The "Tan Brick" aka my 1997 Express Cobra conversion

[tayto]

Nice deal of the parts van. That's going to be quite the undertaking swapping the frames. How do you plan on lifting the body? I can't imagine its lightweight.

Access to a 2 post lift with enough overhead would be quite painless. Have done a few frame/body swaps this way on a handfull of fullsized 60s cars. I thought these g-vans were unibody? I know the previous body style was.

[Fast355]

Access to a 2 post lift with enough overhead would be quite painless. Have done a few frame/body swaps this way on a handfull of fullsized 60s cars. I thought these g-vans were unibody? I know the previous body style was.

Express vans are body on frame. I actually got the donor van running today without spending a dime. No knocks, no ticks, runs smooth.

[Fast355]

Here is the reason for the 1-ton frame.

[Fast355]

The frame donor fading fast!

[Fast355]

Work on the chassis donor is progressing. Sold my spare 4L80E for $450. Up about $700 of the $1100 I spent on the van and getting the van to me. Still have a running L31 and a ton of small parts to get rid of.




I am looking at picking up a new engine this week. 80K miles on this dirty junkyard pull. Its out of a 2001 Express cutaway that was a party limo van. I am guessing the hours are pretty low too as all the harness loom is still in place. The yard wants $1000 for it. A bit steep but 8.1L Express engines don't pop up often, especially low mileage.







I am thinking of running it on a modified 2006 6.0L Express tune, Harness, PCM, and TAC.

[Nasty-Z]

Interested in shipping the L31 ? P/M me if so , might be Interested.

Good find on the 8.1 , I have a few , seems not many really want them up here , nor do they realize their potential .

TOM

[Fast355]

Interested in shipping the L31 ? P/M me if so , might be Interested.

Good find on the 8.1 , I have a few , seems not many really want them up here , nor do they realize their potential .

TOM

I sent you a message. I am hoping I can acquire the 8.1 before it sales. I found a $548.00 check in my mailbox today when I got home. Refund after refinancing my car with a new bank. Really made my day because I thought the paperwork for the transition was accurate. I am hoping I can ditch the 2nd A/C compressor easily. If you notice in the 1st picture it has a Sanden style compressor mounted backwards under and in front of the main compressor.

Should be a monster of a tow vehicle with the 1-ton chassis, 4.10s, and Tuned 8100!

If I can get the 8.1, the Marine Intake/Marine cammed L31 from my Van is going into my boat. 0411along with Coil per Cylinder and all.