Dream Van Garage

"i86hotdogs" (i86hotdogs) 07/11/2020 at 23:30 • Filed to: None

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I am bored this Saturday evening. I left a comment on another post about how I would line my garage with different vans if I came across a surplus of cash. Each with their own application. Mini or full-size. So here’s what I would do.

Daily Driver-MK2 Transit Connect (ST Swapped)

This will be the van that sits outside my front door for quick runs. Albeit, all vans mentioned below could be daily drivers, but this one is the “ practical” one.

I have been driving my ‘16 TC for over 18 months now, and will drive it for another 1800 as long as I don’ t trash it r allycrossing. The van will be a wagon spec to carry passengers. The only modification done will be an ST powertrain swap. Focus ST powertrain would be great, that van deserves 250hp. I can settle for the Fiesta ST powertrain as well; the TC could have been optioned with the 1.6T for a few years anyways, so we know it fits. Just needs to add some woosh noises and a stick.

Track Van-Dodge B1500 Ram Van

The track day machine. The weekend warrior. As you watch Mustangs and Corvettes and BRZs rip around the turn, you see this behemoth rumbling behind.

I never had any initial interest in traveling to Japan. That was until I discovered Dajiban. A group of geniuses modify and track the heck out of some Dodge vans and rip them around courses. I want all of it. My build will be similar to theirs, but with a few changes. They modify the stock 318 or 360 engines in theirs, I want more power. This beast will somehow fit a Hellcat 6.2 supercharged engine in that doghouse. It will scare the heck out of me, but I’ll love every second of it.

Rallycross Van-MK2 Transit Connect (RS swapped)

The scene that got me into auto racing. Cones beware, the RallyVan approaches.

I tried to find a different van for every application, but I made an exception here. The MK2 TC already is a proven winner around the cones, imagine it with the Focus RS powertrain. 350hp and AWD in a VAN. I’m drooling just typing about it. Jan Van earned the privilege to be the donor for the RS powertrain. I could throw a cage in it and try to actually rally it too. Who knows?!

Drag Van-Dodge B250 Ram Van

Hear that smokey burnout? Woah! Someone just ran 9s! Must be a pro-stock or a 1000hp Supra! Wait, is that a van?

The only reason I went Mopar with this, is because I want to stuff that famed Hellephant engine in the doghouse. Whatever it takes, that Hellephant is going in there. I will settle for no slower than 10.0 seconds times. We might need more parachutes to slow this thing down.

Drift Van-Toyota Previa

Sometimes you just want to go sideways in a high RPM van. Sure, the Hellcat swapped track van will do that with ease. But this will be dedicated to eat up tires around a course.

My first van experience was my parents’ blue Previa. I was hooked immediately. Highly inspired by the build above, that mid engined format gives us plenty of room for activities. Let’s throw a 2JZ-GTE in that thing and let the turbos go nuts.

Overland Van-Ford Econoline V10

Besides for off road capabilities, not exactly sure what the difference between this and a camper van is. Regardless, this will be a monstrous 4x4 van to do overland-type activities.

I drove a V10 E conoline once in college. Our univeristy’s fleet consisted of several E conolines, including one with that Triton V10. It pulled. It kept pulling. I’ve wanted one ever since. Throw in a 4x4 conversion, some gear, and some goodies. Nothing except a narrow pathway can stop me.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

The classic camper van. One you can putter to your lakeside and enj oy the glorious views. Plus, you can gaze onto the scenery as well!

This was an easy choice. The classic, no BS, camper van. Severely underpowered, but that can be fixed with a few modifications. Are they surging in price? Heck yeah. But this rhetorical situation provides me with all of the monies , so I’ll take the finest one out there.

Cargo Van-Ford Transit Ecoboost

Usually, people hit up their friend with a truck for moving a few items. When they need to move half a house, they’ll call me up with my cavernous cargo van.

I did about two minutes of research on which full size van had the largest cargo capacity by volume. All signs pointed to the Transit extended body length and high roof. There is as much room in there than some New York apartments. This van will also be properly equipped with the Ecoboost engine.

Passenger Van-Chevy Express

Sometimes, you need to move an entire family and a few hitchhikers . I’ll hop in my passenger van that can seat up to 16 individuals. Let’s see your SUV do this!

