5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

4DSEVEN · 01-19-2009, 08:54 PM

Ok I am totally green at this stuff and am looking for opinions.

I recently purchased a 47 pick up and a buddy of mine has a motor (free) that I can have. It is a 2002 5.3L LS 1 that came out of his Avalanche. He is also giving me the transmission which is an L60E w/ a stage 2 shift kit.

He wants to put that in my truck and convert it to a carb. I know absolutely nothing about motors but had this conversation with another friend who says it will be costly to convert it and a computer is still needed.

Now the guy giving me the motor and tranny will be doing the install but at my expense. No labour, just parts.

I realize I don't need a shift kit but it's already in the tranny.

So opnions please good? Bad? Expensive conversion? He is a licensed mechanic who owns his own garage with about 5 employees.

Is this the direction I should be going?

I also have an option for a 350 motor instead.

1LoC10 · 01-19-2009, 09:03 PM

http://www.jegs.com/p/Edelbrock/755239/10002/-1

PhilaTruck · 01-19-2009, 09:14 PM

Sounds like a good friend. Nice motor. Welcome to the board-

-Todd

**LEEVON** · 01-19-2009, 09:33 PM

Common consensus over on LS1tech is that the Edelbrock box with the "timing pills" has way too much timing. Most of the carb conversions are running the Victor or GMPP intake with the MSD 6010 controller. The wiring is simple.

Longhorn Man · 01-19-2009, 11:15 PM

and if you ditch the 4l60e for a 700R4, then you won't need the computer for the tranny... just the ignition controller already mentioned.
Just make sure the tranny is up for the power/punishment you plan on giving it

temogarza48 · 01-28-2009, 04:34 PM

The newer 5.3 will bolt up to a 700r-4 tranny?

swb85 · 01-28-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by temogarza48

The newer 5.3 will bolt up to a 700r-4 tranny?

Yes, with an adapter flexplate.

**LEEVON** · 01-28-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swb85

Yes, with an adapter flexplate.

You can also use a spacer made by Hughes, Summit p/n HP3795. It's only $43.95, much cheaper than a flexplate. The 5.3L flexplates fit, some others do not though. You can also run a stock speedo with the 700R4 if it's cable driven.

boostat4500 · 01-28-2009, 11:27 PM

If it has all the injection stuff on it still (manifold, fuel rail/injectors, etc) it will be cheaper, and in my opinion, easier to leave it alone and forget the carb idea. Not sure if cost is a factor or not. Either way, cool project!

Russell · 01-29-2009, 08:51 PM

Big step backwards going carbed, the EFI has a lot to offer, and is not that tough to retrofit.

**LEEVON** · 02-22-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

Big step backwards going carbed, the EFI has a lot to offer, and is not that tough to retrofit.

Technology wise, I agree. EFI is far superior...but it all depends on what he wants out of the truck. If he's already got a carb then the price would be comparable. If I had a '47 I would stick with the EFI for the novelty of it. They're becoming commonplace in 67-72's though which is why I'm putting together a carb 5.3L for my truck. I like 'em both.

lsjrl07 · 07-27-2010, 02:07 PM

I have been thinking of doing this exact same thing in my 82 Crew Cab Short Bed w/ a 454 BBC & 700R4 Tranny w/ Shift Kit. It has a Painless wiring harness throughout the entire truck. IMO it is an easier/cleaner swap going with the Carbed setup. I have compiled everything I think I will need to do this. Anyone please chime in and let me know what you think or if I have some parts wrong. I am looking to probably buy the engine start going through it by September. I just want to have everything lined out so once I start, I can breeze through the swap.

Thanks, Justin

JNJchev77 · 03-02-2012, 01:20 PM

Any updates here? I'm thinkin of going the Carb'd route as well. Yes, the gas mileage won't be there but I'm not going to be driving it every day... at least after the first few months lol

68GMCCustom · 03-02-2012, 08:49 PM

Oh no....more carb'd LSx naysayers. I wonder how many have done it?

Anyway.....here's my as they would say... "mistake".

