Hello from Az

[Rcookjr70]

New to the world of Astro Vans and my second Bowtie. I was looking into swapping out the worn out V6 for a V8 and that brought me here.

Thanks for having me.

Rob

Pics will come soon

[Smiliesafari]

Welcome Rob. The V8 swap has been done many times. I don't think any engine swap is "easy" but this one is less complicated than most. I would suggest removing the sub frame. Nearly everything that needs to be done can be done with it sitting right in front of you. Good luck.

[mdmead]

Welcome!

As Skip said, the swap you are looking to do is pretty straightforward. I do differ with him on how to do it though. While the manual says to drop the subframe, it adds a lot of extra work (including disconnecting main electrical & brakes, and then bleeding brakes on reassembly) that wouldn't normally need to be done. With your swap, I'd rather just cut out the radiator support and fab up some brackets to reinstall it afterwards. (Note that you will want a high nose up attitude and it will be tight getting the engine hoist in doing it this way.) Pulling the subframe does leave the area wide open to work, which is a benefit for non-standard swaps, or if you are going to be doing some restoration/paint work as well. Just my opinion.

Enjoy your van!

[doyoulikeithere]

Welcome.

The first bit of advice I would give is that these vans differ from year to year.
Smilesafari is right that you will have easy access to everything if you pull out the subframe. I've done it, its true.
But, as MDMEAD said. it does add a lot of extra work. I do disagree with the advice to cut out the (top) rad support though.
I see that yours is a Gen 1 van (1995<), So, you can just unbolt the top rad support and remove it and pull the motor out thru the front.
But, As I mentioned first, these vans differ from year to year. If you had a 1996> van, the rad support does need to be cut to be removed.

All 3 methods have been done and work. You just gotta figure out what is best for your plan.

So, That being said, what kinda plans have you got for the old girl? Sounds like a SBC is on the list, but are you going to do anything else?
Transmission, Rear axle, Camperize, Poptop, Lift, Lowered, Painted, gull wing doors, roll cage, Helicopter engine installed? (Just a few we have seen) LOL.

Whatever you decide, Have fun and good luck! Oh, and post pix.

[Rcookjr70]

I will be installing a new tranny and rebuilding the rear axle. My future plans include updating the interior not sure which direction yet. I will be looking into levelng the rear to match the front once the driveline is complete. The driveline is first on my list though. Motor is shot and the tranny is fried (thanks to my father inlaw).

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If you are swapping in a V8 with more than say about 300 hp, I wouldn't bother rebuilding the weak stock rear axle. I would put that money into a stronger setup like a 12 bolt, 9", Dana 44 or maybe an 8.8" out of an E-150. Perhaps an 8.6" 10 bolt from a Chevy Express would work. You would need to make the bolt pattern work for the stock 5x5 but a set of axle shafts drilled will work pretty easily.

[Rcookjr70]

Thanks Lifted but a 300+ motor is more than likely not in the future just yet. But I will when the time comes go with a 12 bolt out of a Nova. They were used in them for more years than other GM's and a better chance to find one. Right now just need to get it operational. Besides once this is moving again I can get my other project finished.

[doyoulikeithere]

I bet you will want to install the engine and trans both at the same time?
I would pull the subframe for that job. but thats just me.
BTW, Nice pic of the "Mystery Machine"
Scooby Doobie Doo !!