The ancient relic that just won’t die! One of the longest lasting body styles that’s still for sale out there. Is it an ‘03 or a ‘20? Who knows! The secret weapon here is the engine. If I can’t find a brand new one with the new 6.6L gas V8, I’ll settle with an older one with the bulletproof 6.0. Imagine the looks of the 15 passengers when I floor it with airplane-like acceleration.

Classic/Car Show Van-1st Gen Caravan

This van is the one I will not manipulate. It is also one of the harder ones to find in pristine condition. I will show this one off at car shows and such. Or I will just stare at it in awe of its classic glory.

The minivan that kick started a revolution. If I can find a first generation Caravan with the turbo 4 engine and a stick, I will pay great amounts to have it in my possession. Bonus points if it has wood siding as well.

Tow Van-Ford Centurion

Half of the vans on this list may not be street driveable. If they are, not for long distances. I’ll have to tow those race vans across the country. Why not pick up a van to tow the vans?

The Centurion is just awesome looking. It looks like a semi truck that hasn’t fully grown yet. Equipped with a living space in the cab when the trips are a little long. I would like it to be able to tow at least two vans at once with it.

Monster Van-Literally any van, just put it on giant tires and give it a huge engine

Because I can. That’s the answer to everyone’s question of “why make a monster truck with a van?” Also because I can crush all the puny CUVs and SUVs that are killing the van market.

Bigfoot monster trucks did a few “vanster trucks” with Econoline and Aerostar bodies. One had two speedboat engines and tank tracks (Fastrax). I have no preference on what van to use here . Just lift it on ginormous tires and put a huge engine in it.

Just Because Van-Ford Aerostar

Sometimes, you don’t have an specific application for a van. You just want the van because it is too cool not to have. It can daily, it can carry passengers, it can carry cargo, it can race. (spoiler-almost all vans can do that )

The Aerostar is one of my favorite vans. I love the wedge design that is all business. The rare manual van can be found here and there (almost bought one). This version will obviously have a stick, but with a little surprise. Let’s cram the fancy engine from the Taurus SHO in there. Now you have an Aerostar that RIPS. Ford should have done this in the 90s.

So there you have it. My weird obsession with vans put into words. What say you? What’s in your van garage?

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > i86hotdogs 07/11/2020 at 23:44

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Corvair is the answer:

Svend > i86hotdogs 07/11/2020 at 23:46

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Your gonna have to wait until I get home and add some of my van list.

i86hotdogs > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 07/11/2020 at 23:47

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I want to do THAT just with the Hellephant 

i86hotdogs > Svend 07/11/2020 at 23:48

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Can’t wait!

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > i86hotdogs 07/11/2020 at 23:49

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Twin vortech superchargers on a BBC isn’t enough?

https://chromjuwelen.com/network/237-engineswapdepot-com/185060-1964-corvair-van-with-mid-engine-twin-supercharged-v8

i86hotdogs > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 07/11/2020 at 23:51

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It’s cool! Don’t get me wrong. It’s just been done so many times (see the pic above).

I do have unlimited money in this rhetorical situation, so I’ll just add that to the fleet as well.

Kiltedpadre > i86hotdogs 07/11/2020 at 23:57

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I fully support this dream but am disappointed by the lack of wheel standing van.

Also I don’t see anything with a bitchin mural.

i86hotdogs > Kiltedpadre 07/12/2020 at 00:01

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It would be assumed that the drag van would likely wheel stand if needed.

It would also be assumed that drag van, tow van, vanster truck, and possibly the track van would have some sort of mural design.

Dusty Ventures > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:06

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You lost me at Chevy Express. After driving every model of that generation of van (Express/Econoline/Ram Van) and every variation of the “Euro style” vans (Transit, TC, Sprinter (so many Sprinters), Promaster, NV), I can say authoritatively that subjecting passengers to the old ladder frame ‘murican vans should be considered a war crime. They’re hateful and terrifying at high speeds and/or with trailer in tow.

I once was part of a non-stop tow from NYC to Prescott, AZ in an Econoline with a rally car in tow. I took a nap in the back seat on my off shift and woke up screaming because my body told me the van was rolling over. It was just the van swaying as that van do.

Conversely, one of my drivers and I once had to take a 15 passenger van on a series of rally stages as our recce car because it was the only rental available. Even sideways and at ill-advised speeds it was planted and stable.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:09

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I notice a distinct lack of Astro/Safari vans on this list and I am disappoint. One of these would be a good choice for many powertrain related reasons:

Had the 4.3L V6 which is basically a 350 SBC with 2 cylinders lopped off.

