jimmy2s83

So here is my dilema,

I have my first car that is an 1982 Camaro.

I have held on to it through the years to one day completely redo it. On the engine options I have weighed going Carb or EFI and have decided that for the purpose of being a get in and go anywhere I would like to go with EFI.

For weight purposes I thought an all aluminum engine would be great. However the $4500 and up price on a gen 1 block has me reconsidering that option. Then I see that the LS1 blocks can be had for much less. I found sever around $1000 easily.

Now I really don't want to mess with the wiring of an LS1. However on the Gen 1 I was seriously thinking about some of the aftermarket EFI systems that are getting many positive reviews. The problem is I only find them for the Gen 1 SBC. I know there are carb intakes for the LS1 engines.

So my question is if anyone has done the EFI system on a LSx?

I also like the look of the EFI systems more so than the stock intakes. Gives it a more nostalgic look while maintaining the efficiency of fuel injections. Also the EFI systems also can self tune so that means I can make modifications without having to get a new PROM burned everytime.

Hopefully you can decipher my rambling and help me out.

I may also consider doing a 6.0 iron block for but kinda wanting all aluminum at this point. Be the same scenario with an iron block in wanting to use an aftermarket EFI system.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

The weight difference from alum to iron LSx blocks is 65lbs. Worth the extra cost? You decide. The total weight is considerably less than an all iron SBC

Google each of the systems you are considering. Ive done extensive work with the stock EFI system and cant find any reason not to use it, but some of the self tuning ECM/PCMs are attractive, at a price. The new computers do not use chips anymore, tune on the fly with a laptop

jimmy2s83

Thanks.

I started thinking about it and realized I have a good 350 that would be a great candidate for my Camaro with an EFI system on it. Weight isn't that big of a deal as the car won't be raced. Its going to be a daily driver that has the abilty to go when desired.
I did manage to find an EFI system by Edelbrock that will bolt onto an LSx block. Its price tag was $4000! It was complete but whew!

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

You can buy a ls1, stand alone harness and tuned PCM for less than that

MSD atomic EFI is attractive, but still a hard pill to swallow at $2k. The fuel rails are the PCM. Pretty neat

Just a FYI, but you can use the LSx PCM on an EFI SBC for the greater control and electronic transmission control

ploegi

Best bet would be to find a donor car, that has the engine you want, but, has been wrecked.... you can get the whole thing for a couple thousand... or less. (around here) Then you get the engine, trans, PCM, and wiring harness that you need, and just have to transplant it into your car. There will be some peripheral items required, engine mounts, or cross-member, etc, but, you will still be spending less than one of the aftermarket EFI systems.....

jimmy2s83

The main reason I was wanting the aftermarket EFI was the appearance. I just don't care for the looks of the LSx intakes.
May just keep my eye out for a good deal on one. Occasionally you'll see an ad for one of these EFI systems that someone bought and never used.
I have started to see some very affordable LSx donor cars/trucks. Don't want to go with a 4.8 but I did see a running and driving 4.8 1999 Chevy truck 2wd with 155K for only $1500.

I appreciate the input!

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

If simple EFI and aesthetics are the driving force then stick to a TPI or lt1 system

Pretty much all of the LSx intakes that will fit under a 3rd gen hood looks like rolling hills. Typhoon being slightly different

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

That's the key.

You could put a Victor Jr. with 4150 carb base on it, with a hat (elbow), fuel rails, etc., for EFI with a different look, but it may not fit under the stock hood. I just about went that route with my stroked L92-headed stroked LQ4 (and may still), but that engine is in a '57 Bel Air, which has a little more hood clearance than 3rd gens.

Personally, I don't mind the look of the LS1/6/2/3 intakes. But, I'm a function-over-form guy.

Jay_rich

iTrader: (4)

Well you have a few options like said above. If you were dead set on aluminum look into a complete running L33 5.3L. I think they were an option only from 2005-2007. All aluminum block with flat top pistons (4.8L pistons) and 243/799 (Z06/LS2 heads). I have stumbled across a few in the 1000-1500 range depending on whats included. IMO if buying a truck motor all you really want is the shortblock and heads. The rest just toss since you will replace. You will want an F-body (98-02) Pan/pickup/windage, LS1 or LS6 intake (if you can deal with the "looks") Then F-body or Corvette Accessories.

It really depends on what you want power wise. Stock PCM's have been proven too 1000+ whp. There is A LOT you can do with a stock PCM. Only downfalls to the Stock setup is tuning can be a bit intimidating, no on the fly tuning while driving. etc.

There are also options like Microsquirt if you wanna get by cheap. $399 for the LS1 version with a DIY 8 foot harness and they finally just made a module to add IAC to them. Great for a cheap budget weekend warrior imo since they are wasted spark not a fuel sequential/ 8 coil driver unit. If that was a must there is MS3x and MS3-Pro still both are very affordable and offer Auto Tuning and TONS of input/outputs. But also none of these will do trans control. Thats an entire different topic with MANY ways around it.

Then like stated above you could get a victor JR with a carb etc. But then you will be forced to run a cowl hood. I was originally going to go this route on my 87 since its a carbed car, then I realized I couldn't fit a vic jr with a short Fast 4150 Throttle body under the hook of my last Iroc-z and was forced into a 4 inch cowl which I hated.

Also I will add if you hate the stock intake Nelson Racing Engines is working on a sweet intake with single or dual throttle bodies...But I think its gonna come in around $2000.

Jay