Depends. The LS/LQ is cheap, common and can hold any power adder on the stock bottom when prepped and tuned properly. The 8100 is different, big and just begging for a top end package. No demand for them makes them cheap. The Duramax.....if you get a good one, add a tune and make easy power. Get a bad one, and it'll bury you financially. You can go as big as your budget permits. They sound awesome. They get great mpg. You can swap them into anything. Bring lots of money to play with one.
In 2002 when I bought my truck I test drove both the duramax and the 8.1. Way more fun to drive the 8.1. I was going to be doing occasional towing and hauling but mostly daily driving so I chose the 8.1 and never regretted it. Later I converted the truck to E85 and a performance tune which really woke it up.
@@edreretana9229 All I did was I got a Wester's garage tune on the computer. I had them tune for exclusively E85 and I had them remove all possible torque management. If you have not done it, removing the torque management is huge. Wester's garage is awesome. You could argue I should have done more things, but it worked very well for me. Driveability and fun factor was night and day.
@@edreretana9229 That is all I did. I sold the truck a couple years ago, but going off memory I put about 45K on it with this config. I would recommend talking to Wester's. If you don't have torque management turned off yet you'll probably be surprised how much difference turning most of that off and going to E85 makes. If I stomped the throttle my truck would hesitate for a split second. I thought this was dangerous when pulling into traffic. After the tune it had instant throttle response.
I have the 8.1 in my 3/4 ton suburban. I get 11 mpg average city / highway which is fine with me I was raised in the 70's when a small block would only get 13 mpg. I would rather have the power than the mileage. The engine has 225,000 + miles on it and runs like it did when new. Great family hauler. Truck loves to run.
I just purchased a 2001 Silverado 2500 HD, 8.1L V8, Crew Cab, 6inch suspenssion lift flatbed Off Road ready. Delivery next week. Cant wait to share new videos. Thank you for this video. It really helped me decide buying my new rig.
My 2001 8.1 has been a great engine for the past 227,000 miles and still going strong! I don't live near enough to an interstate to be sure I can get diesel fuel.
Where I live, every quickstop gas station sells diesel. Back in the 90's we pretty much had to go to a truck stop to buy diesel, but by about 2000 it all started changing.
My first encounter with this engine was in a Big RV motor home. I saw the valve covers and recognized it as the 454, did the math 8100cc breaks out to 496ci. It pulled the RV with little effort so its a good engine in my book. Never have seen one in the scrapyard, when I do, Ill be bringing it home.
Owned a 2001 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1. It was great for towing. Engine developed piston slap at about 60k miles. Tried thicker oil, it wasn't as noticeable but still there.
I love my 02 2500hd, she is a 10k tow pig but hey that's why I wanted it! I will never trade it for nothing! Stump pulling power for days! Hands down best big block!
I have an 2001 suburban with the 8.1 and it’s the best gas engine I’ve ever driven. I’m not a huge fan of gas 2500, but the 8.1 is an exception. I’m a welder so hauling material and welding machines gets pretty heavy but anything I put behind it. I do own a 3500 dually lb7 duramax and I love that truck to death. But if you are looking for a great gas engine I’d go with the 8.1. Gas mileage is not the best. I get about 6 MPG and it’s a 40 gallon tank so it’s not a cheap truck to full up. But like I said, it will tow anything. I tow a 12,000 pound trailer once a week up a mountain and it’s like I’m towing nothing with the 8.1. Great truck, great engine, great company. Love my 8.1
I love this engine. My first one I bought in a new Avalanche - then had one in a Suburban for a couple years. Since my Avalanche is no good for pulling gooseneck trailers, I recently added a 2001 3500 dually for farm use and backup for my Ford F550 6.7L. I like the lower maintenance costs for short-trip work and it still has enough towing grunt for the occasional highway use. It's too bad GM stopped production. Keep up the good work!
Larry Hofer @ Raylar. You are correct it is a wonderful , durable engine and runs forever. It has a very large following and is like you say "Gaining momentum" in the hot rod world. Every one is becoming comfortable with electronics and making the 8.1 the engine of choice for big cubic inch toys. They make me happy. Best to you.
I have an 8100 in my 74 Nova with a pair of 67mm turbos and a TH400. Needed a lot of work to make it fit, but it is a great motor. (edit 76mm to 67mm typo)
GM says the 8.1 is allowed to burn a quart of oil every 1000mi. Seems a tad excessive to me but the pistons are like coffee cans. Excellent motor for what they are. Much better than Fords V10 option.
That's pretty standard across all brands Ford and Chrysler at the time allowed for that much consumption. One engine in particular now, the 2.4L Tigercat is allowed 1 quart of oil consumed every 2000 miles. But with a 5.5 quart pan and 10,000 mile oil change interval....well you get the idea.
josh robinson with that kind of ring gap, that motor is prime for super charging or a Turbo. That way with the cylinders under all that boost you’re less likely to but the ends of the rings and score the cylinder walls.
I have the 8.1 in a Yukon XL and use it to haul a trailer with two big horses. It is awesome! I can pull my heavy trailer at 80 mph down the highway with no trouble at all! It also will get up and go really well for such a big car. Without the trailer, I can zoom all around and pass just about anybody real quick! I love it!
as a fleet truck the 8.1 is superior to the duramax. i work oilfield and our trucks see a lot of idle time. the newer diesels have so many problems because of it and are often in the shop. our gas trucks do just fine but don't have the torque to pull trailers. thats where the 8.1 fits in
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, 8.1 /496 IS A GREAT RIDE. I FEEL AS YOU,, MY 04 GMC 2500 SLT 8.1 /496 IS A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK THAT STILL HAS THE STUFF TO GET THE JOB DONE ALL THE WAY AROUND. ON THE STREET MANY TIMES HOT RODS THINKING THERE FAST AT THE LIGHT, GET SHUT DOWN FAST. PULLING MY HORSE TRAILER WITH 3 HORSES WITH A COMBINED WEIGHT OF 3500 LBS PLUS SADDLES AND GEAR IS LIKE PULLING NOTHING AT ALL. SHE IS SWEEEEET!!! I GOT TO ADD SHE HAS OVER 200,000 MILES, YOU CAN'T EVEN HERE THAT ENGINE RUN. YEAH I LOVE MY TRUCK AND WOULD NEVER TRADE FOR A NOISY, SMELLY, EXPENSIVE, CLATTERING, BLACK SMOKE BLOWING DEISEL OF ANY BRAND.
My dad owned a 2002 2500 H.D. with an Allison. It was insane. If I remember right it would do 0-60 in about 4-5 seconds and weighed around 6700 lbs. The pickup was the same if you were at a dead stop or going 70 down the freeway. Passed everyone like they were standing still. 10 miles a gallon all day, towing a house...or not.
@@co1003 I own one. It's about 6-7, closer to the 6 side. The nanny computer they put in it to prevent blow the tires off burnout every time you leave a stop sign hurts it in that regard. I mean, the ft lbs more than overcome the weight, and it is 340ish HP on a 5 speed geared to top out at like 100. It will get up and move.
