Re: Smallblock in a Caravan
[Re: Kern Dog]
#731329
06/22/10 04:33 PM
06/22/10 04:33 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487 Florida
scratchnfotraction
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487
Florida
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dont see hwy you cant do it I put a 350 chebby in an astro van before hardest thing was hacking the wire harness and that thing would fly with 3.73 gears
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Re: Smallblock in a Caravan
[Re: RodStRace]
#731331
06/23/10 12:39 AM
06/23/10 12:39 AM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,065 Milwaukee, WI
In_The_Pink
master
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master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,065
Milwaukee, WI
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Quote:
Problem with that is the Astro is a RWD, the Caravan is not.....
And it already has a V6, so adding two more cylinders up front and switching to an electric fan is a piece of cake compared to a Caravan V8-RWD swap.
I would think a V8-RWD conversion setup for a FWD Daytona would be a good place to start.
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Re: Smallblock in a Caravan
[Re: scratchnfotraction]
#731335
06/23/10 11:14 AM
06/23/10 11:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,533 Indiana
Fury Fan
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,533
Indiana
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In some ways I think the Caravan might be a little easier than the Astro. With the Astro, it mostly bolts in but you're constrained by the close-fit OEM structure, and to R&R the engine in a van ain't easy. But to put an engine in the middle of the cargo floor (probably have to put it right behind the front seats in order to get a driveshaft in there), in a wide-open area, thru the side door, sounds easier. If there is an extended-wheelbase model that might be the best start to get good driveline angles. Yes, you'll have lots of engine-cradle and axle mounting fab to do, but it's a fairly blank slate without a lot of interference from existing structure. Run some 2x3 or 2x4 box tubing longitudinally and then tie front and rear framerails to it. A 4-link might be the way to go for rear suspension? A Ford Explorer 8.8 might be narrow enough. Radiator stays up front and plumbed with extension pipes, use elec fans to cool it. Fuel tank needs a re-lo? I presume it is currently forward of the rear axle? The existing steering and susp would be OK, just pull the halfshafts out. You could even leave the original engine/trans in there for ballast if needed, depending on how much the mid-engine settles out. If you need less ballast, remove the engine/trans, and you have a nice hole to locate suitable ballast. I’m thinkin’ a smallblock underneath a sturdy metal shroud, with some good insulation on top, some fake cargo covering it, would make a helluva sleeper. This is a neat idea! And hey, if you plan it right, you might even still be able to drive it around some while you're working on it!
Last edited by Fury Fan; 06/23/10 11:24 AM.
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Re: Smallblock in a Caravan
[Re: Jwilli500]
#731338
06/23/10 01:52 PM
06/23/10 01:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,077 Oklahoma City
Jwilli500
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,077
Oklahoma City
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I forgot what his handle was but I think it was Minivanman or something like that. I believe he used Diplomat K-frame or something similar. These things already have leaf springs out back to hang a 8 3/4 on. Nuther pic...
Last edited by Jwilli500; 06/23/10 01:54 PM.
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