C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 05:01 AM
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Not going to do it but if you were to swap out your 350 for a modern LS motor, do you have to install a whole computer system to run it?
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 06:24 AM
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Yes. If your going to run a modern sequential port injected engine. You need a computer to run it.
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 06:31 AM
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No actually... They make intakes to mount a carb on LS motors and many people actually go that route even though you would be giving up much of the advantages of the motor. They also sell simpler aftermarket FI systems.

I was watching an episode of engine masters last week where they were running a carb powered LS with no computer and they mentioned the different aftermarket accessories available to run things like the coil packs without a computer

Last edited by augiedoggy; Apr 6, 2021 at 06:32 AM.
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by augiedoggy
No actually... They make intakes to mount a carb on LS motors and many people actually go that route even though you would be giving up much of the advantages of the motor. They also sell simpler aftermarket FI systems.

I was watching an episode of engine masters last week where they were running a carb powered LS with no computer and they mentioned the different aftermarket accessories available to run things like the coil packs without a computer
Cool, good to know... My 71 is matching numbers and runs great but if some day I need to get a new motor I’d probably go that route instead of a create 350...
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 07:16 AM
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To run an LS engine with no computer, you will need the front cover distributor drive adapter.......there is no provision in an LS engine from GM for a distributor.
I have seen this setup in an old Chevelle and it always prompts me to think "why didn't you just build the engine that was in it or something similar?"
LS engines have excellent cylinder heads......but were never meant to fit in the hole......so it is 6 of one, a half dozen of the other......
Performance media has done a great job of convincing every 20 year old on the planet that you can drop one of these in over a weekend for $500....and they will fight you tooth and nail to prove they are wrong.
You CAN swap a crate engine over a weekend....alone.....I have and still do it......

Jebby
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Jebbysan
To run an LS engine with no computer, you will need the front cover distributor drive adapter.......there is no provision in an LS engine from GM for a distributor.
I have seen this setup in an old Chevelle and it always prompts me to think "why didn't you just build the engine that was in it or something similar?"
LS engines have excellent cylinder heads......but were never meant to fit in the hole......so it is 6 of one, a half dozen of the other......
Performance media has done a great job of convincing every 20 year old on the planet that you can drop one of these in over a weekend for $500....and they will fight you tooth and nail to prove they are wrong.
You CAN swap a crate engine over a weekend....alone.....I have and still do it......

Jebby
I think this may become a long thread...🤣
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 08:16 AM
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looks like I've been shot down just a bit. so, let me re - state this a bit differently.
A LS engine, set up as a LS engine, needs a computer to run it. it has a crank position sensor. NOT a distributor. it has 8 electrically run computer controled injectors. and numurus other sensors that the COMPUTER needs to acutely run this engine. Now, if you change the manifold, add on some aftermarket distributor. Yes perhaps you can run it with a carb and no computer. BUT WHY?. I have a computer running the EFI on my 77. seems much better overall to wire in the ECU and all the sensors. Or, just rebuild your early style engine with a roller cam and good heads.
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
looks like I've been shot down just a bit. so, let me re - state this a bit differently.
A LS engine, set up as a LS engine, needs a computer to run it. it has a crank position sensor. NOT a distributor. it has 8 electrically run computer controled injectors. and numurus other sensors that the COMPUTER needs to acutely run this engine. Now, if you change the manifold, add on some aftermarket distributor. Yes perhaps you can run it with a carb and no computer. BUT WHY?. I have a computer running the EFI on my 77. seems much better overall to wire in the ECU and all the sensors. Or, just rebuild your early style engine with a roller cam and good heads.
Not shot down at all.....he asked if it was possible to run one without electronics and you most certainly can......GM performance parts sells the kit. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...+5ba150fd58b68
But as I said too....WHY? Added expense and complexity.....and you still have to dick with putting an LS engine in the hole it wasn't meant for.....
I agree.....if you are going to LS swap.....do the whole deal with all of the electronics......to me, that is part of the reason to do the swap, they go hand in hand.....more power and more control.

Jebby
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 09:08 AM
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Why would you? It’s cheaper to keep it intact and the computer is small and easy to remove if you decided to later. I bought a LS engine and tranny from a wrecked 2012 Camaro, had Speartech make me a harness and unlock the ECU, and dropped it in my 1988 LR Defender. There were literally five wires to connect. So, cheaper, easier and better.
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 12:58 PM
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I've built several LS swapped cars, and unless you want to run a carb you'll need to run a computer and an appropriate harness.

Carbs on an LS = lol
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Old Apr 7, 2021 | 08:04 AM
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All the swap parts will get expensive fast as well
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Old Apr 7, 2021 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Rescue Rogers
All the swap parts will get expensive fast as well
They certainly can, but you can do it relitavly cheap as well if your not opposed to using a truck engine.

On one car I did I keep the cost right at $1200.
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Old Apr 7, 2021 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Jebbysan
Performance media has done a great job of convincing every 20 year old on the planet that you can drop one of these in over a weekend for $500....and they will fight you tooth and nail to prove they are wrong.
You'll blow way past $500 if you listen to performance media and buy all the fancy special pieces they tell you that you need.

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