Vortec Swap

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I have a 74 C20, and it has a good running but tired 350.

Earlier I was looking on CL looking for a Vortec 350, and saw a few "running" 5.3's or 4.8's for a good price.

I know they practically drop in, and manifold selection is good. So how is the MSD ignition kit for reliability, and drive ability? I want to keep the truck carb'd so I don't have to deal with the extra costs of the swap. Like all the electronics, and new gauges I would need to make the set-up work.

I figure this swap would have a T200R4 overdrive, and 4.11 gears which should work nice on a 5.3.

Has anyone swapped a carb'd LS motor, and how did you like it? In the end do feel its still worth or is 1/2 the LS magic in the electronics?

[Clyde65]

1/2 is in the Fuel injection. thats where you will get your performance and reliability. Carbs have been done yes, but for my money, stay FI and throw a cam in the 4.8/5.3, you can get 350HP and still get about 18mpg with a OD trans. something you wont get with a SBC

[BR3W CITY]

When you add the cost of the carb and manifold, msd setup, specialty brackets for the kickdown (or is it a tv?) on the 200r4, plus the lockup electronics for it. You'll be pretty much the same as just keeping the fuel injection. The only real annoyance is if you want to keep the stock speedo, you need a cableX which costs just as much if not more than just buying a new speedo.

[yossarian19]

I wouldn't ever spend money beyond what a SBC costs on a carb'ed motor.
Come to think of it, I'd never spend money on a carb'ed motor. But thats just me.
Like others have said, though - by the time you buy a manifold & carb, you could darn near have gone EFI and kept the reliability, economy & performance that makes an LS desirable in the first place.

[bohmankid]

Carb your vortec motor? No. I would sooner build a sbc 350. I'm doing the swap for the efi.
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[mooseknuckles]

I know the ls motors can make great power with a carb, but the real magic is in the fuel injection.....

[chevybuilder18]

if these engines come with wiring and a computer keep the EFI on it!