With minimal massaging an SBC fits in the doghouse.

Was offered for the first year or two with a T5 5 speed stick (if thats your thing).

Was offered with a fantastic AWD system.

The same 4.3L + AWD system was the basis for the legendady GMC Syclone/Typhoon siblings.

My unlimited budget awesome van would be what I like to call the Tsunami (keeping with the weather theme). Its a Syclone drivetrain stuffed into a Safari van, along with body kit, wheels, etc.

Kiltedpadre > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:09

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I’ve never understood why billionaires spend their time building new companies instead of building wheel standing vans with wizard murals. I say it’s a lack of proper priorities.

Kiltedpadre > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:13

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I know I’ve already commented here, but you’ve started me down a rabbit hole. I now really want a chop top van with a wild paint job and side pipes.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:15

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I can’t believe you left out the Mat ra designed Renault Espace to compliment the Caravan. Just for reference of course since you have all the monies.

Also, “ If I can’t find a brand new one with the new 6.6L gas V8, I’ll settle with an older one with the bulletproof 6.0. Imagine the looks of the 15 passengers when I floor it with airplane-like acceleration.”

You might not be going anywhere as fast as you think. The displacement is spars ly populated by unruly wild ponies.

I would also have an UAZ Loaf Van for offroading without the glamp gear or really anything at all.

Corvair Greenbrier for back road cruising with a Dodge A110 for the beauty shots. Jeep Forward Control passenger vans also existed and can do all of the above.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 07/12/2020 at 00:16

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Why is that mid engined?

TheRealBicycleBuck > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:16

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All of the track vans should be mid-engine. There’s just no reason to try to stuff big power into a small doghouse. 

Dusty Ventures > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:17

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Also, there is only one correct answer for monster van: Pam Vaters’s Boogey Van

i86hotdogs > Dusty Ventures 07/12/2020 at 00:29

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I tried to not repeat vans per application (except the Transit Connect), otherwise I would have the Ecoboost Transit passenger wagon haul people.

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/12/2020 at 00:31

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The “airplane-like acceleration” was a bit of an exaggeration . But that engine will be modified of course.

I’m not entirely familiar with non-US spec vans, but that Espace is for sure in t he collection

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/12/2020 at 00:33

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I don’t know why I never thought of a Syclone swapped Safari. I am mad at myself for missing that.

I’ll let the missus drive the Tsunami, her first car was an Astro van.

i86hotdogs > Kiltedpadre 07/12/2020 at 00:33

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Side pipe all the vans

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:34

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Or you could just modify the airplane to be slower. . .

UAZ Loaf has to get a place. I think a modified Chevy P20 step van deserves a place too. Why don’t you just buy all the vans with all your monies?

Also, the old Fiat Multipla and Citroen HY Van for very different occasions.

i86hotdogs > Dusty Ventures 07/12/2020 at 00:34

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All I can imagine now is Army Armstrong screaming “BOOOOGEYVANNNNNN” in the classic PC game: Microsoft Monster Truck Madness.

i86hotdogs > TheRealBicycleBuck 07/12/2020 at 00:35

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It will likely end up being mid engined. Otherwise that weight ratio would be something like 75/25 favoring the front

i86hotdogs > Kiltedpadre 07/12/2020 at 00:35

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the wrong people are getting rich

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/12/2020 at 00:38

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Since rhetorical money is unlimited, yeah I’d buy all the vans. I guess this was a highlight of some f eatured vans. This is also the first time hearing of the UAZ loaf, so now I’ll be looking into those all evening. Thanks!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:42

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My mom used to rock a Caprice with a set of the C4 Corvette “Salad Spinner” wheels on it and my dad had an LT1 and 700R4 sitting on a pallet waiting, but some asshole crossed the double yellow and hit it less than a week before it was scheduled to go in the shop for the swap.

The replacdment was a 91 Safari AWD extended wheelbase (first year for the LWB version).  I have a lot of fond memories in both cars.  

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:47

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One other totall random factoid. For your SHO Aerostar, look into the Volvo B8444S. It was Volvos V8 engine that was designed by Yamaha when Volvo was still partially owned by Ford. Yamaha also designed the SHO V8. Im not saying they are the same, but the B8444S is basically a tall, closed deck, VVT version of the SHO V8.  They share a lot of common dimensions.  Its a nice 1.0L displacement bump and like 75 extra HP, I think.  The only downside is the Aisin gearbox that Volvo likes is glass in that application.  Maybe Ford makes something stronger that bolts up?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:50

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You can still buy a brand new UAZ Loaf in some former Soviet Bloc countries. That should give you an idea of how old the design is. Like the Niva, but a bread shaped van with some serious off-road chops.

