Dave P

1998 Express 1500 Conv. Van, 5.7 Vortec
A&J "Designer" Conversion (loaded)
Standard Diff. (Not Posi.)
212,300 Miles

I recently purchased the van as described above. It is in really nice shape and has almost all highway miles on it, it has a Tow pkg, Tranny cooler but was not used for towing. All miles were put on it by a semi-retired business man who constantly traveled North America. It was regularly maintained at the original dealership with no major problems. At about 211,200 Miles it blew a head gasket and was towed to the dealership where the owner had it donated to "Rawhide" (our local auto donation charity) and picked out something else on the lot. From there it went to a "wholesaler" who fixed the head gasket and sold it to a dealership, then it went to a gentleman who passed away right after buying it, I bought it from his brother.
I was able to track down and talk with everyone who owned this van (except the dead guy!). The guy who fixed the head gasket said he did a great fix, no short-cuts. The vehicle runs like a top-no leaks-doesn't appear to use any oil at all. Exaust is clean, almost undetectable. Tires/brakes were all new.

My Question: Are there any known trouble areas to watch for on these Express vans or on the 5.7 Vortec with high miles itself.

FYI: I only paid $3,500 figuring if something major went I would just have a Jasper rebuilt engine and/or Transmission installed. But so far-No issues in my 500 Miles!