One problem related to ignition switch has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I seem to be experiencing the exact kind of ignition switch malfunction that has been the cause of the massive gm recall this year. The only problem is that the recall doesn't seem to go back to 1997. This problem has occurred numerous times since it first started to happen a week or so ago. The engine and everything electrical just shuts off for no reason. It has happened at highway speeds, at parking lot speeds, driving around town, and even parked at idle. It just up and dies for a second or two, followed by all the warning lights coming on like you had just turned the key back on. Seems to me like the gm ignition switch recall should be expanded to include older vehicles that were apparently affected as well as the ones already on the list.