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Chevy Express/GMC Savana

618 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2009 at 12:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Chevrolet Sportvan, Chevrolet Chevy Van, Chevrolet Chevy Van Classic, Van

#51 of 618 R CAPISTRANO by rcapistrano Mar 06, 2000 (5:36 pm)
Can anyone tell me what the EPA is on the 2500 3/4th ton passenger express van, 135 inch wheel base with the Vortec 5.7 V8, automatic, using the 3.73 axle as opposed to the 3.42?
#52 of 618 More Savana Reliability Issues by rsmmac Mar 12, 2000 (7:33 am)
I own a 1997 1500 conversion van with the 5.7 liter(350). I love driving it - it has lots of power, handles great(the 255 70R's don't hurt) and the captains' chairs keep the kids far enough apart to avoid any fights. The high top makes the interior cavernous - I get claustrophobic in an Expedition after being in my van. However, there is a dark side... The transmission had to be replaced at 57,000 miles. Then at 67,000 miles. The dealer also replaced the ring & pinion gears and all the differential bearings that time. The battery gave up the ghost at 70,000 miles. The brakes must be done religiously every 25,000 miles. (I have never towed anything). The 35 gallon tank runs dry at 29.7 gallons. (Thank you again to the friendly AAA tow truck driver for the spare gas). I get 12-13 MPG city, highway, uphill, downhill, loaded, empty. (some of you seem to do better - any suggestions?) I am extremely thankful that I spent the extra $$ on the 100,000 mile extended warranty. I will trade it in before it expires. I was thinking of getting a Ford next time, but it appears that they aren't any better. Does anyone know if GM is going to put the new engines (found in the suburbans and pickups)in the vans any time soon?
#53 of 618 Re: More Savana Reliability Issues (rsmmac) by midasgold Mar 12, 2000 (5:10 pm)
> The 35 gallon tank runs dry at 29.7 gallons. 35 gallons? I thought it was 31 gallons - do they use a larger tank for conversions? When our non-conversion 2500's fuel guage points to "E", it only takes about 24 gallons or so - but one time we tested it (not on purpose) and managed to drive for quite a distance on an "empty" tank. > I am extremely thankful that I spent the extra > $$ on the 100,000 mile extended warranty. Yes - even though we have a genetic predisposition against getting extended warranties for *anything*, we went against our grain and bought one for this vehicle - mainly because we were unable to find any reliability data and felt we were basically dealing with an unknown (and GM "unknowns" haven't had the best reputations, unfortunately). > Does anyone know if GM is going to put the new > engines (found in the suburbans and pickups)in > the vans any time soon? I've asked that in the past and haven't heard anything. Have you checked with Chevy/GMC lately?
#54 of 618 Re: More Savana Reliability Issues by rsmmac Mar 16, 2000 (6:49 am)
TANK: I apologize, you are right - the tank is 31 gallons. Mine gets to "E" at 24 - 25 gallons, like yours; I look at the mileage instead of the gauge (as I mentioned, it is rock steady at 12-13 MPG, so I don't push it past 360 miles per tank.)When I ran it dry, the needle was 2-3mm below the "E" mark! It is the worst fuel gauge I've ever had. Full means 7/8, 3/4 means 1/2, 1/2 means 1/3, E means 3/4, or something like that. EXTENDED WARRANTY: Like you, I usually know better, but my gut overrode my "good sense". I'm glad. ENGINES: I asked at the L.A. Auto Show, and no-one had a clue. I also sent an e-mail a while back through a GMC Web Site link, but never got a reply. I think I'll trade it in at 100K miles for a 2500 or 3500 long-wheelbase conversion. I heard the "heavy duty" transmission is better. I've also been dreaming of getting the 4x4 Quigley conversion (for now the $$$ get in the way). I wonder if anyone out there has a 4x4 GMC and could share their experiences? I'm especially worried about maintenance (reliability) and ride comfort. I haven't looked at all the conferences yet, maybe there are some comments elsewhere?
#55 of 618 4x4 Conversion by midasgold Mar 16, 2000 (6:41 pm)
