Carbureted LS2 Engine ???

[onebad2]

Hey guys im looking at one of these carbureted LS2's and I would like to not have the coils on the valve covers...

Do I need this.....http://s41657.sites80.storefront-hos...l.aspx?ID=3283

also what other goodies will I need to get this thing work right!?

thanks

[parsonsj]

You're in good hands with Wegner. They have a rep as one of the top independent NASCAR engine builders (both Cup and Busch) around. They send out 9-15 9500 rpm SB2 engines a week. (3 per race team)

As far as moving the coils off the covers, that's easy to do. But I think you are really asking is how to drive the plug wires without a distributor.

There are several answers:
1. GMPP (which was actually developed by Tom Volden at Wegner) sells alternate front covers that support a distributor and mechanical fuel pump. It works great ... I've seen it run.
2. Use MSD's standalone ignition. It comes with an ignition box and is fully programmable for different ignition timing curves.
3. Go aftermarket EFI and use FAST's XIM and XFI.
4. Use the OEM computer to run the spark only.
5. Use the Wegner standalone ignition setup you linked to. It works fine.

I used option 3 with my Wegner 427 LS2. It made 620 hp on the dyno at 6300 rpm, and 580 lb ft of torque at 5300 rpm.

jp

[onebad2]

Hey John thanks for the heads up... Wegner looks like they have everything I need!
NOW I nead some header flanges to modify my headersto fit an LS block!

-Paul

[trapin]

What is with this new carbureted LSX trend? What's the advantage over fuel injection? To me, getting the fuel injection is the beautiful part of owning an LS engine.

[parsonsj]

getting the fuel injection is the beautiful part of owning an LS engine

As a fellow who spent months getting his fuel injection working, I didn't find it beautiful at all. There were several times I was tempted to chuck the EFI, run over to Pep Boys and buy a Holley 4150, and get the car running.

I suppose if one is going to use the factory computer and harness and live with paying professionals to tune the car (and remove extra stuff), then the EFI is an easy decision. In my case, I wanted to use a more traditional intake manifold with cowl induction, so the factory setup didn't appeal to me.

Anyway, that's me. I suspect lots of guys want the relative simplicity of a carburetor. And btw, Wegner reports they make more power than the factory simply by swapping manifolds and using a carb. I've seen the relative dyno graphs. Of course, they aren't just anybody: they've been making carb-based Cup and Busch motors for 30+ years.

jp

[trapin]

Interesting. Would you still have to run a computer with a carburated LS?

[Gordz32]

I don't see anything wrong with running a carbed LS engine, infact, I'm planning on running one myself. Yea EFI is awsome but, can get expensive and time consuming for some who aren't used to EFIand tuning. I like the idea of an aluminum engine that you can pick up relatively cheap, pull all the EFI stuff off of it, slap on a carb/manifold/box and bolt it up. If i'm wrong, Tell me where I can find a used low mileage/ Non-LS aluminum engine for under $2k. Not trying to start anything, I've just seen a some people who think putting a carb on a LS engine is wrong
Quick note: correct me if I'm wrong ( I'm new to the LS stuff) but I don't think you need a computer for the carbed version, the MSD box has timing curves built in and are also programable with some software included and it has provisions for nitrous retard as well. There is some great aftermarket stuff for these engines.