To Carb or not?
 

So I’m trying to figure out if I wanna remove the EFI from my LS Swapped 72. I kind of like the idea of cleaning up the engine bay with the carb and getting rid of a lot of the electronics. Unfortunately this would end up being pretty expensive. On top of the intake, carb, msd ignition and redoing the fuel system, I’d have to get a controller for the transmission. I’m open to all opinions.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

for me the ls1 greatest positive is the fact it doesn't have a carb. I just wanted a dependable turn the key and go truck and all those electronics seem to be very dependable. I am old school and carburetors and all that go with them are old technology and have more problems then benefits. Now saying that if you are looking for HP and performance you may have a better upgrade using the carb system I don't know. I have done 3 LS 1 swaps and all three have been extremely trouble free once you get them set up.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

I have had my setup for over 6 years now. Idk if I’m just getting bored with it. I started shaving another intake to see if I can improve the aesthetics of the engine. I’m just not sure how much better it will look.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

OK, it is now clear not really the improvement just the change, in that case why not go for it. We all need a change and need to enjoy the change and life a little more.. I wish you well .

Re: To Carb or not?
 

I fought against having all the electronic gizmos for yrs...but after many yrs of flawless service from several trucks, I'm sold...no mo carbs for me...
If your just wanting a different look , you could stick a Holley intake and rails on it and mount the throttle body on it like a carb..stick a breather on it...if that's some thing that interests you it can be done fairly easy and changes the whole look of the engine...I got the idea from dayj1...
even though mines different than most ...I did mine with a IH theme

Re: To Carb or not?
 

No. Not just no, hell no.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

That actually looks really good. I’d like to have more details on this.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

And to indymachinist, what are you adding to this with your comment? Please add value to the thread or just don’t reply.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

Jesse, I wont clutter up your post with all I did, unless you want me to...you can see it all take place in my 57 IH build ..the only real fab work I had to do was make the adapter plate for the intake to the throttle body, and another for the air filter...the rest is store bought parts...I also had to fab the adapter plates for the IH valve covers....but you can buy adapters to put small block covers on the LS

Re: To Carb or not?
 

Thanks. I will check out your build thread.

Re: To Carb or not?
 

He stated his opinion, which is what you were asking for. My opinion is the same. I prefer EFI to a carb any day, it's the best part of an LS in my opinion, but again, that's my opinion...

Re: To Carb or not?
 

What I was trying to get at was some reasoning. That’s all

Re: To Carb or not?
 

Jesse , it starts somewhere around 276 on page 12
Also check out Marc (youngrodder)s build (the family truckster) in the 47-55 build section...he did a outstanding job on his... also Jonathon (dayj1)s build (another way to skin a cat)...I think the skuzbucket fiasco wiped out Jonathon pics though

Re: To Carb or not?
 

I've carbs, and sbc's. So you can see where I am coming from.

If I wanted a fuel injected motor honestly it is hard for me to not just go LS. Unless I had some class rules I would not convert to a carb unless I got the kit very very cheap.

On my LT1 350 stepside swap I went carb since it was cheaper then fixing the harness as I had all the parts except the manifold in my garage. Plus the antiquated operating system I was better with the carb. Besides the power increase from the dual plane intake vs the short runner intake.

The only caveat would be twin Holley stealth tbi's on a tunnel ram. I want that.

So leave it fuel injected. You will have broader power, and we'll supported tunibility

Re: To Carb or not?
 

I was just pointing out that you had asked for opinions. If it's opinions with a reason, then it boils down to one word, 'drivability' for me. Some will say a carb can be tuned for good drivability, but not over the long haul like EFI. Changes in altitude and weather do have an affect on a carb whether people like to admit it or not.

If it's looks you are after, then do as Mongo did, and look up some of the threads he posted about. I did the same thing Jonathan (Dayj1) did on my wagon. It worked out great. The thread is a little long, but there's pics of almost all of the conversion using the stock DBW throttle body. https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...-wagon-12.html

Re: To Carb or not?
 

Nice job Eric..!!...I didnt know you had done one like that...
The only thing I'd probably do different, and I may change it anyway, is the valley cover with the extended oil fill...I used a weld on bung on mine...its ok but I really like the look of the extended one...they are pricey though

Re: To Carb or not?
 

With the fuelie you wont get the fuel (wash) on the rings....bottom line , my thoughts, the carbed LS will make more power on the dyno on the top end. It will give up the magic, that that fulie has on cruise mode. To me , it depends on what you want.....all out, or a cruiser?:smoke: burn a number, & think about it. Longhorn:chevy:

Re: To Carb or not?
 

If you want a carb pull the ls motor sell it put a 350 back under your hood
Proubly be cheaper then swaping the ls to carb you will still need electronics to run the coil packs and transmission if it got 4l60 or 4l80 upgrade treatment