@@co1003 Maybe you had a different rear ratio. I drive mine daily in the summer months. You do have to play games with the gas pedal to trick the nanny computer or it will dump all the timing for almost 2 seconds to prevent the wheels from spinning. If you do it right you bypass that and the thing launches, but it's tricky. Just mashing it from a stop sign will have the thing roll out like it's chained to a train car.
@@davenhla it’s not worth arguing...The 8.1 has far been passed up by more powerful engines. None are in the 6 second range 0-60... Get over thinking you have some sort of powerhouse because of the cubic inches...You don’t...
My Dad had a 1989 7.4L and I just started fixing it up today. Got it running, new belt, new coolant hose, and brake pads. Upper and lower control arms are ordered and the truck only has 130k miles on it
After owning a 8100 GMC Yukon for halfer year, I have to say it exceeds my expectation. It makes boat-load of low end torque. Many time, when I was expecting a down shift from the transmisson, it actually just went up the slope on top gear because it just has so much torque (Yukon XL 2500 and Suburban 2500 have 4-speed auto, which is not the Allison found in the pickup truck). It is a lot cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain than the diesels. My GMC has 200K miles, but all cylinder hold very high compression during compression test. Many of those 8.1s just do not work that hard. Many people DD them. So they can last long time. Yeah the diesel is more powerful, but the cost of rebuilding the 8.1 is probably less than the cost of just an injector work on a diesel.
Was a Service Manager at a GM dealership until 2008. One of our owners sold a 8.1 to the manager of a local plantation that did a lot of towing. Customer complained that he was having to add a quart of oil about every 1000 miles. I printed out the GM Tech Bulletin that stated the 8.1 would use up to a quart of oil for every 100 gallons of gas. I asked customer how many miles to the gallon was he averaging and he said about 10 MPG did the math for him and said that's one quart per 1000 miles. He understood but was not happy and complained to the dealership owner. Owner came to me and told me the customer was unhappy with this and wanted me to contact GM and see what could be done about the oil usage. I explained to the owner that GM would just laugh at me and inform me there was nothing to do to correct it. Owner was not happy at all with me about this and customer was talking lemon law. Well about 3 days later our area GM service manager came by to visit and our Dealer called the customer and had him meet with him and the GM area manager. To this day I don't know what was said in that meeting but the customer became very satisfied with his truck and the Dealer got real embarrassed for not knowing enough about his product. You had to be there to understand as our Dealer knew Jack Shit about cars and trucks.
Just the balls on a guy who buys a $40k truck and is too cheap to spend $4 on oil once a month so he bitches to GM because hes a self entitled bitch. I hate people sometimes.
Russ Martin the radio show prick once came to the dealership I worked for to complain about oil consumption in the Viper powered SRT10 quad cab he had. 1qt every 1,000 miles was the limit. He ended up getting to keep the engine that his truck had. Face it people, ALL engines burn oil.
I drove a company 8.1 truck when they first came out, the torque was amazing, enough to spin the tires at a stop light while towing a 20’ enclosed work trailer. I’ve driven some later model 8.1 trucks that didn’t seem to have nearly as much torque, obviously GM detuned them over the years...
I have a 02 2500HD crew cab long bed with the 8.1. I have a K&N intake filter on it, and I used a power programmer for better mileage and performance. The truck on 91 octane hauls ass. It surprises alot of others on the road that want to race me. It's got 98 thousand on it and I will be changing the plugs for the first time very soon. It has been a great workhorse for me the Allison trans had a solenoid go out but it was cheap to fix.
Thinking about getting the same truck with a utility style bed. 100k miles for $7,000. That sound like deal to you? How's your gas mileage? A lot of mixed views based on the comments section here but I'd rather hear from someone who has this truck and engine than all the diesel fanboys. Thanks.
@@optimusprime3484 mileage is not great with extended bed, the utility bed being much heavier has got to bring it down even more. While I had it programmed it got better mileage than stock but I put it back as I was chasing a hard starting problem. The fuel pump is letting the gas flow back to the tank. The price seems high for that many miles unless he has All the maintenance records on hand.
@@charlesathan5897 I greatly appreciate the feedback. Not sure which way I'll go with it yet but it's good to know you've had a good experience in general with yours. Hope you have many more miles of issue free hauling ass. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Buddy in high school had a GMC 3500HD SRW 4x4 with the big block 8.1L. He eventually bought a set of borlas for it and it was ridiculously loud. You could see the fuel gauge drop when you put the pedal to the floor. Thing was a beast!
there are lots of areas still diesel shy... or if they have it, its at a higher cost since they hold the cards so to speak... it is getting better but, some the areas i go thru are sparse with diesel.... i KNOW ill find gas.. even if its high, its everywhere.
I kinda get what your saying, however, everywhere with a Wal-Mart has Semi-trucks going to it. I live in MT and all the rural areas have diesel for the AG usage. DIesel does seem to often be neck and neck with premium gas prices but the difference in fuel economy between a gas and diesel trucks especially when loaded down all but makes up for this. Not trying to be argumentative, Im just wondering where these areas would be. Trucking is a huge industry in america and it surprises me that there would be places that a semi couldn't fuel up. Do you have an example of such a place?
There's no excuse that you can't find diesel, it runs the United States economy.... The not finding diesel has always been a weak argument, especially with the long range of the fuel before you're empty anyway.
Florida that's where. I drive class a trucks and finding a diesel pump near work is not an option. Our company bought a contract to have our tractors filled over night because of this.
My dad still drives and uses his 2006 Silverado HD with the 8.1 today. Pulls a skid steer all the time. He loves the truck and engine. It is a really good pairing with the Allison transmission. I think he just crossed the 100k mile mark. I'll make sure he keeps it now. We can work on upgrading my LBZ and his 8.1 in the future.
I got a banging deal on a Winnebago Class A. It's a 2004 Adventurer with 20K miles. I couldn't go wrong with it having the 8.1, Allison Transmission, Spicer rear end. I'm old school and have had many big block motors, everything from Ram Air IV - 400, 460 Fords, 455 Buick and Olds. So far, the engine has performed adequately, even in that 35' Class A. It runs very nice.
8100 is the strongest best motor I ever had. I consistantly tow 10,000 + lb without blinking an eye and I have had up to 17,000 lb in tow. The 6.0 is a piece of crap compared to my 8.1 . As far as cost and maintenance goes it is not even half what my 6.7 Cummings diesel cost to run and maintain. GM needs to bring it back it was the best none diesel work horse ever.
I had an avalanche 2500, I had big plans to tune the engine but the truck started eating money and i really didn’t need it for towing or anything other than having a fun truck. I am going to have another 8.1 in my life, that was such a fun engine.
They are used extensively in industrial applications such as power generation, pumping applications, and other situations. Many are turbocharged by upfitters like Power Solutins, Inc (PSI) and Buck’s Engines. Now PSI is manufacturing their own version in 8.8 liter displacement. All of these burn gaseous fuel such as natural gas or propane.
