1990 Shorty Project.

[rjfalski]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I've been a fan of the Astro for some time and so far have owned 3 of them. The First, a 1993 Astro Shorty, The second a 1997 Safari EXT and now the 3rd 1990 Shorty. The first two were primarily our only means of transportation. We always liked the look of the Shorty and have decided to have a little fun with our latest. So I'll put some pictures here and show the progress...

The van was delivered to me as the engine was blown...It ran enough to get it into the garage, but that's as far as it went. When I bought it my intent was to rip the drive train all out anyway so no big deal. I'd gone back and forth for a little while whether to replace the V6 with a V8 or not...it took two minutes to make up my mind. V8 it is and now its a work in progress. I'll keep ya all posted. My goal however isn't to make this an all out custom, but something that makes you say "WTF?" when it's looked at.

[astroturf]

Good Luck RJ

BUT, She already looks good.

Jim

[Smiliesafari]

That van is in great shape. I'd like to have a shorty but what I don't need is another vehicle. Welcome to the site. We like lots of pics.

[rjfalski]

i'll provide pix as soon as I get them...actually i had some on my camera and something happened to the SD card...camera says "no memory card" and the computer doesn't see it when plugged in..However, a new card does work, but no pictures yet...Thanks for the support.

[rjfalski]

[Smiliesafari]

Looks right at home in there.

[lockdoc]

I see you cut the injector wires off. I guess you are going with a carbed V8 rather than a TBI?

[rjfalski]

Good eyes! Yes, I'm going with a carbed V8 having Bowtie Performance build it....The next step will be to pull out what's there and clean the area up...All the greas and oil from the massive oil leak coming from the right valve cover that may possibly be seen as over torqued and bent up...looks like there is a 3/8" gap on the upper side...I can only imagine were all that oil went...wait, I know..down the front of the engine.

[draggnastro]

looks like a good start. Id like to put a V8 in mine but would have to build the trans up first.

[rjfalski]

Just to keep all who are interested...just pulled the engine and transmission out...photos to follow as it is now dark and my hands are too filthy to handle my camera. Had to cut the exhaust off...no biggie as that will be replaced. I took out each separately but plan on intalling the new set up as one unit. If anyone has any suggestions, don't be shy.

[rjfalski]

NO turning back now...out comes the V6!

[rjfalski]

Just a quick note folks. The 700R4 has been rebuilt and sitting in the plastic bag it came in from the shop. TRC (Transmission remanufacturing company) in Kent Washington rebuilt it to handle the V8. (shift kit, heavy duty torque converter, different servos; all the tranny stuff I know little about) I gave them my engine specs from the builder at Bowtie Performance of Lake Tapps Wa. So in the mean time, I'm cleaning up stuff waiting for it all to come together.

Replaced the battery tray with a brand new one as the original was all rusted to pieces...Of course that wasn't as easy as it sounded...the Parking brake cable runs through it so that had to come out.... As for the picture (as all of you know and say "if no picture, it didn't happen) All I can tell you is I haven't been able to pose it in a manner that does it justice. It's painted silver and looks like a transmission...However, I could probably unwrap it and take a shot of it.

bye for now.

[rjfalski]

Ok Fellas, I've just been given, that's right given a 350 engine from a 1970's pick up with a rebuild kit. The engine is mostly together and mostly just needs the new gaskets put in it. Does anyone have any info that may inhibit putting this in my 1990 van....I want to ask before I get too excited cause free is free and not always do you get what you pay for. I had read elswhere the head on the vintage engines didn't have enough bolt holes in it for the assesories....but new heads could be purchased if need be.

Thanks in advance

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Go to the V8 Swap section and start reading. You are correct on the head accessory bolt holes, but if you stick with the v-belts it won't matter.

[doyoulikeithere]

of course one really good way to get the right holes for accessories on the heads, would be to use Vortec heads when you assemble it, since its all apart.
Plus, as an added bonus, you would get more power, Awww.