V8 conversion from a conversion van?
 

I have a '97 Blazer 4x4 with the 4.3 and my dad is letting me have his '97 Chevy conversion van with the 350 in it. I was wondering what all could I pull from it to do a v8 swap? And what other parts do I need to go out and buy on my own?

I could be totally wrong, but from what I've been reading I think it would be easier to install 4wd on the van than it is to put a small block in a 4wd 97 blazer.

only difference from a 2wd is the oil pan

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

whaa.... No, because not everyone has time to do something like that, or resources.

Putting a V8 in the blazer isn't that complicated. If the motor in the van is a vortec (I believe it is) it's the same motor as what would come in the trucks so the things that would be needed to swap would be motor mounts, exhaust, a bit of wiring and tuning, Efans, and then the oil pan. There are pans that will work with the 4x4 or I have seen the factory pan modified to fit as well. And of course all the little things along the way but it's certainly a doable swap.

I have heard of it done but never seen it.With out making major mods to the engine compartment and moving the motor mounts back I don't see how it fit?The 4.3 will barely fit in these things.It would be an extremely tight fit and everytime you went to change plugs or wires you`ed be swearing your azz off.

Well,from experiance..all it needs (LOL i laugh at all it needs) is

mounts
wiring done for the last 2 cylinders
efans (taurus fan,thermostat control,and wiring)
mounts
tune
maybe corvette rad depending on health of the 4.3 rad.

Now,if you can get a engine,complete wiring harness,computer etc.

tuning is still a must,but its easier. you still need a tune for gear ratios etc. you are going to spend 500 bucks minimum after install.


if i was you,id get a msd 6al box used for ignition ( seen em go for 100 bucks),oldschool hei distributor,cheap $75 holley carb off craigs list,the tps sensor kit from holley,and intake manifold off ebay for 100 bucks. be done with wiring bs.

All you need to know to do the swap
 

The 5.7 is dimensionally the same size as the 4.3 except it has two extra cylinders on the front of the motor so it actually fits just about the same other than being longer. Thus the reason for needing Efans although I have seen it done with keeping the factory clutch fan. It will even bolt right up to the 4L60e trans. There are a couple companies that make motor mounts for this swap. Check out jagsthatrun.com they have just about everything needed for the swap.