Love my 01 2500HD... Owned it 10 years has 454 k on it. The allison has lost overdrive, rear end got a ton of slop in the pinon, transfer case got a hole from the fluid recall they did.. jb welded for 8 years, driveshaft converted to a one piece... I was replacing center bearing every 8 months. But that 8.1still runs like a top. I never opened it.
Raylar Engineering is the best place to go for anything 8.1L Vortec. I own a 2005 Workhorse chassis motorhome and would love to put that 540ci Vortec between the frame rails.
My daily driver is a regular cab 2002 GMC 2500hd Sierra 4wd with the 8.1, 6 spd. manual trans. w/4:10 rear. I have owned this truck since 2003 and can honestly say it is the best truck I have ever owned. It has 167k miles on it and I have no complaints with the 8.1 engine. I helped it out a little with Gibson exhaust and a Hyper tech power programmer. I get an average 12.5 MPG, is fun to drive, and pulls a load with ease. 3rd gear rolling burnouts are quite easy, even with 285/75-16 tires on it ( although hard on the clutch ) but I pretty much baby it. The only thing I have repaired engine wise is a crank sensor and a thermostat. If GM made another truck like this one, I would definitely buy one or two without hesitating at all. I don't know how many were made with a 6spd. manual ZF behind them, but I have never personally seen any others. If anyone has one or knows, give a shout. Would be interesting to know.
Wvrockcrusher, I have the same powertrain combo in my 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD. The 6spd manual with the manual 4wd on the floor is a super rare option but I sure love it and wish this powertrain still existed in these new GM Trucks and especially the 8100 Vortec. So far I own 3 8100 Big Block GMC Trucks and willing to collect more GMC Big Blocks. They are real workhorses and really reliable for all kinds of use.
@@wvrockcrusher I wish it was a regular cab dually in this combo. Thats what Im really searching for. Mine is an extended cab long bed. Let me know if you ever want to sale yours. Dont get offended for me asking but Im just trying to make my GMC Big Block collection bigger..lol
That would be super rare to find the dually. I don't know if they ever made one equipped like you want. Have you ever seen a 6spd. manual behind an 8.1 with regular cab? Surely they made a few of them. When I called Gibson for the exhaust kit, I told them what I had, they thought I was joking that it was a regular cab 4wd truck with the 6spd. manual 8.1. They told me they never saw one, let alone heard of one. They sold me a kit for the extended cab short bed auto trans. and said it might work and to let them know if it did. All I had to do was omit the after cat pipes and it worked out. I absolutely love this truck and would love to have another just like it. I don't blame you for wanting another one too, but it would break my heart to sell this truck. No offense taken and if I wanted to sell it, I would like to sell it to somebody like yourself who really appreciates these trucks for what they really are! I have often thought if I could find a wrecked one with the same powertrain combo, I would put it in my '76 square body 4wd short bed. That would really be fun! Good luck in your search my friend!
Can anyone tell me, what ignition system is used, I saw one torn apart and it did not have a hole fo r the distribor. I know it has eight coils, but i s it that the puter operates the coils somehow.
If you haven't already done it do it and get the raylar 511 CI base kit you get like four hundred and something horsepower and over 500 foot pounds of torque and better gas mileage
@@mctigmctiggy1475 you are absolutely right. I drive one,2500 avalanche. Yes it was a bit unclear but I still wasn't trying to correct you just offering info. No harm intended. Stil I myself am looking for an allison. I need those extra gears.
In the past the big block was the heavy towing option, that’s what you got if you wanted to tow heavy. Especially in the 6.5 diesel era they (the diesel) was more of a fuel efficiency option. But as technology advanced the diesel started becoming the high performance option in the trucks. They could tow more than the big block, and by the nature of how a diesel works, get leaps and bounds better fuel mileage as well. And that’s pretty much what sealed the big blocks fate, I feel most people who didn’t want to spend the cash for the diesel just got the 6.0 ls based v8 as there really isn’t that much of a sacrifice in power etc between the two. And so you don’t really see too many 8.1s out there because of that I think. I’ve seen them in suburban’s more than anything since that was the biggest motor you could get and they didn’t offer a diesel in them either. But they did get to stick around in the 4500 to 7500 and got popular for a while after they started requiring dpf‘s on the diesels. But I gotta hand it to gm they kept the big block going a lot longer than ford or Chrysler did with theirs.
There is a difference in a 6.0 and 8.1, it’s called stroke. The 6.0 has a 4.0 in stroke and makes around 360 to 380 ft/lbs at 4500 rpm The 8.1 had a 4.37” stroke and makes 455 ft/lbs but it’s making over 400 ft/lbs at 1200 rpm. The 8.1 and 6.0 may have similar power on paper but especially for towing they are vastly different and the 6.0 is definitely a huge sacrifice when it come to that.
Given repair costs on diesels and upkeep. I'd say 8.1. Imagine a modernized version today. You can already trick out the factory motor for good money if you want to.
My father had one in a 3500 dually. It didn't have an over abundance of power and got horrible gas mileage. Also used to drive a c65 flatbed with an 8.1 in it. Went ok considering the size of the truck but used a lot of oil. Ill stick with my 454s.
Purchased my 2004 Crew Cab 8.1/Allison 4x4 new. It has 140k miles and runs like a top. Finally had to put some $$ in to it...water pump this summer, and fluid pump in the Allison this week. The 8.1 burns no oil, does have cold start knock, but has performs wonderfully. I get around 10.5 MPG city, and 12.5-13 highway. Pulls strong. Not my daily driver, so less than 5k miles per year. I expect another 8-10 years out of this Big Block!
I've put about 250k on my 01 Suburban with the 8.1. While she still runs strong, the gaskets are leaking like a sieve. Mileage has dropped from 14 to 11 over time, but the power is still there. After moving to a Magnaflow at 180k when the cats went, she has a pretty distinct growl. Since all of the gaskets need replacing, I'm just going to rebuild her this fall and try to get another 15 years out of her.
@@hendo337 Oddly enough, probably not. It retailed for about $59k 22 years ago. If I had to guess, gas averaged about $2.25 over that time. That would put me around 2 grand a year in gas. It's towed a 7500 lb boat and trailer on some 2000+ mile round trips more times than I can count. It's hauled four kayakers with their boats on the roof and their camping gear inside dozens of times. It carried 1500 lbs of hardwood flooring inside to the house and even fit a three cushion sofa in the back with the door shut. I think I've gotten my money's worth, but I probably will rebuild it or replace it for another 20 years worth.
This is interesting. I recently saw an Silverado 2500 posted on Ebay with the 8.1L mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. That must be a unicorn combo for a Silverado.
Also, the 8100 has a taller deck so the intake manifold from a 454 does not fit. They had to make the deck higher to fit the longer stroke. Intake manifolds are the major issue in building a hot rod version.
With redesigned heads and direct port injection. Surely they could develop a tune when unloaded it could sip gas. Although the rwason why you wont is due to cost to bring back, government emission tax, competition with the 6.2 thats designed very well and exceeds the 8.1 in nearly all ways. Then you have the duramax.
