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:
- 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.
* 1993 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.
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
* Racecraft Conversions Engine Mounts
* Stock 350 TBI
* ADS Superchip
* TransGo Shift Kit from KDS Performance
WOW, what a difference!!!
