These 8100's are unbeatable and super reliable at least in my experience with them. I own a few GMC Trucks with them with the 3 different transmissions offered (4L80, 6 spd manual & Allison) all in 4x4 and my daily driver is the 2002 extended cab dually with the 8.1/Allison combo and Im just over 700k miles and still pulls like day one. Of coarse I take really good care of it that when people see it they dont think it has that kind of mileage. Lol. Great video and Im glad to see more about these old Beasts👍
I Have a 2001 suburban with 330k miles I've towed with it since new love it I think I'm rebuilding it transmission went pullingba heavy load engine still going strong
I have a 2001 Chevy HD2500 worth the 8.1 in it. Love it- wont Ever part with it. 283k miles and going strong. Have pulled 26,000# up big hills in California and the same now in West Virginia! Love it!!
You're right about some people asking for ridiculous prices.. I just got a 8.1 2001 chevy 3500 dually 4x4 with the allison trans. Paid 3400 with 388k miles, the truck looks as if it has around 100k miles of normal usage. I mean just the dual camera setup, stereo, new tires all around and a super heavy duty tow hitch probably cost about $2k... I think i got a good deal on a solid engine with a good condition truck.. I will do minor repairs to get my new beauty to a better shape and pull a home made travel trailer along with the bed loaded with random things.
In 2002 my wife came home with a 2500 Avalanche with the 8.1L I told her she was dumb for buying such a big truck/motor. Boy was I wrong, this truck is a beast. We still have it. It has 200,000 miles on it and is still strong as hell. I now wish we bought 2 of them..lol. Only downfall is it burns oil. Seems to need a qt per month, but that's common for this motor. I would like to see an aftermarket cool air intake for this beast. Thanks for posting!
Got 02 avalanche 2500 8.1 put almost 300k on it and hasn’t missed a beat. Will pass everything but a gas station but I love. So much so that I bought and 8.1 motor and transmission just in case whenever this one is ready to go, got another on deck
I've got a 2500 HD 01 GMC Sierra with an 8.1 I now have 321,000 on it and just now starting to replace original parts such as cab mounts carrier bearing ball joints wheel bearings and such as the engine goes just now had to replace the mass air flow sensor and the sensor on my gas pedal other than that runs like a champ and I'm a Ford guy until I got this engine. No I'm not saying I'm a Chevy guy, but this engine I'm impressed
I bought mine 5 year's ago with 8 foot bed extended 8.1 thing is a beast k&n cold air filter lol throttle body spacer get 10 in city 13.8 on highway put edge programmer on it this bad boy will light the tires up with 33's I love and its my daily .
I picked up my 02' silverado 2500hd 8.1 w/Allison 4wd ext cab long bed for $5500 with zero rust here in CA last year. 225k miles, It has a dents in the bed and a few scratches but the the cab is perfect. Put on new tires, brakes, engine mounts, crank sensor, and recently a hydroboost unit. Needs shocks and front end work but a solid truck as it is now.
We have a 8.1 big block a 2001 with Allison transmission. With 352,000 miles. She has towed her whole life and has idled for many of day providing AC for our now “deceased “ K-9 “ dog. She’s an amazing truck and still makes us money today. I wouldn’t trade her for any of these “pos” trucks today. Lol.
3 1/2 years ago I bought my 2004 Chevy 3500 8.1 ,5 speed Allison 4.10 rear gears crewcab long bed 4x4. It had 237k now it has 263k engine runs like a new one. I have replaced front right wheel bearing and front end parts and wheel alignment and 4 new heavy duty shocks. Drives great it stays hooked up to my 24ft gooseneck hauling hay or tractors. At times pulling 22,000 lbs which includes the gooseneck that weighs 5,500lbs. I love the ride and the stability with 6 tires on the pavement. I have a very nice 2001 Chevy 2500HD Excab 4x4 Duramax lb7 3.73’s rear gears with only 93,000 miles with a K&N cold air breather and tow tuner so it’s pushing around 325hp and 600 lbs toque compared to the 8.1 330hp and 450lbs toque , I still rather use the 04 Chevy 3500 8.1 to haul the heavy loads. It just feels safer in a 3500 compared to a 2500HD even though my Duramax lb7 has more hp and toque. Hardly ever use the Duramax to haul loads , I do have a 25ft 5th wheel camper that it tows that’s mainly why I have it. I do have another 1999 2500 Chevy 4x4 with the 6.0 gas it’s mostly my daily driver and also farm work truck it got 212,000 miles . Then I got a 1999 Nissan Frontier Excab 4 cly 5 speed 2wd. that I hit a deer in it so I am looking for some front end parts, so I can start driving it again it get 26 mpg highway. My Duramax gets 23 mpg highway; my 8.1 gets 10 mpg highway; my 6.0 gets 14 mpg highway.. wanting to put a K&N cold air breather on my 8.1 hoping it w help on the mpg.
