Chevy & GMC Vans

So far it's all coming together like clock work. (If I knew what that saying really meant, it probably have a different outcome) However, as mentioned before, the engine and tranny went in pretty smoothly. I've been taking a section and focusing on it until it's comeplete...you know, headers one day, heater hose the next etc, etc, etc.

I've got my carb on the way with all the brackets needed to attach the throttle cable and tv cable (not comcast) to the back side of the carb. Also, I ordered an electric fan set up...if it turns out to work out ok, i'll pass on the company's info.

My next big challenge will be to detemine what works when the battery is hooked up. What I mean is will the electric fuel pump in the tank fire up when it's supposed to??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it still works the way its supposed to then all i'll need to do is get a fuel bypass regulator.

enough rambling, heres some picturs.

knock on wood, so far I've yet to run into any issues.

was just checking out your pictures....WOW this engine/tranny install looks very cool indeed!

you got it all up and running im guessing?....any pics?

Hey All, it's been a while since I've posted so here's some updated pictures.

Currently double checking my connections. I ran into an issue once the engine was sitting on the old motor mounts...The rubber isolaters ended up being cracked all the way through. I should have replaced them before putting the engine in...It wasn't that hard afterwards, but it sure would have been easier.

Routed heater core hoses and sealed in tranny oil tube and engine oil tube. Went online and found a Dual fan set up from http://www.ffdynamics.com I gave them my radiator meaurements and viola, they sent me the set up...$299!. Awesome deal. Also bought a new radiator along with a new surge tank.

At this point all is progressing nicely with a few hiccups along the way...nothing worth mentioning as stupidity played into some of my errors.

So it's not running yet, but close. Next major task is to pull the fuel tank and remove the electric pump as I've gone with a standard mechanical pump.

Once fire up day is here...I will try to video the moment. But until then, I'll be posting pictures.

Since I can only Post 3 Pix at a time, here are some more.

The badge?

=D> Sweet! =D>

Looks like everything's coming along pretty good so far!
I personally don't have the guts to go up to a V8. I'd probably set something on fire with my mechanic skills... #-o Besides, I like my 4.3l.

Good luck! I'll probably be watching this thread for more pics!

Hey Folks,

Yes it's been awhile since I've posted, so here's where I'm at:

1. All electrical connected.
2. Fuel line is hooked up.
3. Y-Pipe in progress.
4. Added a small tach that fits right in the middle of the MPH
5. Have to Prime the engine with oil.
6. Had to switch out the air cleaner with one with an offset Carb hole. It hit the distributor.
7. Fit the dog house in place and verified Rotor cap doesn't hit

Here's a link to Photo Bucket to see all pictures at one time if you choose.
http://s1142.photobucket.com/albums/n620/rjfalski/

But here are the latest

Update: Pictures available at above noted photobucket site.

1. New TV Cable purchased and installed with with new Jegs throttle cable/TV cable mount.
2. Fuel Tank dropped and electric pump removed and disabled.Tank re installed with extended fuel tube to replace pump length.
3. Replacing U-Joints on drive line.
4. Front end re assembled

What's left?
1. Finish up welding Y-Pipe to exhaust and New Cat.
2. Fill with water
3. oil prime one more time.
4. Purchase a new battery.
5. Turn the Key and hope I did everything right!!!!!!!

just a couple more pix

I've done afew project builds before.Ole Yellar will be my first Astro.There isn't anything like the first start.Just the feeling of accomplishment is a shear rush.Made me want to just set down on the stool and look at it.

This engine builder article caught my eye and I thought it might be a helpful tip about pre-oiling your engine.It is the first shop solution article that I think you might find interesting.These guys build engines for a living and Engine Builder web site is geared towards that.Here is the link:

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article ... _2011.aspx

It to me just makes sense not to continue to pre-oil a engine and wash away all the assembly lube.

Hope it helps.

awesome. thanks for the info

I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!

I've put it all back together!!! Exhaust is finished, Driveline has new u joints in place...only thing left is to get a battery and put coolant in the radiator.!! I think i'm gonna have a

Amazing what a little paint and polish can do

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy.Not fair!!.That floor is way,way,too clean.Gezzzz,now I have to go tomorrow and clean up. ](*,)