Chevy Express

[cobra20]

I'm thinking of buying a wrecked Chevy express to get the LS series V8 and 4L80E for my blazer project what do you guys think? What do I need to be on the lookout for?

 

[350runner]

That's what I planned to do. Either that or a truck and use the rear end as well for my square.

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Do some research on tuning the computer. I thought I read somewhere the van computers are not as easy to tune as say a truck, Vette, or F-body computer. Don't hold me to that, do your own research.

Just make sure everything you are thinking of using is in correct working condition. Cracked housing, busted off sensors, and misaligned parts indicating potential problems can really slow down a project. Getting a complete donor vehicle is a great idea, that way you can try and use as much of the factory stuff as you can to make maintenance and repairs down the road easier and cheaper.

 

[cobra20]

well the van I'm looking at was hit in the rear high up on the passenger cargo door. So I can't think of any way the engine and transmission would get damaged. As for using the rear end out of a truck I would do something like that if my frame I have wasn't a 12 bolt with 3.40 gears.

 

[bucket]

3.40 will be a good overall ratio in a 2wd. Should work well with OD too.

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

What year van? 3/4 or 1 ton?

 

[cobra20]

it's a 2004 1 ton

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Nice! LQ4 6.0 and 4L80E. That will be fun in your Blazer! I forget how heavy those are, but with that 3.40 rear ratio it sounds like a great overall combo! edit: bucket thinks so too! Great minds think alike!

My father-in-law has a 2000 1 ton Express he is probably letting go of this summer. Has a nice Vortec 454 (L29) and 4L80E combo. I wish I had something to drop that combo into.

 

[89Suburban]

What is the going rate for the van you are looking at?

 

[bucket]

Nice! LQ4 6.0 and 4L80E. That will be fun in your Blazer! I forget how heavy those are, but with that 3.40 rear ratio it sounds like a great overall combo! edit: bucket thinks so too! Great minds think alike!

My father-in-law has a 2000 1 ton Express he is probably letting go of this summer. Has a nice Vortec 454 (L29) and 4L80E combo. I wish I had something to drop that combo into.

Wow, those vans are rare! Is it a window van or a panel?

 

[cobra20]

Supposedly GVWfor the blazer is around 5000 pounds. CK5 has the weight listed around 4000 pounds. Not sure it is in a salvage auction so I'm hoping I can get it for cheap.

 

[bucket]

The weight can vary widely, but but I'd guess the average K5 weight a little closer to 4500.

Edit, forgot about the 2wd part. Around 4K sounds right.

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Wow, those vans are rare! Is it a window van or a panel?

Window. Not sure what wheelbase, but three row seating. Dark blue. Unsure of the miles. It needed head gaskets so he dove into it in July last year. He ended up having the heads completely gone through. But, it needs to be put back together. Not having it available has shown him he really doesn't need it anymore, he has vehicles he can drive at the greenhouse he owns.

The 290 hp and 410 ft-lbs that engine makes is pretty awesome. He prefers towing with his 454 over the greenhouses '05 Express with a 6.0.

If I didn't want to keep my truck original, I would swap that engine in. But, my SS with a 454/4L80E combo is intriguing....

 

[bucket]

Window. Not sure what wheelbase, but three row seating. Dark blue. Unsure of the miles. It needed head gaskets so he dove into it in July last year. He ended up having the heads completely gone through. But, it needs to be put back together. Not having it available has shown him he really doesn't need it anymore, he has vehicles he can drive at the greenhouse he owns.

The 290 hp and 410 ft-lbs that engine makes is pretty awesome. He prefers towing with his 454 over the greenhouses '05 Express with a 6.0.

If I didn't want to keep my truck original, I would swap that engine in. But, my SS with a 454/4L80E combo is intriguing....

That would be an awesome van for kid hauling and trailer towing. Since you have access to it, I think it's your duty to do your SS a favor and give it a heart transplant

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

That would be an awesome van for kid hauling and trailer towing. Since you have access to it, I think it's your duty to do your SS a favor and give it a heart transplant

LOL! It would be... But it is the van my wife grew up with and she won't drive a vehicle that big. We would have a Suburban by now if she would drive a big vehicle.

Damn it, I just wasted a lot of time reading up on guys doing build ups on these motors. And that was just for trucks, apparently Chevelle guys grab these and have fun with them too. As much as I really like the idea of a stock SS, getting a little crazy with it would be fun too!