[Mmusicman]

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)

 

[vectrex11]

Van looks, sits, and sounds nice. What wheel and tire combo are you running? Did you change up the suspension?

 

[Mmusicman]

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.

 

[gman]

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?

 

[elstoner420]

Does anyone have a part # for a radiator, been a real pain to find the HD for the 89.

 

[M_a_t_t]

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.

fuel pump relay

• M_a_t_t
• Sep 30, 2019

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?

 

[sixsix]

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 ).

 

[Jeremyelifritz]

I have a 2000 astro van looking to make it a off road vehicle
I want to know any ideas for a good motor swap and info I may need. Please help

 

[sixsix]

Cool !

Welcome to the Forum.

I'll see what I can find using my favorite search engine and the term: " astrosafari.com ".