I recently ran across an interesting combination of factory parts that would allow you to not only run a Gen I small-block Chevy with a LS-series computer but also to run that old-school small-block with a distributorless ignition system (DIS). It seems as late as 2002, GM was still using Gen I small-blocks in fullsize vans. To run these engines with state-of-the-art computers, GM set up the small-blocks with a crank sensor wheel on the camshaft and then fitted a new front timing cover with a crank sensor. Then the company replaced the original distributor with a shutter wheel version that becomes the cam sensor so the engine knows when the No. 1 cylinder comes up on its compression stroke. You don’t need the distributor because the computer now runs the coil packs for each bank and fires the spark plugs based on the computer’s timing curve. Add the necessary sensors like TPS, MAP, coolant temp, and maybe even knock sensors and you have the makings of later model engine control on a Gen I engine. This now creates much more accurate timing control for each cylinder and, in fact, you could use aftermarket software like LS1 Edit to custom-tune the fuel and spark curves. Or in a different budget mode, you could run a MegaSquirt system since there are newer versions of that computer that will support a DIS. There’s a company called EFI Connection (eficonnection.com) that will sell you all these GM components in a 24x package for a Gen I small-block for $515.00. This would certainly upgrade the venerable small-block, but if you eventually end up with a Gen III computer system with all its complexity, why not then just use it on an LS-series engine to get the benefits of the later model engine’s superior engine architecture? However, there is something cool about a Gen I small-block with coil packs and no distributor.