L31MaxExpress
I'm Awesome
This is going to be my build thread for my upcoming engine swap. I currently have a 1999 Tahoe 2wd with a cammed L30 305 and a smoked 4L60E. I have an 8.1L that I recently picked up that came out of an 90K mile wrecked 3500 Express van and the matching 4L80E. I paid $1200 for both with accessories, dual alternators, the engine harness and PCM. Also have a 9.5" 14-bolt 3.73 rear end to go under it. I found a very low hour Marine HO 425 HP cam for the 8.1 that I bought a few years ago. I also had picked up a set of Edelbrock coated TES headers for a GMT800 Avalanche/Suburban 8.1. when I was going to install a different 8.1 into my Express van. I think a cammed 496 big block Tahoe will be a fun to drive truck. My intent is also to add 1 ton front calipers and hydroboost to it while I am swapping it. I will be keeping the DBW system on the 8.1 and have a 6.5 diesel accelerator pedal I picked up that matches the 8.1s DBW system. The Marine 8.1 HO is net rated at 425 HP @ 5,200 rpm and 525 TQ @ 3,600 and makes as much as 380 TQ @ 1,200 rpm. I will be using a B82 4.3 V6 torque converter that should stall about 2,500-2,600 rpm behind the big block.
