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V8 SWAP LIST

75K views 68 replies 42 participants last post by  sixsix 
#1 ·
I have taken what many of the Original members have listed on the old site of what is needed and what is recommend to get for the TBI V8 swap so here it is if I missed anything let me know and I gladly add it to this list and hopefully it will get pinned.

1) The V8 (Preferably same year as your van but not necessary)
2) Motor Mounts (Available Two places Through Jakepatch or http://www.jagsthatrun.com)
3) TB bracket from V8 if not on motor
4) V8 fuel injectors (Need to put them on Astro TBI don't forget rebuild kit)
5) 7747 computer w/V8 chip Or new chip from http://www.tbichips.com
6) V8 exhaust manifolds or Headman headers (68600) (use copper gaskets)
7) V8 distributor
8) Wire and connectors to lengthen some wires
9) Nipple for the back of the manifold
10) V8 knock sensor if using TBI
11) Truck valve covers
12) Thermostat housing for V8 (Don't use V6 housing hole too small)
13) Front tranny seal (better do it now while its easy to get too)
14) Transgo shift kit

The following has been recommended by several members
(You don't need but are strongly recommended)

1) intake w/ all acc. connected from an 87-92 van or truck 305 or 350 will make connecting everything easy to connect rather than trying to make the V6 stuff fit.
2) Tranny cooler
3) Oil cooler
4) Flowkooler disc in waterpump vanes
5) 3 flu radiator out of an 89 Astro (heavy duty)
6) Taurus electric fan
7) vette servo

hope this helps you all!!! :banana: :layrubber:
 
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#52 ·
Yes, a V-8 can go in an AWD (there are examples here on the site) BUT not as easily as in a RWD. The oil pan needs to be modified for the front axle, and I think the motor mounts are different than the RWD version, plus the AWD ones are currently unavailable (IIRC). See if some of the V-8 AWD crew will sound off...

-Andrew
 
#55 ·
Question. I have a 92 astro EXT stock with the 262. I owned a 97 C1500 with a 305 Vortec with a shift kit and it ran like a cheetah on cocaine . Would it be possible to swap the 262 with a 305? Seeing that the 262 is a 350 - V2 and a 305 is smaller than a 350. Would this be possible? If so, what problems shall I expect? I don't plan on cutting anything on the 92 but make attachments so the 305 can fit. That being stock wire extensions so that wires can reach their appropriate location.
Any feedback would be strongly appreciated

XDA tony the noob
 
#56 ·
You should start your own build thread, you might get more eyes on it, plus you can continue the thread as you do your swap.

And as for your questions, the 305 will physically go in, I just put a 305 in mine. As for the other aspects, your '92 is probably a TBI and the '97 Vortec is probably not, so you will have to either upgrade your van to the higher pressure fuel system or get TBI parts from an earlier year V-8. And the computer for whichever one you run. And you do have to extend some wires (at least I had to). Also, your transmission most likely is pre-electronic, later computers might be looking for info from the transmission and yours won't communicate.

-Andrew
 
#57 ·
icebrrg3rd said:
You should start your own build thread, you might get more eyes on it, plus you can continue the thread as you do your swap.

And as for your questions, the 305 will physically go in, I just put a 305 in mine. As for the other aspects, your '92 is probably a TBI and the '97 Vortec is probably not, so you will have to either upgrade your van to the higher pressure fuel system or get TBI parts from an earlier year V-8. And the computer for whichever one you run. And you do have to extend some wires (at least I had to). Also, your transmission most likely is pre-electronic, later computers might be looking for info from the transmission and yours won't communicate.

-Andrew
Yes. The van is a TBI with a TH700 if in not mistaken. But have considered replacing with a 4L60-E to install a shift kit as well. considering replacing wire harness as well due to it's age and thinking of how damaged the wires might actually be as well
 
#59 ·
I had to chuckle when I re-read this list... HALF of the items listed I did not need or use for mine. My list IS very different. There is (for some) more than one way to do this!

For me, it was the quickest, simplest, strongest, most reliable, and least expensive best bang for the buck. I was also fortunate in what I am allowed and able to do.

Having an engine ready... is a big deal! Having all the parts already is a big deal too.

You can literally do a V8 swap in a weekend or two (with everything ready), or take 3+ years. You can spend a lot of money, or very little (aside from the engine itself). It can be complex, or simple. There are harder ways to do it.. there are easier ways to do it. Of course a lot of it depends on you.. your circumstances, your objective, your goals.

State laws vary, and may decide how and what you can do as well. :eek:
 
#60 ·
Mmusicman said:
I had to chuckle when I re-read this list... HALF of the items listed I did not need or use for mine. My list IS very different. There is (for some) more than one way to do this!

For me, it was the quickest, simplest, strongest, most reliable, and least expensive best bang for the buck. I was also fortunate in what I am allowed and able to do.

Having an engine ready... is a big deal! Having all the parts already is a big deal too.