Wow that’s wild. The 04 Chevy does better than the duramax. That’s pretty interesting and really cool that it can also pull the goose neck and then some
Love the 8.1 I have a 2002 gmc Sierra 3500 with the Alison transmission, only down size is the 25 gallon fuel tank kinda a pain when traveling so I put a 90 gallon gas compatible transfer tank in it and can go about 1000 miles before i have to fill everything back up.
I have a 2001 crew cab long bed, almost 200k miles, and it will pull a house off its foundation. I really want to put some performance parts on it but probably need a complete rebuild , then High-end performance parts.
Well I'd like more torque and more HP, probably a bigger crank shaft, a bigger cam and some performance exhaust, ... What do you guys recommend? Lol I would really like to keep this truck, It cost more than my first house. The body and frame are clean. I plan on lifting it and putting some pizza cutters on it, I spend alot if my year in winter.
I probably need a complete rebuild. Still runs great, but has lots of miles, .. I figure if I do the right rebuild/upgrade it will last me the rest of my life.
I've had my 2001 Silverado 8.1 since I was 18 and I will die with this truck. I've driven a 2006 Duramax and it didn't impress me. I chuckled when you compared the 8.1 to a 5.3 because the 8.1 makes it seem like a V6 lol. Will pull anything you hook up to it it's just going to drink a lot of gas. 6-10mpg on the interstate depending what you're pulling. 13 unloaded. The Allison transmission makes it so much better as well. Also if you actually look at a dyno sheet it makes more torque down low than early generation diesels which is impressive for a gas truck. I managed to snag mine up with 120k miles. All the ones I've seen have been 220k-300k+ and then one with 20k miles but it was almost $25,000
I live in California and finding an old kodiak service truck with the diesel is a lost cause. DMV no longer renews registration unless the truck has the Monroe truck bed conversion. All dump trucks and similar outfitted trucks are being sold to people in AZ or other states. I’m thinking of upgrading my current 5.3 camping rig to an 8.1 only cause it’s just less hassle when it comes to dmv. Obviously I’d prefer a diesel, but the hassle and unknown of what else dmv will ask just isn’t worth it for someone in my situation and need. So I’m in the researching phase and will likely buy a used uhaul 8.1 and strip it down to fit my camping needs.
I have a 02 that I bought in 06 that had 22k on it. It now has 257k on it and all I have done to it is replace the water pump twice. At 200k I thought I should look for another truck and bought a duramax. MONEY PIT !!!!!! So I bought a second 8.1 and now have both and love them. I am now depressed because the second truck is not holding its reliability as the first has. Nothing wrong with the motor, just the truck. Replacing it with a respectable amount of miles is going to be expensive because people are realizing other than the fuel mileage these old motors are the ticket, not as fast as a hot duramax, but will do the job more efficiently in the long run. Long live the Big Block Chevy
I just bought my 1st 8.1 after selling my 6.7 cummins. Got to the point i couldnt afford to drive that 6.7 without cringing. Loved the truck and had all the power you wanted but i needed something that ran on pump gas. I hope this was a good choice? Ill soon see
I just bought an 2002 avalanche 2500 , 77k miles Southern rust free truck , pretty nice , 8.1-GT5 ( 4:10) axle , 4wd . This vehicle is amazing. Looking into a mpg/power tuner. I had a hyper Tec in my 2005 duramax years ago . Was pleased with it, any thoughts or recommendations for the avalanche? Considering a 2-3” body lift. It drives so nice I don’t want to. Loose that ! Thanks for any info you can share !
