Econoline with a 347 stroker & AOD

NOT A TA

NOT A TA

reliable source of info
As some of you know I'm a roaming builder/mechanic dealing primarily with old cars. A couple weeks ago a shop asked me to do some work on a nice 58 Corvette and when that was done they asked if I'd come back and build this van. It had been taken apart a while back by someone and now needs reassembly along with all the modern upgrades the owner wants.

It's getting a rebuilt engine that began life as a 5.0 with roller cam. The long block was built by a machine shop (with nitrous use in mind) as a 347 stroker with forged pistons, I beam rods, GT 40 style aluminum heads, Quick fuel carb, and a Howards cam. The engine will deliver power through a built AOD transmission. I'm also installing an MSD ignition system, Holley electric fuel pump, electric radiator fans, and some aftermarket gauges. Once those things are done it'll get driven a little by the owner and then the drop spindles, disc brakes etc. (which are already at the shop) will be installed. Then it's off to paint! Should be a pretty cool truck.

I just take pics of unusual projects and I forgot to take a pic before I started but here's some after the easiest/quickest engine install I've ever done. I put the engine in through the passengers door in about 5 minutes.





 
Actually a Pretty Kool project 70Bird Man.
Those 347 Winsdor Fords Run Hard & Fast.
Reliable too.
AOD Is like a Turbo 400- Ford C6.
Has a center support carrier in the trans & intermediate shaft.
Pretty strong trans built right.
 
I'd intended to run the fuel system on the passengers side due to the fuel fittings placement on the aftermarket carb. However, I was asked to make a bracket with the fuel filter & electric pump mounted on it so when the rear tank is removed and the saddle tanks are installed the components can be relocated quicker. The owner wants 40+ gallon gas tank capability for some reason. Anyway I ended up routing the fuel system on the drivers side because the offset rear limited space. Replaced fuel lines from tank to engine compartment and increased line size to 3/8". Someone had previously replaced the tank pickup/sending unit with one that had a 3/8 pickup tube so it worked out well.

 
Installed AOD trans using the original crossmember and mount with some brackets I fabbed to relocate the crossmember. Also installed headers, starter, etc. and fabbed some brackets to hold electric fans.



 
I've been rebuilding, stripping, painting things like the power steering pump and accessories. Also installing gauges, tach , MSD etc. preparing for wiring.





 
ive been waiting for the van craze to come back... with LSx and Turbo diesel powered vans on the streets all over ive wanted to see hot rodded vans but it never really flares up as a trend... this is a freaking awesome project.
 
philly said:
ive been waiting for the van craze to come back... with LSx and Turbo diesel powered vans on the streets all over ive wanted to see hot rodded vans but it never really flares up as a trend... this is a freaking awesome project.
Click to expand...

You need to check out the over the top Bozuku vans of Japan! This truck should have some go with the 347, AOD and Dana 60 even before the nitrous. I never thought I'd be setting up a MSD box with 2 step rev limiter on a 69 Econoline! AHAHAHA Mocked up the power brake conversion with right angle booster/master mount and did some wiring today.





 
Lokar gas pedal and cable to eliminate the old rod system.





Had to trim the floor a bit here to allow a bit more clearance for the header.



Installed a remote oil filter steup because the filter is almost impossible to replace with headers and power steering.





Finished up the fuel lines in the engine compartment.



 
you have really great camera skills there thats obvious, but I would not hold my breath waiting for a "CURRENT VAN CUSTOM CRAZE" to start generating an abundance of custom and profitable side work potential, simply because nearly everyone I know that has ever owned or worked on vans wants to keep them at a respectable distance IE tries hard, to poke them hard and often, with at least a 10 foot long sharp stick to get them to leave rather than work on them. most are rather heavy, many have less than great brakes ,most have a high center of gravity , making handling rather limited and limited access in some cases too the engine , making them A P.I.T.A. to work on or too get good performance.
 
Once you get used to working on full size vans they are not too bad to me Grumpy.
Sure beats the FWD Cars coming from Detroit & Overseas today.
Only Foreign Japanese I like working on is Honda.
Like my wifes old 1999 Honda CRV AWD.
Although some is cramped in much better than most & well thought out.
 
No worries Grumpy, not expecting a van craze revival. But it's a good challenge to work on different types of builds. Imagine a 6' throttle cable!

Had the front section of the driveshaft shortened and assembled with new U joints, the AOD yoke, and carrier bearing/support at a local shop in Lantana I've been using without issues. Also replaced the pinion U bolts for the rear U joint when I put the shaft in.

Bent some new lines for the trans cooler using aluminum tubing and AN style connections to match the remote oil lines. Tried to keep the lines away from headers and leave room to replace starter if necessary. May use some heat sleeving on lines by the headers.





 
well, a guy can dream... all the stuff seems to be coming along nicely... those look like off the shelf headers! who makes those? haha and for those of you who dont knkow what bosozuko style is in japan.... remember what is seen cannot be unseen. hide your kids
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

``

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
i warned you
 

Attachments

  • Japanese-Vans-841-MED.jpg
    Japanese-Vans-841-MED.jpg
    172.9 KB · Views: 13
that looks like a SERIOUS CRY FOR HELP WITH A PSYCHIATRIC ISSUE I'm not sure if hes, resisting an urge too be a really twisted cereal killer or maybe hes planing on put on 6" pink high heels and a chrome plated hat with flashing strobe lights and go streaking


PROBABLY THE LINGERING RESULTS FROM FUKASHIMA FALL OUT! plus the long term effects of HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI on the JAPS SENSE OF CLASS and BEAUTY
 
grumpyvette said:
that looks like a SERIOUS CRY FOR HELP WITH A PSYCHIATRIC ISSUE
Click to expand...


if it were just onestark raving mad lunatic i would agree, but if your eyes can manage to look long enough without bursting into flames, theres a rather large parking lot full of that garbage.
 
philly said:
grumpyvette said:
that looks like a SERIOUS CRY FOR HELP WITH A PSYCHIATRIC ISSUE
Click to expand...


if it were just onestark raving mad lunatic i would agree, but if your eyes can manage to look long enough without bursting into flames, theres a rather large parking lot full of that garbage.
Click to expand...
We can chase Bam around with that Purple Van and luberal buds Phil.
 
philly said:
.... remember what is seen cannot be unseen. hide your kids
Click to expand...

Oh man ..... I'm going to have to sue you for that!!! :D ..... You didn't put that in
BIG RED letters, so I would notice! :p

God That Hurt!

 
So I take it you guys aren't interested in trying to start a Bosozuku Van Club chapter here in the good ole U.S.A. ??? ahahaha

Getting things finished up and should be firing the engine pretty soon. Been laying Dynamat while waiting on parts to get the Lokar AOD kickdown cable installed and a few other little bits needed for various things. Here's a few random pics.







 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top