I have a 94 g30 4x4 van with a TBI 350. I have a chance to buy a 97 chevy express 3500 with a 454 with only 20,000 miles on it but a lot of body damage in rear for about $2,000. I would like to buy it for the 454 and early vortec injection? to install in my van and replace TBI 350.

Would this be a fairly simple exchange or should I rebuild the 350. It currently feels underpowered. Thank you.

 

You'd have to replace a ton of electronic stuff too. The vortec has a lot more on it than the older 94 vans did.
Why not look into repairing the body of the 97? Maybe even do a cut away out of it.

 

My van is longer and 4x4. The only thing I want from the express is the larger engine. I can also look at a TBI 454. Thanks for your input.

 

Well. I had a 95 g20 with the same 350, and it never felt underpowered to me. Only got 13 mpg though. 3.42 gears. The 454 would prob be 9 mpg.

 

In a ideal world what your thinking of would be simple/easy. From experience VAN engine swaps are not something I would do again, and have done six. Dodges are the easiest Chevy and Ford are a pain in the a**.