LS install ?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VeeTwin · 08-24-2014, 02:04 PM

So, I'm finally getting into my LS swap.2005 5.3 w/valvetrain up grades,mild ported heads,Edlebrock intake and single GT-45 turbo( the sloppy kit). Not a racetruck,just a fun street toy. So question is this- I was thinking of using Megasquirt 3 plug and play set up from EFIsource.com. Anyone else use this? Anyone hear good or bad things? Anything better for the money?
Oh, its a 71 short bed if anyone was wondering.

BR3W CITY · 08-24-2014, 07:03 PM

There are a few on here using megasquirt, tho they are spread out among a few different places (not all on LS motors). Better for the money is a tough question.

IMO, running HP tuners on the stock ecm is the easiest thing to do, unless your needing something unusual that the configuration can't handle. The advantages of MS are its customizeability, but if you don't need that level of custom-ness, its got a steep learning curve.

What I mean is; if you need something like extra injectors, building in something like a 2step, special fuels or running several types of fuel, thats where MS shines. Being able to control methanol from the MS is awesome...but that being said, you pay a certain price for that.

The cost of the system, the learning curve, the use of specialty hardware (the ecm I mean), are not something everyone wants to deal with.

Back to the "for the money" discussion. What we really need to know is, how badly do you need (want?) a stand-alone system? MS is great, but there are some other good alternatives...as well as all the variations of the stock-type ECM/harness setups that can (And have) been made to work for thousands of applications.

VeeTwin · 08-24-2014, 08:27 PM

Thank you br3w,thats some good info. What I failed to include was I don't have a pcm or harness. So I'm starting from nothin. The MS3 with harness and initial tune is 1200 bucks. From what I can tell, that's barely more than a harness and stock pcm,that I would be very limited on tuning. Am I right?
This is my first time messin with LS swaps. So please,I am open to suggestions.

aknovaman · 08-24-2014, 08:29 PM

Factory harness and PCM are more affordable if you are running an electronic transmission.

**truckdude239** · 08-24-2014, 09:59 PM

pcm and harness from junkyard 150 buxs 100 dollar computer reflash 300 dollar rework on harness about 550

aknovaman · 08-24-2014, 10:11 PM

Or you can get factory harness and PCM from u-wrench-it for about $75. Re-work it at home. Then buy a pizza for your buddy with hp tuners and be up and running for very cheap. It does not have to be expensive and you can be happy you saved some $$ and did It all yourself.

08-24-2014, 02:04 PM	#1
VeeTwin Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Saint George,Utah(non-mormon!) Posts: 28	LS install ?? So, I'm finally getting into my LS swap.2005 5.3 w/valvetrain up grades,mild ported heads,Edlebrock intake and single GT-45 turbo( the sloppy kit). Not a racetruck,just a fun street toy. So question is this- I was thinking of using Megasquirt 3 plug and play set up from EFIsource.com. Anyone else use this? Anyone hear good or bad things? Anything better for the money? Oh, its a 71 short bed if anyone was wondering.

08-24-2014, 07:03 PM	#2
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: LS install ?? There are a few on here using megasquirt, tho they are spread out among a few different places (not all on LS motors). Better for the money is a tough question. IMO, running HP tuners on the stock ecm is the easiest thing to do, unless your needing something unusual that the configuration can't handle. The advantages of MS are its customizeability, but if you don't need that level of custom-ness, its got a steep learning curve. What I mean is; if you need something like extra injectors, building in something like a 2step, special fuels or running several types of fuel, thats where MS shines. Being able to control methanol from the MS is awesome...but that being said, you pay a certain price for that. The cost of the system, the learning curve, the use of specialty hardware (the ecm I mean), are not something everyone wants to deal with. Back to the "for the money" discussion. What we really need to know is, how badly do you need (want?) a stand-alone system? MS is great, but there are some other good alternatives...as well as all the variations of the stock-type ECM/harness setups that can (And have) been made to work for thousands of applications. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

08-24-2014, 08:27 PM	#3
VeeTwin Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Saint George,Utah(non-mormon!) Posts: 28	Re: LS install ?? Thank you br3w,thats some good info. What I failed to include was I don't have a pcm or harness. So I'm starting from nothin. The MS3 with harness and initial tune is 1200 bucks. From what I can tell, that's barely more than a harness and stock pcm,that I would be very limited on tuning. Am I right? This is my first time messin with LS swaps. So please,I am open to suggestions.

08-24-2014, 08:29 PM	#4
aknovaman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Tecumseh Posts: 355	Re: LS install ?? Factory harness and PCM are more affordable if you are running an electronic transmission. __________________ Current project 1959 Willys = GEZR TRUK Geezer is a Latin compound word made up of two roots. Gee meaning Urine Stain and Zer meaning your pants are open! FMCDH GBU and GBA http://www.youtube.com/user/aknovaman/videos

08-24-2014, 09:59 PM	#5
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: LS install ?? pcm and harness from junkyard 150 buxs 100 dollar computer reflash 300 dollar rework on harness about 550 __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

08-24-2014, 10:11 PM	#6
aknovaman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Tecumseh Posts: 355	Re: LS install ?? Or you can get factory harness and PCM from u-wrench-it for about $75. Re-work it at home. Then buy a pizza for your buddy with hp tuners and be up and running for very cheap. It does not have to be expensive and you can be happy you saved some $$ and did It all yourself. __________________ Current project 1959 Willys = GEZR TRUK Geezer is a Latin compound word made up of two roots. Gee meaning Urine Stain and Zer meaning your pants are open! FMCDH GBU and GBA http://www.youtube.com/user/aknovaman/videos



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