The transmission in a friend's seem to hold up OK to the 350 swap we put in
it....:)  That was years ago when fuel was "cheap".

The spider injection issue can be a PITA too.   At the time the 350 was
cheaper than replacing the injector unit.

Jason

On Wed, May 7, 2014 at 10:37 AM, Ben <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:

> Try www.astrosafari.com. That's their version of the List.
>
> I've looked at AWD Safari's a few times. Problems seem to be primarily be
> around comfort features like power windows and locks. When the
> transmissions go out, it can cost as much as a Syncro trans to sort out
> based on repair estimates I received in the San Francisco Bay Area. It will
> like cost less in areas where Astro/Safari vans are more common.
>
>
> BenT
> sent from my electronic leash
>
> > On May 7, 2014, at 7:21 AM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >
> >  may be too late.
> >
> >   Can anyone give me tips on what to look for in the GM small AWD vans
> > before I go buying one?  Astro and Safari?   I've been over the  brand
> > forums and haven't found anything on their weak points or any type of
> > pre-purchase information checklist..so I thought I'd ask for a PM from
> > anyone here who's got experience with theses vans....I know there are a
> few
> > who have them.  I know these must have issues like our vanagons do, so
> I'd
> > like to know what to look for...
> >
> >   I am looking for an inexpensive work van with AWD to get me and my
> tools
> > around, and to tow a work trailer with...I am sick of changing 'modes' in
> > my Vanagon ....dragging out all the tools and putting the toys inside
> > several times a week, sometimes even twice a day...that is not fun and
> I've
> > found that I forget things that are needed.... I get to my bike ride
> > starting point sometimes and find I have no front wheel....get to the job
> > site and find I forgot my saw or drill....plus, I am beating up the
> Vanagon
> > inside....I'd like to minimize that...
> >
> >  Thanks, sorry for the non-friday off topic post but the van I spotted is
> > sitting out next to the highway and looks like a Killer deal...It will
> > probably sell before Friday... PS it is a 97 AWD panel with tow package
> and
> > low mileage with a straight body for just $2k
> >
> >  Don Hanson
>