Engine question

[megaladon6]

you do want the basics of the EVAP system. it will keep vapors from building up in the tank.
you need the O2 sensors for the engine to work correctly. the computer needs to know what the actual A/F ratio is.
the biggest thing is going to be establishing a new program for the ECM. if done right you can have fuel economy at cruise and max power. it can also limit things like the EVAP functions to only what is necessary. you will want to consult an expert on this. or get an aftermarket ECM and software that you can program with a laptop.

 

[custom442]

Or... you could not worry bout the fuel injection and buy a new manifold/carb since you won't be getting anything for gas mileage anyway and much less complicated. Just a suggestion.

 

[megaladon6]

but why take a step back? EFI automatically adjusts for ambient conditions, is much easier to tune, once setup, and easier to adapt for changes to the engine.
efi isn't as complicated as people think it is. sure you need more knowledge on things like EVAP and EGR systems, if using a factory system, but it's not that hard. plus most tuning software has focused on simplifing things.

 

[knepper]

you might need the radio and bcm. GM did things a little weird on some models, where the radio had to be connected for the car to start. it could be in the trunk, but it had to be wired. i don't think that the van's had it, but just in case...
you will need the complete EVAP system to prevent check engine codes.

not true. you will def NOT need the radio to make ANY gm start and run. however they DID integrate certain BCM functions in the factory radio, such as headlight/ door chime, on star, oil change reset, tpi sensors. but never did a starter immobilizer get incorperated.

 

[Uncletruck]

This is the best part- you have the whole van there, and everything is on or in the van to make it work. I agree with keeping the EFI, it will make more power, have better runability, and be able to meet emissions. If you carefully dissect the van and hang on to everything you even remotely think you will need, you can make it work and work well. Most who do these sort of swaps just have the engine, computer and harness. There is more to it than that, and without the original stuff or knowing what it was, many times getting it to work right is a lesson in futility. The days of pull it out and drop it in are long gone if you are using a modern powertrain setup and want to take advantage of its benefits.

-UT-

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

If the transmission controller is not a part of the main PCM, you could consider a stand alone controller for the engine like Megasquirt. Megasquirt is a cheap system that you build at home for a few hundred bucks. It would allow you to eliminate unnecessary functions and give you more tunability. Plus, it's an open source system and it has an excellent online community that can help you with any questions you may have. In fact, the Megasquirt community is probably responsible for half of the expansions and development of the system.