Hot Rod Van

If you are driving around in a Chevy / GMC van from about '96 - '02, you need to read this.

I like to buy butler equipped vans and replace the motors / transmissions along with a few wear parts on the butler mount. Once done, you will get another 5-6 years of trouble-free service. My preferrence are the older models with the 5.7L since they are plentiful, reliable, easy to improve, and get far better mileage than the 6.0L that replaced it...which leads to my current 2000 GMC Savana 3500.

I changed everything out a few years ago and figured I was set for awhile, but then I discovered something last week that I didn't know about. Those GM models over those years were often using a CSFI (Central Sequential Fuel Injection) system...and it sucks! Basically, you have a single injector feeding the entire system and a poppet valve at each port to feed the cylinders. Yep, a single injector. If anything goes wrong at one port, it affects every port.

I noticed that my van was a little low on power last week when the winter storm rolled into the area and the temperatures outside crashed. It was never a powerhouse anyway, but I always ran it heavily loaded, so I thought it was normal. Wanting to avoid problems, I had it checked for a weak fuel pump while it was getting some work done on the ball joints. What they found was that I had a problem with the ONLY injector not firing consistently and the solution was to replace the entire system.

There is an kit to upgrade the system to a MPFI (Multi-point Fuel Injection) that replaces the entire mess and modernizes the motor. The end result was an expensive day that cost me close to 2k (did include a pair of ball joints and bushings), but that van runs like a corvette now. No kidding, it pins you to the seat on take-off..even loaded. I was very impressed by the smoothness and power gains and hopefully will net me some mpg gains as well.

So, if you own one of these disasters or find yourself looking at one for a back-up mount, plan on upgrading the system and factor the cost accordingly. Hopefully, this save a few of you some real cash.

This is but one source for the upgrade kit, I am not endorsing this seller or venue, but for the sake of illustration, it is included.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Central-Port-Injector-Spider-Asy-5-0-5-7-Vortec-96-02-Silverado-Sierra-Tahoe-Van-/261307729752?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd7278758&vxp=mtr

Great info Mil I know someone that has a Savanna not sure which one but he is always having problems with it. Sounds like the new van is ready to roll all you need now is new shiny TM.

Not trying to sell me a TNT are you Mo?

Here's a a hot rod on sale for ya

  I said Shiny not dull.

Man, I love Quigely vans. Nothing like it to get attention...really sweet. Who owns that one?

I new you would like that not sure if you would like the price though.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/4142678685.html

Mo wrote:I new you would like that not sure if you would like the price though.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/4142678685.html

Actually, I expected it to cost more than that. It isn't that bad of a price for a guy like Saiger who has to deal with harsh weather conditions for many months out of every year. I am not certain how much that 4x4 system costs you in GVWR, but it would be fun to own one. Too bad my pockets can't handle that in good conscience this time of year.

4 x 4 would be cool and fun, but with the set of tires I have on my vans, we can get to most places we need. If we get stuck though....we are stuck! Don't get me wrong, I have so thought about a custom van lifted a bit and 4 x 4. Talk about Marketing in our area!

Mark Saiger
www.saigers.com

Are you still running those silent armor tires? My local didn't have them in Load E, not sure if that is even available.

Yes we are running the Silent Armor tires by Goodyear. The load range "e" is still available, they just will have to order them in probably. We had the wrong load range show up last year when we bought them again.

Mark Saiger
www.saigers.com

Good to know as my Michelins are getting close to replacement. I do like my Mcihelins on every vehicle I have ever owned, but too many are touting those Silent Amors to ignore.