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.

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.

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.

Re: LS install ??
 

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

Re: LS install ??
 

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

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.