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'85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
#723189 May 02nd 2017 3:13 am
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I have a 1985 G20 conversion van that has been stored inside the majority of it's life, however the seals/gaskets are old and leak on both the transmission and engine. The van was always grossly underpowered and I like to take it on trips out west and do some mountain driving so I'd really like to upgrade if possible. I'm not trying to make a dragstrip van or anything, but I would like a very reliable upgraded engine/transmission. Also will be upgrading/replacing the brakes and full suspension at the same time.

Is this something that has been documented that I can read up on? I've never been a V8 guy, I've mainly worked on GM 60/90* V6 engines and have a lot of experience in that area.. but never worked on Trucks or Vans or any type of V8 so this is all new territory for me.

So basically if anyone has some suggestions and or links/info/posts on this type of scenario please let me know~

Re: '85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
85Chebby #723192 May 02nd 2017 9:08 am
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Welcome aboard 85Chebby. [Linked Image]

Not sure what builds are documented here, but I'll add this. If you've worked on Chevy 90* V6s, you've essentially worked on a small block Chevy. The 4.3 is a 350 with 2 cylinder cut off. And the old 229 is based on the 305. So you'll find a lot that seems familiar when you work on one.

I'm assuming you are not wanting to go the crate engine route. I don't think you'll find the 305 to 350 swap to be too troublesome. To make sure the performance parts match, a simple answer is to use a kit, like one from Edelbrock. If you are keeping a carb. and don't want the factory CCC computer and feedback carb, the Eddy package will get you a new carb, cam, lifters and intake, and designed to work together. Buy yourself some headers, and you'll have a nice power increase with a minimum of fuss.

Power Package

Re: '85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
85Chebby #723196 May 02nd 2017 11:22 am
Joined: Jun 2010
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Welcome to the site 85 ..... Id put a 454 in it ...lol Again welcome !


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: '85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
85Chebby #723219 May 02nd 2017 10:03 pm
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If you are looking for an easy peasy swap that will give you quiet reliable service, pick up the GM truck crate engine. They can be had for around 2 grand with a warranty. As for the swap, it's unbolt, pull, replace, bolt back. I recommend a Performer style intake with good carb and a standard HEI with a vacuum advance. The engine comes out the front. It's easier if you raise the front about 4-6 inches. Pull your intake and bolt your pull chain as close to the top of the engin as you can. If your cherry picker has links in the chain hook, shorten up. If you make effort to hook tight to the engine and you raise the van so the cherry picker arm is more parallel to the ground instead of angled downward so much, ir will clear the firewall with a couple inches of wiggle room. Piece of cake. The reason I recommend the truck engine is that it is cammed for low end torque which is what you need to move a conversion van. If it has a 700R4, replace the torque converter, those years have a cronic shutter problem which causes heat slipping, and eventually failure. PM me and I can get you some good info on minor mods to the transmission that will make you much happier with it's performance and will make it last much longer especially in hard mountain climbs.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
'95 Jeep Wrangler
"I thought you weren't allowed to talk to guys with vans??"
Re: '85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
85Chebby #723234 May 03rd 2017 10:54 am
Joined: Feb 2002
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I got a 350 pu suv van engine from Jeg,s for $1800 delivers to Des Moines. 215hp . The car motors are 195 hp. It is a Goodwrench made in Mexico. Paid a shop. About $1500 parts and labor to install. Took 5 days. Runs like a champ. Oh yeah it is in my 90 G20.

Re: '85 G20 305 to 350 swap?
Lionvan #723744 May 17th 2017 3:15 pm
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Physically a 305 and 350 are the same. I just pulled my motor to replace head gaskets. Dropped it through the hole. Didn't want to take the front end apart.

https://www.vanning.com/threads/ubbthreads.php/topics/723711/78-g20-alive-again#Post723711

You may want to go with the next generation of engine, 1987-95. They have better gasketing, one piece rear main seal and everything else will bolt right on. I upgrade my 1978 350 to a 1995 roller motor. Only had to change the flex plate (center hole was smaller) and the intake (2 center bolts are angled). All brackets, A/C, carb, fuel pump, trans, water pump, power steering pump, etc, were from the 78 engine.

Attached Files Van92.jpgVan95.jpg
Last edited by Billygoat; May 17th 2017 3:16 pm.

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