Blackdog36

iTrader: (3)

I need some help deciding which engine management system to go with for my build. Although I am a year and a half away from getting to this point, I want to get a better idea now and maybe start buying the components.

I have a 92 z28 that I am restoring. Body will look stock but will have a new drivetrain. I removed the engine/transmission and wiring harness for storage. My plans are to drop in a 420ci Dart SHP gen 1 SBC with a FIRST intake. I know the new engine will need tuning and have been considering EBL flash or going with a 24x conversion from EFIconnections. The more I look into whats needed for the 24x, the $$ keeps going up.

I spoke with EFI about 24x conversion for my car. The price is $1,800 for a TPI conversion plus it will cost more since speed density harnesses require some additional work. EFI will need more time to properly wire a SD harness to work with the conversion. They would charge an extra $450 on top of the $1,800. Plus, since I don't want to have my stock harness get hacked up, I will have to find a used donor harness. I've looked around and price could range from $150 to $250. The conversion would then total $2,500.

The EBL flash from dynamicefi would cost $520 and I could reuse my stock harness. That is a $2,000 difference over the 24x conversion. I know this doesn't include other necessary items for both options such as dizzy, wires, plugs, tuning software, o2 sensors, etc. When you start thinking of those other miscellaneous ignition and engine management items, the $2,000 difference becomes more of a concern.

I initially thought the 24x conversion would be great due to ease of tuning with LS1 ecu, no distributor and able to have a 4l60E. I already have a spare 700r transmission to rebuild for new drivetrain. I would still like to get a 4l60E so changing the shift points are easier. I saw that there are ways to get a 4l60E to work with stock 92 computer and harness. Some ways are expensive while some are more feasible. I've haven't seen a 96-97 4l60E from a LT1 car in a while but I'm sure one would turn up. Going with a 4l60e from a LS1 car would require an extra $200 for gen 1 SBC adapter plate.

While having the 24x conversion and 4l60E would be great, is it really worth it? Or is the newer version of EBL flash just as capable while saving me some cash?

Blackdog36

iTrader: (3)

Just thought of something else.

The EBL flash is a replacement ECU that allows real time tuning (no chip burning). If I go with 24x conversion, I would still need a way to tune the LS1 ecu. What are available options for that? I see moates makes a realtime LS1 emulation ECU (roadrunner) that costs $600. I need to add some type of LS1 ECU modifier into my above price consideration. If I add this to the $2,500, the the cost goes up to $3,100 for 24x conversion vs $520 for EBL flash. Am I right on this?

bonesbrakr

iTrader: (3)

Just go with the EBL and don't look back. Ease of tuning and A LOT of support almost immediately especially from this site. Including support from Rbob himself. I have been using it for a few years now and have no complaints save for no sequential fuel injection but since this is a reworked factory ecm and not a custom, designed from the ground up, ecm it is to be expected. So as not to seem partial, I have no experience with the 24x conversion. But after reading up on it, it seems, to me, to not be worth the investment in time or money.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

another vote for rbob

NullHead

holy crap I was just thinking about doing a 24x setup myself ... Definitely subscribed.

I guess I don't know enough about my final goal though. So far I already have a complete MSD (includes the dist. cap rotor and box), edlebrock carb intake, edlebrock heads and cam, eagle 383 stroker rotating assy ... would a 24x system be worth using over an MSD system on an oldschool 383 stroker?

Blackdog36

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the responses! Yah, I think that it is just too much for the conversion. I am trying to fit a different wiring harness and ECU into my car other than what it was designed for. It's neat that EFI offers a product that allows a SBC to have 24x but just isn't right for my application.

I found a great post on how to add a 4L60E to the stock TPI wiring from 1989GTATransAm. Spend $130 for a TCI conversion harness and $80 for a Dakota Digital box and I'm all set!

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...onversion.html

Nullhead, I think the main reasons for 24x conversion are increased gas mileage, tuning ease and ability to control wild cams or spray setups. Even though you have some parts (dizzy, etc.), you could sell them and get the 24x conversion. It's a neat idea but may be too costly versus the benefits for you also. If you don't drive you car a lot, it may not be worth it the little better gas mileage. Even with the 24x conversion, you still would need someway to tune it. Either some dyno sessions or pay for software and do it yourself.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

To tune the LSx pcm you would use something like HP Tuners which can be 450-700 dollars depending what you get. Its a nice setup tho, but the cost to convert like you have seen is pretty high. Thats one reason I dont have it yet.

BUT the support for HP tuners in the LSx world is huge. Everyone uses it. Anyone tuning a lsx car can tune yours. Not sure many shops know EBL but a good efi tuner can figure it out no problem.

If you are tuning it yourself then it doesnt matter if shops can do it or not EBL is a better bet for the money at that point.