V8 (5.2) swapping a van

"Shorties" have no panel between the front door and the side door.

I believe that's what we see in the pic.

We've had several 3.9's in Dakotas and they seem to be inconsistent with power.
A couple have been almost as strong as a 5.2 and a few have been WAY less powerful.
I don't even think it was related to mileage or care.

5.2 OTOH is pretty consistent.

I see 90's vans cheap around here.

I wonder if a 70's grill and fenders would bolt on?
That van body didn't change much during it's really long run.