8.1 swap?

[Rand Man]

Has anyone here swapped the big vortec 8.1 496 into a TBI truck? I have a 1989 GMC k1500. I have driven a k3500 with the 8.1 and like it. I know the simple answer is why not go with a LS 6.0.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I haven't, but there's no reason why you couldn't really. There's a local one, an L29, complete with harness and ECU for like 700 bucks.

It would drop onto your mounts and fit just fine, it would be a pretty easy swap.

The only real hangup is the 1500, your 10 bolt and 700R4 would die sooner than later. Dropping in a 4l80 at the same time and a SF 14B would be pretty easy as well, not much you can do about the front diff though.

So, in theory, it should be pretty straightforward, only taking time and money.

 

[Ckeene]

I have a 8.1 in my 02 truck with a stick shift. And my wife's Avalanche has a 8.1. We both really like the engine. I say go for it.