We all know that the “devil” is in the details when you are talking about any kind automotive project. This is the Part 2 of the Buhanka bread van V8 swap that David and I are working on. This is the final part of the build that includes the first start of the V8 engine, first drive of the van, first break down, first fix, and all of the details and pleasant surprises. Let’s dig in!
The base van is a 1991 UAZ 452 4WD “Buhanka” van. This “bread loaf” of a van used to have a 2.9L gasoline I-4 engine with around 110 horsepower. We want to put this 270 horsepower 4.8L V8 into it. This engine came from a Chevy Silverado 1500 2WD truck.
Previously, we found that the LS V8 actually fits inside this mid-engine forward-control 4×4 van. Now, it’s time to get all ducks in a row. We still need to install the wiring, fuel system, drive shafts, create all the linkages, install the seats, and much more.
| Item | Price | Details |
| 4.8L V8 (2003 Silverado 1500) | Free | Donated by David |
| 700R4 4-speed Auto (1992 Astro) | $1,900 | Custom Built Transmissions |
| NP205 4×4 transfer case | $700 | Chris Ford |
| Holly Terminator X controller | Free | Donated by David |
| Tru-Ram LS Headers | $500 | |
| NP205 output flange | $100 | TorqueKing.com |
| Fuel Tank 19 gal. 1998 GMC Jimmy | $132 | RockAuto.com |
| Radiator + Fan | $625 | 1967 Ford Mustang V8 |
| Winch 10K lbs | $400 | |
| Air Intake / Filter | $211 | Amazon |
| Throttle Body | $158 | eBay |
| Leaf Spring Bushings | $170 | eBay |
| Fuel pump / tank neck | $125 | Rockauto |
| Timing chain | $65 | Rockauto |
| Transmission shifter | $280 | Speedway Motors |
| Fuel Filter / Reg / Lines | $240 | Speedway Motors |
| Fuel Filler Door | $20 | Jeep Wrangler (Amazon) |
| Two Drive Shafts | $1,050 | North Colorado Drive Line |
| Starter | $188 | Rockauto |
| Transmission Cooler | $123 | Summit Racing |
| Engine Sensors | $201 | Rockauto |
| Transmission Tuning Labor | $200 | Custom Built Transmissions |
| Misc (tools, fluids, etc) | $1,600 | |
| Paint | $200 | |
| Labor | $4,300 | |
| More Labor | infinite | |
| — | — | — |
| Total | $13,339 + infinity |
If you want to see how this project started, take a look at Part 1 of the “Fast Loaf” video series.
David surprises me with two new bumpers, and new sports car seats. Enjoy David’s craftsmanship and all the good & bad news in this video.