@Game Bred Duramax the 6.0 is lighter but it's also 100 ft lbs of torque behind the 8.1. The selling point of the 8.1 for me is the Allison transmission, which you can't get with the 6.0. But it all boils down to the use and how often. Thanks for the comparison I did some research. www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/55051-60l-2500-hd-vs-81l-2500-hd/ ✌✌
The 8100 had some serious drawbacks conpared to earlier - notably one use metric fasteners, limited (and therefore expensive) affermarket support, and a persistent oil consumption issue that seems to be caused by the crankcas vent system in the intake manifold (which btw, seriously restricts airflow as well )
If you have one of the mills from the pickup truck , a custom grind cam from comp and a good machine shop to do head work , install bigger valves and deck the heads along with port and polish , that motor will easily make 550 - 600 horsepower 700 - 750 pound feet of torque . Tuning would also go a really really long way and probably dial in another 40 hp . GM always chokes off the intake and exhaust valves in their big blocks for some reason . I wouldn't bother to do anything to the bottom end , those motors are stout . With that kind of power it would be super duper thirsty .
I've had my 02 sierra since new and it currently has 325,000 hard miles with no engine work ever done. Paired with the Allison trans. Both are still workin great!! (Knock on wood)
I would not say the Duramax is a better engine just a more powerful engine. I have drove many Duramaxes and industrial-grade trucks along with many 8100s in industrial trucks such as box trucks boom trucks bucket trucks dump trucks. the 8100 never broke down and never had a lack of power that was of any concern. I have set on the side of an interstate at least 15 times the last five years because of a Duramax! Not a better engine at all but will pull the world.
are they being maintained? I have a Duramax and I beat the fuck out of it with my semi heavy trailer attached to it. I really do put my lead foot down and beat the hell out of it. also mine is tuned so I should be having issues that ur having but im not...…….
They were company trucks and yes they were always maintenanced on time and a butt ton of preventive maintenance I did have one Duramax though I started driving with 250,000 miles beat the hell out of it in the North Carolina Mountains for another 50,000 and it never did break down
@@mitchelkane2641 damn thats good to hear because i always wonder if my trucks gonna go. My main concern would be the cp4 pump which i put additives in my fuel to lubracate the fragile cp4 pump. The ultra low sulfer in diesel takes away the lubracate the cp4 needs. It was 500ppm back 15 yrs ago and now its decreased so much to a 5ppm. 100x's less!! Also my tranny, which has been great so far but nothing last forever and i need to stop having a lead foot but with the mbrp exaust and it being tuned it sounds like a beast drivint around. Another problem they have is emissions. All my emissions on my truck are all gone so there is half the problem.
I love my 04 2500hd W/T, has the 6.0 LQ4 with the 4l80e and the 4.10 rear end. Pretty basic but is a solid truck. I wish I could find one though with the 8.1 though that would be great in a single cab truck, boosted and built.
Why did you say the aftermarket is not as good when the 8.1 is based off of the 454 which the 454 has a massive aftermarket support on anything you want to buy. So is the 8.1 very different from the 454
I would really like to see one of these with the stroker kit, a set of aluminum ported heads, a cam, and a BBBIIIGGGGGGG turbo on it...with a 6 speed. Now that would be sick.
Hi Bryce! (I hope I spelled that right.) I just watched your video on why the LS engines are so good, and while I enjoyed that video, this one was much better. Your familiarity with the camera has improved, the different visuals were more engaging, and the lack of music made it easier to hear you and focus on what you are saying. Kudos! I've always wondered what the 8.1 was like, and I found this video quite informative. ☺
P Ferris a lot has happened since the last videos including acquiring my own camera, editing software, and a new area to film. Thanks so much for watching and stay tuned for future videos! 👍🏻
I’ve got a 2002 Chevy 2500hd Silverado with the 8.1 has over 400,000 miles on it with no rebuild, will tow anything and everything. most reliable truck I have ever had, shits on 6.0 vortecs all day long and as for duraqueer’s of course they are quick they have a turbo the 8.1 is naturally aspirated, put a supercharger or turbo on the 8.1 and buh bye duramax
I love this engine. I have a 2001 Silverado 2500hd with the 8100 and it is a power house (stock) I get 10 mpg with 33s and can tow anything with it. I do still want a duramax but this is a good alternative. Eventually I'm going to pull it and get a lot more power out of it and put it in the mud truck
I have a 2004 8.1 with the Allison transmission in a 3500 Suburban and I love it, we use it to pull our 30' RV (approx. 10,000 lbs.), it doesn't get the greatest gas mileage while towing (7-9mpgs) but it sure gets the job done. It gets anywhere from 12-16mpgjust cruising down the highway. I just turned 100K miles, we don't drive it much.
We have a GMC 3500HD with the 8.1L in it, with 245k miles. Hard working miles too (pulling a Bobcat, hauling stone and cement, etc.). It drinks gas (7-8 mpg), but damned if it isn't bulletproof, and powerful!
Had a friend that had one in a huge motorhome even he couldn’t believe how good it did on the interstate Much better than the ford v10 motor homes. I think they should offer it again or something like it again. Hell at the end of the day it’s still cheaper than a diesel to own operate and purchase. Everyone thinks they have to have a diesel now to tow anything bigger than a push mower. That’s like how an old timer told me about how they used to pull all this big stuff with 292 six cylinders and big block v8s in old 1 ton trucks Before the diesel fad began.
Diesels are great for big rigs but to meet epa standards in passenger vehicles the engines are smogged to the point that they are money pits after 200K miles. Give me an 8.1 or even a 454 any day.
My 8.1 Sierra with 216,000 is the most reliable best driving truck I have ever seen. (and i'm a mechanic) I would not alter it from stock or give it up for anything. Love it
❤I had one in my 01 suburban and loved it, especially when I floored it😊, deep muscle tone was music to my ears 😊, im going to get another one someday 😂
I've had a 8.1 in a 2500 pickup, on back-top it did great, but I do alot of hunting and fishing and the smaller 5.3 did alot better, and honestly the 4.8 with a little work did better than both. Cubic inches don't mean a whole in the country.
Great motor in stock form. Terrible for hot rod applications. 4 bolt mains, No aftermarket, no support and dollar/hp is a complete waste of time and money. A 6.0L lq4 6 bolt main is capable of much more reliable power for less money. Change my mind.
I’ve never owned an 8.1 but I do have a 6.0 lq4. I put a Vinci ultra torque cam in it with headers true duel exhaust, CAI and a custom tune, she pulls my 30 foot fifth wheel really well. As much torque as the 8.1?..... nope but it’s better than stock now
Until you go on a trip and you're filling up every 400 miles because you're out of gas. The oil thing the Duramax has is fuel economy. Outside of that its 10 quarts of oil vs 6 quarts and your changing oil every 5000 miles or so in the Duramax or 3000 miles in the 496.
8.1 came in anything that got bigger than a 1/2 ton frame. Avalanche, Suburban, 2500/3500(HD's) plus the list of mega stuff like RV's, Kodiak, etc. The Allison was not offered on the Avalanche or 'Burb though, they got the old 4 speed, and towing suffered greatly for it in those vehicles. The Allison transmission was the most important update GM made in it's HD trucks back then. I would put (unmodified) an 8.1/allison against a similar era duramax for towing all day any day. The power starts at almost idle and the truck will shift before it tapers off. There is zero comparison to the 6.0's, that's almost laughable. As for mpg, I get 15 running empty on the hwy. Buy the right tires, keep the allison serviced, and for the love of pete put the correct oil etc in the thing not 15/40 sludge. Besides that, run NO ETHANOL FUEL. In the long run, say what you want about gas prices, diesels are expensive to fix, the 8.1 will need some spark plugs and a quart or two of oil in between oil changes on it's way to 300k miles. You can buy a lot of gas for maint. cost difference between the two engines. People looking to spend $$$$$ on a truck engine designed for pulling.... you are barking up the wrong tree. Why spend 6k dollars on an 8.1 when you could spend it on a small block for "go fast" fun? I won't try to convince duramax freaks about the $$$$, they don't care they would rather drop 15k dollars on a 5000 lb truck then spend half that on a sporty car that will go just as fast and still be a lot cheaper to do maint on and still get better mpg. It's like the people with Jeeps. To each their own, if a dumptruck engine floats your boat I ain't stoppin ya.
My 2002 avalanche 2500 is a beast!! It'll melt the tires off if i stomp her down, leaving my driveway. Difently has alot of power and torque for what it is. Mine currently has 140k miles on it, they'll go up tho, as i daily drive it.
LS/LQ or 8.1 Vortec or Duramax? Which one would you rather have? Let’s hear it 👇🏻
I'd take the 8.1 do cam heads intake headers and put it in a c6 corvette with a 4 speed
have not personally owned a duramax but own an 8.1 sierra
Me personally, I wouldn’t trade 3 8.1s for my Duramax.
Depends. The LS/LQ is cheap, common and can hold any power adder on the stock bottom when prepped and tuned properly.
The 8100 is different, big and just begging for a top end package. No demand for them makes them cheap.
The Duramax.....if you get a good one, add a tune and make easy power. Get a bad one, and it'll bury you financially. You can go as big as your budget permits. They sound awesome. They get great mpg. You can swap them into anything. Bring lots of money to play with one.
I have driven modefied and maintained a lot of engines. My daily now is an 8.1. They can bury me in my truck because NO ONE gets my motor.
8.1 w/Allison transmission was an awesome combo
It still is, Mine has 250k pulling 15-20 k trailers all day. Going to miss it when it dies...
@@1loadermanjack just fix it.
@@superduty4556 👍😎
stellingbanjodude true asf my gmc 8.1 just got a brand new Allison transmission last year and the little single cab is fast
The best combo I believe
In 2002 when I bought my truck I test drove both the duramax and the 8.1. Way more fun to drive the 8.1. I was going to be doing occasional towing and hauling but mostly daily driving so I chose the 8.1 and never regretted it. Later I converted the truck to E85 and a performance tune which really woke it up.
What is required to run E85? I have a 01 that I would like to run it.
@@edreretana9229 All I did was I got a Wester's garage tune on the computer. I had them tune for exclusively E85 and I had them remove all possible torque management. If you have not done it, removing the torque management is huge. Wester's garage is awesome. You could argue I should have done more things, but it worked very well for me. Driveability and fun factor was night and day.
@blperoc really, no bigger injectors fuel pump ect?
@@edreretana9229 That is all I did. I sold the truck a couple years ago, but going off memory I put about 45K on it with this config. I would recommend talking to Wester's. If you don't have torque management turned off yet you'll probably be surprised how much difference turning most of that off and going to E85 makes. If I stomped the throttle my truck would hesitate for a split second. I thought this was dangerous when pulling into traffic. After the tune it had instant throttle response.
@@edreretana9229right, usually an e85 conversion requires fuel lines, o rings and more.
Also available in the rare Avalanche 2500
Hell yeah I drove one for a while my buddy owned and it was a beast, lol had to buy the guy new tires when I gave it back...
I have one lmao
I believe it was the only engine available in it.
I know someone selling a 2500 avalanche with a 8.1
@@AlarakTheHighLord where at and how much?
Great engine. It’s tough and doesn’t give me any trouble. Surprised at the fuel mileage! It’s better than I thought it would be
Yep, sometimes I even get double digits!
I have the 8.1 in my 3/4 ton suburban. I get 11 mpg average city / highway which is fine with me I was raised in the 70's when a small block would only get 13 mpg. I would rather have the power than the mileage. The engine has 225,000 + miles on it and runs like it did when new. Great family hauler. Truck loves to run.
My 6.0 doesn't get much better. I've had four 6.0 trucks and they all get about 13 or 14 on the highway.
I just purchased a 2001 Silverado 2500 HD, 8.1L V8, Crew Cab, 6inch suspenssion lift flatbed Off Road ready. Delivery next week. Cant wait to share new videos. Thank you for this video. It really helped me decide buying my new rig.
My 2001 8.1 has been a great engine for the past 227,000 miles and still going strong! I don't live near enough to an interstate to be sure I can get diesel fuel.
Where I live, every quickstop gas station sells diesel. Back in the 90's we pretty much had to go to a truck stop to buy diesel, but by about 2000 it all started changing.
@@TexanUSMC8089 You can get diesel just as easy as gas.
Still have it?
@DusterNutbar
Yep, I sure do. The wife hit an Elk with it 2 years ago, so the whole front end is new and it's got 237K miles on it now.
My first encounter with this engine was in a Big RV motor home. I saw the valve covers and recognized it as the 454, did the math 8100cc breaks out to 496ci. It pulled the RV with little effort so its a good engine in my book. Never have seen one in the scrapyard, when I do, Ill be bringing it home.
Owned a 2001 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1. It was great for towing. Engine developed piston slap at about 60k miles. Tried thicker oil, it wasn't as noticeable but still there.
I love my 02 2500hd, she is a 10k tow pig but hey that's why I wanted it! I will never trade it for nothing! Stump pulling power for days! Hands down best big block!
This engine was made to complete against the Dodge and Ford V10.
and it crushes that competition!
Killed those!
@@GregHuston definitely not the 6.8, not even the 2v. Murdered the magnum though
@@billyray4716 it murders the 6.8 even more so than the V10 Dodge. Makes way more power, is way more reliable and isn’t a triton thank god
@@lomfmur 330 hp is more than 385? The 3v 6.8 doesnt have cam phasers so its 10x more reliable than the 5.4 3v
I have an 2001 suburban with the 8.1 and it’s the best gas engine I’ve ever driven. I’m not a huge fan of gas 2500, but the 8.1 is an exception. I’m a welder so hauling material and welding machines gets pretty heavy but anything I put behind it. I do own a 3500 dually lb7 duramax and I love that truck to death. But if you are looking for a great gas engine I’d go with the 8.1. Gas mileage is not the best. I get about 6 MPG and it’s a 40 gallon tank so it’s not a cheap truck to full up. But like I said, it will tow anything. I tow a 12,000 pound trailer once a week up a mountain and it’s like I’m towing nothing with the 8.1. Great truck, great engine, great company. Love my 8.1
Did you get the Allison behind it? I have a 2001 8.1 Sierra and i get 12 mpg typically.
I have the same with 330000 miles and still running strong. Love my 2500 suburban 4x4 8.1
Dose it pull it better than ur lb7
Avalanche and suburban are detuned without the allison. Allison only available in truck version
Hell of an engine but the Ford 6.8 v10 gas is also a very good contender.
I love this engine. My first one I bought in a new Avalanche - then had one in a Suburban for a couple years. Since my Avalanche is no good for pulling gooseneck trailers, I recently added a 2001 3500 dually for farm use and backup for my Ford F550 6.7L. I like the lower maintenance costs for short-trip work and it still has enough towing grunt for the occasional highway use. It's too bad GM stopped production.
Keep up the good work!
Larry Hofer @ Raylar. You are correct it is a wonderful , durable engine and runs forever.
It has a very large following and is like you say "Gaining momentum" in the hot rod world.
Every one is becoming comfortable with electronics and making the 8.1 the engine of choice for big cubic inch toys. They make me happy.
Best to you.
Larry Hofer I’ve always wanted to build a rat rod with one of them as the powerplant. One day I will.
I have an 8100 in my 74 Nova with a pair of 67mm turbos and a TH400. Needed a lot of work to make it fit, but it is a great motor. (edit 76mm to 67mm typo)
@@LgSutterby Same here.
Comfortable with electronics? Really.
1st rule of the 8.1 litre club is we dont talk about after parts and such cause we're gonna get 600k miles out of it and it will outlive us
GM says the 8.1 is allowed to burn a quart of oil every 1000mi. Seems a tad excessive to me but the pistons are like coffee cans. Excellent motor for what they are. Much better than Fords V10 option.
That's pretty standard across all brands Ford and Chrysler at the time allowed for that much consumption. One engine in particular now, the 2.4L Tigercat is allowed 1 quart of oil consumed every 2000 miles. But with a 5.5 quart pan and 10,000 mile oil change interval....well you get the idea.
even 6 figure sports cars burn oil
josh robinson with that kind of ring gap, that motor is prime for super charging or a Turbo.
That way with the cylinders under all that boost you’re less likely to but the ends of the rings and score the cylinder walls.
Damn my 291k mile Ford diesel burns less oil than that. 1-1.5qts every 3k
Use Lucas engine oil stabilizer and END that problem!
I have the 8.1 in a Yukon XL and use it to haul a trailer with two big horses. It is awesome! I can pull my heavy trailer at 80 mph down the highway with no trouble at all! It also will get up and go really well for such a big car. Without the trailer, I can zoom all around and pass just about anybody real quick! I love it!
Agreed. I always try to run at least 80mph while pulling a double trailer with big horses.
as a fleet truck the 8.1 is superior to the duramax. i work oilfield and our trucks see a lot of idle time. the newer diesels have so many problems because of it and are often in the shop. our gas trucks do just fine but don't have the torque to pull trailers. thats where the 8.1 fits in
Lee Tucker what oil field. I hope to god you don’t say lower 48.
@@Sackmatters the bakken
Lucky the company man doesn’t make you get out of the truck.
The old diesel trucks without emissions could idle forever but egr/def forget it. All our semi trucks in the oil field were pre emissions.
@@horsefly1020 the older diesel are way more reliable
Every duramax from that vintage has had major repairs while the 8100 was farrrrrrrr more reliable
Ryan Odneal diesel is still more powerful though
Kind of a broad statement, that isn't true.
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, 8.1 /496 IS A GREAT RIDE.
I FEEL AS YOU,, MY 04 GMC 2500 SLT 8.1 /496 IS A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK THAT STILL HAS THE STUFF TO GET THE JOB DONE ALL THE WAY AROUND. ON THE STREET MANY TIMES HOT RODS THINKING THERE FAST AT THE LIGHT, GET SHUT DOWN FAST.
PULLING MY HORSE TRAILER WITH 3 HORSES WITH A COMBINED WEIGHT OF 3500 LBS PLUS SADDLES AND GEAR IS LIKE PULLING NOTHING AT ALL. SHE IS SWEEEEET!!!
I GOT TO ADD SHE HAS OVER 200,000 MILES, YOU CAN'T EVEN HERE THAT ENGINE RUN. YEAH I LOVE MY TRUCK AND WOULD NEVER TRADE FOR A NOISY, SMELLY, EXPENSIVE, CLATTERING, BLACK SMOKE BLOWING DEISEL OF ANY BRAND.
@@crazyhorseranchaz OKAY CONGRATS, BUT WHY IN ALL CAPS?
I have a Vortec 454..in my 3500.. wonder which one I have ??
I have the 8.1 in my 25' motorhome. It amazes me every time I take it through the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary. It literally never shifts down!
My dad sold Rvs. He said the 8.1 Workhorse with the Allison was the best gas package out there.
My dad owned a 2002 2500 H.D. with an Allison. It was insane. If I remember right it would do 0-60 in about 4-5 seconds and weighed around 6700 lbs. The pickup was the same if you were at a dead stop or going 70 down the freeway. Passed everyone like they were standing still. 10 miles a gallon all day, towing a house...or not.
Lol! 4-5 seconds? No...
@@co1003 I own one. It's about 6-7, closer to the 6 side. The nanny computer they put in it to prevent blow the tires off burnout every time you leave a stop sign hurts it in that regard. I mean, the ft lbs more than overcome the weight, and it is 340ish HP on a 5 speed geared to top out at like 100. It will get up and move.
@@davenhla I had one...
Closer to 9 seconds 0-60.
@@co1003 Maybe you had a different rear ratio. I drive mine daily in the summer months. You do have to play games with the gas pedal to trick the nanny computer or it will dump all the timing for almost 2 seconds to prevent the wheels from spinning. If you do it right you bypass that and the thing launches, but it's tricky. Just mashing it from a stop sign will have the thing roll out like it's chained to a train car.
@@davenhla it’s not worth arguing...The 8.1 has far been passed up by more powerful engines. None are in the 6 second range 0-60...
Get over thinking you have some sort of powerhouse because of the cubic inches...You don’t...
My Dad had a 1989 7.4L and I just started fixing it up today. Got it running, new belt, new coolant hose, and brake pads. Upper and lower control arms are ordered and the truck only has 130k miles on it
After owning a 8100 GMC Yukon for halfer year, I have to say it exceeds my expectation. It makes boat-load of low end torque. Many time, when I was expecting a down shift from the transmisson, it actually just went up the slope on top gear because it just has so much torque (Yukon XL 2500 and Suburban 2500 have 4-speed auto, which is not the Allison found in the pickup truck). It is a lot cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain than the diesels. My GMC has 200K miles, but all cylinder hold very high compression during compression test. Many of those 8.1s just do not work that hard. Many people DD them. So they can last long time. Yeah the diesel is more powerful, but the cost of rebuilding the 8.1 is probably less than the cost of just an injector work on a diesel.
