2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

ANYTHING TO DO WITH SWAPPING A V8 OR DIESEL INTO THE ASTRO/SAFARI
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RINNY
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2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

Well after banging my head against a wall for over a year trying to figure how to build a 4.3L it turns out as expected. Too much $$ for what you get. So here goes.
Just bought a good running 2002 5.7 out of a chevy express.
Complete engine with headers attached 100,000 miles
wiring harness
engine computer.

I am going to get the oil pan situation solved by making one out of 2 4.3L pans?
Mounts are readily available from what I am reading for an AWD van?
1" thick radiator , but have not sourced it yet
electric fans, not sourced as of yet
I will install the NP236 as I do the motor
Dropping the clip and going to POR everything

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

OH boy, I scared!!
Last edited by RINNY on Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

Topic author
RINNY
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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

My real first question is what would you guys do to the motor before putting it in besides the intake manifold gasket , water pump and timing chain?
I would like to get the best mileage possible.
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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by Mmusicman »

Food for thought:
If you plan to lift the AWD van... then you probably wouldn't need to modify the pan, if you lift the motor too.
It's been done, but I couldn't tell you which method is preferred.

As far as anything else goes... I'm old school V8... so nothing more to offer.
Good luck!
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2000 Chevy Astro LS AWD | 31" LT265/70R17 Tires | 8" LIFT | 10" TOTAL
92 Chevy Astro Shorty | V8-350
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Topic author
RINNY
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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

It is lifted. 2" blocks on the sub frame

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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by Captn. Crunch »

What to do while the motors sitting on the ground... hmmmm well timing chain and water pump are two for sures. Manifold and valve cover gaskets? Sure what the heck. While you have the top end off I would check to see if the fuel injection system has been upgraded since your engine was built. There may be an upgrade available there. I have a set of motor mounts in the shed if you need to use them for mock up. I have read where it can be just a matter of a few washeres to get the clearance you need. Looking forward to seeing this come together. I know you do nice work!
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
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Topic author
RINNY
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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

The motor mounts that are in it now can be used with some modification? Or the 350 mounts can be used with some mod?
All I can find for AWD Mounts are from JTR
What do you think of this elect fan set up?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-ASTRO-SAF ... 5w&vxp=mtr
Motor will be here by Monday 01/16
van coming apart as soon as it arrives!!

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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by Captn. Crunch »

You are going where I have yet to be so I don't know other than what I've read. I've heard that switching sides and running the mounts backwards has a positive result for some reason. I'll bring my set by are we can compare.
I like those fans. I've seen a lot of people grabbing the dual setup out of the intrepid's or was it Taurus? I read their whole speil and it's adjustable and wired to run when ac is on. Seems like a nice setup but once again your there before me so I'll just wait for u to get it right :muhaha:
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
2” body lift w/Falken Wildpeak AT’s

Topic author
RINNY
I get chills without my van.
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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

Does anyone know if these mounts will work for my swap?
https://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Dingo-Moto ... B00QHET8TW

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Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by Captn. Crunch »

I could be wrong but I don't think those will work with the 5.7. I might be mistaken but a quick glance online tells me the 5.3 is the ls motor.
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
2” body lift w/Falken Wildpeak AT’s

Topic author
RINNY
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 99
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:58 am

Re: 2003 4.3L to 2002 5.7L chevy express

Post by RINNY »

Captn. Crunch wrote:I could be wrong but I don't think those will work with the 5.7. I might be mistaken but a quick glance online tells me the 5.3 is the ls motor.
You are right. The 2002 chevy express motor is a 5.7L 350 L31 also known as an L1-E.
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