Has anyone done a carburetor/distributor conversion on an LS motor using the GM conversion? Is this the hot tip for doing such a conversion? Would you do it again using this kit? http://paceperformance.com/attachment/40368-.pdf
Note that on the Edelbrock conversion the heads would have to be changed to LS3 rectangular ports. Do not know how much each conversion would cost but I think well over $1000 and to what end?
Note that on the Edelbrock conversion the heads would have to be changed to LS3 rectangular ports. Do not know how much each conversion would cost but I think well over $1000 and to what end?
I'm just asking because I am an old, set in my ways guy who is being dragged kicking and screaming into the age of computers. I'm so fed up with that crap that I could just scream.
So, I was thinking what it would be like to drop a 4.8 or 5.3 into a little sports car with a carb and distributor. The heads are eons ahead of any Gen I heads and it would be worth the expense to me just to have a really good running little motor that would make good power and get good mileage. I would want to use a Performer RPM mounting a Quadrajet (with adapter) and a Davis Unified Ignition HEI distributor.
Any Gen I that you put together will cost ten dollars per horsepower, so if you could find a low miles 4.8 or 5.3 for under $2000 and convert it for under $2000, it would be practical to me to do so (400 hp for under $4000, with really good fuel mileage).
I understand about the "modern" new fangled stuff. OK, here is what I have learned about the LS family. First, if you want just the engine the price would be around $500. If it has 100K on the clock you would never wear it out in a street rod or special interest vehicle. Now, for the horsepower look for a 6.0 and change the cam and valvetrain out to an LS6 and the HP will be closer to 500 then 400. Want driveability, keep the F.I. buy a harness and your biggest headache will be the fuel system and pump. Everything else is plug and play. Total cost of a 5.3/4L60E conversion should be somewhere around $3000. By the way, Hot Rod Mag swapped the cam on a 5.3 and gained close to 100 HP.
I wouldn't use the distributer on the GEN 3/4 engines. Just run one of the ignition boxes that gives the ignition curve to the 8 Coil Near Plug Injectors, then you can tune with your carb if you wish.
The guy running the dyno says it best, kinda makes the old L 76 365hp/327 look silly.
Tech, I've only seen one of those in use. Owner had it and an Edelbrock dual plane in a street rod pickup truck on a 5.3. As I recall, he said it used a Ford fuel pump and distributor. He seemed to be knowledgeable and talked real favorably about the conversion. Before I made the jump to EFI on my current project, I was seriously considering the same distributor conversion myself and for the same reasons as you.
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