Got me a Race Van

Im going to look at a 92 E350 with the N/A 7.3L diesel. Anyone got anything good bad or indifferent about that specific motor? I know very little about diesels and that worries me a bit. Working on a van motor cant be any fun but this one only has 130K and it used to be a crime scene investigation unit that was probably pretty well maintained.

 

More than anything you'll have issues with it just being so old. Mine's a 97 that only had 67k on it when I bought it (iirc). I've had virtually no problems from use, but many from age. Lines rusting out, body panel rust, dry rotted seals, dry rotted bushings, etc.

 

I believe that is a non-turbo model, so probably not good for towing a large trailer from a speed perspective, but should be fine for van only.

 

dont get a NA diesel.

 

Unless it's something cool like a Unimog.

 

Not mine.
Milage is a little high but might be a good deal.

2002 Chevy express 3500 Extended - $3250 (Rochester)

http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/4513360168.html

 

We picked up a new Sprinter a couple of weeks ago and so far it's been good. We went with the 170 "crew" van so we could transport crew to and from the track, however the amount of room behind the bench seat is still amazing.

 

IMO the crew van is the one to have. Any interior pics? Did you guys get the 4 or 6 cylinder diesel?

 

I will get some pics of the inside this afternoon. We did go with the 6 cylinder.

 

Why? I don't plan on towing much of anything. From what Ive read its a good motor (7.3 IDI). Its a motor I can work on because its mostly mechanical as opposed to a bunch of fancy electronics that will cost big $$ to repair. I couldn't buy tires for a PS diesel truck for what this thing cost. I understand the tranny (e40D) isn't the best but it can be replaced when needed. The point of a van for me was to eliminate the need for a trailer and have a comfortable place to sleep at the track. Buying a truck and trailer would cost 10x more.

 

If nothing else, it gives me some ideas for my E350 extended... thanks for posting! :up:

 

I don't get those lay down seat/bed things. The van's not wide enough to sleep in that orientation. Plus they look uncomfortable as hell. I do a futon mattress on the floor and it works great.

 

Well, that depends. I need to take a photo for you, but our van has a custom built platform immediately behind the seats. I can sleep in it with just a little bending of the knees (I'm 6' 0"). It's the key to a two-person non-stop cross-country leg. Zoran slept on fine too, and he's an inch or two taller than me.

 

I suppose they'd be adequate for sleeping while driving - better than sleeping in the chair. But for actually camping at the track there are better alternatives.

 

I am 6 foot 2 and I had no issues sleeping on that set up.

 

ryoung,
Was that your van at Hallett this past Saturday?

 

Yep. Pitted at 13/14 with the giant dog. Did I meet you?

 

Speaking of. I don't think I've updated the thread since I installed the new stuff

 

No we didn't meet. I was pitted in the awning at the exit of the hot pit area; with the medium size black dog. I was riding an FZ1 in the Street group.
I saw the van and wondered if it was yours.

 

Man you guys are so lucky with such cheap vans availlable over there