Chevrolet Beauville

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[edit] 1995 Chevrolet G series Sportvan Beauville

The Chevrolet G series Sportvan Beauville was a full size van produced by Chevrolet for 25 years.

Beauville	Beauville driver's side emblem	Beauville rear driver's side	Beauville front
Beauville with ABS

Produced: 1970-1995

Since its conception in the tail end of the 1960s, the G series has seen very little change. The majority of those changes have been internal. This article will focus mainly on the 1995 Beauville, the last production year.

1 1995 Chevrolet G series Sportvan Beauville

Chevrolet made a superior product with bullet proof reliability. Because the vehicle changed so little and yet was reliable, it became very popular in the high demand workplace. As one example, Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, Illinois) (SHS/ The Patriots)has used three since 1995 into the present year of 2006. These Beauvilles run twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. They consistently haul material, and two are devoted to driving students around off and on campus. The Beauville is their security vehicle of choice due to its reliable powertrain and size.

[edit] Chevrolet engines are built to last.

The engines were the selling points of the Beauvilles when they rolled off the line and still are to this day. The most highly respected is the 5.7 liter gasoline V8, due to its decent fuel economy, extreme durability, and responsiveness. The largest displacement was the 7.4 liter gasoline V8, Chevrolet's famous 454 ci big block V8. This engine is recommended for those that require extreme towing, for this engine can tow a factory recommended 10,000 pounds. However, the 5.7 liter works well for daily application. For fuel economy purposes a 4.3 liter V6 is offered, getting a respectable 14.7 mpg highway. However, it is forced to work hard due to the high curb weight of the vehicle(6660 pounds). Chevrolet also offered, in 1995, a pair of 6.5 liter naturally aspirated diesels, but they lacked the refinement of their gasoline counterparts.

[edit] Engine Specifications:

4.3 liter V6: Horsepower= 165 @4000 rpm Torque=235 lb-ft @2400 rpm

5.7 liter V8: Horsepower= 200 @4000 rpm Torque= 310 @2400 rpm

7.4 liter V8: Horsepower= 230 @4000 rpm Torque= 385 lb-ft @2400 rpm

The 1995 Chevrolet G 20 Sportvan Beauville passenger van came standard with the 4.3 liter V6 with 9.1 compression ratio, overhead valve, and 2 valves per cylinder. Although the G 20 could also have the 5.7 liter V8, it could not have the 7.4 liter V8. The 7.4 liter V8 is exclusive to the G 30. The transmission choices were a 4 speed automatic or a five speed manual for those trying to get some "sport" out of their Sportvan.

[edit] 1995 Standard Beauville Features:

3 Round gauges for the speedometer, fuel level, and oil pressure/battery/water temperature
4 wheel ABS
2 disc brakes and 2 ventilated drums
Wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
Body side molding
Power windows
- the Beauville has Power windows standard in 1995, but not 1994
Power mirrors
- Power mirrors are on the 1995 Beauville, but the regular Sportvan is equipped standard with driver and passenger externally adjustable door mirrors.
Power locks
Cruise control
Tilt steering
Front and rear chrome bumpers
Halogen bulb headlights
Metallic paint
Rear window
Tinted glass
Two-speed windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe
Fixed mast Antenna
Front ashtray
Stereo audio system with AM/FM
Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
Cargo area light
Front seat cigar lighter
Digital clock
Floor full console with covered storage box
Courtesy lights with two switches
Cup holders
Driver front airbag
Reel front seat belts on driver's and passenger's seats
Reel rear seat belts on driver's side and passenger's side
Static seat belt in center seat
Glove compartment with lid
Head restraints on front seats
Power steering
Rear view mirror
Vinyl Seat Upholstery
Seating of 8, all benches are removable
Four speakers
Plastic steering wheel
Ventilation system with four fans

[edit] The Chevrolet G20 Beauville was quite an ungainly box.

[edit] External specifications:

Overall length= 204 inches
Overall Width= 79.5 inches
Overall height= 79.5 inches
Wheelbase= 125 inches
Turning radius= 552 inches
Curb Vehicle weight= 6600 pounds

[edit] 1995 G20 Sportvan Beauville Passenger Van Recalls

November 21, 1994
- The supplemental inflatable Restraint Caution label and an Engine start label were installed on the same side of the Driver's visor. This is not in accordance with FMVS NO. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  - The consequence of this was that the driver may fail to notice and follow the warning labels.
    - 185 Units affected
October 17, 1995
- The sliding side-door rear latch that was improperly riveted. It is not in accordance with FMVS NO. 206, "Door Locks and Door retention components."
  - If the vehicle is involved in a crash the door will not perform as required by the standard.
    - 936 Affected units
May 19, 1999
- Chevrolet and GMC G Vans with sliding side doors that were remedied between July 18, 1997 and February 6, 1999 were installed with a latch that was improperly riveted.
  - If involved in a crash, the door will not perform up to the standards.
    - 282 Units affected
July 19, 1999
- This was a safety improvement campaign, not a true recall, dealing with certain light duty Pickup trucks, SUVs, or Vans equipped with 3-sensor Antilock Braking system EBC4 Units.
  - On certain surfaces the affected vehicles may experience extended stopping distances when abs is engaged, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    - 2400000 affected vehicles, not all G20s.

[edit] Additional Beauville information and conclusion

The safety rating for frontal crash impact is three stars for both driver and passenger. That means a high likelihood of thigh injury, therefore this is considered a safety concern.

The pronunciation of the Beauville is highly disputed, the majority believe it to be pronounced as Boo-Ville.

In conclusion, the production of the G series, and unfortunately the Beauville, stopped in 1995; the replacement van is the Chevrolet Express Van.