Engine

Don't forget about the sub pages to the left.

What type of engine is in my Astro/Safari Van?

Most of them have the 4.3 v6 in a few different iterations. Some of them had an inline 4cyl that was way under-powered.

2.5L inline 4

  • 1985-1990 TBI/VIN E - 98 hp (73 kW)@ whatever rpm

4.3L v6

  • 1985 CARB/LB1/VIN N - 155 hp (116 kW) @ 4000 rpm 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) @2400 rpm 9.3:1

  • 1986 TBI/LB4/VIN B - 160 hp (120 kW) @ 4000 rpm 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm 9.3:1

  • 1987–1992 TBI/LB4/VIN - 160 hp (120 kW) @ 4000 rpm 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm 9.1:1

  • 1987–1992 TBI/LB4/VIN - 160 hp (120 kW) @ 4000 rpm 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm 9.1:1

  • 1987–1992 TBI/LB4/VIN - 160 hp (120 kW) @ 4000 rpm 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm 9.1:1

  • 1992–1994 CPI/L35/VIN W - 200 hp (150 kW) at 4,500 rpm 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) @3,600 rpm 9.1:1(standard on AWD, optional on RWD, internal balance shaft)

  • 1995 CPI/L35/VIN W - 190 hp (140 kW) at 4,500 rpm 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) @3,400 rpm 9.1:1

  • 1996–2002 SCPI/L35/VIN W - 190 hp (140 kW) @4,400 rpm 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) @2,800 rpm 9.2:1(most/all 02 A/S vans switched to LU3/MPFI/VIN X engine)

  • 2002–2005 MPFI/LU3/VIN X - 190 hp (140 kW) at 4,400 rpm 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) @2,800 rpm 9.2:1

What type of fuel/fueling system does my van have?

Check out the Fuel System page.

What are Vortec style heads?

GM used the Vortec name on a few different engines, but when people are talking about Vortec style heads like the L31 5.7L V8 head, the area around the valves has the heart shape like this:

Note: While GM has used the Vortec name from 1984 through present day with the LS based engines, when you search for parts, the earlier v6 parts aren't going to have Vortec in the name, but for sure the 96-05 do. So while technically every one of our engines has the tech, practically speaking is another story.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RJTVcfgvG5JESaEO2

Also of note are the angled intake manifold bolts, taller ports and lack of the eyebrows:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/arnINAGA8C7QjEGy2

Here is what a NON-Vortec style head looks like:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tHwXWBHFRLnHmPKq1

Straight intake manifold bolt holes, no eyebrows(pre CPI):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/40hiccjcOVem1y2E3

Straight intake manifold bolt holes, with eyebrows, introduced with CPI engines:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/A7sIq42DGpgGymsb2