rsmmac wrote: > I think I'll trade it in at 100K miles for a > 2500 or 3500 long-wheelbase conversion. Check out Custom Craft. They do those, and use factory windows too - they have a unique relationship w/ GM that allows them to get unfinished "window vans." > I've also been dreaming of getting the 4x4 > Quigley conversion (for now the $$$ get in the > way). Gotta website for that? > I wonder if anyone out there has a 4x4 GMC and > could share their experiences? No, but one of the car mags had an article a couple years back about an experimental 4x4 conversion. It was actually done by GM as a "concept" thing. Basically, they took an Express/Savana body and transplanted it onto a Suburban chassis. They had fun with it, but said it would probably never make production. I sure would've liked having a 4x4 on a recent trip we took with our Savana. Let's just say it didn't take too well to a couple of inches of snow. Even our optional locking rear differential didn't help. Only took 4 or 5 people to help push it out - sure made me miss our Subaru that was sitting in our garage back home.
#56 of 618 4x4 conversion by vandalybay1 Mar 16, 2000 (8:10 pm)
You may wish to check out the automobile magazines from the last 4-5 months. If you haven't seen it already, I believe Road and Track did a run out to the Death Valley area with a 4X4 Quigley GM G-van I recall they favorably rated the 4X4 performance and got astonished looks while offroad.
#57 of 618 4x4 conversion by rsmmac Mar 17, 2000 (6:29 am)
> Check out Custom Craft. They do those, and use > factory windows too - they have a unique > relationship w/ GM that allows them to get > unfinished "window vans." Best tip I've gotten in a while! You read my mind: I specifically want to get the factory windows (and the sliding side door). I read earlier (I think in this conference) that no one did these conversions, or if they did you had to pay more because their interiors are made for the big windows. I'm glad you told me otherwise. Thanks! > Gotta website for that? The web site is http://www.quigley4x4.com/. They do Ford & GM 4x4 conversions. It adds about $8,000 to the sticker price. You can also check out Sterling Vans http://www.sterlingvans.com/. They are marketing a 9 passenger, 4x4 conversion van (using the long wheelbase van) which is almost exactly what I want, except that they use the normal conversion windows rather than the factory windows.   If anyone knows which issue of Road & Track, please let me know. Full size vans get little press; 4x4 full size vans even less. I'd love to read more about them before I someday take the plunge. Every time I see a 4x4 van on the road, I want one. Soon... > it didn't take too well to a couple of inches > of snow Yes - I too found out the hard way. (and I don't have a locking diff.)It is a lot of weight to try to get unstuck! Oh, since this is the "reliability" discussion group, I forgot to mention another big ticket item (luckily also covered under the 100,000 mile extended warranty) I just dealt with: leaking coolant due to a warped aluminum intake manifold. I thought GM had dropped this asinine aluminum intake manifold idea. I'm sure it saves some weight, but I always hear of problems with warping. Does anyone know if the 2500's or 3500's with the 350 use the same intake manifolds? Does the 454 have an aluminum manifold too? I'm afraid of getting the 454. A commercial truck dealer told me point blank that "it's a pig" (real bad mileage) and it overheats - "not enough room for air to get through the engine bay effectively". Any experiences out there with the 454?
#58 of 618 by mrh3108 Apr 05, 2000 (3:11 am)
I can vouch for the 29.7 gallon fuel tank. I ran out but luckily was able to coast a mile to the next exit. I stopped sideways between two pumps and the gas hose reached with an inch to spare! The Costco near me had a conversion with the 10 or 12" LCD screen and factory windows, leather, and otherwise loaded for $35,000. I believe it was a Sherrod conversion.
#59 of 618 4X4 Conversion by vandalybay1 Apr 17, 2000 (7:29 am)
You may wish to check out Motor Trend Dec 99 page 113. This is not the article that I has in mind re a 4X4 full sized van getting astonished looks. This Motor Trend "article" is more a adverstisement than a review.
#60 of 618 454 Engines by voodoo777 Apr 20, 2000 (3:05 am)
I might be the only guy left that likes the "rat" motor. I have a '97 3500 all window cargo van and had a custom conversion installed by "Advantage" I tow a 7000 # trailer with the 3:42 rear axle and live in the desert. Anyone that knows the southwest will appreciate the fact that this truck can pull Indio hill in So. Cal. on cruise, at the legal limit (70) with both front and rear air units running full tilt, towing the trailer, WITHOUT overheating. It now has 44K on it and so far has cost me sixty bucks in repairs. New brake pads up front at 42K and a new fan belt at 40K. Both owner installed. Would I buy another one of these? You bet.

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