That's a unit! 8.1's are rare and Quadrasteer on a 3/4 ton is even rarer. I have a 02' 8.1 w/ Allison 1000 4wd ext cab long bed, great trucks. I get 10 hwy 8 city on 265/75R16's with 5w40 synthetic oil.
UPS trucks ran them for years. Came in kodiak trucks also. Gm sold rights to a European company that still makes them. They are used to run oil pumps in the Russian cold areas they run them 24 hours a day only stopping them once a month or longer for oil changes. The 8.1 was designed for commercial duty. Very over built. I drive 04hd2500 daily with flat bed and full front conversion(bumper) . Weighs 8100 . Plus pull trailers all over country. Fuel mileage bad but they are extremely reliable. Friends have them also mine has 148k there’s have 220k and350k motors never been out on any only standard service. Gaskets etc... they came with 4l80e trans and the Allison was option. Allison option cost more than motor. 8.1 upgrade was only 600$ I believe and trans was 1500$. Love mine.
I had a 2002 gmc 2500hd crew cab with the 8.1 and Allison combo. Man what a truck…..i sold it🤦♂️…wish i had it back. Stout motor. Hard to beat. Gas mileage isnt good…i had the 3:73 rearend..10mpg..4:10 would be worse than the 3:73….the one i had was Definitely a workhorse…ive had a lly/6.2 vortec/6.0 vortec since then….like to have a 8.1 back. Feels like a truck should.
The only problem I have had with my 8.1 is the intake manifold bolts will vibrate loose causing truck to die when it heats up but after cools will start right up but will die again you get the picture it will trip check engine light it will drive you crazy trying to figure it out so tighten intake bolts or do like I did and use some lock tight fixed issue mine truck is 01 Chevy 3500 with 142000 it’s my toy wife says I love it more than her I said yep never gives me crap or says no I have replaced interior with Katskin leather all stainless steel lines brake and fuel lines braided lines to wheels live in rust belt fixed rockers with new ones and fresh paint hood as new
The 8.1 is a great motor, but gets pretty lousy gas mileage, so it couldn't compete with the Duramax trucks. Diesel was the thing to have when these trucks were being built. That said, I just got done swapping an 8.1 into my Squarebody Suburban, and it is everything I wanted it to be. One of the advantages to the 8.1 is that while it doesn't share heads with the 454, it is basically a Gen 7 Big Block. It uses the old school GM SBC/BBC motor mounts OR the newer LS style mounts. Because the block is basically the same (with a taller deck height to accommodate the longer stroke), it will bolt to every transmission GM ever made or put behind their engines, from a Power Glide to an Allison. The PCM is an LS PCM, and so the swap is basically an LS Swap from the wiring perspective, and even easier from the motor mount perspective if you're swapping into an older GM. You can actually run one of these with a 5.3 tune, although there are some differences that have to be accounted for in the actual wiring harness. There are a couple of extra sensors, and some of the connectors are different. But I was able to successfully blend the original 8.1 harness with a 5.3 harness for the 4l80 swap, and it works great. Oh, and while peak numbers are good to know, my favorite number on this motor is 300 ft/lb at IDLE. I wouldn't put one in my C1500, but for the V2500 Suburban I have? Hell Yes!
it's all.cool, I figured they are. I just gave you a subscribe. and I just watched part one. its sick and hell.. idk how you didnt have a mental break down. I'm going to binge watch the rest tomorrow
I mean, it could be a bearing that’s worn. Put thicker oil, see if it goes away. Or disconnect one fuel injector at a time to see if the noise goes away. It will also tell you which cylinder has the slap
I have an Avalanche with this engine - bought it new. I still love it, although our family needs have changed and it is no longer my tow vehicle. No, it is not for sale. :)
replace the iron heads with aluminum aftermarket heads and you'll take 90+lbs off the engine. I'm currently working on a 8.1L (very slowly) to swap into my 2011 camaro. I like the LS3 that comes with the camaro but I'm going to swap that into my work truck and put the 8.1 into the camaro and make it into a torque monster.
