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Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #458873 April 04th 2011 1:39 pm
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I did a bit of research on this early on, but ended up not doing it as I couldn't find a suitable engine at the time. I may still do it in the future. In any case, what I did find is conversion engine mounts are readily available. You will need a narrow front drive system that doesn't extend past the valve covers - I have seen a few factory systems like that but I don't know what cars they came from. I was able to get an all aluminum radiator that had 2 auxillary coolant ports. From the factory there is only one which you use for the heater core, but LS engines require a vent coolant hose from the intake that the extra port would work perfectly for. The one thing that may be an issue is you may need custom headers. The passenger side is super tight and the headers have to be especially close to the engine to avoid both the body and the passenger frame rail. If you do this, good luck and take lots of pictures for us all to see and enjoy!


Colin
aka "Fatvanman"
1975 Chevy G20 Shorty "Lunchbox"

"The great ones never die, they just get older, fatter and drive better vans!"

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3913766/1975-chevrolet-van
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
fatvanman #458889 April 04th 2011 2:22 pm
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Thanks for the additional info. It will be quite awhile before I can get around to doing it once I get a van. I live in NW Arkansas and dont have a garage. mad My tools, torches, mig welder, and 2 camaro's are at my dad's place in Florida. Gee, it's ONLY been 3 years since I moved, still trying to figure out why..... curse curse curse

Jaws

Last edited by bloodyjaws; April 04th 2011 2:22 pm.
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #458906 April 04th 2011 3:00 pm
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Ken Schwarz
Tricky Truckers, N.J.
Van Clan Plus One, Canada
Manse Vans, Finland
Rebel Vanners, N.J. "USA"
Toopa Sinner Tribe, N.C.

www.showvans.com

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/360991

[Linked Image]

"Coolness ALWAYS trumps comfort"
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #458918 April 04th 2011 3:50 pm
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OOOPPSS Brad now that I think about it you are right it is a small block.When I went looking at pictures they look like big block valve covers.

Brad, you have a picture of your big block some where....

It is still a very dooable swap.

Find a nice CHEVY driver van with a clean body and go from there....
You can even stick a big block in an Early.

........Wookee



Its a "Van Thing"
A life style you have to LIVE to understand!

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Vintage Chevy Van Club
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #459761 April 08th 2011 4:30 pm
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I am NOT doing the swap soon, cash flow and all, but it will be done one day. A buddy of mine does LS swaps into a lot of different stuff as a side job here in OKC, he says he can get me a 5.7 liter with comp, have the harness reworked to work with the 700R4 and install it for like $3500.00 to $4000.00 . I hate having a bad back and not being able to do this kind of work myself any more. . . . damn drunk drivers!

If / When I do this, it will be in about 2 years from now.

Jaws, give me a shout if you will be in the area, or maybe we can find a middle point and meet for lunch/dinner and visit for a bit. Until then. . . . .


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


Founder & President of Sooner or Later United Truckers and PROUD TO BE A S.L.U.T. ! !
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
wookee #460109 April 10th 2011 9:25 pm
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Originally Posted by wookee
here is a picture of a big block in a G20

[Linked Image]

same van leaving the line......

[Linked Image]

keep an eye out there are some clean body's out there just begging to be worked on.......

.......Wookee


man , id like to hear that thing running


David

[Linked Image]

GhostRyder
Do you believe in things
that go bump in the night?
1981 Chevy G20 "Sanitarium"
http://s520.photobucket.com/albums/w321/mudslinger2006/
Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #460121 April 10th 2011 9:59 pm
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The exhaust indicate that is a small block, the big block has them evenly spaced.

Re: stuffing an LS1 into a g20?
bloodyjaws #766897 October 27th 2020 3:10 pm
Joined: Jun 2013
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Physical fit should not be an issue, will need a little weld skill or a buddy to assist you that possess some. That will just be for motor mount conversion. If you purchase one of the ez wiring conversion kits for the LS series everything should be very straight forward. Definitely will be a fun ride when finished. I have done a couple BBC swaps into G-series vans and they were always fun to drive. LS unit is lighter and make more ponies stock with better fuel mileage to boot. Good luck on the project !


VAMXR636
1988 Chevy G30 454/400Th 125wb?
1999 Tahoe
1982 Super Glide
2013 Suzi RMZ450

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