lawnelder

Hi y'all! I had the bad luck to purchase a 2000 Chevy Express with a cracked block (found the week after purchase). Looking at swapping the engine. I have the 5l V8, I'm going to stick with that. I have some experience working on a bunch of different cars but I have never tried something as extensive as this. I am not too worried, the van was cheap and I have time on my side.

Wondering what vendors and resources you all recommend? I'd like to get a 0 mile remanufactured engine, but my mind could be changed. I plan on hanging out here for 6 months or so before trying the repair. I'd like to make myself an extensive checklist too.

I found these videos, I will probably reference them very heavily.

Thanks for any pointers you all can give!

lawnelder

Looking at this engine for the replacement:
https://spprecision.com/products/50l...gine-sale.html

William Kisselstein

If the new engine requires you to put your intake and injectors and so on on it, change the fuel pressure regulator. Way easier to do with the engine out.

lawnelder

I think I will start myself a note file for this project, this will be the first thing I put in there. Thanks!

MiragePilot

Keep in mind that the engine and van used in that video does not represent the engine and van that you have. The engine in that video is the LS engine that replaced the Vortec engine in the 2003 Express and on. The 1996-2002 Express vans have the older Vortec engine. Huge difference in the intake manifold, spark plug and fuel injector setup, just to name a few. It looks like GM really improved accessibility (for maintenance) and functionality of several systems with the new engine design. Things won’t be as easy for your project, but still definitely doable.

Peter.

lawnelder

Is there a place I can look for step by step instructions? Wondering if it would be worth it to buy a set of repair manuals like these:
https://www.factoryrepairmanuals.com...nual-set-used/

MiragePilot

This is the exactly what you need. There is no substitute for the Factory Service Manual, in my opinion. I have a set for my ‘02 Express and they are excellent. And, yes, they have step by step guidance for the engine R&R.

lawnelder

Nice! I found a good deal on a set on ebay, got those on order.

MiragePilot

Excellent! Money well spent. You will find those manuals to be very useful in helping you maintain your van. Armed with those, and some decent tools, you’ll rarely have to take your van to a shop again.

lawnelder

If I can at least learn a lot about auto maintenance, then it will take some of the sour out of this lemon.