I was thinking about maybe an 8.1 swap when my 5.3 dies but I wouldn't have the 1 ton axle and leaf springs in the rear. All around heavier duty application, so I feel like it would just make more sense to get a 2500? You would need the 4l80e too
@@Kingcustomz yeah exactly. But I feel like my avalanche has plenty of power for doing whatever I need it to do. It's definitely not underpowered and it's done decent on some intermediate trails. I dont rock this thing though she ain't made for that lol. Not yet at least, still stock suspension. Going for more of an overland style
These 8100's are unbeatable and super reliable at least in my experience with them. I own a few GMC Trucks with them with the 3 different transmissions offered (4L80, 6 spd manual & Allison) all in 4x4 and my daily driver is the 2002 extended cab dually with the 8.1/Allison combo and Im just over 700k miles and still pulls like day one. Of coarse I take really good care of it that when people see it they dont think it has that kind of mileage. Lol. Great video and Im glad to see more about these old Beasts👍
Oh wow man, I really want to get an 8.1.... allison transmission, pretty cool 🙂🙂🙂
I Have a 2001 suburban with 330k miles I've towed with it since new love it I think I'm rebuilding it transmission went pullingba heavy load engine still going strong
@@Kingcustomz I have what u looking for
damn brother that's sweet, and you owned it sincd new
show me 😂😂
I have a 2001 Chevy HD2500 worth the 8.1 in it.
Love it- wont Ever part with it. 283k miles and going strong. Have pulled 26,000# up big hills in California and the same now in West Virginia! Love it!!
sweet, chevy strong!
Bro I’m a WV BOY TOOO. U GO BRO
I believe that company you're thinking of is Raylar. Whipple makes a supercharger for it too.
I believe you are correct, thank you for that!
I saw a 90-something Ford diesel dually at a dealership for 40k. People have lost their minds.
i was just talking about this to someone, you are right
You're right about some people asking for ridiculous prices..
I just got a 8.1 2001 chevy 3500 dually 4x4 with the allison trans. Paid 3400 with 388k miles, the truck looks as if it has around 100k miles of normal usage. I mean just the dual camera setup, stereo, new tires all around and a super heavy duty tow hitch probably cost about $2k...
I think i got a good deal on a solid engine with a good condition truck..
I will do minor repairs to get my new beauty to a better shape and pull a home made travel trailer along with the bed loaded with random things.
yeah seems like a sweet deal. those engines last long man
In 2002 my wife came home with a 2500 Avalanche with the 8.1L
I told her she was dumb for buying such a big truck/motor. Boy was I wrong, this truck is a beast. We still have it. It has 200,000 miles on it and is still strong as hell.
I now wish we bought 2 of them..lol. Only downfall is it burns oil. Seems to need a qt per month, but that's common for this motor.
I would like to see an aftermarket cool air intake for this beast. Thanks for posting!
yes sir, thank you for watching and it also takes a very strong man to admit when he is wrong. keep that attitude up
Ya mine burns oil but it only gets really low when it's time to do oil change so I'm fine with it
I have two 8.1 engines. One is now an 8.8 with 700 horsepower. I love these engines very much.
God dang 8.8 😳😳😳😳
Raylar made my 8.1 a Monster ! 572 killer motor!
sweet dude, do you have any picsm
Got 02 avalanche 2500 8.1 put almost 300k on it and hasn’t missed a beat. Will pass everything but a gas station but I love. So much so that I bought and 8.1 motor and transmission just in case whenever this one is ready to go, got another on deck
That is real love lol
I've got a 2500 HD 01 GMC Sierra with an 8.1 I now have 321,000 on it and just now starting to replace original parts such as cab mounts carrier bearing ball joints wheel bearings and such as the engine goes just now had to replace the mass air flow sensor and the sensor on my gas pedal other than that runs like a champ and I'm a Ford guy until I got this engine. No I'm not saying I'm a Chevy guy, but this engine I'm impressed
Well I’m glad you are open minded and enjoy both brands ☺️
I bought mine 5 year's ago with 8 foot bed extended 8.1 thing is a beast k&n cold air filter lol throttle body spacer get 10 in city 13.8 on highway put edge programmer on it this bad boy will light the tires up with 33's I love and its my daily .