SiennaMan > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 00:54

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As someone whose also developed quite a fondness for vans, and minivans in particular, I thoroughly enjoyed this list. (by the by, I think a 2 nd gen Caravan is a good choice for the monster van. Something about the humble unassuming non-threatening face with a drivetrain that will literally crush you, I like that.)

SmugAardvark > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 02:06

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There’s two more that should be in your collection of almighty vans.

First, the Renault Espace F1. Because who doesn’t want a minivan with the drivetrain out of a Williams F1 car?

Next, the Ford Transit Supervan 3. Because same reasons (only with the Cosworth HB V8).

Granted, both get very low scores for practicality. But who cares? Awesome vans!

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/12/2020 at 02:46

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Because someone decided that the 95HP flat six in the rear wasn't enough power. So they put in a 650HP 540 CID big block. Then decided to add two superchargers to it.

Svend > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 02:48

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Sorry. What I meant was. ‘I’m at work, I do appreciate a nice van, I want to reply with some of my own but, ye’ll at work’.

Any way.

Ford Fiesta panel van, 1.0 petrol manual , 125ps.

Great for short trips and ligh t shopping.

Ford Transit Courier ST (one off by Ford), 1.5 3 cylinder petrol manual 220bhp,

For when you want something bigger than a Fiesta but smaller than a Connect.

Ford Transit Connect MS-RT, 1.5, 120ps diesel manual.

Larger capacity

Ford Transit Custom MS-RT van.

Ford Transit Custom MS-RT combi van. Like above but with second row of seats and fully separated luggage area.

Ford Transit, full size, travel office with fridge, microwave, toilet, basin,

For when you need to get somewhere, but you want someone else to take the strain.

VW T5 or T 6 Transporter California Do uble-Back camper.

For when you want a compact camper that you can add interior space to in both height and length but also use much of the space for van work.

Svend > Svend 07/12/2020 at 03:35

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Forgot the off road side of vans.

Toyota Land Cruiser panel van.

Land Rover Discovery panel van.

Iveco Daily, for when you’ve a lot to carry.

Nibby > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 08:37

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ford aerostar for everything

vondon302 > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 08:57

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I think you missed one.

Jim Spanfeller > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 11:06

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You also need a panel van:

And a Canopy Express (a panel van with big holes in the sides for setting up displays and selling produce and such out the back):

A 70's van, complete with porthole window and airbrushed mural:

And, most importantly, a wheelie van! Stuff a big V8 in the very back and send power through a V drive back to the rear wheels and do wheelstands for days!

Plus a Corvair van for good measure:

Plus this:

And this:

And of course this:

And this ;)

Dusty Ventures > Dusty Ventures 07/12/2020 at 11:52

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Ugh, 15 passenger Transit van on the rally stage. Don’t Kinja tired, kids

Dusty Ventures > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 11:59

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Much of my childhood was spent on that game

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 07/12/2020 at 12:58

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I would have started with a Dodge A110 to do that. 

Taylor Martin > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 15:32

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Just watching the Previa be a drift van makes me laugh. It’s just not the first thing that comes to mind when I think loud exhausts and sideways action... in fact it’s the last thing to come to mind...

Not a big van guy myself, though I am a station wagon guy and find that the two have very similar qualities (space, passenger seating, etc), the only real difference is ride height. But I dig your tastes no doubt.

Also that first Transit Connect looks real good in black, and the picture makes it look so small. And that second Transic Connect looks real good in white and t eal too!

Taylor Martin > Svend 07/12/2020 at 15:37

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Geez Leweez, that orange Transit looks like a transformer with those flares and that blinding paint job... and I absolutely adore it! Lots of angular vans on that list.

If it were my money though... which it isn’t... I’d kill two birds with one stone and turn that Iveco Daily into a camper of sorts. It’s the right size for one anyways. The only downside is there aren’t any windows but that’s a sacrifice I’d be willing to make.

Spoon II > i86hotdogs 07/12/2020 at 16:26

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I respect this van love! I’ve always wanted a sweet 70s style van with a wizard on the side

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/12/2020 at 16:32

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I bet you would.

