Two finalists to choose from...

[Scott_1776]

<p>I'm getting close and have two conversions, yes I'm settling on a conversion hi-top for stealth and comfort mix. <br><br>Candidate A <a href="http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3732420889.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3732420889.html</a>&nbsp;Found out she has a 5.7l Vortex (360?) from either a truck or cargo one ton with 80K that was totaled but the engine, old engine smoked and the tranny is also used not sure it's mileage, the van itself on the odometer is 120K. Dent on hood to be fixed (from the engine install). He also said it's his friends but he's helping sell it because he's in a high traffic location for advertising purposes.</p><p>Candidate B <a href="http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3745266270.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3745266270.html</a>&nbsp;Found out he's only owned it 4-5 months, passed inspection then, thinks it would again, 120K miles, same 5.7l engine, previous owner was the original owner said brakes were newer when he bought, put 10K miles since he's had it. Selling because he wants a car, couldn't tell me why he bought, something like to help his friend. Said he flexible on price.<br><br>Looking for any know issues with these two make, model, and years.&nbsp; I plan on see Candidate A tomorrow morning and maybe B as well or Friday. All advice, things to watch out for, etc. And no I have no friends that have a van or know any mechanics, owned many vehicles, even a mini van one time, but not a full size V8 models.&nbsp; Thanks for all who advise in advance, this forum is awesome!</p>

 

[Les H]

Personally, all things being equal, they are about the same. One with lower engine miles is $700 more. Not a real deal breaker, but still. Id offer both 75% of their asking price and work from there.

Edited to add
My bus was a 2000 Gmc with the same engine and tranny combo. Never had a problem with either of them in 32 kmi.

 

[Scott_1776]

<p>Ok.&nbsp; Went today to see Candidate A a '97 GMC Savanah hi top conversion with 80K on 2nd engine. Well, I'm glad I didn't have to drive far to see it, she was obvoius she was in a accident and turned out the guy selling it runs a junkyard and the whole front end was gone bumper, grill, hood, and on the passenger side is missing the&nbsp;body step.&nbsp; Inside it was stained everywhere seats, carpets (not that those woud necessarily stay with the remodel) and it was obvious again that the air bag had been deployed.&nbsp; <br><br>I told the guy he was nuts and that he completely misrepresented the condition of the van and asked if it was in an accident and he again played dumb and said it was his "buddies" and was selling like 70 items online from his junk yard and couldn't keep them all straight. The kicker was it didn't start and one of the rear tires was completely flat and he said I could take a test drive if I can out. I hope the next one goes better.</p>

 

[Scott_1776]

New Candidate C: <a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/3772637677.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/3772637677.html</a>&nbsp; This one is the original owner and he has all maintenance records and everything he lists as replaced he says was within the last 1-2,000 miles. I hear good things about the 318 V8 engine, any heads up on this van and engine would be much appreciated, should be looking at her either tomorrow or next Wed.&nbsp; I'll post how this one goes.

 

[twokniveskatie]

BUMP!