Dang that’s your daily? Your wallet probably cries when it’s time to fill up 😂😂
@@Kingcustomz I delivered pizzas in my 8.1 for a few months 😂
Jeez, that tip money went straight to gas 😭😭😭
@@Kingcustomz like 20% of it I'd say lol
Well that’s not entirely bad lol
I picked up my 02' silverado 2500hd 8.1 w/Allison 4wd ext cab long bed for $5500 with zero rust here in CA last year. 225k miles, It has a dents in the bed and a few scratches but the the cab is perfect. Put on new tires, brakes, engine mounts, crank sensor, and recently a hydroboost unit. Needs shocks and front end work but a solid truck as it is now.
sweet, those trucks are such a beast
We have a 8.1 big block a 2001 with Allison transmission. With 352,000 miles. She has towed her whole life and has idled for many of day providing AC for our now “deceased “ K-9 “ dog. She’s an amazing truck and still makes us money today. I wouldn’t trade her for any of these “pos” trucks today. Lol.
i love that , i gotta find me one =)
@@Kingcustomzyou should. You’ll love it. It’s a very well built hoss of a motor and will pull mountains over….while pulling a trailer lol
3 1/2 years ago I bought my 2004 Chevy 3500 8.1 ,5 speed Allison 4.10 rear gears crewcab long bed 4x4. It had 237k now it has 263k engine runs like a new one. I have replaced front right wheel bearing and front end parts and wheel alignment and 4 new heavy duty shocks. Drives great it stays hooked up to my 24ft gooseneck hauling hay or tractors. At times pulling 22,000 lbs which includes the gooseneck that weighs 5,500lbs. I love the ride and the stability with 6 tires on the pavement. I have a very nice 2001 Chevy 2500HD Excab 4x4 Duramax lb7 3.73’s rear gears with only 93,000 miles with a K&N cold air breather and tow tuner so it’s pushing around 325hp and 600 lbs toque compared to the 8.1 330hp and 450lbs toque , I still rather use the 04 Chevy 3500 8.1 to haul the heavy loads. It just feels safer in a 3500 compared to a 2500HD even though my Duramax lb7 has more hp and toque. Hardly ever use the Duramax to haul loads , I do have a 25ft 5th wheel camper that it tows that’s mainly why I have it. I do have another 1999 2500 Chevy 4x4 with the 6.0 gas it’s mostly my daily driver and also farm work truck it got 212,000 miles . Then I got a 1999 Nissan Frontier Excab 4 cly 5 speed 2wd. that I hit a deer in it so I am looking for some front end parts, so I can start driving it again it get 26 mpg highway. My Duramax gets 23 mpg highway; my 8.1 gets 10 mpg highway; my 6.0 gets 14 mpg highway.. wanting to put a K&N cold air breather on my 8.1 hoping it w help on the mpg.
Wow that’s wild. The 04 Chevy does better than the duramax. That’s pretty interesting and really cool that it can also pull the goose neck and then some
Love the 8.1 I have a 2002 gmc Sierra 3500 with the Alison transmission, only down size is the 25 gallon fuel tank kinda a pain when traveling so I put a 90 gallon gas compatible transfer tank in it and can go about 1000 miles before i have to fill everything back up.
damnnn, you just gave me a great idea for a video!
@@Kingcustomz if you ever want to see my set up let me know and I'll send you some pictures of the tank
@@bonniestobaugh4522 yes, I definitely do. send them to me please
@@Kingcustomz just trying to figure out how to pictures
send them to me either at sookwahryan@gmail.com. or on instagram at king__customz
I'm interested in these motors cause my dad just got a 04 Chevy avalanche 2500 with a 8.1
sweet thats a beast of a truck
The 8.1 (Marine version) is rated at 375 hp or the H.O. version at 425 hp from Mercruiser...
okok thats good to know, thank you
I have a 2001 crew cab long bed, almost 200k miles, and it will pull a house off its foundation. I really want to put some performance parts on it but probably need a complete rebuild , then High-end performance parts.
