when I say noob... I mean NOOB

[curtis73]

I have made my living working in Hot Rod shops and now I'm running a transmission shop. I'm very well-versed in all the engine VE theory, and have actually become quite proficient at troubleshooting modern OBDII stuff. If I can figure out a DTC on a VW or a BMW, I can tune my chevy... but I've always owned pre-smog vehicles, or owned things rarely failed the emissions test. I have built tons of engines, and have tuned existing EFI setups some, but never installed one from scratch.

So... cut to the good part. I just bought an 89 S10 pickup. The previous owner lived in a non-smog county, so he dropped in a 5.3 LM7 and a T56 tranny. The LM7 has a carb intake with a Holley 4-barrel and an MSD 6LS box to control the COPs. My first thought was to buy the truck, scavenge all the good parts for another project, drop in an old 2.8/5sp I have sitting around, and resell the truck. Turns out the installation is so nice that I think I'll just keep it.

My county does a TSI (two speed idle) test that is ridiculously simple, and the previous owner did install two cats. Little did he know that the rich-running holley was probably only clogging them up I've tuned, retuned, and triple tuned and I'm still pretty far away. Seems like the LS-style single plane intake makes drivability non-existent before I get lean enough to pass.

Me and soldering don't mix. You say "flux" and I think of a capacitor that sends a Delorean back to 1955. Does MS sound like a good plan for me? I was thinking about buying a pre-built box, then I can tune and install. The 5.3 already has all the sensors (with the exception of knock sensor)

[Dr. Righteous]

I'm a bit of a NooB myself because I have yet to build my first project.
But if you check around in the MS community there are several guys that have done a Chevy small block to carb-MS EFI conversion. Sounds like the MSD ignition setup is pretty solid. Likely the MS1 setup will be ideal for you since it only controls the injection. My first suggest is READ THE MANUAL. At least the first few section that will give you a solid understanding of features and how it works.
I thought I knew EFI systems pretty well but I was fascinated to learn much of the science behind modern EFI. The manual is written to bring the noob up to speed and ready to start a project. It's very good.
Check here:
http://www.megamanual.com
For the online manual or
HERE for a downloadable PDF you can view offline or print for a paper version made available by a very nice guy.

[8974Ollie]

Hi, I am 67 years old, never none any of this EFI stuff either. Here i am converting a 79 Pontiac TA to full MegaSquirt. COP, sequential ignition, fuel injection. the whole 9 yards. If I can do it so can you. Start reading the forums and manuals listed on the left. When you purchase the kit and start assembly Perform all the testes as they are called for. Ask any questions here on the forums that may come up. Lots of knowledgeable people around here to help.
You are working with a Ls series engine you might find this LS1 tehc. forum helpfull.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/index.php

[patrickbrown]

I'm by no means an expert but I do have a running MS2 project under my belt. If it were me, I would procure an LS style EFI port injection manifold. You can find the OEM version or look at any number of aftermarket units. There are ones that take a four barrel throttle body to keep the old style carb look if you like.

I recommend going with the MS2 setup even if you plan on fuel only. This works fine and allows you to add ignition control any time you want. The existing COP setup is just screaming for MS ignition control.

You can buy a complete ready to install box but that takes much of the fun out of it. Get yourself a quality soldering iron and some solder and start practicing. It isn't hard and is a good skill to have. I'm sure you can find any number of YouTube videos on the subject.