[truckster]

I've pulled engines from vans several times. It's easier if you're planning to junk the van. Use a sawzall to give yourself room. When I've pulled engines in vans I was keeping, I hooked the chain over the arm on my engine hoist to give it a little more room.

The L31 is a great engine. If it's in good shape, it would definitely be worthwhile. You'll need the flexplate, and if you're going to run a carb you'll need a manifold. The block may or may not be drilled for a mechanical fuel pump - if there's a block-off plate, it's been drilled. However, the cam may not have a fuel pump eccentric. That's OK, though, because a HT383 cam will have an eccentric and wake that engine up.