Oh sweet, what kind of performance are we talking?
Well I'd like more torque and more HP, probably a bigger crank shaft, a bigger cam and some performance exhaust, ...
What do you guys recommend?
Lol I would really like to keep this truck, It cost more than my first house. The body and frame are clean. I plan on lifting it and putting some pizza cutters on it, I spend alot if my year in winter.
Where are you guys located?
I probably need a complete rebuild. Still runs great, but has lots of miles, ..
I figure if I do the right rebuild/upgrade it will last me the rest of my life.
Heck yeah it will definitely last you a while. Do it right once, and keep it running for a long time to come
Good choice brother!! I love mine too!
I found my 8.1 in a 2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500
yeah these avalanches are tough.
oh sweet. they are great motors
I've had my 2001 Silverado 8.1 since I was 18 and I will die with this truck. I've driven a 2006 Duramax and it didn't impress me. I chuckled when you compared the 8.1 to a 5.3 because the 8.1 makes it seem like a V6 lol. Will pull anything you hook up to it it's just going to drink a lot of gas. 6-10mpg on the interstate depending what you're pulling. 13 unloaded. The Allison transmission makes it so much better as well. Also if you actually look at a dyno sheet it makes more torque down low than early generation diesels which is impressive for a gas truck. I managed to snag mine up with 120k miles. All the ones I've seen have been 220k-300k+ and then one with 20k miles but it was almost $25,000
sweet man, i like that.... i should've gotten an 8.1 in the beginning but i love mine lol
@@Kingcustomz 5.3's are great engines too, don't get me wrong lol
Oh yes they are, 8.1 are awesome as well
I got mine (2500HD, 8.1 with Allison) in 2001 with 11 miles on it. I currently have 165k on it. It has been rock solid it’s entire life. Love it
Sweet, they are great trucks
Raylar is the company that offers performance parts for the 8.1.
Yes sir, raylor is correct.
I live in California and finding an old kodiak service truck with the diesel is a lost cause. DMV no longer renews registration unless the truck has the Monroe truck bed conversion. All dump trucks and similar outfitted trucks are being sold to people in AZ or other states. I’m thinking of upgrading my current 5.3 camping rig to an 8.1 only cause it’s just less hassle when it comes to dmv. Obviously I’d prefer a diesel, but the hassle and unknown of what else dmv will ask just isn’t worth it for someone in my situation and need. So I’m in the researching phase and will likely buy a used uhaul 8.1 and strip it down to fit my camping needs.
Wow California has some dumb rules with cars and trucks. Yeah definitely that seems sick or a school bus 😳
I have a 02 that I bought in 06 that had 22k on it. It now has 257k on it and all I have done to it is replace the water pump twice. At 200k I thought I should look for another truck and bought a duramax. MONEY PIT !!!!!! So I bought a second 8.1 and now have both and love them. I am now depressed because the second truck is not holding its reliability as the first has. Nothing wrong with the motor, just the truck. Replacing it with a respectable amount of miles is going to be expensive because people are realizing other than the fuel mileage these old motors are the ticket, not as fast as a hot duramax, but will do the job more efficiently in the long run.
Long live the Big Block Chevy
Oh heck yeah for sure the older motors hold up way better than the ones we have today
I just bought my 1st 8.1 after selling my 6.7 cummins. Got to the point i couldnt afford to drive that 6.7 without cringing. Loved the truck and had all the power you wanted but i needed something that ran on pump gas. I hope this was a good choice? Ill soon see
the 2500 is a beast, basically is a diesel without being a diesel
I just bought an 2002 avalanche 2500 , 77k miles
Southern rust free truck , pretty nice , 8.1-GT5 ( 4:10) axle , 4wd . This vehicle is amazing.
Looking into a mpg/power tuner.
I had a hyper Tec in my 2005 duramax years ago .
Was pleased with it, any thoughts or recommendations for the avalanche? Considering a 2-3” body lift.
It drives so nice I don’t want to. Loose that !
Thanks for any info you can share !
Tried to add a pic
Wasn’t able too?
I’ll look into the lift kits and get back to yah.
You can send it to my email. Sookwahryan@gmail
Ok
=)
Love it personally. All but the gas mileage. I get 9 highway stock. (2004 Suburban 2500HD Quadrasteer 4.10 8.1L/Allison Trans and 4x4)
I really want to get one
That's a unit! 8.1's are rare and Quadrasteer on a 3/4 ton is even rarer. I have a 02' 8.1 w/ Allison 1000 4wd ext cab long bed, great trucks. I get 10 hwy 8 city on 265/75R16's with 5w40 synthetic oil.
dang dude. they are hard to find..
Did you swap in the Allison yourself?
🧐🧐
Does the 2006 Superbane bring a 6-speed transmission?
I’m not even sure what that is lol
@@Kingcustomz Suburban 8.1 liter Allison?
Lmaooo I’m not sure hahaha
UPS trucks ran them for years. Came in kodiak trucks also. Gm sold rights to a European company that still makes them. They are used to run oil pumps in the Russian cold areas they run them 24 hours a day only stopping them once a month or longer for oil changes. The 8.1 was designed for commercial duty. Very over built. I drive 04hd2500 daily with flat bed and full front conversion(bumper) . Weighs 8100 . Plus pull trailers all over country. Fuel mileage bad but they are extremely reliable. Friends have them also mine has 148k there’s have 220k and350k motors never been out on any only standard service. Gaskets etc... they came with 4l80e trans and the Allison was option. Allison option cost more than motor. 8.1 upgrade was only 600$ I believe and trans was 1500$. Love mine.
Woah, I never knew any of that. Really cool information.
I wish I had one
I had a 2002 gmc 2500hd crew cab with the 8.1 and Allison combo. Man what a truck…..i sold it🤦♂️…wish i had it back. Stout motor. Hard to beat. Gas mileage isnt good…i had the 3:73 rearend..10mpg..4:10 would be worse than the 3:73….the one i had was Definitely a workhorse…ive had a lly/6.2 vortec/6.0 vortec since then….like to have a 8.1 back. Feels like a truck should.
Heck yeah, it’s the competition to a diesel in gas form lol.. maybe one day you will get it back 🥺
@@Kingcustomz i want one back!!!! Trying to sell my 6.0 vortec truck!
They are kind of hard to find
Is it possible for the 8.1 to go in a 80-84 oldsmobile 88 / or 2dr tahoe' Yukon 'blazer?
in todays age anything is possible
@@Kingcustomz have you came across any videos with G bodies with one in them?
I have not
Do you know if a 2004 Suburban 8.1L engine fit in a 2001 Suburban 8.1L engine without any modifications or hassle???.... thanks
It should be the same exact frame
It should fit without an issue
Apparently Raylar heads gives you better mileage how much I’m not sure but considering you can get around 8-10 mpg seems kinda decent
Hmm that is good to know
Rylar makes great parts for the 496
yes Tyler is a good company 🙂
The only problem I have had with my 8.1 is the intake manifold bolts will vibrate loose causing truck to die when it heats up but after cools will start right up but will die again you get the picture it will trip check engine light it will drive you crazy trying to figure it out so tighten intake bolts or do like I did and use some lock tight fixed issue mine truck is 01 Chevy 3500 with 142000 it’s my toy wife says I love it more than her I said yep never gives me crap or says no I have replaced interior with Katskin leather all stainless steel lines brake and fuel lines braided lines to wheels live in rust belt fixed rockers with new ones and fresh paint hood as new
hell yeah, I wouldve done the same.. medium strength lock tight... thats whats up man... and hahahhaha your poor wife..😂
I’m buying a suburban 8.1 any advice
I can make a video for you
make sure there isnt any weird engine sounds, no check engine lights. test drive! check for frame rust. check oil and coolant levels.
