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v8 ride quality?

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:42 pm
by s10-den
Hey v8 guys, how does the astro ride with the weight of the v8 sitting there?Now Being somewhat of a v8 s10 master, I know if you use aluminum heads,water pump, intake,it weighs a few pounds lighter than the original 4.3

Re: v8 ride quality?

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 3:11 pm
by GEJ
Naw-it about only 150 lbs more.If it really bothers ya,you could put in 2" lift springs from Overlands.(look at the links section for a link)For Ole Yellar I started with thinking about a 2" lift and have had that plan grow to a 4" lift with lift blocks which is a RWD Astro.Might want to consider going to steel rear springs to replace the fiber ones too.You could get er all done while you do the V8 swap via sub frame.

Re: v8 ride quality?

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 4:05 pm
by Rebel
I've had several Astro and Safari conversions before doing a 350 swap a few years back and to me it rides and drives much better with the additional weight. I really didn't see that much difference in ride height. Might have dropped an inch or so but not much. Seems to respond better in the steering and felt like it was glued to the road better.

Re: v8 ride quality?

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:57 pm
by SafariRob
Den, I measured the front bumper height before and after I did the 305 swap in my 89. The bumper was down one inch when I was finished with the install. The 305 has stock iron heads, an iron water pump, and stock iron exhaust manifolds. I've noticed no affect in the steering or handling either.

Re: v8 ride quality?

Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:29 am
by ScottS
I was thinking the L33 weighs less than the 4.3 ?