Svend > Taylor Martin 07/12/2020 at 16:44

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The Iveco Daily makes a great camper.

There is a 4x4 lifted very with good off road credentials.

i86hotdogs > Dusty Ventures 07/12/2020 at 17:28

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I used to intentionally hit the “H” to get the helicopter to rescue me. Once in a while a pt erodactyl would come and get me 

i86hotdogs > Dusty Ventures 07/13/2020 at 08:00

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I was sold on it. Make it one of those thrill ride experiences.

i86hotdogs > Svend 07/13/2020 at 08:02

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Europe has all the cool Ford Vans :(

i86hotdogs > Svend 07/13/2020 at 08:03

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That Iveco is HYUUUUGE. Might get one to transport the Transit Connect in the BACK

i86hotdogs > SmugAardvark 07/13/2020 at 08:05

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I wrote separately about making the next generation SuperVan. I’d take the Transit low roof short wheelbase, mid mount the ecoboost from the LeMans Ford GT, add all the body panels and wings it needs to keep it under control.

I’d somehow buy all of the SuperVans too. 

i86hotdogs > SiennaMan 07/13/2020 at 08:06

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I thought the 3rd gen body would make it even more wacky

Imagine this with giant tires and an even gianter engine running over everything in sight.

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/13/2020 at 08:08

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The SHO engine I was going to use was the inline 4 from the first two generations. That SHO V8 used in the bubble era Taurus barely put out more HP than the Yamaha tuned 4 cyl.

Stuffing a V8 in it is possible though, this madman stuffed a 5.0 in his.

Svend > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 08:24

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Well the Custom is about the size of the full Transit in it’s smallest form, most won’t want the Courier that fits in between the Fiesta and the Connect and the Fiesta van people in North America would keep saying, ‘it’s too small, what’s it for?’.

So North America gets the Connect and the full Transit which covers most of the bases. 

Svend > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 08:32

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It really is. We had one park in front of our house, blocked out nearly all the sun from the front room. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 09:28

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I had to google this, and it turns out it’s kind of crazy. The first SHO was a 3.0L V6 that made 220 HP. The second gen got a 3.2L V6 that also made 220 HP, but did have a broader torque curve. The third gen got the V8 that made 235 HP, but was also only available with an automatic transmission. Apparently, bone stock the auto cars put down around 180-185 HP on the ground, while the manual cars in the first 2 generations put down around 190-195. So yeah, not much difference between any of the engines in terms of actual, real world power output.

Interestingly, the V6 SHO engines are loosely based on the “Vulcan” V6 that was in the more pedestrian Taurus, as well as the Aerostar. Curiously, the Vulcan is an OHV engine while the SHO is a DOHC. But the V6 SHO should be a relatively easy swap into an Aerostar since they use the same parent engine.

The 3.4L V8 is apparently related to the Duratec 25 V6, it’s basically the same engine with 2 cylinders tacked on.  This conflicts a bit, I think, with the rumors that the Volvo engine is an enlarged version of it, but then again Yamaha did have their hands in that engine, and it’s while Volvo was partially owned by Ford, so maybe they are cousins?

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/13/2020 at 09:39

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I stand corrected, it was a V6 and not a 4cyl. My mind is flooded with 4cyl talk with the Transit Connect dream swaps I want to do. I knew the Vulcan engine was the base for both the Aerostar and the SHO, which is why I thought the swap would be fairly simple as long as the Yamaha intake wasn’t going to interfere. But since there is evidence of a 5.0 being stuffed in there, it’s definitely possible.

I always thought 250-300hp is a great medium threshold for all cars to have. Not too anemic , not too powerful. A SHO swapped Aerostar with about 250hp would be perfect. Great looks, sound, power, and all the burnouts and drifts with the van’s skinny tires.

Not familiar with Volvo’s engine lineup, so I can’t chime in on any similarities between it and the Duratec

i86hotdogs > Svend 07/13/2020 at 09:39

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Which makes sense, but I want more vans!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 09:51

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No worries. I agree that the SHO V6 should be a relatively easy swap into an Aerostar. But I think top end size, both the intake and the larger, taller cylinder heads, would be a concern.

One thing I just realized, the Aerostar is RWD. I always thought they were FWD and my suggestion of the Volvo V8 was predicated on a transeverse mounted FWD setup . I can’t watch the 5.0 video at the moment (I’m on my work computer and YouTube is disabled) but if that fits, then yeah, I’d probably go for the 5.0.

