1997 C2500 5.7 Convert To Carburetor, Can It Be Done?

[HotRodRick]

Hey all, I'm new here and sure could use some help!

What i'm wondering is can i convert my 1997 c2500 5.7 vortec motor with a manual transmission over to using a carburetor being that it's computer controlled and if possible what all would i need to change to do it? I simply just want to do away with the spider injection system which is causing nothing but problems mainly leaking gas into the oil again now for the second time. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Edited April 26, 2022 by HotRodRick

[richard wysong]

you will need to find an intake manifold that fits that engine, maybe Summit racing can help with that, then of course the carb, you will need a fuel pressure regulator  for 3-5 lbs fuel pressure and probably a throttle cable. it's going to mess up the computer system big time so you may have to change the ignition system to get it driveable and of course the air cleaner ,pcv system etc. my advice, fix the injection system again using GM parts

[HotRodRick]

18 minutes ago, richard wysong said:

Hi, Thanks for the help! Would it perhaps be easier to just install an entire non computer controlled 350 motor? I'm done with the spider injection garbage.

 

[richard wysong]

it may be more cost effective unless you have the carb and accessories already. you may be able to use a 80s vintage hei distributor with vacuum and centrifugal advance if it will clear the firewall. the engine is a good engine but as you know the ecm controls everything. you're lucky it's a stick otherwise you would be dealing with the electronic transmission as well. It's too bad you are having trouble with the injection because for the most part it's a very reliable system. If there's a boneyard near you you could just get a complete used manifold and swap it instead of dealing with fixing the leak again. it's usually the f p regulator that leaks causing your problem

[HotRodRick]

5 minutes ago, richard wysong said:

I found the intake below on ebay, It's the only one i could find and is made in China? I have several different size carbs and hei distributors. I did read online about the issues with converting to a carb and having an automatic transmission and am glad mine is a stick. I found some info about running a vortec without the ecm but wasn't a 100% certain of all what to do.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/401761687268?hash=item5d8adcd6e4:g:D6kAAOSwjyddvPtx

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=can+i+run+a+vortec+5.7+without+the+ecm&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS956US956&ei=LGlnYoOYIanCytMPuJK4gAM&ved=0ahUKEwiD3s_k5rD3AhUpoXIEHTgJDjAQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=can+i+run+a+vortec+5.7+without+the+ecm&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6BwgAEEcQsAM6BAgAEA06BggAEAcQHjoICAAQCBAHEB46BQgAEJECOgQIABBDOgsILhDHARCvARCRAjoHCAAQsQMQQzoFCAAQgAQ6CAgAEIAEELEDOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToICAAQBxAKEB46BggAEA0QHjoICAAQDRAKEB46CAgAEA0QBRAeOgQIIRAKOgUIIRCrAkoECEEYAEoECEYYAFDrAlj_uAFg5rsBaAFwAXgAgAFZiAGTF5IBAjQ5mAEAoAEByAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz

 

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard//showthread.php?t=435620#:~:text=Yes it is totally doable,Chevy V8 distributor will work.

 

 

5 minutes ago, richard wysong said:

 

 

5 minutes ago, richard wysong said: