Phantom Rebel V8 Swap

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The only one like it that is built by a manufacturer isAliarc Bumpers. They at least used to make one for the Astro/Safari vans. I don't know of any other company who builds one specific. A few guys on here have had them custom made or built themselves like I did.

[doyoulikeithere]

Yup, Custom made is awesome.
But, How do our vans compare to sierras and avalanches for width ?
I've seen some people mount the sierra bushwhacker guards on the Stro but keep the stock bumper.
The bottom hangs way down low though creating less clearance, and it really isnt that much protection...
#-o
If the width is the same, ECB in Australia makes a nice bull bar/bumper for the avalanche that might fit out van.
Way Way stronger than just a tiny little grille guard from a sierra... I would look hard at the price though.
http://www.ecb.com.au/

[AquaAngel]

Some little progress has been done as i finally installed my new custom made fuel lines, put tranny fluid, some ignition parts were installed, my new electric water pump was removed and put a
mechanical one instead as i spoke to some of my customers that rebuild alternator and radiator and what they said made sense. the electric water pump is something that can fail anytime
and won't hear it if it is dead, plus the power that will consume will put a lot of stress on my new alternator.
I rather stick with my old faithful mechanical water pump as i will know for sure when it is about to go. Sound or leaks will definitely tell me when it is about ready to kick the bucket.

i was hoping to poor motor oil, but the kid at Lordco gave me the wrong Filter. so i have to get a filter that is 3 time bigger than the one he gave me. ;)

[AquaAngel]

Yup, Custom made is awesome.
But, How do our vans compare to sierras and avalanches for width ?
I've seen some people mount the sierra bushwhacker gaurds on the Stro but keep the stock bumper.
If the width is the same, ECB in Australia makes a nice bull bar/bumper for the avalanche that might fit out van.
I would look hard at the price though.
http://www.ecb.com.au/

that is a pretty sweet looking bumper, will have to look into it.

[doyoulikeithere]

They make nice bumpers, well thought out to fit.
I had an ECB for my 87 CJ7 many many moons ago.
It was great.

[doyoulikeithere]

This is the only one i've seen made for the M Van.

It was mfg specifically for the M Van by a Canadian company in Winterpeg called Ali Arc.

I believe a member here "Ihatemybike" is the owner of this one.

[AquaAngel]

Also forgot to ask if anyone might know of a Vehicle where i can get a Y pipe or Down pipe for my Van as it has now a Flowmaster headers. i don't want to go to the shop and have one custom done, not trying to go cheap or anything, but that is a project that i want to do all on my own. i'll go to the shop if i run out of option.

[Ballenxj]

Cant wait to see the finished product.
-Bruce

[AquaAngel]

You have no idea. it is so close now. i just want to fire that new motor. if all goes well? this week end "sunny day" i should be able to do all the wiring and ignition wires and we should give it a try for a start. "All will be recorded on video, iphone and camera" LMAO

So excited

[Ballenxj]

You have no idea.

I'll bet I do. Late seventies & early eighties I had a Chevy Vega (remember those?) that had a built 327 under the hood, turbo 350 trans with a 2500 rpm stall torque converter, and 4:11 geared differential. Brought a smile to my face every time I fired it up, and even more so when some kid challenged me at a light with what he thought was a fast car.
Yeah, I think I know how you feel.
-Bruce

[AquaAngel]

You have no idea.

I'll bet I do. Late seventies & early eighties I had a Chevy Vega (remember those?) that had a built 327 under the hood, turbo 350 trans with a 2500 rpm stall torque converter, and 4:11 geared differential. Brought a smile to my face every time I fired it up, and even more so when some kid challenged me at a light with what he thought was a fast car.
Yeah, I think I know how you feel.
-Bruce

In your CASE? ya you have an idea. LOL
As i worked on the van today and all the wires and ignition wires are finally connected. Only 2 wires needs to be cut and extended to meet the sensors

Starter is connected and installed, poor motor oil in the engine as i poor some tranny fluid in it by accident, so i had to flush the motor and put fresh oil again. My bad

All vacuum hoses are installed.

What are left to do are:
Upper rad hose to install
coolant fluid
break line
Front Shox

START THE ENGINE:

If all goes according to plan? she will go for a wheel alignment and new Exhaust the following week

Then will have my front bumper custom build and front grill

BUT I DO HAVE A REQUEST
I am desperately looking for the euro clear corner lens "Smoke or chrome" for my astro van "94" if any of you out there have some in good condition that would like to sale me, please let me know.

Thank

[Ballenxj]

Sounds like you making progress.
No clear corner markers here, sorry.
-Bruce

[AquaAngel]

Today is a heck of a good day.
Glad to report that my new motor has started first time, well kind of after finding out that my battery was dead and wouldn't hold the charge. after a few more battery under the hood of DA beast, finally found a good one and really happy to say that the motor is running. no oil leak and it was loud. no exhaust on it. So it was loud and it was good.

Video soon coming

[Ballenxj]

COOL!
-Bruce

[H2OJoe]

Video! Video! Video!