The TFL guys don't have enough technical knowledge to do a 10 part video series. I mean they couldn't explain enough of the details to fill 10 videos. They barely got through a carburetor removal and cleaning on the old/new Honda.
@@is6566 What? This Cold War Era Soviet Tin Can made out of rusted borscht cans doesn't have the torsional rigidity to handle 150 lb.ft. let alone +400 lb. ft. of an LS V8. The original drive train was designed for 75 HP. This would be stupider than buying a Cybertruck.
LS swap? My two favorite TFL hosts/characters? Weird and rare Soviet van? ABSOLUTELY YES! I'd watch every video of the series! I could always use more TFL content anyway! Hope you guys go for it.
My lord I would love to see a TFL video like this. Off-road vans are spectacular. As far as functionality goes they make way more sense then pickup truck. Everything is covered and weatherproof from the get go, and lighter weight then a pickup.
Yes!!! I love the Russian “loaf” van and I would love to see a motor swap. LS would be fine, because parts are plentiful and easy to come by. Yes a Cummins would be more interesting, but probably more complicated and too much power. Please do this swap!
Yes, all new drive line, including axles and brakes. That way you can source parts here in the US and do maintenance yourself. You'd have to tilt the rear axle pinion to get the driveshaft angle right, which is fine since you need custom perches anyway.
I was thinking their best option would be to body swap it onto something else! I think the possible issues they'd face would be a lot less and the end gain would be so much more.
I watch Sarah n Tuned on a regular basis. She does builds in real time, and documents everything, body work, wiring, engine work, etc. I never miss an episode. I'd love to see the Buhanka upgrade.
if it's possible. i say go for it. i love watching any project David is working on and i think a lot of tfl fans enjoy any video David is in and what he's up to next, but curious how you're going to make everything fit.
Of course.... Your only and best choice, videos aside, is the LS SWAP. You need to register it and be able to use it. Make a badass overland rig with all the goodies. With an LS, it'll be awesome. The other option is to throw a cover over it and . . . then . . . WHAT? Let's go!!!!!
You've got the engine, the van and the ability. Do it. I would watch it the whole way through. Just keep it a manual. Another thing good about classic vehicle stuff is that 5 years from now I would watch it again. You're gun-smoke series was the best series you've ever made. Thanks.
I would love to see a project like this. Would also like to see the problems that arise how you overcome them. I think you could make at least 10 different videos of this project. Need to use complete GM drive line from engine to transmission to transfer case and custom drive shafts. Swap out the axles.
The question really comes down to how much do you love it and want to keep it Andre. If it's something you really want to keep and hang onto for a long time, do it. I would absolutely watch this video series. It would be cool! Plus you're making this vehicle way more reliable as well. It would be the bread truck that really hauls the mail! 😂 I see some people here saying swap in a Cummins or something of that nature. You're missing the point. They got this 4.8 for free. Plus, while a Cummins is reliable, they are super heavy! Not ideal for this truck. Even a baby 4BT is still heavy. Plus getting it to 70 would be a bit of a challenge. The 4.8 would be more than enough. I feel like that analogy of Andre comparing himself to an LS swapped Buhanka is so on point. From Russia but he has the heart of a true American.
I would watch every video you post on it. I love the 4.8l 2000 Silverado had one and I put 487,000+ miles on it and it was still running when I sold it. Original 4L 60 made it that far before it lost third gear replace fuel pump three times tho
I'm in. I have a small request to go with it. I'd like to see graphics on the truck. A wrap if it's easier, that is in the spirit of the 70's panel vans with wizards/warriors and album covers etc, but updated for the era this van was around in. Circa 1990. Imagine the possibilities.
I feel like I am going to learn something. Half the parts David mentioned I've heard of but couldn't tell you where they are on a vehicle. This is going to be awesome!
I want to see it! It’s going to take a long time to complete. But i’m all in. I feel like a power train swap from a S-10 blazer would be a better fit. Maybe the 2.8l v6 version, it would fit in there without much effort.
I was wondering what had happened to this vehicle, I am totally ready to see a lot more of it and the cool stuff you both will do to it to make it legal to drive in US and Colorado. Plus fun adventures with it!
I think it would be a great series. If size wise the LS doesnt fit i bet you could pick up a 4x4 Astro Van pretty cheap and use the drivetrain from that. The V6 from that would give you just under 200hp which would still be a huve upgrade.
How to Americanise a Soviet era icon. It sounds like an excellent idea and ultimately expensive in time and fabrication. But I like seeing David in action. He's a pragmatist because he reduces waste, reuses and recycles what he has onhand. I'd watch the entire series which maybe ten or more videos. Maybe find a sponsor or sponsors for the entire series. Good luck!
I would sit back and enjoy the show, go for it! I'm sure there will be all kinds of challenges to overcome. I had a 302 in my pinto back in the day, that was a fun toy! I killed a couple stock rear ends punching it and dropping into first. A couple radiators when the front end would come down too hard. Fun times!
Yes - do one with the LSA style intake blower like a magnuson or whipple. Something with a lot of torque and around 600-700 horsepower but still very streetable and good offroad.
The question is not, would someone watch it? Because, "if you post it, they will watch it". The question comes down to how much $$$$$ and time do you want to dump on this? And IF you start it, will you actually finish the project? Cannot remember all the videos that never had a conclusion. The presenters here are easy to watch. The project is like art, everyone will have a different view on it. I don't particularly find this idea grand. Even though it would take more than a grand to cover the costs. "Classics" that are "restored" and or brought back to life to run the way they were meant to, that is more interesting to me than conversions. This van was never supposed to be a highway runner.(apparently) Just a local run about. Workers van. Do as you will. Seems like most people in the comments support just about anything you do tho. :)
My thoughts are, lift the body off, do the engine swap, make a trans adapter, using a gm bellhousing and clutch disc the fits the spline of the input shaft. Radiator relocation be necessary. After market fuel ecm .
