As assumed, the process of 'swapping motors' didn't turn out to be as simple as swapping motors. Having to use the original transmission (not a bad thing, just unexpected) was the first surprise I ran into, as the new one has another gear, requiring me to pull the entire steering column to go with it. Seeing as the original tranny works and fits, that was an easy decision. Next issue, there was no way to swap all the electrical, as the fuse boxes were different plug types, so the hope of having a fuel injected engine was now in limbo in accordance with my knowledge of electrical conversions, which is absolutely none. Solution, swap the fuel injected intake manifold for my carborated intake manifold. Easy as, right? Not when the 4 of the 12 bolts are driven into the block at a different angle, which brings us to the next diversion; fabrication! After a few hours shaving away the steel with a chainsaw file, I successfully got all 12 bolts securely torqued to GM specification.

At this point all I have to do is install the distributor without messing up the firing order, then stab the motor and transmission into the van and begin hooking everything up, which will be a nice change, because I can do a majority of that from inside the van as opposed to outside in the steady downfall.

And that's what's new!