LT1 V8 Swap: 1992 Chevrolet Astro LT
It happens three or four times a month without fail, strangers approach me in hushed tones and ask “what is the best platform for an engine swap?” At first, I’m taken back by the fact that I’m being asked such a strange question in the middle of Sunday Mass, but then I shrug my shoulders and whisper in a hoarse but brief reply– “Chevy Astro Van”. Really…as if there is any other answer to this question. Find this 1992 Chevrolet Astro LT offered for $9995 in Colorado Springs, CO via craigslist. Tip from Barbpaddles via engineswapdepot.
From the seller:
Very unique, custom, high performance, upgraded and muscled up Chevy Astro Van. Sleek and modern looking exterior, 5.7L LT1 engine, 17″ wheels. This beauty also has a towing package including heavy duty transmission with cooler and dash mounted gauges plus a trailer brake controller. Could be used either as a camper with bench seats removed or comfortable passenger van with seating for 8 people for road trips. The plush Astro LT interior is in very good condition.
If you are looking for something special to cruise around in this spring…check this beauty out. It is also a superb vehicle for all season fun.
Looks great for in town cruising, drives great on the highway, has plenty of power to haul all of your toys to the lake or over those mountain passes this summer and loads of traction for enjoying ski trips with you family and friends next winter.
Note: This van is AWD (not 4WD or real 4X4 ) I couldn”t find a way to list it as an AWD when I made up this posting.
Key words: Custom Van, high performance, conversion van, camper van, Chevy van, 8 passenger, classic
(I don’t need help selling this van so don’t send me any of those messages )
See a better way to commit vanacide? tips@dailyturismo.com
Astro vans are really a great platform for all manner of cool modifications. Besides the V8 swaps, the AWD trans/transfer case can be swapped with parts from a V6 4WD S10 Blazer pretty easily. True 4WD with a low range transfer case. As a VW bus guy for decades and the current owner of both a 1970 VW camper and a '88 Vanagon, these things are way more practical as a platform than old, expensive, fragile VW vans.
As it turns out, I have one now as well…. But mine's a Provan Tiger GT. Motorhome on a Astro platform. Drivetrain is still stock, but this stuff is pretty tempting.
The core AWD components from this were also used in the GMC Syclone/Typhoon platforms, with thicker swaybars and stiffer shocks/spring added + the tranny used in the SyTy's was from the Corvette. Unless you were putting out seriously modded HP I hear the components were quite durable stock.
It's hard to believe this thing has almost 270k miles, it looks really clean.
hi, where did you get the bodykit & wing?…thanks in advance
Options here. Not sure which one it was. Peace.
https://www.andysautosport.com/body_kits/chevrolet_astro.html