Hello, I'm new to automobiles in general and was wondering if a conversion from a 350 v8 to a v6 on a 1978 Chevrolet Van 1/2 Ton would be possible. I'm curious if its possible, and if so could I pay a dealer to do it and what would be the cost? I'm at work so I don't have to time to search thoroughly through the site so I thought I'd do a quick post before I have to get back to work.

Thanks,
West

 

Anything is possible, but a swap like that is gonna run big bucks.
1st, the engine is not easy to remove. Then trying to put in a different type of engine in a place thats hard to reach. Its just not practical.
If your thinking of putting a 2.8-3.4 60v6 in there, then you'll need a different transmission.
If your thinking of doing this swap just for better mpg, the smaller v6 will labor more cause it was meant for a lighter vechicle.
Here's what I'd do, make sure the engine is healty (good tune up, carb rebuild, good compression, ect), get a used TH700R4 overdrive tranny, & a 3.08 rear axle. Those parts literally are everywhere in the junkyards as the 80s Chevy vans used them. Get the crossmember, driveshaft (match to you wheel base), & linkages that bolt to the transmission. Adapt a tv cable to the carb & get a kit for the locking torque converter. It should be a preatty easy swap.

 

^Plus an "RV cam." Torque down low will help mpg.

Oh, and LOL @ this idea.....