Engine Mngt Basics...HELP!!

[SicMonte]

Ok...I am a carb/sbc guy...yes I know I know. I am in the early stages of getting together a LS motor to put in my car but I need some guidance and simple tech questions answered. To be honest it is already getting too complicated for me to be worth it.

Puting the motor together and in the car is no problem. Once I get it all in there...how do you manage the fuel injection? Do I use the stock type stuff or what...computers...phasers...coil packs...huh?? I really have no idea when it comes to this stuff.



Is there a basic LS book to read that would clear all this stuff up?

Also....well....what about transmissions? Are they all hooked up to the computer as well? I know that a T56 isnt computer controlled...but it woulndt suprise me if there were some sort of sensors in there.

I dont want to sound dumb...but this whole new engine stuff is getting overwhelming.

[PjMenier2012]

You want to use everything original. Coil packs are a good idea. What kind of car is it?

[dontlifttoshift]

Saw this at SEMA.....I kind of dig it. http://www.atomicefi.com/Atomic_LS.aspx

[David Pozzi]

I'm no expert, just a little ahead of you. Here are a few things I learned
Get a factory ECM for the year make & model engine you are using. Buy an aftermarket wiring harness for it & if its a drive by wire throttle body, use the gas pedal from the same car as the ECM is from. The only manual transmission connections would be speedometer, reverse lockout solenoid, & a back up light switch. They can be wired direct to the car & don't need to be wired to the ECM. Have a tuner set up the ECM, & have the car dyno tuned when its finished & running.

If the engine is a later one with 58 tooth reluctor wheel on the crank, then the GM harness blade type MAF & drive by wire gas pedal & ECM are a pretty good deal.

There are finally some Aftermarket systems worth considering, the FAST XFI 2.0, &
perhaps the new MSD although it has no track record yet. The Holley system has been out for a year & seems OK.

[srh3trinity]

Travis (daytonayellaz) is a good resource. He is doing swap harnesses and can also provide ECM's. He is helpful and knowledgeable about lsx swaps. I am going to have him do a harness for me when I am ready.

[ChevelleNV]

Call John Spears at Speartech, he was an engineer for GM for many years and can build you a retrofit harness using a GM ECM reprogrammend for your application. he builds nice stuff, simple to hook up and runs... http://www.speartech.com/

[68lovebuzz]

PSI makes a great harness too. They are complete, have good customer service and may save some you money over others. Keep asking questions as the LS world is awesome and many here can answer most questions you have. Best of luck!

[jlcustomz]

Many people needlessly scare themselves over efi wiring. Learn the basics of efi operation, sensors, etc. Most connectors can only plug into the correct item. As far as the harness,I,ve done both modified harnesses ready to hook up & wire for wire modifying my own.For you an aftermarket such as speartech or someone modifying the harness for you is an easy hookup. The t-56 has a computer controlled reverse lockout & electric speedometer output, reverse light switch & an un needed skip shift feature you won't need , nothing much there.
I did an ls1T56 combo from an f-body 10 years ago into my g-body before swap kits were common, was a good decision. Ididn,t have to piece together the system. Sounds like you're comfortable on the basic install part, which there are many options on how to do most everything.
ls1tech.com has a lot of info, there is even a g-body thread in the conversions section.Also check the stickys.
Most of the stock electronics are good, coils are overkill compared to 1 coil distributors. You'd probably want to go straight for a fast intake such as the 102.
You also could wimp out & get a carb conversion kit to run a carb & the needed electronics.
If you're like me & like printed books, hp books#1566 by Shawn henderson of retro lsx.com is the newest I know of .
Take your time & learn systems one part at a time & it won't seem so overwelming. Embracing technology can be a good thing, especially in today's competitive world. Besides you have internet help I didn't have years ago on my efi swaps.

[daytonayellaz]

Travis (daytonayellaz) is a good resource. He is doing swap harnesses and can also provide ECM's. He is helpful and knowledgeable about lsx swaps. I am going to have him do a harness for me when I am ready.

Thanks Stephen! I do feel like we build the best harness out there! We are now providing harnesses for some of the big names in the business. We use all the correct gauge wire...and NEVER use Chinese knock off connectors!! There is some big money to be saved by using the Chinese connectors....

[daytonayellaz]

Doug... give me a call and I will help you out. Several years ago I was in the same boat you are.... I could not find a motor/trans that did not have a million miles on it....missing all the accessories.. butchered wiring etc. I could not get straight answers to my questions. The people that I "thought" knew what was going on acted like they had trade secrets that couldnt be shared. I got tired of all this nonsense and decided I was GOING to learn how to do this. I have spent countless hours helping people that have not bought one of my LS packages or harnesses! I have also spent countless hours helping the ones who have bought there LS motor packages from me!
It can seem overwhelming...no doubt, but its really pretty easy.

[Zoomin]

Doug... give me a call and I will help you out. Several years ago I was in the same boat you are.... I could not find a motor/trans that did not have a million miles on it....missing all the accessories.. butchered wiring etc. I could not get straight answers to my questions. The people that I "thought" knew what was going on acted like they had trade secrets that couldnt be shared. I got tired of all this nonsense and decided I was GOING to learn how to do this. I have spent countless hours helping people that have not bought one of my LS packages or harnesses! I have also spent countless hours helping the ones who have bought there LS motor packages from me!
It can seem overwhelming...no doubt, but its really pretty easy.

Travis,

I tried sending you a couple pm's and I'm not sure they were sent.
I need your contact info.