed to the truck intake EFI. i'll know on friday when i go to the garage if its missing anything else. if its just missing the computer, how hard is it to get one?

[neki67]

If its just missing the computer, how hard is it to get one?

Not very hard at all given the rest of the modifications you're planning. AC Delco p/n 12636660 is the original (E67)ECM.

It's all depending whether you want to go with DBW Throttle Body or with a cable operated TB and if the wiring harness is coming with it or not.

First decision you have to make is: you go for EFI or carb?

Oh and BTW; Great deal! Let me know if/when they have more . . . .

[gmjj13]

pretty sure i'm going with a carb. i'll be using a 4l80e for the trans. i'll get some pics tonight. the motor,trans and rear was picked up last night, and is waiting for me at the garage! woohoo.

[MuscleRodz]

pretty sure i'm going with a carb. i'll be using a 4l80e for the trans. i'll get some pics tonight. the motor,trans and rear was picked up last night, and is waiting for me at the garage! woohoo.

the transmission will require a computer, and you will need to control the individual coil packs on the ignition unless you run a distributer conversion.

[neki67]

the transmission will require a computer, and you will need to control the individual coil packs on the ignition unless you run a distributer conversion.

For the trans you will idd need a TCM (Transmission Control Module) and wiring harness. One of the most cost efficient options: http://www.optishift.com/

You already know 'bout the ignition control module (MSD, Edelbrock, etc. like a view posts up).

Keep us posted!

[Z06vet]

Given the cost of the parts needed to run with a carb & to run the trans, I would think buying the above stated ECM & altering the stock harness would be the way to go. You get the added benefit of keeping the efi and it should cost less... I'm just saying. I'll admit I am a little biased. On my 3rd LS1 1st gen and I dont think I could ever go back to a carb. Looking forward to your swap & seeing which way you go with it!