My brother has 1 of the smaller vortec engines in his pickup. The performance of his PU has been nothing short of amazing.
Was a Service Manager at a GM dealership until 2008. One of our owners sold a 8.1 to the manager of a local plantation that did a lot of towing. Customer complained that he was having to add a quart of oil about every 1000 miles. I printed out the GM Tech Bulletin that stated the 8.1 would use up to a quart of oil for every 100 gallons of gas. I asked customer how many miles to the gallon was he averaging and he said about 10 MPG did the math for him and said that's one quart per 1000 miles. He understood but was not happy and complained to the dealership owner. Owner came to me and told me the customer was unhappy with this and wanted me to contact GM and see what could be done about the oil usage. I explained to the owner that GM would just laugh at me and inform me there was nothing to do to correct it. Owner was not happy at all with me about this and customer was talking lemon law. Well about 3 days later our area GM service manager came by to visit and our Dealer called the customer and had him meet with him and the GM area manager. To this day I don't know what was said in that meeting but the customer became very satisfied with his truck and the Dealer got real embarrassed for not knowing enough about his product. You had to be there to understand as our Dealer knew Jack Shit about cars and trucks.
Just the balls on a guy who buys a $40k truck and is too cheap to spend $4 on oil once a month so he bitches to GM because hes a self entitled bitch. I hate people sometimes.
I've owned two 454s and both of them used oil the same way, from the time they were new, everyone I knew that had one said the same about the 8100.
Russ Martin the radio show prick once came to the dealership I worked for to complain about oil consumption in the Viper powered SRT10 quad cab he had. 1qt every 1,000 miles was the limit. He ended up getting to keep the engine that his truck had. Face it people, ALL engines burn oil.
03 8.1 440k miles
I drove a company 8.1 truck when they first came out, the torque was amazing, enough to spin the tires at a stop light while towing a 20’ enclosed work trailer. I’ve driven some later model 8.1 trucks that didn’t seem to have nearly as much torque, obviously GM detuned them over the years...
Lol "obviously GM detuned them over the years" because your butt dyno says so?
Kur Norock the later modeled were in fact rated at something like 20 less ft/lb
Yeah they did detuned them but they can easily be retuned and make loads more power
These things were so dumbed down. at last 'it was pitiful.
@@KurNorock Lmao his butt dyno was right smartass.
I have a 02 2500HD crew cab long bed with the 8.1. I have a K&N intake filter on it, and I used a power programmer for better mileage and performance. The truck on 91 octane hauls ass. It surprises alot of others on the road that want to race me.
It's got 98 thousand on it and I will be changing the plugs for the first time very soon. It has been a great workhorse for me the Allison trans had a solenoid go out but it was cheap to fix.
Thinking about getting the same truck with a utility style bed. 100k miles for $7,000.
That sound like deal to you?
How's your gas mileage?
A lot of mixed views based on the comments section here but I'd rather hear from someone who has this truck and engine than all the diesel fanboys.
Thanks.
@@optimusprime3484 mileage is not great with extended bed, the utility bed being much heavier has got to bring it down even more. While I had it programmed it got better mileage than stock but I put it back as I was chasing a hard starting problem. The fuel pump is letting the gas flow back to the tank. The price seems high for that many miles unless he has All the maintenance records on hand.
@@charlesathan5897 I greatly appreciate the feedback. Not sure which way I'll go with it yet but it's good to know you've had a good experience in general with yours.
Hope you have many more miles of issue free hauling ass. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Owned a 04 Kodiak pickup w/8.1 & LCT1000. HELL of a setup.
If I could afford to, would replace the 454 in my 87 suburban with same setup
I've had 2 2001 2500s with the 8.1L it far exceeds my favorite gas engine, the Ford 460
460 fanboy here. But the 8.1 has the top end benefits that make it better then just a stroker
Yeah, I've had a 96 F250 460 and now a 98 454...you could pretty much throw a blanket over em. I hope to get an 8.1 someday.
I had one with 460xxx original miles then sold it. It was a great running engine
Buddy in high school had a GMC 3500HD SRW 4x4 with the big block 8.1L. He eventually bought a set of borlas for it and it was ridiculously loud. You could see the fuel gauge drop when you put the pedal to the floor. Thing was a beast!
Never forget the 8.1 mercury boat engine.
I have it in the 3500 Express van. Fabulous motor. Strong. Dependable. I still get 21-13 mpg on the road. Love it.
Where in the US is diesel hard to come by? Just curious.
there are lots of areas still diesel shy... or if they have it, its at a higher cost since they hold the cards so to speak... it is getting better but, some the areas i go thru are sparse with diesel.... i KNOW ill find gas.. even if its high, its everywhere.
I kinda get what your saying, however, everywhere with a Wal-Mart has Semi-trucks going to it. I live in MT and all the rural areas have diesel for the AG usage. DIesel does seem to often be neck and neck with premium gas prices but the difference in fuel economy between a gas and diesel trucks especially when loaded down all but makes up for this. Not trying to be argumentative, Im just wondering where these areas would be. Trucking is a huge industry in america and it surprises me that there would be places that a semi couldn't fuel up. Do you have an example of such a place?
There's no excuse that you can't find diesel, it runs the United States economy.... The not finding diesel has always been a weak argument, especially with the long range of the fuel before you're empty anyway.
Florida that's where. I drive class a trucks and finding a diesel pump near work is not an option. Our company bought a contract to have our tractors filled over night because of this.
@@couger3p what town? I've been to all 48 and have yet to see anywhere you can't find diesel
My dad still drives and uses his 2006 Silverado HD with the 8.1 today. Pulls a skid steer all the time. He loves the truck and engine. It is a really good pairing with the Allison transmission. I think he just crossed the 100k mile mark. I'll make sure he keeps it now. We can work on upgrading my LBZ and his 8.1 in the future.
If you research the 8.1, you will find that it was known for rod knock/ lower engine knock. They are also known for burning copious amounts of oil
I got a banging deal on a Winnebago Class A. It's a 2004 Adventurer with 20K miles. I couldn't go wrong with it having the 8.1, Allison Transmission, Spicer rear end. I'm old school and have had many big block motors, everything from Ram Air IV - 400, 460 Fords, 455 Buick and Olds. So far, the engine has performed adequately, even in that 35' Class A. It runs very nice.
8100 is the strongest best motor I ever had. I consistantly tow 10,000 + lb without blinking an eye and I have had up to 17,000 lb in tow. The 6.0 is a piece of crap compared to my 8.1 . As far as cost and maintenance goes it is not even half what my 6.7 Cummings diesel cost to run and maintain. GM needs to bring it back it was the best none diesel work horse ever.
Never heard of a cummings before
The 6.0 is a much better engine, they'll hold over 1500hp with boost, an 8.1 will scatter it's guts well before that.
LT Tolman's channel has a 10 second truck with the 8.1L and he hasn't cracked the block yet.
