picked up my new van 89 safari gt

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mtrhead79
I get chills without my van.
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Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:20 pm
Location: phila pa

picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by mtrhead79 »

i have not been around here for a while since i got rid of my 92 shorty cargo. i still have a 00 astro and a 01 safari. i just drive those 2 with emissions i dont want to mess with those. but i just bought a safari gt with a t5. it should be great for a v8. it does not have alot of options no a/c , manual windows but someone put a ton of do dads on it that i will be removing soon. here are some pics
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john 79 camaro, 01 safari, 00 astro , 94 caprice wagon lt1, 89 safari gt

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Nice!
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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doyoulikeithere
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Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by doyoulikeithere »

Hey Hey, Another T5 er. Welcome Bud !
There is an endless amount of things you could do with her.
I hope to read a lot of stuff about all the pictures your gonna post, right ?
I have had at least 5 vans now and I would do a 2wd SBC and a 5 or 6 speed.
The Astro T5 is a bit skinny for a strong v8 though.
Best to get a SBC and trans from a car, and use it all.
I made my Astro T5 into a 4wd style transmission and run a 4.3 in front of it.
I also have a GT, but is not my T5 van.

Good luck there buddy. Take some pics when you go out fer a rip eh ?
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
mtrhead79
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:20 pm
Location: phila pa

Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by mtrhead79 »

i will have to post some pics ltr. it has alot of add on parts i have been removing. cut the ladder off of the back along with the spare tire holder that was on the door. i have a 350 that has been laying around for years that might work out good it came with alum vett heads, they need new valve springs. iwould have to get a tbi intake for it.
john 79 camaro, 01 safari, 00 astro , 94 caprice wagon lt1, 89 safari gt
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doyoulikeithere
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Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by doyoulikeithere »

A TBI adapter plate on a 4 bbl manifold works also.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
mtrhead79
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:20 pm
Location: phila pa

Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by mtrhead79 »

i know the gt's came with lower profile tires, mine has the wrong size 235 75 15 and they hit on the front. is there a post of what else is different from gt to regular vans. the gt's have rear sway bars i know. they have ho mtr i think but what is different with the mtr? the rear on mine has a bad vibration at 65 was going to check the tires and axle to see if any thing is bent shakes side to side. it also has a high intermittent idle. i was thinking iac. thanks for any help
john 79 camaro, 01 safari, 00 astro , 94 caprice wagon lt1, 89 safari gt
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doyoulikeithere
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Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by doyoulikeithere »

they dont all have the ho engine. its rare.
best place to check is the VIN number and the RPO code list in the glovebox.
The vin will identify the engine type (digit 8 probably a normal Z)
those RPO code should tell all there is to know about your van as it was built.
VIN Z = LB4 : ENGINE, GAS, 6 CYL, 4.3L, TBI, V6, 90 DEG
I think maybe
VIN B = LU2 : ENGINE, GAS, 6 CYL, 4.3L, TBI V6, 90 DEG, HO
I tried to attach a PDF of the RPO codes, but the site wont let it.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
mtrhead79
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:20 pm
Location: phila pa

Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by mtrhead79 »

thanks i will check tomorrow
john 79 camaro, 01 safari, 00 astro , 94 caprice wagon lt1, 89 safari gt

Topic author
mtrhead79
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 7:20 pm
Location: phila pa

Re: picked up my new van 89 safari gt

Post by mtrhead79 »

doyoulikeithere you were right it is a z in the 8th place of the vin
john 79 camaro, 01 safari, 00 astro , 94 caprice wagon lt1, 89 safari gt
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