LS3 (EROD or Connect and Cruise) Regret

[Beams37]

I install a lot of C&C LS3 crate packages and they push a 60 or 80 around well without issue. My view is not for over the top HP but for reliability and ease of maintenance. They are built to serve daily driver duty. 2 year warranty is important to my customers

My personal favorite truck had a 6.0L with a Tremec 4050 5 speed manual. A complete pleasure to drive. I have done the NV4500 swap along with the Toyota 5 speed and the Tremec puts them to shame.

If you are looking for really nice front drive assembly take a look at Wegner. Their stuff is as tight as it gets and beautiful to look at. Assembling OEM and Holly front drive systems is all "wiggle and fit" assembly. Wegner parts are precision fit and literally fall together when exactly lined up. A very noticeable difference.

No matter the platform you choose, the amount of work is about the same. A little more on a used motor for clean up and replacing sensors and gaskets.

Is there an adapter for the Tremec to Toyota TC? Or, do you use a GM TC?

 

[onemanarmy]

the H55 is not the best if you're gonna spend lots of time in 5th/higher speeds (with the 60/62 factory gearsets.....regearing is another story)
fitment under the truck and where the shfters line up is great/the easiest swap

 

[yotadude520]

the H55 is not the best if you're gonna spend lots of time in 5th/higher speeds (with the 60/62 factory gearsets.....regearing is another story)
fitment under the truck and where the shfters line up is great/the easiest swap

After swapping in the 10% OD gears I’m back at a 3.70 ratio and it isn’t bad at all. At 85 I’m right at 2700 RPMs which is probably where a stock Tahoe would be with the 4L80E.

 

[87 Land Cruiser]

I'm very happy with my LS and H55F. I used the Mark's Adapter and would definitely use it again.

Going with a NV4500 or a Tremec would be nice since it bolts right up to the LS but I was trying to keep my swap as simple as possible and the Mark's adapter keeps the drivetrain stock from the transmission back. This is nice since you don't have to build a custom crossmember, cut the trans tunnel cover and have custom driveshafts built. It also helps position the engine in the engine bay quite nicely with plenty of room between the back of the intake and the firewall.

Thanks!

 

[87 Land Cruiser]

Thank you to everyone who contributed. I have begun to look for a suitable 5.3, or 6.0 truck engine. I will keep everyone updated! I have been around for 10 or more years but I never posted much until today and I wish I had posted more! Thank you again, everyone!

 

[NCFJ]

Is there an adapter for the Tremec to Toyota TC? Or, do you use a GM TC?

Yes, Axis is the one I used, I believe AA caries another brand as well. You have to fab up the T case shifter mount.
Check out this thread

Tremec 4050/Atlas Industries adapter/Split case/6.0L Vortec in 60 series

Sugar is getting a 5 speed transplant. Out with the NV4500 in with the Tremec 4050 Axis Industries adapter. No provision for a T-case shifter so made up a mount using the plate and pin provided with the NV4500 adapter. If I was doing this swap from scratch I'd just order the twin stick mount...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Kleatus]

After swapping in the 10% OD gears I’m back at a 3.70 ratio and it isn’t bad at all. At 85 I’m right at 2700 RPMs which is probably where a stock Tahoe would be with the 4L80E.

The 4L80 had a shorter OD gear than the 1/2 ton autos (like a Tahoe). Not as short as an H55 though... Some seem to think a cruiser should be geared like a "stock" GM truck, and a "stock" truck to a bunch of folks is a 1/2 ton with a 4L60 and 3.42's or 3.08's... which will run down the highway at 75 without breaking 2,000 rpm - fine for an empty 1/2 ton but I think keeping the overall gearing close to what a stock 2500 or 3500 was is better. No need to fear running an LS in the 2500-3000 RPM range all day long. I ran my 62 for quite a while with 4.88's after I swapped, including a 3,000 mile trip. Those RPMs might seem high for a stock 1/2 ton, but having owned a stock 2500HD that came with 4.10's and 245/75R16 tires that ran 3,000 rpm at freeway speeds, it's fine - and gives you a nice instant response for passing power or towing without needing to shift. I'm sure the newer more powerful engines and 6,8,10 speed transmissions change this line of thinking, but my experiences have been nearly all with the gen 3 stuff using 4 speed autos or manuals.

