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| | | 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 journeyman | OP journeyman Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 | The wife and I are keeping our eyes open for a new van to replace our 15 passenger Dodge that has developed a couple rust holes in the roof. The other day, we came across a 97 Chevy Conversion Van on CL for $850. The body looks rust free, paint is in good shape, and interior is well kept. Only problem is the PO says it has an engine knock. The engine is a 5.7L, I assume from the LS/ LQ family, right? From the little research I've done, the knocking was a problem on these engines, a factory problem with the bearings. They had a service bulletin issued by GM concerning them. My options are to install a reman short-block, junkyard swap the same size mill, or possibly a LQ4 (6.0L). The 6.0's seem to have a good reputation and they are popular among the street rod crowd and have pretty good aftermarket support. Will the stock auto hold up to the additional power? What would be the best motor for a balance of power and fuel economy? To fit our family's needs, we need to put in the stock seating, maximizing the number of passengers. I think it is a 1500, since it has 5 lug wheels. Did these come with 12 seats standard or fewer? Is $850 a good deal or an I opening pandora's box? (Pandora's Box would be a good name for a van!) What problem areas should I look out for? Are any areas prone to rust that I should check? Any other problematic areas that are common to these vans? | | | Re: 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | The 15 pass only comes in a G30. If its a 12 pass G30 it will have 3 rear seats but the clips for the 4th seat are under the carpet. A 12 pass has a luggage spot where the 4th seat goes. $850 + $2000 for a new crate 350 motor & install..... still a good deal if the body is tight.
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: 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 journeyman | OP journeyman Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 | Its the next generation newer than these, frscke1. I think it is the 1st generation of the express vans. I like the G30 vans though. Sadly they are getting harder to find around here in decent shape.
Are all the wheel bases the same from the G-Vans to the express? 110, 125, and 146"? It'd be nice to get another Long Roof van to haul all the kids and have cargo room to spare. | | | Re: 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 18,286 Likes: 558 | Express are 115, 135,155 ....
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: 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3,692 Likes: 32 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 3,692 Likes: 32 | The 1996 - 2002 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana carry the engineering designation/program number GMT600. All of these trucks were pre-LX family. They use the last generation of the "old" small block Chevy, though little would interchange between a '55 SBC and a 2002. Still, that's the lineage. You would find replacement engines advertised under the Vortec name, with RPOs L30 for the 5.0L 305, and L31 for the 5.7L 350.
In 2003, the Express and Savana received complete remakes. All that carried over was the sheetmatal from the cowl back.
The frames, suspensions, brakes, doghouse sheetmetal, and interiors (dash, gauges, steering column, radio, HVAC) were all new, and completely different. And yes, for purposed of this discussion, 2003 is when the LX family of V8s were introduced. | | | Re: 97 Chevy Conversion Van good deal or nightmare? | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 journeyman | OP journeyman Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 82 Likes: 3 | Awesome info, Dyno Dave! Just the sort of stuff I'm looking for!
What are the Pro's and Con's of the new for '03 design? Reliability, ease of maintenance, handling, parts availability?
I'd like to lower the van some, hunkering it down on some nice wheels. Will the lowering spindles, springs, shackles, etc. from the truck all fit? | | |
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