# 1986 Chevrolet Van - Reliable?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chevrolet\
**Created:** [August 13, 2019, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598 "2019-08-13T01:44:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![shannon34](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@shannon34](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shannon34)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/1 "2019-08-13T01:44:36Z")

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is the 86 350 TBI engine 5.7 liter reliable?

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/2 "2019-08-13T01:47:25Z")

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Your asking if an old engine is reliable , only by have a mechanic look at it will give some idea if that particular engine is. And then it is still possible for problems.  
Why are you asking ? Do you have one or thinking of buying one.

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**Author:** ![shannon34](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@shannon34](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shannon34)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 1:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/3 "2019-08-13T01:54:02Z")

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We are looking at buying one. It has 78K miles and from talking to the owner is in excellent condition and runs well. It has the 4x4 Quigley conversion. I can’t find a lot of information on that engine so was just curious if it had a good reputation.

[https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/445048929598876/](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/445048929598876/)

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/4 "2019-08-13T03:07:41Z")

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GM put thousands of 350 V8 motors in vehicles . I don’t know where you are but that seems like a really high price for a 1986 G20 .

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 11:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/5 "2019-08-13T11:02:01Z")

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> [@VOLVO\_V70](#):
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> GM put thousands of 350 V8 motors in vehicles

Actually more like millions. The Gen 1 engine in that van is based on a design first offered in 1955.

I would go into this deal doubting the van has only 78K. And it has had aftermarket stuff installed… usually a red flag.

And SOMEone is smoking crack that came up with that asking price, IMHO.

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2019, 2:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1986-chevrolet-van-reliable/146598/6 "2019-08-13T14:03:55Z")

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> [@shannon34](#):
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> It has 78K miles and from talking to the owner is in excellent condition and runs well.

And what else would one think the seller would say ?