 

[yotadude520]

The 4L80 had a shorter OD gear than the 1/2 ton autos (like a Tahoe). Not as short as an H55 though... Some seem to think a cruiser should be geared like a "stock" GM truck, and a "stock" truck to a bunch of folks is a 1/2 ton with a 4L60 and 3.42's or 3.08's... which will run down the highway at 75 without breaking 2,000 rpm - fine for an empty 1/2 ton but I think keeping the overall gearing close to what a stock 2500 or 3500 was is better. No need to fear running an LS in the 2500-3000 RPM range all day long. I ran my 62 for quite a while with 4.88's after I swapped, including a 3,000 mile trip. Those RPMs might seem high for a stock 1/2 ton, but having owned a stock 2500HD that came with 4.10's and 245/75R16 tires that ran 3,000 rpm at freeway speeds, it's fine - and gives you a nice instant response for passing power or towing without needing to shift. I'm sure the newer more powerful engines and 6,8,10 speed transmissions change this line of thinking, but my experiences have been nearly all with the gen 3 stuff using 4 speed autos or manuals.

I agree 100% - they can most certainly run at higher RPM's for longer period but even at 3000 RPM I still get decent gas mileage and love being in the powerband so I can pass others. I do get some funny looks when I pass going 95+ in my old 60 series though

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

LS3 Erod connect and cruise or NON Erod LS3 connect and cruise kits if installed correctly; is perfectly designed. We are on #19 currently. No issue with passing SMOG per the CA requirements.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Currently there are NO LS3 EROD C&C kits available, nor have there been for over a year. Only way to get one is from someone giving theirs up or you had one before the GM/CA-CARB re-negotiation that still has not settled.

LT1 or 4 Erod is the only C&C that is currently available with a backorder from most if not all GM warehouses.

 

[toy_tek]

I'm on the hunt for a Gen3 or Gen4 as well, and I'll keep the H55. Around here the Gen3 seems silly expensive considering most have 150-190k on them already... I'm not interested in installing something with that mileage without rebuilding it first. Hard to justify spending $1500-2500 just to buy something that needs torn apart.

Cruise Control is a must have for me. Do any of you w the cable TB have cruise control? I thought it would be easier with the Gen4 wired TB but I might have misunderstood that based on one of the posts in this thread.

Also I'll be running a fan clutch due to AZ heat.

 

[87 Land Cruiser]

Currently there are NO LS3 EROD C&C kits available, nor have there been for over a year. Only way to get one is from someone giving theirs up or you had one before the GM/CA-CARB re-negotiation that still has not settled.

LT1 or 4 Erod is the only C&C that is currently available with a backorder from most if not all GM warehouses.

Good information!

 

[87 Land Cruiser]

I'm on the hunt for a Gen3 or Gen4 as well, and I'll keep the H55. Around here the Gen3 seems silly expensive considering most have 150-190k on them already... I'm not interested in installing something with that mileage without rebuilding it first. Hard to justify spending $1500-2500 just to buy something that needs torn apart.

Cruise Control is a must have for me. Do any of you w the cable TB have cruise control? I thought it would be easier with the Gen4 wired TB but I might have misunderstood that based on one of the posts in this thread.

Also I'll be running a fan clutch due to AZ heat.

I am finding the same! A few weeks ago, I found a 45k mile L96 for $4500, which seemed too expensive, but yesterday, after this thread when I called the guy it had sold for $4500, and another L96 (that looked cleaner and newer) with 90k on it is $4700 - both seemingly from reputable yards.

I am also considering going Gen V 5.3, with an 8-speed and using the H2FA Transfer Case and Torfab adapter. I have discussed the options extensively with Mitch at SwapTime (who is awesome, by the way), and it might make the pain worth it to be able to add an LT version to the LS write-up that DBBowen did, especially with the Gen III and Gen IV motors becoming scarce at reasonable mileages.

With the Gen V, there isn't a way to use the Toyota manual that I have been able to uncover, I would sure love to figure it out though.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

If you are not in CA or CO the Erod is not needed for state emissions anywhere else. It is simply a noteworthy resale item for other buyers.

The standard LS3 crates and LS3 C&C packages in various HP/Torque ranges are available or with short lead times from GM.

 

[405]

Gen IV LS3 is going into my FJ60 later this month, hope to report back soon! Ozark Overland is doing the install and they will be using the H55F 5spd and Marks adapter. Mosley radiator, fuel pump, LS conversion hoses for ps/ac, and Speedhut gauges.

