How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

GOT A 502 OT 572 SITTING ON THE STAND AND IT'S DESTINED FOR YOUR ASTRO OR SAFARI? POST IT HERE.

nitropyro
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by nitropyro »

peter dont forget that in a 2wd astro a big block can fit if you run a dual plain intake and a carb and a very small air cleaner! but with your ram air it would not fit.
question though i assume the 4l80 is longer than the 60? cant seem to figure out why you had to make a tranny extention.
Danny
Danny im 21 year old with an 89 astro bbc 9in bagged 20's & 18's

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Peter made the extension due to the mount for the tranny/t-case is place further back on the 4L80E/NP241 combo than on the 4L60E/BW4472 combo. The 4L80E is longer than a 4L60E.
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1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
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1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by astrozam »

Click the LINK ( If ya dare,LOL )
http://www.vimeo.com/1322730

nitropyro
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by nitropyro »

nice a55 burnout!!!! and i didnt even think about the t-case.
Danny
Danny im 21 year old with an 89 astro bbc 9in bagged 20's & 18's

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by batmo »

Vantastic!

thats gotta be the best use of a 502 Ive seen anywhere!

theres a local shop that here that puts them in bikes.. Ive ridden one. unless you like doing rolling burnouts at +70mph theres not much point in it. you cant even rev it while sitting still unless the kickstand is down or it will just fallover due to all the torque.

your fab work looks great. is it complete or are you still upgrading other areas? cant belive you took it to the strip LOL and the times are almost as impressive as the build!

WOW
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by GnarliSafari »

peter wrote:The only slight drawback with my cruise control is that the OEM computer and/or cruise control module still thinks there's a 4.3 under the hood. So when driving down the highway at 50-65 mph, the cruise control tends to overaccelerate slightly while maintaining the proper speed setting. What would normally take 25-30% throttle to maintain 60 mph takes only 13-17% with the big block. The cruise control module simply overcompensates rather than take baby-steps LOLOL. On the other hand, the only time I ever go anywhere on a long highway trip is when I'm towing the Tramper. When towing her, I need around 20% throttle to maintain 60-65 mph and the engine & ground speeds are then rock steady.
my stock 4.3's c/c always seems to over compensate anyways, when im in cruise it jumps and makes me look like a jerk if people are trying to pass me at the same time. is there a known way to adjust these units?
99 SLT Safari AWD, G80/GT4 rear, Burgundy, 196,000 and counting (strictly AMSOIL) flowmaster 40series muffler no more cat, K&N Kone Filter, roll pan, 255/60/15 rubbers mounted to 15x8.5 inch American Racing Tailgunner wheels, billet grille, CB Radio, Alpine Deck, Shag carpet, the list goes on....
03 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, LB7 Duramax Diesel, 5 speed Allison Tranny, Crew Cab Long Bed, no muffler or cat, 4 inch turbo back and side piped. not too many other mods yet, also addicted to AMSOIL.
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by Mr_Roboto »

The servo units are vacuum actuated correct? If so try an orfice in the line perhaps? Just start it off with a fairly small restriction and proceed from there. If you cam the engine up chances are that you would see less idle vacuum then anyways which may do the trick.

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by Meterpig »

Where is the writeup on the trailer? :cheers:
What do you think of my quest to swap transfer cases to the venerable BW4472?
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=9962

Photos including tear down for intake gaskets (PITA)
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-xSjRG/i-bHzD6cz
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by MountainManJoe »

Wow this guy is really talented. Is he still around?

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by astrozam »

timelessbeing wrote:Wow this guy is really talented. Is he still around?
Hopefully he's still breathing, but he hasn't been on the Forum in well over a yr.

Not sure where the trailer thread is, try checking the int/ext forum or gen discussion
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by mdmead »

timelessbeing wrote:Wow this guy is really talented. Is he still around?
Peter is still alive and kicking, but not dabbling in Astro/Safari vans at the moment. (He has since sold his 502 Safari monster.)

He did recently tell me his HVAC company is getting ready to retire another Astro/Safari and he is wondering if it is time for a new project.
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by 1Gary »

He still has the Tramper.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by Cobra »

the lack of him on here makes me want to go down there and check on him lol
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
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1997 gone
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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by Smiliesafari »

Peter is fine. He's had some business and family issues to deal with.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

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Re: How to swap a big-block into an awd Astro/Safari...

Post by Cobra »

life always gets in the way of fun stuff i did hear about some of the stuff that was going on. Just making sure some keeps in touch with him can't let him get away
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
Zexel Torsen Diff
11" drums
180 amp Alternator
Long tru-cool 4590 trans cooler

1997 gone
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