Please allow myself to introduce, myself.. My name is Pat and this is my rape van. I use it to tow a trailer and haul stuff..parts..and bikes. I sold my 90 BB Dually and my Astro van and got this instead. I have only had it a few months..and it has been rocky. I might make a actual build thread considering what I am planning to do to it...
It is a a 1999 Express..
5.7
213,000 miles
auto..2WD
No AC
SOME service history
Overall condition appears to be clean and it runs well. Owned by a local company and was well serviced.


At any rate..I came out and saw some coolant under the van...from between the transmission and engine. After removal of the interior cover, it was clearly a leak from the intake manifold gasket. I actually like this thing and wanna keep it around if I can. I am mechanically capable...I think. But I have never torn into american stuff much..aside from suspension junk. It looks pretty easy and..space looks plentiful..compared to what I am used to...

so for my list of goodies to gather..
updated newer intake gaskets and gasket maker
Coolant....non dexcool
thermostat
intake bolts
new serp belt
air cleaner
spark plugs
oil and filter
..if it looks I am missing anything obvious..please let me know

So before I get my capabilities mixed with my intentions, does anyone have any "heads up advice they can give? I have never done one of these before. If you can give me any advice, I might be so grateful..I post up any cuties I steal.

 

Just replaced the intake manifold on my 95 C1500 with a 5.7 in it. I would highly recommend that you inspect the intake manifold water jackets. If you clean the manifold and the water jackets are pitted badly like the one pictured then you will need to replace the intake manifold.

 

Good looking out. I will keep an eye out for that when I get in there. What causes all that pitting? And where is the best place to pick up another manifold if this one looks too beat up? Thanks for the response..I was beginning to wonder if I would get a answer at all.

 

The intake is made of aluminum and the metal interacts withe the coolant etc. and over time it happens.