2001 conversion van, 318 46re - trans and engine getting tired. I use van mainly for road trips. Thinking about engine and trans Rebuild or Retro with newer Model trans and engine. Not sure if Retro with newer trans and engine is a big problem or not, maybe Retro has been done and not a problem, Thoughts to this undertaking would be greatly appreciated.

 

Problem with a newer engine and trans, is convince the driveline electronics to talk to the rest of the van. It ranges from merely 'rather difficult', to 'impossible'. A lot changed over the years. On your 01, even the friggin gas gauge is told what to do by the PCM...... So, easiest would be stick with a 318/46RE. If you want a bit more power, and slightly worse fuel economy, could go with a 5.9/46RE..... Then just flash the computer for the larger engine.