'09 LY6 6.0L with VVT delete, a cam, and headers. Thats a GMPP dual plane LSX intake and Holley Street HP 750cfm carb

that said...I do need to disclose that I have someone that I'm doing some trading with. He is providing the hardware and software to change my motor to efi because that's what he knows, and what I can get the best value out of my trade vs something else or cash. I don't need to use it all but will because of my problems with the 200-4r and desire to replace it with a 6L80 or 90e...I'm changing. I will be going to a carb looking efi setup using a carb intake, fuel rails, and 1000cfm throttle body, as soon as financially able.

gringoloco · 03-02-2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

I will be going to a carb looking efi setup using a carb intake, fuel rails, and 1000cfm throttle body, as soon as financially able.

Cool. Using the stock ECM?

72gmcshorty · 03-02-2012, 11:39 PM

If you go FI you will also have to add the cost of changing your fuel system...tank, pump, filter, etc...

68GMCCustom · 03-02-2012, 11:40 PM

It'll be an e38 ecm...which I heard was one of the latest and greatest, and will run about any trans including a 6L80e or 6L90e...so most likely? No reason couldn't do a speed density tune with that setup? Unless the TB has MAF, IAT, etc. sensors built in?

I'm not against going aftermarket tho.

and no reason to change fuel tank....an inline pump can be placed outside the tank. Same thing FAST and MSD use with their carb style efi. That's my plan.

4DSEVEN · 03-03-2012, 08:43 AM

I ended up going with a 383 stroker in the end.

68GMCCustom · 03-03-2012, 01:00 PM

was running a old skool 383 before the 6.0L. It made good power...but nothing like this carb'd 6.0 makes.

JKady · 03-03-2012, 06:15 PM

Anyone got numbers on what kinda power a 5.3 puts out with a carb on it? My buddy runs inventory at a local junkyard and recently informed me that they're letting great shape 5.3's go for 400-500 bucks, with the needed stuff to go to a carb I'm looking at about what I was going to spend building another gen 1. Would be throwing it in in front of a Th350, figure a 600-650 carb (which my 350 is getting shortly so that would just be carried over). Not doing it for fuel economy or trick factor, just looking at my options for cheap speed, can always put a 383 together.

mooseknuckles · 03-03-2012, 07:21 PM

check this out....http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...e/viewall.html

JNJchev77 · 03-04-2012, 11:14 PM

Great article MooseKnuck!!!!

mooseknuckles · 03-04-2012, 11:27 PM

no prob man...that should give you some ideas....

JKady · 03-05-2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooseknuckles

no prob man...that should give you some ideas....

Yeah... guess I better start savin my pennies, cause that makes me want to go the LS route instead of a gen 1 that much more.

502ms · 03-05-2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4DSEVEN

I ended up going with a 383 stroker in the end.

Where did you source it from? I'm looking at getting the one of these to start with...it has 440hp/tq
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01-19-2009, 08:54 PM	#1
4DSEVEN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 239	5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Ok I am totally green at this stuff and am looking for opinions. I recently purchased a 47 pick up and a buddy of mine has a motor (free) that I can have. It is a 2002 5.3L LS 1 that came out of his Avalanche. He is also giving me the transmission which is an L60E w/ a stage 2 shift kit. He wants to put that in my truck and convert it to a carb. I know absolutely nothing about motors but had this conversation with another friend who says it will be costly to convert it and a computer is still needed. Now the guy giving me the motor and tranny will be doing the install but at my expense. No labour, just parts. I realize I don't need a shift kit but it's already in the tranny. So opnions please good? Bad? Expensive conversion? He is a licensed mechanic who owns his own garage with about 5 employees. Is this the direction I should be going? I also have an option for a 350 motor instead. Last edited by 4DSEVEN; 01-19-2009 at 08:56 PM.

01-19-2009, 09:03 PM	#2
1LoC10 Insert Title Here Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 5,679	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? http://www.jegs.com/p/Edelbrock/755239/10002/-1 __________________ BOBBY _69 SWB_ 1000 pics of 67-72's>> http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-72/?start=all <<

01-19-2009, 09:14 PM	#3
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Sounds like a good friend. Nice motor. Welcome to the board- -Todd __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

01-19-2009, 09:33 PM	#4
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Common consensus over on LS1tech is that the Edelbrock box with the "timing pills" has way too much timing. Most of the carb conversions are running the Victor or GMPP intake with the MSD 6010 controller. The wiring is simple. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 01-19-2009 at 09:34 PM.

01-19-2009, 11:15 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? and if you ditch the 4l60e for a 700R4, then you won't need the computer for the tranny... just the ignition controller already mentioned. Just make sure the tranny is up for the power/punishment you plan on giving it

01-28-2009, 04:34 PM	#6
temogarza48 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: houston, tx Posts: 64	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? The newer 5.3 will bolt up to a 700r-4 tranny?