 

[yotadude520]

I'm on the hunt for a Gen3 or Gen4 as well, and I'll keep the H55. Around here the Gen3 seems silly expensive considering most have 150-190k on them already... I'm not interested in installing something with that mileage without rebuilding it first. Hard to justify spending $1500-2500 just to buy something that needs torn apart.

Cruise Control is a must have for me. Do any of you w the cable TB have cruise control? I thought it would be easier with the Gen4 wired TB but I might have misunderstood that based on one of the posts in this thread.

Also I'll be running a fan clutch due to AZ heat.

I bought my Gen III here in Tucson with 159k on it and it doesn’t skip a beat. When I was resealing it I couldn’t believe how clean it was.

My school of thought was if the truck was able to drive to the scene of the accident, you’ll know the LS out of it is going to run!

I’ll be setting up CC with the cable throttle body at some point - I think DBW is less complicated since you don’t have to deal with the CC servo box that’s required on the cable TB setup. @Dubs2017 is working on installing it on his cable setup.

 

[87 Land Cruiser]

Gen IV LS3 is going into my FJ60 later this month, hope to report back soon! Ozark Overland is doing the install and they will be using the H55F 5spd and Marks adapter. Mosley radiator, fuel pump, LS conversion hoses for ps/ac, and Speedhut gauges.

View attachment 3901553

Beautiful truck and engine! keep us posted!

 

[toy_tek]

I am finding the same! A few weeks ago, I found a 45k mile L96 for $4500, which seemed too expensive, but yesterday, after this thread when I called the guy it had sold for $4500, and another L96 (that looked cleaner and newer) with 90k on it is $4700 - both seemingly from reputable yards.

I am also considering going Gen V 5.3, with an 8-speed and using the H2FA Transfer Case and Torfab adapter. I have discussed the options extensively with Mitch at SwapTime (who is awesome, by the way), and it might make the pain worth it to be able to add an LT version to the LS write-up that DBBowen did, especially with the Gen III and Gen IV motors becoming scarce at reasonable mileages.

With the Gen V, there isn't a way to use the Toyota manual that I have been able to uncover, I would sure love to figure it out though.

Yes I found a 2021 44k L83 that looked super clean for $3000 and almost bought it… then realized it wouldn’t work w the Marks adaptor & H55. And HP tuner work would be about $2k (based on the year).

The LT improvements over the LS look worthwhile if it could be configured to work in whatever application you need.

 

[Dubs2017]

I bought my Gen III here in Tucson with 159k on it and it doesn’t skip a beat. When I was resealing it I couldn’t believe how clean it was.

My school of thought was if the truck was able to drive to the scene of the accident, you’ll know the LS out of it is going to run!

I’ll be setting up CC with the cable throttle body at some point - I think DBW is less complicated since you don’t have to deal with the CC servo box that’s required on the cable TB setup. @Dubs2017 is working on installing it on his cable setup.

Still working on the DBC CC. I honestly haven't had time to dig into it yet, but I wired it in based on the below resources when I put my harness together. My relays are clicking with my toyota cruise stalk, so I've got an issue in my servo unit or wiring. We'll see.

From my non-working-CC point of view, the DBW would absolutely be easier. @dbbowen included the wiring in his driveway swap thread.

Notes
LS1Tech Thread

Gen III Vortec Cruise Control How-to

I did a Gen III Vortec conversion two years ago with the help of many on this forum, but especially from Frank (Manuchao), who lives nearby and gave me lots of advice as well as welding and grunt work help manuevering the drivetrain into position. He did a Vortec conversion on his rig years...

forum.ih8mud.com

(Image found on the internet. No idea if it is correct)

 

[dbbowen]

Still working on the DBC CC. I honestly haven't had time to dig into it yet, but I wired it in based on the below resources when I put my harness together. My relays are clicking with my toyota cruise stalk, so I've got an issue in my servo unit or wiring. We'll see.

From my non-working-CC point of view, the DBW would absolutely be easier. @dbbowen included the wiring in his driveway swap thread.

Notes
LS1Tech Thread

Gen III Vortec Cruise Control How-to

I did a Gen III Vortec conversion two years ago with the help of many on this forum, but especially from Frank (Manuchao), who lives nearby and gave me lots of advice as well as welding and grunt work help manuevering the drivetrain into position. He did a Vortec conversion on his rig years...

forum.ih8mud.com

(Image found on the internet. No idea if it is correct)
View attachment 3901966

Gen 3 DBW cruise control was like one of the easier parts of the swap as far as wiring went hahaha