I have an 8.1 I bought but I realized the parts for them are harder to get your hands on an I'd never be able to feed the hungry beast
Heck yeah they are scarce 😳
The 8.1 is a great motor, but gets pretty lousy gas mileage, so it couldn't compete with the Duramax trucks. Diesel was the thing to have when these trucks were being built. That said, I just got done swapping an 8.1 into my Squarebody Suburban, and it is everything I wanted it to be. One of the advantages to the 8.1 is that while it doesn't share heads with the 454, it is basically a Gen 7 Big Block. It uses the old school GM SBC/BBC motor mounts OR the newer LS style mounts. Because the block is basically the same (with a taller deck height to accommodate the longer stroke), it will bolt to every transmission GM ever made or put behind their engines, from a Power Glide to an Allison. The PCM is an LS PCM, and so the swap is basically an LS Swap from the wiring perspective, and even easier from the motor mount perspective if you're swapping into an older GM. You can actually run one of these with a 5.3 tune, although there are some differences that have to be accounted for in the actual wiring harness. There are a couple of extra sensors, and some of the connectors are different. But I was able to successfully blend the original 8.1 harness with a 5.3 harness for the 4l80 swap, and it works great. Oh, and while peak numbers are good to know, my favorite number on this motor is 300 ft/lb at IDLE. I wouldn't put one in my C1500, but for the V2500 Suburban I have? Hell Yes!
you just taught me so much, that's pretty cool with the wire harness very creative...do you have pictures?
@@Kingcustomz check out my channel. I did videos for the full build, start to finish.
hey did you delete your comment. ill.check your channel.out for sure
I did not. YT has been acting weird for the last day or so. Comments are screwy.
it's all.cool, I figured they are. I just gave you a subscribe. and I just watched part one. its sick and hell.. idk how you didnt have a mental break down. I'm going to binge watch the rest tomorrow
dose anyone have the piston slap noise!? alot of ppl say it's no big deal!?
I mean, it could be a bearing that’s worn. Put thicker oil, see if it goes away. Or disconnect one fuel injector at a time to see if the noise goes away. It will also tell you which cylinder has the slap
Going to attempt to put a 8.1 in my 82 s10
Let me know how that goes. Get it beo
What to swap a vortec 8100 in my car
Do it! That would be wild
No low ballers.... I know what I got !
Hahahahah I know what I got !😂😂😂
My 2005 has 82,000 on it. I think it will last me a long while yet.
Oh heck yeah it was last you very long
Duramax KILLER!
yeah for sure
I have an Avalanche with this engine - bought it new. I still love it, although our family needs have changed and it is no longer my tow vehicle. No, it is not for sale. :)
hahhah sweet dude, its hard to find these
replace the iron heads with aluminum aftermarket heads and you'll take 90+lbs off the engine. I'm currently working on a 8.1L (very slowly) to swap into my 2011 camaro. I like the LS3 that comes with the camaro but I'm going to swap that into my work truck and put the 8.1 into the camaro and make it into a torque monster.
oh sweet, let me see that
@@Kingcustomz I'll make a video once I'm done with the build and editing.
sweet, I'd love to see it. make it and I'll post it on my channel
Still working on it? I found 8.1 for 1k.
I'm not sure, I havent recieved any videos from him yet lol
How does this review help anyone?
seems like it helped many people before you. what doesn't help you might help another
@@Kingcustomz touche
😂😂
I was thinking about maybe an 8.1 swap when my 5.3 dies but I wouldn't have the 1 ton axle and leaf springs in the rear. All around heavier duty application, so I feel like it would just make more sense to get a 2500? You would need the 4l80e too
Oh yeah definitely, it would probably be cheaper to buy a 2500.... time invested and parts.you know
@@Kingcustomz yeah exactly. But I feel like my avalanche has plenty of power for doing whatever I need it to do. It's definitely not underpowered and it's done decent on some intermediate trails. I dont rock this thing though she ain't made for that lol. Not yet at least, still stock suspension. Going for more of an overland style
damn that's is what's up! what kind of suspension you thinking about looking into
Sweeett
496 ci bought one new in o2 sold it with 309k
sweet
Joliet ill I know we're there are 5 of them Washington St scrap yard
woah really, these are hard to come by
Just bought one thats clean for 5k
that not bad, whats the mileage
I guess you did not own the 8.1 and are talking about the engine???..... I don't know, man.... You only have the second hand experience...
I did not own the 8.1 but I did research things about the motor. Give me some of your first hand experience please 😬
Raylar
there you go lol, thank you!
Rylar makes performance parts for the 8.1
yessir