I have an '89 Ford Van Conversion with a few problems.
It got me to thinking.
If I was going to change the engine and trans what would be best to go to?
Stay with the 302 and AOD or go to something newer?

Any opinions?

 

 

it all depends on what you want out of the new setup. Is what you have now high mileage or wearing out noticably? Do you want more power, better shifts, gas mileage, etc? If you don't think your setup STRONGLY needs improvement I would suggest sticking with what you have meaning put in a new 302/ same auto trans. Putting in different goodies can sometimes be complicated or even require custom work. Their are some "relatively" easy swaps out there so not to discurage you. IM planning a 351W swap into mine. Anyone else have anything to say?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Aug-02 AT 12:01 PM (EST)]Good point gamehunter.
Lets see, I bought the van because I wanted something for everyday transportation and be able to transport everything to different matches. I shoot in competition all around the Western US and beyond. Oh ya, I shoot handguns. 99% of the time it is with an SV in 40 S&W. The SV is a competition firearm that is based off the old Colt 45 - 1911. The SV is built with all the improvements to make it last and perform at the highest levels. My old one has over 60,000 rounds thru it.

Now back to the topic.
Purpose:
Daily transportation
Transpportation around the Western US and beyond (longest trip so far from California to Illinois)
A place to sleep and live in when a hotel is not possible.

Vehicle condidtion: '89 Ford E-150 conversion
Odo shows 66,000 miles. Not sure if it has been rolled over or not, or how many times.
Overall the van seems to be is good condition but needs some work on the interior and power train.
Exterior has some very minor body work (very small to small dents and dings).

Details:
Transmission has a chatter in second gear. AOD
Engine has a dead hole (#8). 302
Interior needs to be cleaned and setup for my purposes.

What I would like:
Better fuel mileage (of course).
Small to none in power decrease.
Ability to use regular fuel. Currently it likes 89 to prevent pinging.
Reliability is number one!
Upgrade the steering (tighten the steering gear box) and supspension (shocks and sway bar?).
Wheels and tires.
Radio system, current one needs some work.
Be able to pass California SMOG test. This is required by the state.