I test drove one and it's ok to drive in low speed areas but takes a loooooong time to gain some speed on the highway. and forget about accelerating and changing lanes better off waiting for the traffic to pass. lol

with that said, minimal rust all pieces inside are there and body is in great condition. so the only thing really lacking is the power. and it does have srs 🤣

are there options to build with what is in there already? i read somewhere changing tbi system and removing computer and using a carb setup. are there kits already made out there for performance?

or engine swap?

Did you test drive a V6 or V8 ?

Just hold out for one with a 5.7.
No reason to do it the hard way.

Just hold out for one with a 7.4.

No reason to do it the hard way ....

lol

v8


it has an L05 engine v8 5.7 tbi and m30 transmission

lol

I'm curious if that 5.7 is a K or A code block, the K block makes a little more power. From what I understand the TBI cast iron heads are what make the motor underperform. Pretty sure the big block only came in the G30, but I could be wrong. So if you want a G20 but that 5.7 isn't enough power for you, you're probably going to be looking at rebuilding the top end.

Right?

Maybe I'm spoiled, but my '92 has plenty of get up and go.
Don't have any issues merging onto the highway, or passing, or whatever.
Seems to have a sweet spot at around 70mph.
It acts like that's its favorite speed.

Is the van you drove running correctly?
Is it a conversion van?

The way you described it, it sounds like a 6 cylinder, high roof, conversion van.

They could be ordered with a 3.08 rear gear. Not sure why anyone would order it that way but I've seen a few. Those things are real bricks!
Might check the ratio or the RPO list.

Yes my 88 g20 with 350 does just fine. Its not winning any races but can easily play on the interstate. It also has a happy place at about 72mph.

And....I am currently looking for another g20 and my 2 biggest requirements are 350 (sorry frske1) and factory a/c.

That van must have some issues.

Same engine as my '93. Sorry but they are dogs...only rated at 210HP/300ft lbs torque. It cruises along pretty nice though. Some day I'd like to put a 383 in it.

Mine had 3.42 gears, but I upgraded to 3.73 gears and LSD. Still a turd, but it is high-top conversion. All bark and no bite. lol

What rpm does that rear end setup run at 70mph on the freeway?

4L80E trans & 4.10 gears in my '93 ... 1750 to 2000 rpm goin 85 90 ... tops out at about 3400 and im doin WAY OVER a 100 ... and not a Mustang in sight lol

We have a '95 G20 with a 350 tbi and we have no trouble towing our TT to the mountains or the beach. Pulls fine.....
Big Blue and the T139

Catfish, that's a nice looking van and camper set-up you have.

Thank you! That's actually Penny's and only has 68K miles. It's got 3.42 gears as well. It's no 454 but will pull the camper well. Granted the camper only weighs about 2200 lbs loaded.
G20Hunter, if I had problems I would also suspect the knock sensor. It retards the timing during acceleration and if it goes blinky (that's a technical term) it can affect performance big time.

No idea...I don't have my tach installed yet, but just from hearing the engine it's not too bad. I don't drive very fast in the van anyway.

i am not used to the high rpm's (not sure exactly what rpm) at 75mph almost at max speed lol. it can be driven on long trips like that? is it known for overheating?

thats interesting i will keep that in mind thanks

I don't know what rear end is in mine, but it doesn't wind up real bad on the highway and it scoots around town pretty good.
It's no hot rod, but I've never felt like it underperforms.
It is a cargo van with very little interior (just boards and insulation in the back), though.

I might have to go out and look at the RPO codes, because now I'm curious.
If you don't hear back from me it's because I froze over out there.

Well, I survived.


Apparently, according to the axle code, mine's got the 3.08 axle ratio.
No wonder it likes to cruise along at 70 on the highway.


Don't know what to tell you if you're disappointed with the performance of a van geared lower than mine.
Seems like there must be an issue somewhere, like Catfish suggested.

Converter could be partially blocked or if its the original old "pancake" catalytic converter that could be an issue as well.
Also if someones removed the converter, the old TBI systems just can't compensate enough fuel for free flowing exhaust and they will run lean.
Might check for codes from the ECM....
One more thing. Check the ignition timing. If it had to pass emissions in the past some mechanics will retard the initial timing to lower NOX readings.

This turned my 454 into a 227 .... no air thru = no power out