LIST OF COMPONENTS Intake manifold and headers pictured were NOT used Advertised duration: 262 intake/272 exhaust Duration at .050 in. cam lift: 204 intake/214 exhaust Gross valve lift: .420 in. intake/.442 in. exhaust Lobe separation: 112 degrees RPM range: 1,500 to 4,000 Custom Y-pipe into a high-flow catalytic converter, Summit performance muffler, then dual 3-inch out * Racecraft Conversions Engine Mounts * Stock 350 TBI * ADS Superchip * TransGo Shift Kit from KDS Performance WOW, what a difference!!! |
So you ask, "Why stuff a 350 V8 into a minivan?" I'm glad you asked. First of all I have nearly 300 horsepower at my disposal and get over 19 MPG on the highway... only 2 MPG less than the 4.3 litre V6 that came out of it. Basic items you need for an Astro/Safari V8 swap: - Special V8 motor mounts (I would suggest Racecraft Conversions) - TBI, Distributor, and 1227747 ECM from a 1988-1992 350-powered V8 Chevy truck* - Hedman 68600 "shorty" headers work great, but a custom Y-pipe is needed - NO modification is required on the doghouse (interior engine cover) or radiator, but modification IS required on the fan shroud. The V8's fan is shifted a little to the right. * 1995 and newer Astro/Safari vans have a different wiring harness and will not be this easy. Basically try to get a 1988-1992 Astro/Safari, and a donor 350 V8 truck or full size van of the same year. NOTE - I ran into serious problems using my "pre-1987" engine with the front accessory bracket. Notice there is only one hole on the right head. THREE were needed. Use a 1987 or newer engine and you'll be fine. Don't forget that LT-1 and LS-1 engines are different "monsters" and will require loads of extra work when swapping. This is MUCH easier than a 350 swap into a Chevy S-10. |
The dash |
The 1973 Chevy 350 engine ( that I completely rebuilt ) |
The swap |
The exhaust |
Click on the button below to access the best forum on the internet dedicated only to the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari minivan |
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So you ask, "Why stuff a 350 V8 into a minivan?" I'm glad you asked. First of all I have nearly 300 horsepower at my disposal and get over 19 MPG on the highway... only 2 MPG less than the 4.3 litre V6 that came out of it. Basic items you need for an Astro/Safari V8 swap: - Special V8 motor mounts (I would suggest Racecraft Conversions) - TBI, Distributor, and 1227747 ECM from a 1988-1992 350-powered V8 Chevy truck* - Hedman 68600 "shorty" headers work great, but a custom Y-pipe is needed - NO modification is required on the doghouse (interior engine cover) or radiator, but modification IS required on the fan shroud. The V8's fan is shifted a little to the right. * 1995 and newer Astro/Safari vans have a different wiring harness and will not be this easy. Basically try to get a 1988-1992 Astro/Safari, and a donor 350 V8 truck or full size van of the same year. NOTE - I ran into serious problems using my "pre-1987" engine with the front accessory bracket. Notice there is only one hole on the right head. THREE were needed. Use a 1987 or newer engine and you'll be fine. Don't forget that LT-1 and LS-1 engines are different "monsters" and will require loads of extra work when swapping. This is MUCH easier than a 350 swap into a Chevy S-10. |
This page was last updated on: May 22, 2009
The family's "normal" transportation 1999 Chevy Astro |
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LIST OF COMPONENTS Intake manifold and headers pictured were NOT used Advertised duration: 262 intake/272 exhaust Duration at .050 in. cam lift: 204 intake/214 exhaust Gross valve lift: .420 in. intake/.442 in. exhaust Lobe separation: 112 degrees RPM range: 1,500 to 4,000 Custom Y-pipe into a high-flow catalytic converter, Summit performance muffler, then dual 3-inch out * Racecraft Conversions Engine Mounts * Stock 350 TBI * ADS Superchip * TransGo Shift Kit from KDS Performance WOW, what a difference!!! |
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Click on the button below to listen to my exhaust |
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I'm also an Air Force sport bike instructor |
Gone but not forgotten... |
