Long time lurker with a question or two...

[KidJethro]

Hello from Ft. Stewart, GA.

First off, where's all the 8.1 threads? They seem to be a rare animal. Understandably I suppose, not such a popular motor.

Anyways, this is my truck-



It's a '90 V3500. Currently has a '93 or '94 TBI 454 and TH400. I'm lookin at swappin in an 8.1. Or if the right 6.0 comes along, perhaps I'll go that route. But, for the time being, I'm looking at the 8.1. I've been reading till my eye balls hurt, although there's not much to read on the 8.1 swaps into these trucks. I've read the PDF file article by the wyotech instructor, some good info there as well as some stuff that makes me wonder about wyotech. I've went back a few years on this forum looking for 8.1 stuff to read about, found a thread or two, nothing substantial really.

My truck is just a weekend toy, not a tow rig or work truck. Mileage isn't much of a concern really. Whatever 8.1 I get will be left alone for the most part, other than some kind of simple performance tune.

Can anyone point me at some more stuff to read and educate myself with? Thanks!

[RedHeartbeat]

not sure how many are working with the 8.1 parts but DART just came out with blocks and a set of heads that add 100hp to the beastly boat anchor. Someone needs to cast one out of aluminum.

[2boosted]

Nice ride dude.

May I ask why the swap?

It looks like your ride may need all the torque it can get...and 454ci mods are cheap or in line with L18 ( guessing not to much parts are available for L18)

[pl4yboy]

The 8.1 is a HOG. It's got TQ but for the money spent on the swap, you're better off with a big block (yes I said it). There isn't any info on this site about 8.1s because this is a forum dedicated to LS based motors, which the 8.1 is not. I don't know how much money you're looking to spend, but there are much better options out there for you than the 8.1

[KidJethro]

Why the swap? Old school tech for new school. The TBI 454 was 230hp/380tq. The 8.1= 340hp/450tq. Better driveability, more power, better throttle response...

Besides, I want to do it for the cool factor too.

[KidJethro]

I haven't read anything that makes me feel like an 8.1 swap is gonna cost me more than a 6.0 swap. They seem to be somewhat inline with each other as far as costs. I don't want be constantly tinkering/tuning. Sure, the 6.0 can make as much or more power than the 8.1...but with lots of tuning, cam swaps and other hard part swapping. I'm lookin at dropping in an 8.1 and forgetting about it.

Since my truck is already a big block truck, I wouldn't have to dick around with motor mounts, or flexplate's. One for one swap, 454 out, 8.1 in. The rest is electrical and fuel system stuff. I would think an 8.1 would be better for a truck pushing 8k lbs anyways?

That said, I'm certainly not ruling out a 6.0...if the right LQ9 shows up, then I'd probably go that route. There are a couple on ebay right now, but fairly high mileage. The search continues.

Thanks for all the input.

[kerrige]

Maybe try LKQ or your local junkyards. I like many would think a dirtymax would be sick. The 8.1 hasn't been done so might be cool. Thing is the 6.0 is tried and proven. Also I am not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if you DO have issues motor mounts or flexplate's.

[pl4yboy]

I haven't read anything that makes me feel like an 8.1 swap is gonna cost me more than a 6.0 swap. They seem to be somewhat inline with each other as far as costs. I don't want be constantly tinkering/tuning. Sure, the 6.0 can make as much or more power than the 8.1...but with lots of tuning, cam swaps and other hard part swapping. I'm lookin at dropping in an 8.1 and forgetting about it.

Since my truck is already a big block truck, I wouldn't have to dick around with motor mounts, or flexplate's. One for one swap, 454 out, 8.1 in. The rest is electrical and fuel system stuff. I would think an 8.1 would be better for a truck pushing 8k lbs anyways?

That said, I'm certainly not ruling out a 6.0...if the right LQ9 shows up, then I'd probably go that route. There are a couple on ebay right now, but fairly high mileage. The search continues.

Thanks for all the input.

Oh I definitely wasn't suggesting you stick with the TBI 454. The 8.1 just has zero aftermarket down the road and gets the worst MPG ever. I realize thats not exactly what you're looking for, but every little bit helps these days. If I was going to go with a big block I would convert to a nice, mildy built 454. I would expect an 8.1 swap to be along the same lines of difficulty as an LS swap. Slightly more mechanical on the 6.0 swap. I'm not trying to sway you of course, just giving my opinion. You know what they say about opinions...

[92 6.0]

I've got a buddy that swapped one in his 89 1ton. He took out a mild 454 and he said the 8.1 made it look like a small block power wise. He pulls a stock trailer loaded with no problems at all.