1986 GMC Van Vandura review from North America

Last owner didn't take care of the engine, so we are rebuilding the engine.

It's getting bad mileage (16mpg at 65mph, it weighs about 5000Ibs "customized van") and seems very slow with a 3.42 rear gear.

One of my relatives own an identical customized 1984 van with the same diesel engine and is a lot faster, even though it has a lower 3.07 rear gear which should make it a lot slower than the my own, that's bad.

My relatives 6.2l diesel with a 3.07 gets 25MPG at 55mph.

When we are finished with our van it should get about 22MPG, not including the more free flowing K&N filter and other stuff we are going to do with it.

Performance marks

-Handles well in all weather, sharp turning radius, good traction, will pull a 6000Ib boat and trailer OK when running bad (will pull much better when engine runs great)

Reliability marks

- Even though the engine is hard to work on when it's in the van from lack of room, when it runs great it almost never needs to be worked on when doing the usual oil and filter changes.

The body and frame is very strong with also a big steel bumper on the front and back of the van.

It's also safe from being higher up off of the ground than most vehicles.

Comfort marks

-This van is big enough for 7-8 people and 1 big 120Ib dog.

The non-leathery seats are very comfortable.

Noise level is higher than most vehicles, especially since this is a "diesel van" that we are talking about (mine could be louder from running bad).

Running Costs

-diesel van insurance is very cheap and gets pretty good mileage depending on the rear gears (15-27mpg, 15 pulling the most 27 the less), tire size, 21century air filters...