I would agree, for most cars 250-300 HP is a good amount. Another way of looking at it is it gets you in the ballpark of a 12 :1 power to weight ratio, which is where things start to feel sporty, I think, without being overwhelming.

I’d like to put the Volvo V8 in my 240 wagon, which is why I’ve researched and learned a lot about them. They are 315 HP stock, but Volvo allegedly de-tunes them so the transmissions will have a chance at living. Apparently a simple tune takes them up to about 350 HP. I’m curious to see what that plus a good, free flowing exhaust system will get. Regardless, with 4.10 rear gears and a (much stronger) close ratio 6 speed, it should be pretty good.

And a wagon is basically like the Corgi of minivans, right?

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/13/2020 at 10:10

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Wagons are vans that haven’t fully grown yet; like teenage vans.

Also, Volvo sent Paul Newman this one-off V8 swapped Volvo since Newman was notorious for modifying his previous Volvos, including stuffing the engine from the turbo Grand National into one .

https://jalopnik.com/the-ford-powered-volvo-wagon-paul-newman-built-5540957

Awesome build there.

Yep, the Aerostar was RWD. Which is one of my favorite features of it. Which makes the SHO swap a little more difficult since the Taurus SHO was FWD . I would have to configure the trans from a Ford Ranger (which was used in the manual Aerostars I believe) since those bolt to the Vulcan block anyways. The more I type it out, the more difficult this dream project keeps developing in to. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 11:27

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Apparently the SHO V6 s are popular for RWD conversions (or so Wiki tells me) , so I imagine there exists a FWD to RWD motor mount conversion or something. Sounds like you got the trans figured out. That’s really the hard stuff. The rest is mainly wiring and piping, unless the DOHC heads and intake are going to cause clearance issues, then you need a big hammer and/or sawzall and welder!

The Paul Newman Volvos are cool. I recently watched the Comedians in Cars episode where Jerry and Dave Letterman go out in his Volvo wagon. I’m hoping mine will end up equally as fun! Speaking of swap, that was an issue for me with the Volvo project and was a key to getting it all to come together - the Volvo V8 was absolutely only offered in an FWD application. Fortunately Volvo doesn’t seem to change things too much; they’ve only ever offered 3 basic engine architectures aside from the V8, the   Red Block, White Block, and newer eDrive. To keep things simple, they made the V8 with a White Block bellhousing pattern so it could share transmissions with the other White Block engines. Most RWD Volvos (like my 240) used Red Blocks, while the newer FWD/AWD cars used White Blocks, but there was one series, the 960/S90 cars that used a RWD White Block, and I just happen to have the bellhousing from one that is the key to making this all work.

I f you pay enough attention to company parts bins you can make a lot of crazy stuff work. 

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/13/2020 at 11:49

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That’s where I first learned of that Volvo was the Letterman episode of CICGC. Dove deep into the internet after that.

Instead of a Volvo V8, how about those turbo motors for your swap?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 12:41

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The turbo swaps are great. A lot of people like to swap the Turbo I5s. They can make a lot of power, and make awesome noises. The big problem with Volvos is that the engines are stout, it’s the transmissions and rears that don’t usually hold up.  So if I’m going to beef all that stuff up to handle more power, why not go all in and get what I really want.  And what I really want is a V8.  I’ve owned inline 4's, turbo 4's, a turbo boxer 4, an inline 5, an inline 6, several V6s, but never a V8.  It is time. 

SiennaMan > i86hotdogs 07/13/2020 at 15:50

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Hmm, they’d both be silly in the best way.. I’m torn on which would be better..

i86hotdogs > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/14/2020 at 07:56

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The most powerful car I’ve owned was a 250hp V6, I’m due for a meaty V8

i86hotdogs > SiennaMan 07/14/2020 at 08:07

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The Gen2 is too much of a classic for me to manipulate like that. Whilst you can throw a rock down any road in Detroit and hit a gen 3 body.

SiennaMan > i86hotdogs 07/14/2020 at 10:30

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Yeah, actually that’s probably the winning factor. You can probably find tons of straight gen3 bodies for cheap all over the place still,  where as the gen2 is quite a bit rarer..  

i86hotdogs > SiennaMan 07/14/2020 at 10:41

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In my eyes, manipulating a gen 1 or 2 caravan like that would be a mortal sin. Like LS swapping a Ferrarri F40.