You can literally do a V8 swap in a weekend or two (with everything ready), or take 3+ years. You can spend a lot of money, or very little (aside from the engine itself). It can be complex, or simple. There are harder ways to do it.. there are easier ways to do it. Of course a lot of it depends on you.. your circumstances, your objective, your goals.

State laws vary, and may decide how and what you can do as well. :eek:
Not to high jack, BUT... Mmusicman, your shorty (van) is HOT, CALIENTE!!!!!!!!,LOL :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:. I gotta check it out next trip down to Florida.
 
#61 ·
five10freak said:
Mmusicman, your shorty (van) is HOT, CALIENTE!!!!!!!!,LOL :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:. I gotta check it out next trip down to Florida.
Thanks!
It's actually nothing much more than a plain 92 cargo shorty with wheels and an engine. LOL
But it's clean, simple, fun, runs nice, and I like it! My 1st Astro! :mrgreen:

Here are my V8 swap threads (lots of photos):
* Swap #1 (2014): viewtopic.php?f=42&t=47249
* Swap #2 (2016): viewtopic.php?f=42&t=97010

Pulling into the garage:


Idling and mild highway acceleration (going easy on a worn transmission)
(turn up volume to hear idle from inside):


Embarrassing one wheel burnout...lol:


The van was loaded with sound equipment (most of the weight on the left side)..
and I didn't want to stay in the throttle too hard with a very old/worn transmission.
I need to do a better burnout video!

Next on the list is a POSI-TRACTION unit! :mrgreen:

A COUPLE FAVORITE PHOTOS:

V6 coming out (282K miles):


V8 motor going in:


Cool night shot (after drop):


The 350 engine DONE! (ready for installation):


Installed inside view:


LET'S ROLL!


MY "OLD SCHOOL" V8 SWAP LIST:
* JTR V8 conversion mounts
* Hedman 68600 shorty headers
* Electric fan
* Fuel regulator
* Heads (with accys holes)
* Flex plate (dual pattern that accommodates 700R4)
* Throttle cable and brackets (from any carbureted van)
* One HEI V8 distributor
* One HOT-ROD Gen 1 carbureted V8 engine!

** SIMPLE! ** SOLID! ** RELIABLE! ** PERFORMANCE! **

NOTES:
* Transmission choice is optional, but later model 90-up stock 700R4 will work fine!
* Tranny cooler, shift kit, stall converter, corvette servo.. all good trans options.
* 700R4 lockup is wired to a simple 12v switch.
* Exhaust is up to you. (I went simple true dual 2 1/2" Magnaflow turbos... side exits)
* All V6 4.3 accys bolt straight up! A/C, powersteering, alternator, waterpump, pulleys, etc.
* Stock radiator is sufficient in cooler climates, or without A/C. (I went bigger)
* Remove computer, remove most un-needed wiring. (Gen1 gauges work without computer)
* Engine technically only needs ONE single ignition power wire to run! (to HEI distributor)
* Run fuel pump on standard ignition source too.
* Swap engines though the front (w/exhaust attached) is simple... and easiest! (Gen1 or Gen2)
 
#62 ·
Van looks, sits, and sounds nice. What wheel and tire combo are you running? Did you change up the suspension?
 
#63 ·
Thanks.

* Front is BFG 215/60-15 on 15x8 Centerline Polished Autodrag (4" backspacing).
* Rear is Hankook P295/50-15 on 15x10 Centerline Polished Autodrag (5" backspacing).
(rear tire is less than 1" from spring)

* Rear suspension is stock
* Front spring has 1 coil cut (about 1 3/4 drop).

No other mods except slider door bottom modified to clear tire.
KYB Monotube shocks all the way around.
 
#66 ·
gman said:
How hard is this on a gen 2?
I noticed you removed the front clip from the van.
Do you have to weld that back on?
Not hard. Technicalities depending. Do you have emissions, etc?

Short answer: Physical fitment is pretty easy.

The radiator crossmember you are referring to is bolted on 85-94. 95+ is a single piece/welded attachment. I drilled holes before I cut that crossmember then cut it. This way I had bracket holes to line it back up. I didn't cut it wide enough to clear the headers I had on my v8 (I am using the same as MMusicMan). I opted for the adapters rather than drill holes to relocate the motor mounts.

You can see how wide I cut mine in this pic. Ignore the red circle. The stock manifolds on the v6 cleared fine through that opening.

elstoner420 said:
Does anyone have a part # for a radiator, been a real pain to find the HD for the 89.
Are you talking about the thicker 1" radiator? or an aftermarket one?
 
#67 ·
elstoner420 said:
Does anyone have a part # for a radiator, been a real pain to find the HD for the 89.
Gotta' love the nic...elstoner420 - no pussy footing around there now, huh?
We generally use the small radiator oil cooler size fittings for snuffers. FYI ( for all you edge of your seat dudes & dudettes ).
 
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