Thread: New Shop Truck

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My old shop truck is out of commission so here's the replacement plan. I found this 86 Astro with a super clean, straight, rust free body and a dead 4.3. This is going to be quick and dirty; swap in a TBI 350, clean it up and drive it.

Is it a bolt in swap? Was the 350 offered originally?

Pretty close to bolt in; you have to change motor mounts but the trans stays in the same spot so driveshaft length is the same. Even the 4.3 ECM and wiring will work; you just change the PROM chip.

A friend gave me a 307 short block with a new set of rings and bearings and the block machine work done. His kid was rebuilding it from a 68 Chevy truck he had and lost interest long ago. Not exactly what I planned on but for the price, I'll take it and use it. I'm just going to put on a set of home ported TBI heads and intake along with a cam upgrade and call it done. That's about as cheap as it comes.

I pulled the crappy carpet and seats and everything looks solid underneath. A trip to the boneyard should get me some better seats and hopefully I can find an Astro with a decent front rubber floor mat rather than carpet. The short block had some cylinder rust but it came out with a hone. The guy had the engine painted a hideous turquoise color; thankfully it came off easy. I'm going to try and knock this out quick as I don't have a hauling vehicle until it's on the road. Motor is coming out tomorrow.

Only a hot rodder would worry about the block color in a work truck!

Originally Posted by 34_40

Only a hot rodder would worry about the block color in a work truck!

Hah! I hadn't thought of that but it's true. Nothing looks as good as a nicely detailed engine, even if it's basically a stocker.

Cleaned up and ready for transplant.

Go for it, Doctor Frankenstein! Transplant & Transformation!

Years back I had a friend that did this to an awd one and it fought him pretty bad. He got it all done but it nearly rusted in half in 2 years. Yours is in awesome shape for one of those!

Yeah, it's one of the most solid ones I've seen, even underneath is really clean. It was well worth $300, even with the weird yellow and brown two tone paint.

Yeah, that's a great buy!

I know SBCs are probably the most overused and boring engines on the planet but the plus is that all your hot rod buddies probably have leftover parts they are more than happy to give away to get them out of their garage. I got the 307 from one guy and a set of heads from another buddies IROC Camaro 305 engine all for free. I already had a few leftover odds and ends so all I had to buy was a TBI friendly cam along with about $200 in misc parts. Not a huge powerhouse but I think it'll pull this thing around fine.

I continue to admire your old school approach, making the best of what you have, and not worrying about what others might think of your path. The van is gonna be a great shop truck, and maybe a driver to work once in a while, too! You inspire me.

I always figured you were one of the richest guys in the club... and with all those friends.. now I know for sure!


Congrats!

Rich??? No, just a penny pincher. I like seeing what I can do with someone else's leftover junk.