I've tried searching, but am having problems finding the info I need.

Will the engine and transmission (350 tbi/700r4) from an '87 chevy van bolt into my '92 camaro(305tbi/700r4) without any major modifications? I imagine I'd have to use the 350 chip, but is everything else a direct bolt in? One of my friends thinks the van transmission has a longer tailshaft, but he really doesn't know for sure. The van is 2wd.

 

if im right it should all be a direct bolt in. the all 700s should have i denticle tail shafts. the tail shaft housing may have to be changed but thats only 4 bolts and it slides off. the difference should be in the drive shaft. the vans drive shaft is probably longer.
you also will probably need to change the engine mounts.
if im wrong feel free to correctly.
also i used a 700 outta caprice and it was a direct bolt in in my 91 rs.

 

The only thing that I can think of is that you may have to change your shifter. The factory shift cable may not bolt to the van's 700r4 as alot of them were cast without that boss on them. I know the linkage on vans was old-school until 1992 or so when they finally got cable shifters.

The van shift points for a stock 350 TBI are going to be low, like around 4,000 rpm low. Swap the governor out of your existing 700r4. On a plus side the vans typically have the 9C1/Corvette/Van TV sleeve and plunger that allows you to run in 0D up to around 85% throttle, then have a WOT 3-4 shift when the speed is high enough.

 

My shift cable housing was held by a bracket bolted to the pan. What "boss" are you talking about?

 

Ignore my comment on that. The boss is up near the torque converter shield. On the G-series, S-series, C/K series a bracket bolted to this. I guess it is a column shift auto thing. I do remember seeing the pan mounted bracket with a console shifter though.