Vannin' Community and Forums Forums General Discussion Readers Rides Gordon 1998 Chevrolet Express 2500 8 passenger

This van is huge! What a canvas! Still trying to find where to start. Been kicking around ideas but nothing has stuck yet. I detail alot of RVs at work. I always like to see the headlights. The Motorhome buliders seem to use every make and model. Today I worked this one.

Dodge Challenger I believe. Got me thinking. I need to get a GMC grill, I just like the big open grill better. Then modify it to fit the Challenger lights, some nice LED lights as running lights. This is a very ruff drawing. Just to get a visual.

I think it's very doable. Basically flat, and I can modify the grill on my work bench. The van is my daily. Buliding the van in my head before I start anything. I'm not sure how I feel about it so far. What you guys think

Nice concept drawing

Nice acquisition Tim. I like the GMT Van. Score!

Dyno Dave's GMT thread will provide some insight and inspiration for sure. I had a 97 GMC 1500 with the 350. FI never failed, but a fuel pump did. Fairly close to home, but still, FYI. Also had a worn cap and rotor fail. sidelining the truck. Don't want any of that happening on a trip, dig into those service records! Nice. Good Wrenching!

Iron Chevy Small blocks, and the 4.3 will take a lot of heat, but I'd remedy that cooling issue first. The 3/4 ton GMT should be ideal for your needs. I loved my last GM 350. Don't let that one get hot. My 5.9 has new heads, but the shop obviously didn't do the WP. Had I known, I would've replaced it along with the leaky radiator, back when I was younger in 2014. Did all that in the snow. It's snowing now, and just ain't no way Bro!

I have new radiators in both of the Dodge smallblocks, but they really don't have enough radiator, IMO. I run coolers and fans on the 5.9 B350 Xplorer MH, but it is a Hot Pig with the boat in tow on any kind of grade. I have found custom aluminum radiators for the Dodges, maybe you could for the 350, as well. They are 3 row, increased coolant capacity but are not crossflow. frscke1 has custom aluminum ones in both his BBC G30s.

Here. The 454 Church Van G30 with the BBC cools fine, but has the AC fan modified to run upon start. Factory coolers with the original radiator is all good so far.

Just some Internal combustion observations. Again Super nice Van and Good Wrenching!

Check this out! If I'm ever low on water, the door is holding tank!

Express hack! Simply pull back the seal and it opens the tank!

Got to clean out the drains!

Most likely a factory option

First van here with a pond!

Had a few of those

The cooling, intake, and exhaust systems are the first things on my mind as far as mechanical.
Looking into 3 row radiators. I have everything needed to do a electric fan conversion. I'm dieing to clear up so space under the hood.

That engine cover of a catch can has to go! (Wish I could run it to the tank in the door!) I also have aluminum intake tubes from the Disastro. Id love to get the mileage up. Plugs, wires, and just started doing research for on throttle body spacers. Dual exhaust is a must. I'm not really into horsepower, but definitely into reliability and durability.

Ol' Gordon was a very useful engine today! Our work truck was down this morning. So, I hooked up Ol' Gordon. And he did awesome. Full trailer with all detailing equipment and 275 gallons of water. Just as smooth as could be. Rode like a Cadillac and looked just as good.
I have also tinted the front windows to match the rear factory tint. Small steps, but they are steps. 11 inch touchscreen and new doghouse coming very soon.