488 8.0l GM Crate Motor -- Any experience?

[1952Chevy]

Recently concluded the L29 454 in my 99 K2500 burb is dead. Looking at options for a replacement, and one that really piques my interest is the 488 Crate Engine. It's a tall deck big block built with towing in mind. I have seen a few posts here and there where it was mentioned. I was curious if anyone here has actually utilized this motor in their vehicle.

 

[someotherguy]

Haven't used one and haven't heard of anybody that has; seems like a decent boost in power over the L29 but I wonder what it really makes using the L29 intake, injectors, etc. since the numbers they claim appear to have been achieved using a carb intake and unknown actual fuel delivery method. They only mentioned that GMPP 88961161 intake was used in development, which is a single plane 4 barrel carb intake. I'd wonder what specific combination was used to reach the advertised 375HP/475tq, and what grade of fuel considering the 9.9:1 CR

Richard

 

[1952Chevy]

Haven't used one and haven't heard of anybody that has; seems like a decent boost in power over the L29 but I wonder what it really makes using the L29 intake, injectors, etc. since the numbers they claim appear to have been achieved using a carb intake and unknown actual fuel delivery method. They only mentioned that GMPP 88961161 intake was used in development, which is a single plane 4 barrel carb intake. I'd wonder what specific combination was used to reach the advertised 375HP/475tq, and what grade of fuel considering the 9.9:1 CR

Richard

My thoughts as well. Seems like it could be a great improvement, but there are so many unknowns at the moment. Multiple forums popped up where people mentioned it as an option, but none that I have found where anyone actually installed it and ran it.

 

[1952Chevy]

This is the only article related to applications of this motor I can find.

 

[618 Syndicate]

They're proud of it....
.030 over 454 with a 1/4" stroke.
You can get a crate 8.1 for considerably less coin.

 

[someotherguy]

They're proud of it....
.030 over 454 with a 1/4" stroke.
You can get a crate 8.1 for considerably less coin.

Pretty much price expected of a real GM crate engine. Almost same exact price as a crate L29, which is probably why he's interested. If you go 8.1 it's gonna be aftermarket rebuild at this point as GM has forgotten they exist, apparently.

I've always felt like the trick for getting an 8.1 into a GMT400 would be to score a 2001-2002 3500HD and pull the engine, PCM, engine harness, and directly-related accessories like the air filter and such..

Richard

 

[MrPink]

Or even do an LS swap for that cost.

 

[618 Syndicate]

Pretty much price expected of a real GM crate engine. Almost same exact price as a crate L29, which is probably why he's interested. If you go 8.1 it's gonna be aftermarket rebuild at this point as GM has forgotten they exist, apparently.

I see no significant ROI over getting a short block 454.

I've always felt like the trick for getting an 8.1 into a GMT400 would be to score a 2001-2002 3500HD and pull the engine, PCM, engine harness, and directly-related accessories like the air filter and such..

If I go that route with the dually, this is my plan.

Richard

 

[618 Syndicate]

Or even do an LS swap for that cost.

You won't get the torque curve out of an LS motor, and he wants to tow.

 

[b454rat]

I'd rather just rebuild the 454. LS's don't have the torque of a big block....