Carb'd LS2 (LS364/440)
10-27-2006, 04:53 AM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Carb'd LS2 (LS364/440) Hey guys, new member here. I've been lurking for a while, but haven't posted since I only recently became motivated again on my project, a 68 Camaro I've had since college. I've done some of the suspension already and the interior's out of the car and all redone. Paint is next on the agenda, but I've recently been researching the idea of an LSx conversion and new trans (overdrive auto or T56, depending on cost and difficulty of install).
Since I'm a home mechanic, limited in tools and lots of experience with advanced stuff, I don't have much desire to deal with with fuel injection, wiring, computer, new tank, etc. Because of this, I've been most interested in the GM LS364/440 crate engine (PN 17802134) - a carbureted version of the LS2. I've seen very few posts about this engine, and the details aren't as plentiful as the F.I. variants. Obviously, the members on this forum are more tech-savvy and lean towards the pullouts with computers and everything.
Anyway, back to the point. While compiling my list of parts and deciding on what I can do, I've noticed a possible conflict between my chosen engine and options for the ignition. I was originally planning on using the MSD LS1/LS6 ignition controller for ignition duties, but I'm seeing that there may be a problem since this is designed to work with the 24x reluctor wheel common to the gen III engines. The LS2 is a gen IV engine with a 58x reluctor wheel, so I'm wondering if a distributor must be used or if there's another option. I recently saw an episode of overhaulin' where a 68 firebird got the same carb'd LS2 as I'm considering, but I don't remember seeing a distributor, so there must be some other viable option.
Tech gurus, please lemme know what you think about the ignition issue and/or my plans overall. Thanks- Ron
Since I'm a home mechanic, limited in tools and lots of experience with advanced stuff, I don't have much desire to deal with with fuel injection, wiring, computer, new tank, etc. Because of this, I've been most interested in the GM LS364/440 crate engine (PN 17802134) - a carbureted version of the LS2. I've seen very few posts about this engine, and the details aren't as plentiful as the F.I. variants. Obviously, the members on this forum are more tech-savvy and lean towards the pullouts with computers and everything.
Anyway, back to the point. While compiling my list of parts and deciding on what I can do, I've noticed a possible conflict between my chosen engine and options for the ignition. I was originally planning on using the MSD LS1/LS6 ignition controller for ignition duties, but I'm seeing that there may be a problem since this is designed to work with the 24x reluctor wheel common to the gen III engines. The LS2 is a gen IV engine with a 58x reluctor wheel, so I'm wondering if a distributor must be used or if there's another option. I recently saw an episode of overhaulin' where a 68 firebird got the same carb'd LS2 as I'm considering, but I don't remember seeing a distributor, so there must be some other viable option.
Tech gurus, please lemme know what you think about the ignition issue and/or my plans overall. Thanks- Ron
10-27-2006, 03:04 PM
#2
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: central florida
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Use the MSD it Works...
see I have one. I plan on up grading to the New box that you can tune with a laptop or the hand held programer. But the BASIC MSD LS1/LS6 controller works.
see I have one. I plan on up grading to the New box that you can tune with a laptop or the hand held programer. But the BASIC MSD LS1/LS6 controller works.
10-27-2006, 07:12 PM
#3
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
holley505, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have an LS1 with the 24x reluctor wheel? My concern is that the MSD or Edelbrock ignition controller only works with that setup... not the LS2 I'm interested in, which has a 58x reluctor wheel.
10-28-2006, 08:26 AM
#5
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was worried the distributor would be my only option. Bummer - the idea of the MSD controller and the preset "pills" for timing curves sounded great. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Guess GM doesn't really want to sell too many of these carb'd LS2s since they don't have a better ignition option available yet. So now what... LS1, LS6?
10-28-2006, 07:07 PM
#6
On The Tree
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northen California
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would not panic yet. The 60-2 reluctor pattern is so plentiful that I am sure MSD either already has or will have an update. You can also swap the reluctor wheel on your crank to the 24X version I believe. Not terribly expensive but would require removing the crankshaft to fit the new one on. If you pin the balancer you can run a conventional MSD style 4x crank trigger. This may mess up your serpentine pulley alignment but may open the door for more ignition options. Wegner offers a complete swap kit for a front mount distributor and single coil ignition system - pricey but very nicely made. Keep checking things out, you have options.
10-28-2006, 11:38 PM
#7
Teching In
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am running the 60-2 version of the LS2 in my carbed LS2 from Wegner Motorsports. They have a non distributor ignition they use from Pantera. http://wegnerautomotive.com/wegnerautomotive/index.htm
Give them a call, although most of the guys are probably headed for SEMA.
Give them a call, although most of the guys are probably headed for SEMA.
Trending Topics
11-01-2006, 07:35 PM
#9
Banned
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: North of Seattle
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.w2wpowertrain.com/pc-78-8...l-402-ls2.aspx
Don't know if it's out of your budget but it is a smoking deal!
Nate
Don't know if it's out of your budget but it is a smoking deal!
Nate
11-03-2006, 09:21 PM
#13
Teching In
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wegner Motorsports, engine builder for several Busch and Craftsman Truck Series teams as well as the engine builder for John Parsons' II Much. http://www.iimuchfabrication.com/
Give Dan (General Manager) a call, he will fix you up with everything you need. Everything is CNC'd in house.
http://wegnerautomotive.com/wegnerautomotive/index.htm
Give Dan (General Manager) a call, he will fix you up with everything you need. Everything is CNC'd in house.
http://wegnerautomotive.com/wegnerautomotive/index.htm
11-04-2006, 10:27 PM
#14
Launching!
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MSD just came out with the new controller, 6LS-2, part number 6012 to support the LS2 58x Reluctor and cam sensor 
.
It is Listed in this new for 2007 catalog Page 8.
. It is Listed in this new for 2007 catalog Page 8.
11-07-2006, 04:28 AM
#15
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nate_Taufer
http://www.w2wpowertrain.com/pc-78-8...l-402-ls2.aspx
Don't know if it's out of your budget but it is a smoking deal!
Nate
Don't know if it's out of your budget but it is a smoking deal!
Nate
Holy crap!
Definitely a sweet engine, but $10,999 is a little steep for my budget. I wonder if they take food stamps...
11-07-2006, 04:36 AM
#16
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just checked the site... definitely some good news for everyone looking to install one of these LS2 carb engines. Surprisingly, this product came out a lot sooner than I thought. Guess the pressure for SEMA does it every time!
Thanks for everyone's input - Ron
Thanks for everyone's input - Ron
11-08-2006, 05:54 PM
#19
On The Tree
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: latrobe, pa
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bulldog68
holley505, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have an LS1 with the 24x reluctor wheel? My concern is that the MSD or Edelbrock ignition controller only works with that setup... not the LS2 I'm interested in, which has a 58x reluctor wheel.
