Chevy & GMC Vans

How much modification is re there to install a Small V8 in place of the stock V6 within my 2001 AWD Safari? Will it fit in the engine compartment with little to no fire wall work? Will I need to buy a new computer and such etc?

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

I wonder if the 3.8 liter Buick V6 with super charger would fit in Astro. It had 240 hp stock.

But my The 3800 motor was transverse mounted in my 1997 and 2008 Pontiac Grand Prixs.

A,P

It's a squeeze but doable. No firewall work but you may need an oil pan unless you do a lift, move the coils if an LS motor, Bunch of variables depending on which way you go.
Read up in the V8 swap section. My '93 was easy as it's 2wd and I stuck w/ the 350 from a full size van and not the LS.

Roadstar01 wrote:How much modification is re there to install a Small V8 in place of the stock V6 within my 2001 AWD Safari? Will it fit in the engine compartment with little to no fire wall work? Will I need to buy a new computer and such etc?

If you lift the AWD high enough, then the V8 will fit (as is) with modified lifted mounts.
Without lifting the van and engine, you would need to modify the oil pan to clear the front drive train.

An older carbureted V8 will go in pretty easy, without need for a computer.
(This is only an option in states without emissions regulations)
There is also no work needed to the firewall with the older style engine.
All the front accessories from the V6 will bolt up to the V8.
You would want to use a 700R4 trans with it.
If so, you would also need an 80's style flexplate (dual pattern) that works with V8's & 700R4's.

Easiest way to pull is by cutting top cross member support and removing engine out the front.
Brackets can be easily fabricated to reinstall cross-member support.

If you go carbureted, you'll need to change the fuel pump, or regulate pressure down to usable level.
If you go with a fuel-injected V8 engine... you will need the matching computer.

As suggested... check out the V8 section for lots of info.
There more than one way to skin this cat!

The absolute easiest is to stick to the same year full sized van for the donor. Keeps the same cooling, fueling, transmission, etc. Depending on where you live same year or newer could be the only option.

Like stated above, because of the front differential you will have to work the oil pan. The most common thing to do is to take the 4.3 oil pan, and join it with another one. There may also be aftermarket pans that will fit. I remember reading about one that only required washers under the engine mount to clear but I don't have a link. I don't remember if it was here or the other site, have to search. Something like Milodon 31082, but need to check.

Basically the oil pan has to follow this profile, but longer for the 5.7l engine. Get/make the engine mounts, add/lengthen some wires, match up the exhaust, good to go.