[stich626]

ok as above your idea is good but you need a little help..
the van is fwd. get a f body (camaro/ trans am) 3.8(3800)
and the tranny.
I'd if you don't want the wire'n nitemare
get the 3.8 buick(same engine) out of a g body or b body (get the buick it has the dissy in the front, the chevy is dissy in the back and is a 229 the buick is 231)
get the mounts frame stands all of it..
the engines will have a 2brl carb , unless you get a t type or g/n 3.8
it bolts into the truck use'n the sbc frame stands to mount the motor mounts to. (you'll have to drill a few holes in the frame stand(trucks)
other than oil leaks they run forever..
if you wand efi and spark control. the latest f body you can find, some had sticks..
but remember the tranny is at an angle to fit under the floor of a f body..
and may cause fits when installing under the truck..
good luck..
FYI
IF YOU CAN FIND A 3.8 Q JET INTAKE the older 3.8 will get the same mpg as the efi one. within 1mpg.
untill you hammer it.. then all bets are off..

a 2nd gen f body inline 6 will get you better mpg. as it makes more ft lb down low..
but the 3.8 will run away from it when you slam the hammer down