01-28-2009, 11:27 PM	#9
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? If it has all the injection stuff on it still (manifold, fuel rail/injectors, etc) it will be cheaper, and in my opinion, easier to leave it alone and forget the carb idea. Not sure if cost is a factor or not. Either way, cool project! __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc. Last edited by boostat4500; 01-28-2009 at 11:27 PM.

01-29-2009, 08:51 PM	#10
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Big step backwards going carbed, the EFI has a lot to offer, and is not that tough to retrofit. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-27-2010, 02:07 PM	#12
lsjrl07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bellville, TX Posts: 107	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? I have been thinking of doing this exact same thing in my 82 Crew Cab Short Bed w/ a 454 BBC & 700R4 Tranny w/ Shift Kit. It has a Painless wiring harness throughout the entire truck. IMO it is an easier/cleaner swap going with the Carbed setup. I have compiled everything I think I will need to do this. Anyone please chime in and let me know what you think or if I have some parts wrong. I am looking to probably buy the engine start going through it by September. I just want to have everything lined out so once I start, I can breeze through the swap. Thanks, Justin

03-02-2012, 01:20 PM	#13
JNJchev77 Registered Cruiser Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 918	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Any updates here? I'm thinkin of going the Carb'd route as well. Yes, the gas mileage won't be there but I'm not going to be driving it every day... at least after the first few months lol __________________ 77' Chevy SB Dropmembered Front and Rear 5.3/4l60e combo

03-02-2012, 08:49 PM	#14
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Oh no....more carb'd LSx naysayers. I wonder how many have done it? Anyway.....here's my as they would say... "mistake". '09 LY6 6.0L with VVT delete, a cam, and headers. Thats a GMPP dual plane LSX intake and Holley Street HP 750cfm carb that said...I do need to disclose that I have someone that I'm doing some trading with. He is providing the hardware and software to change my motor to efi because that's what he knows, and what I can get the best value out of my trade vs something else or cash. I don't need to use it all but will because of my problems with the 200-4r and desire to replace it with a 6L80 or 90e...I'm changing. I will be going to a carb looking efi setup using a carb intake, fuel rails, and 1000cfm throttle body, as soon as financially able. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

03-02-2012, 11:39 PM	#16
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? If you go FI you will also have to add the cost of changing your fuel system...tank, pump, filter, etc... __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

03-02-2012, 11:40 PM	#17
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? It'll be an e38 ecm...which I heard was one of the latest and greatest, and will run about any trans including a 6L80e or 6L90e...so most likely? No reason couldn't do a speed density tune with that setup? Unless the TB has MAF, IAT, etc. sensors built in? I'm not against going aftermarket tho. and no reason to change fuel tank....an inline pump can be placed outside the tank. Same thing FAST and MSD use with their carb style efi. That's my plan. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

03-03-2012, 08:43 AM	#18
4DSEVEN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 239	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? I ended up going with a 383 stroker in the end.

03-03-2012, 01:00 PM	#19
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? was running a old skool 383 before the 6.0L. It made good power...but nothing like this carb'd 6.0 makes. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken



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03-03-2012, 06:15 PM	#20
JKady Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Roy, WA Posts: 53	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Anyone got numbers on what kinda power a 5.3 puts out with a carb on it? My buddy runs inventory at a local junkyard and recently informed me that they're letting great shape 5.3's go for 400-500 bucks, with the needed stuff to go to a carb I'm looking at about what I was going to spend building another gen 1. Would be throwing it in in front of a Th350, figure a 600-650 carb (which my 350 is getting shortly so that would just be carried over). Not doing it for fuel economy or trick factor, just looking at my options for cheap speed, can always put a 383 together.

03-03-2012, 07:21 PM	#21
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? check this out....http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...e/viewall.html __________________ my build threads '86 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415628 '67 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635078 '63 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674682

03-04-2012, 11:14 PM	#22
JNJchev77 Registered Cruiser Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 918	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? Great article MooseKnuck!!!! __________________ 77' Chevy SB Dropmembered Front and Rear 5.3/4l60e combo

03-04-2012, 11:27 PM	#23
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: 5.3 Litre LS Conversion to a carb? no prob man...that should give you some ideas.... __________________ my build threads '86 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415628 '67 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635078 '63 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674682

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