61belair

Newbie here with 5.3 Gen IV carb/cam swap questions. I have a 61 Bel Air that is getting some new school/old school flavor. I'm going with Edelbrock dual plane and MSD 6012 engine controller with a Holley 750 carb, and I'm looking at Comp Cams XR275HR 3 bolt cam. I wish i had an unlimited budget, but I don't so I'm looking for any tips that could help me achieve this conversion without breaking the bank. I know I need to change valve springs with the bigger cam, is there a GM part number I could use instead of the spendy aftermarket stuff? And what parts do I need to delete the VVT? I kind of broke my budget on the engine, It's costing me $1200 for a long block with no accessories, and no manifold, but it only has 6000 miles on it, so it was too good of a deal to pass up.

BigEd_72455

iTrader: (7)

First question is this, are you wanting this for just regular driving,
or are you planning to maybe do a little drag racing?

GM stuff will be more expensive than aftermarket in most cases.

Make sure the MSD box is for the tooth count of your engine.
My 5.3 is from 2001 and uses the 6010 box.
Also, don't get the edelbrock 6ls box in the kit, go for a regular msd box
that has the serial port plug on the side for adjusting the timing with a computer.

http://www.briantooleyracing.com/660...retainers.html

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

These are the reasons I use the edelbrock cams and suggest them, they are cheaper than most and can use a cheap spring kit that is 105$ from alexparts.com that are good for .580 lift. And they allow me to use stock pushrods with the 2215 or 2216 edelbrock cam.

So a cam swap for 420-450 out the door.

61belair

I won't be doing any drag racing, it's just going to be my weekend toy. I didn't realize the Edelbrock ignition controller was different. I will go directly to MSD for the 58 tooth controller. Thanks for the tip on the Edelbrock vs. MSD box.

BigEd_72455

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, neither did I until another member not that long ago mentioned something about his engine pinging and needing a way to change the timing other than what his timing chips would give him.

Look in our classifieds section to see if anyone there may have something for sale. Sometimes you can get a heckuva deal on a combo like I did. I got my victor jr and 6ls box (box was new but intake had been used for mockup) for $450 from a guy 45 miles away. Had all the chips and all new wiring, even had the intake manifold bolts, but no gaskets. Since making the switch to carb and changing a couple other things on my truck I managed to gain 0.8 seconds in the 1/8th mile. And now that I have the nitrous kit all hooked up and ready to go, I made a pass last sunday and gained another 0.6 seconds on top of the first 0.8.

You will like the ability to get a load more torque with running higher timing compared to efi.

61belair

You brought up another point of interest, pushrods and lifters. I was told i could use the OE lifters, but I'm looking for input on the lifters as well. OE vs. Aftermarket upgrade.

BigEd_72455

iTrader: (7)

for a weekend toy, unless you plan to push it over 7000 rpm, the stock lifters and rockers will work fine. It's the springs that MUST be upgraded.

BigEd_72455

iTrader: (7)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS3-L92-L76-Carb-Conversion-Victor-Jr-Intake-MSD-6012-Ignition-Proform-850-Carb-/191017212558?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c79835a8e&vxp=mtr

61belair

I haven't had a chance to look around here and didn't realize there was a classified section. I do need an oil pan, from what I understand, the Camaro oil pan is the way to go.

BigEd_72455

iTrader: (7)

I don't know if you can do anything in the classified section until you get to 50 posts...

61belair

Thanks guys, I really do appreciate all the input.

61belair

I picked up the long block last night. I've ordered the flexplate, torque converter and engine mout/adapter plates. As soon as they come in, the engine will get installed.

UOP

The LMG engine also has Active Fuel Management so that will need to be deleted as well. Popular companies such as Brian Tooley Racing, Tick Performance, Texas Speed, etc all sell the VVT and DOD/AFM kits. Both kits together will run about $500. I ran into this with my build as well, but like you found a deal I couldn't pass up.

The stunningman

iTrader: (47)

That's a S-K speed listing. You might want to PM mike at S-K speed here and get a price direct from them.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

I ran that same combo on my 6 liter when I first put it in my Skylark. It is a very strong combo. My car went an 11.76 the first time to the track with that combo. You won't be disappointed with the power.

The LS2 camshaft will work good for what you are doing. You could use an LS2 cam and LS2 valve springs. You might be able to find those cheap in the LS1TECH classifieds. The LS2 cam should add about 50+ HP to your 5.3 and idle like a purring kitten.