Chevy engine in a Ford Van?

Is this a stupid question?

I'm looking at a 62 Econoline Window van (for sale on the East Coast). The previous owner to the seller threw the original engine and tranny away. And stuffed a 350/350 combination into it.

There's an custom rad - with a manual fan override switch if there's a heat build up.

But is this a regular swap out? Or should I run for the hills?

Any thoughts would be helpful. I'd rather not set fire to a pile of hard earned cash…!

Thanks people.

I would think you would have an easier time keeping that Chevy running and finding parts for it than with a Ford engine there across the pond,,,,,,,,,but you need to make sure the cooling system in there is working correct, these vans came with the worst cooling systems.....but rust is the #1 problem,,,,,
rust never sleeps and ruins everything eventually,,,,,,thats what we worry about most here......

Thanks for the words of reassurance Donivan.

First foray into vintage vans for me - so baby steps I'm afraid...!

This is the van I'm looking at: http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4733768222.html

(Thanks to Weirdbeard)

That engine looks kinda snug in the dog house. But the guy reckons there's an auxiliary fan (switch operated) to cool in extremes.

As for rust... yes - I hear you. Plus the UK isn't renowned for its dry climate! The seller claims it's a sound CA vehicle with 'some minor surface rust'. I'd keep the patina and probably shoot some lacquer to protect.

Any further thoughts? Worth the $9k?

That 350/350 works for me. But like Donivan stated, The cooling system needs to be GOOD. I am running that same set up. I just need different rearend gears to bring the RPM's back down to earth, and maybe sum big slicks on the back also...lol.

It sure helps if you have some mechanical ability to own one of these vans or have enough money to fly someone over to work on it,,,,,,,,another thing to think about is the brakes,,,,,,,it better not still have the 50 year old brake lines and hoses on it and a 2 line master cylinder is the way to go,,,,,,,unless you just want park it in front of your house and stare it all day,,,,,,,

KUDOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing Better than powering a ford than with a Chev engine & treanny!! Only thing id look @ is brakes-dual 67 up master cyl. needed & that price -seems a little =HIGH!!

I'm a purist but this swap has been done forever. I had a friend with that swap in 1974 and it did well. He had to get a, custom, 4 core radiator to keep it cool.

The best hot rods were always Ford bodies with Chevy power

Really Kooky, Oh boy here we go again!

a 350/ th350 combo is reliable and easy to find parts for. Parts for a 350 are also less expensive than just about any other engine. That might be helpful if you are in England and having to mail order everything from the US.

The van looks really sweet, but it may have cooling problems with the radiator having a big front doghouse wall right in front of it. Lack of airflow could become a problem in the summer months. This could be solved by adding a custom front floor tunnel to get additional airflow to the radiator. Also beware of hidden, undisclosed rust like others have mentioned.

I suggest getting someone to carefully inspect it on your behalf prior to you purchasing this sight-unseen

looks like a nice ride to me. I wouldn't be afraid of buying it.