Chevy & GMC Vans

Hi Geniuses:

I'm looking into a V8 swap for a 2000 Safari, most of the ones I've seen on the threads are for older vans.
I've been offered a 305 from a 85 pickup with a 4 barrel, is that a dumb idea? (I think I know the answer to that one...)

I'm a mediocre mechanic but I have some friends who can help and have "the knowledge" but not about this specific job.

Maybe someone could describe an ideal scenario of how the swap would work out (ideal donor find, best cost, least hassle)... this would really give me an idea of how to get started.

Van is for everyday work and vacation hauling of a family of 8 + 4200lb trailer. I would also like to be able to go UP hills (down is no problem!!!) - not looking for a street racer...

First off you will want a fuel injected set up.
Second you will want to find a donor vehical of the same year or something that's very close to the year of your van.
The 305 carbed engine will work but you would have to do away with a lot of the electronics associated with the engine and it's related components.

Peter

A family of 8.....Jesus

The computer system you need from a donor would have to be the same yr as yours of better.A 1985 isn't.

So you need a engine,wire harness,computer from a 2000 or better.There are numerous reasons for this which include tranny functions,dash functions,fuel curve,etc.

I don't know about the truck 305 but my 86 Caprice 305 is only rated at 155 HP and about 250 TQ. You stock 4.3 is rated 190 HP and 250 TQ. Definitely not worth the time and effort. Not to mention you would need to either replace the tranny or purchase a stand-alone controller. Then there are the gauges and dash functions that may/may not work.

I would look for a 1996 and newer Vortec 350/5.7L V8. Grab the engine harness and ECM and it will be a fairly easy swap. It'll bolt to the trans and the ECM will work perfect. Plan to upgrade the trans as well. At the minimum you'll need a Transgo HD-2 shift kit, corvette servo and a monster trans cooler, which you should already have since you tow a good sized camper.

The 1985 305 would be a step down from the 4.3 other than the exhaust note. Less power, use more gas, not a good move.

Dean has all it correct, 1996 or newer Vortec 5.7, get the complete engine, manifolds, etc. Try to match the year if possible.

There is another option for the wiring, you can use your original 4.3 harness and add the 4 connetions for the other 2 injectors fairly easily, and have your original PCM flashed for the V8 tune. That is what I am doing on my 1999; as Brendan at www.lt1swap.com suggested and is going to custom flash my PCM for the V8 and to remove the extra O2 sensors since I don't have any kind of emissions testing here.

I guess it kind of depends on what kind of emissions testing you have to do, I don't know a lot about that end of it since it doesn't apply here, but I know that Gabequest built his van (1999 AWD Vortec 5.7) to be legal in California, and has like 3 or 4 O2 sensors. I plan to run 2.

About 20 years ago, I swapped a v6 from a 79 malibu with v8 from early 70s impala, (carburated) but agree, you'ld want something near or possibly newer than your van (you might still need emission check...????) plus fuel injected would possibly give you both better mileage and more power when you need it.

not sure how you will fit one in there, but have seen that a few others have done it.... would it be better, is there an option for v6 of better heads (bigger ports) like on the old v8s, - "{" on the side of the heads?

Buy the swap manual from "Jags That Run". It will answer most of your questions. It's not a step by step "how to" but a very good guide.

Thanks for all the insights - I'm glad I didn't rush into a bad deal. The 5.7 makes sense. In the meantime my next trailer trip is coming up fast - leaving next week from Ottawa area to Halifax with the 8 pack, trailer, and my little dog too! I guess the old 6 banger will have to haul us for this one. The trip is about 1600 kms one way (1000 miles) but we did that one two years ago without too much stress or overheating - no big hills! I am putting on a pair of air shocks in the rear before we go for a bit more stability.

I will post pics of the trip and report on how the shocks work (Monroe Air Max)

Even the Vortec 305 96-03 is a good choice, it's just that older engines are not as much so. The Vortec 305/350 will get you 235/250hp and well over 300 ft-lbs of torque with the least bit of modification.