I had an avalanche 2500, I had big plans to tune the engine but the truck started eating money and i really didn’t need it for towing or anything other than having a fun truck. I am going to have another 8.1 in my life, that was such a fun engine.
They are used extensively in industrial applications such as power generation, pumping applications, and other situations.
Many are turbocharged by upfitters like Power Solutins, Inc (PSI) and Buck’s Engines.
Now PSI is manufacturing their own version in 8.8 liter displacement.
All of these burn gaseous fuel such as natural gas or propane.
Any high performance 496 engines?
Love my 01 2500HD... Owned it 10 years has 454 k on it. The allison has lost overdrive, rear end got a ton of slop in the pinon, transfer case got a hole from the fluid recall they did.. jb welded for 8 years, driveshaft converted to a one piece... I was replacing center bearing every 8 months. But that 8.1still runs like a top. I never opened it.
Did you have a 1 peice drive Shaft made..or did you find a stock replacement
Raylar Engineering is the best place to go for anything 8.1L Vortec. I own a 2005 Workhorse chassis motorhome and would love to put that 540ci Vortec between the frame rails.
You forgot to mention that the 8100 was also available in the avalanche 2500
Love my avalanche 2500.
My daily driver is a regular cab 2002 GMC 2500hd Sierra 4wd with the 8.1, 6 spd. manual trans. w/4:10 rear. I have owned this truck since 2003 and can honestly say it is the best truck I have ever owned. It has 167k miles on it and I have no complaints with the 8.1 engine. I helped it out a little with Gibson exhaust and a Hyper tech power programmer. I get an average 12.5 MPG, is fun to drive, and pulls a load with ease. 3rd gear rolling burnouts are quite easy, even with 285/75-16 tires on it ( although hard on the clutch ) but I pretty much baby it. The only thing I have repaired engine wise is a crank sensor and a thermostat. If GM made another truck like this one, I would definitely buy one or two without hesitating at all. I don't know how many were made with a 6spd. manual ZF behind them, but I have never personally seen any others. If anyone has one or knows, give a shout. Would be interesting to know.
Wvrockcrusher, I have the same powertrain combo in my 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD. The 6spd manual with the manual 4wd on the floor is a super rare option but I sure love it and wish this powertrain still existed in these new GM Trucks and especially the 8100 Vortec. So far I own 3 8100 Big Block GMC Trucks and willing to collect more GMC Big Blocks. They are real workhorses and really reliable for all kinds of use.
Right on! Is your truck a regular cab?
@@wvrockcrusher I wish it was a regular cab dually in this combo. Thats what Im really searching for. Mine is an extended cab long bed. Let me know if you ever want to sale yours. Dont get offended for me asking but Im just trying to make my GMC Big Block collection bigger..lol
That would be super rare to find the dually. I don't know if they ever made one equipped like you want. Have you ever seen a 6spd. manual behind an 8.1 with regular cab? Surely they made a few of them. When I called Gibson for the exhaust kit, I told them what I had, they thought I was joking that it was a regular cab 4wd truck with the 6spd. manual 8.1. They told me they never saw one, let alone heard of one. They sold me a kit for the extended cab short bed auto trans. and said it might work and to let them know if it did. All I had to do was omit the after cat pipes and it worked out. I absolutely love this truck and would love to have another just like it. I don't blame you for wanting another one too, but it would break my heart to sell this truck. No offense taken and if I wanted to sell it, I would like to sell it to somebody like yourself who really appreciates these trucks for what they really are! I have often thought if I could find a wrecked one with the same powertrain combo, I would put it in my '76 square body 4wd short bed. That would really be fun! Good luck in your search my friend!
Many more versions of the 8.1 are available, medium duty and marine duty applications mix up and often increase HP/TRQ specs.
My 03 suburban has the 8.1 fully loaded and it’s a beast.
Psi still makes it. And now there is a gen 8 version it’s 8.8l and has ls rockers
Can anyone tell me, what ignition system is used, I saw one torn apart and it did not have a hole fo r the distribor. I know it has eight coils, but i s it that the puter operates the coils somehow.
8.1L combined with the 6spd Allison swapped into my black 97’ K1500 Z71 single cab?
If you haven't already done it do it and get the raylar 511 CI base kit you get like four hundred and something horsepower and over 500 foot pounds of torque and better gas mileage
@@mctigmctiggy1475 not always. More times then none they were mated to 4l85e.
@@mctigmctiggy1475 you are absolutely right. I drive one,2500 avalanche. Yes it was a bit unclear but I still wasn't trying to correct you just offering info. No harm intended. Stil I myself am looking for an allison. I need those extra gears.
@@cecilg.relation2537 That is what is in my motorhome and is a very good trans.
Yup have it, love it ,and Larry from RayLar is the Man when it comes to modifying this big block
My is the unicorn Avalanche 2500 !
daskarman what mods did they do?
In the past the big block was the heavy towing option, that’s what you got if you wanted to tow heavy. Especially in the 6.5 diesel era they (the diesel) was more of a fuel efficiency option. But as technology advanced the diesel started becoming the high performance option in the trucks. They could tow more than the big block, and by the nature of how a diesel works, get leaps and bounds better fuel mileage as well. And that’s pretty much what sealed the big blocks fate, I feel most people who didn’t want to spend the cash for the diesel just got the 6.0 ls based v8 as there really isn’t that much of a sacrifice in power etc between the two. And so you don’t really see too many 8.1s out there because of that I think. I’ve seen them in suburban’s more than anything since that was the biggest motor you could get and they didn’t offer a diesel in them either. But they did get to stick around in the 4500 to 7500 and got popular for a while after they started requiring dpf‘s on the diesels. But I gotta hand it to gm they kept the big block going a lot longer than ford or Chrysler did with theirs.
There is a difference in a 6.0 and 8.1, it’s called stroke. The 6.0 has a 4.0 in stroke and makes around 360 to 380 ft/lbs at 4500 rpm The 8.1 had a 4.37” stroke and makes 455 ft/lbs but it’s making over 400 ft/lbs at 1200 rpm. The 8.1 and 6.0 may have similar power on paper but especially for towing they are vastly different and the 6.0 is definitely a huge sacrifice when it come to that.
Given repair costs on diesels and upkeep. I'd say 8.1. Imagine a modernized version today. You can already trick out the factory motor for good money if you want to.
My father had one in a 3500 dually. It didn't have an over abundance of power and got horrible gas mileage. Also used to drive a c65 flatbed with an 8.1 in it. Went ok considering the size of the truck but used a lot of oil. Ill stick with my 454s.
Purchased my 2004 Crew Cab 8.1/Allison 4x4 new. It has 140k miles and runs like a top. Finally had to put some $$ in to it...water pump this summer, and fluid pump in the Allison this week. The 8.1 burns no oil, does have cold start knock, but has performs wonderfully. I get around 10.5 MPG city, and 12.5-13 highway. Pulls strong. Not my daily driver, so less than 5k miles per year. I expect another 8-10 years out of this Big Block!
That 8100 would be the perfect candidate for a late 60's to early 70's GM muscle car. Like a Chevelle SS or a Camaro. 😍
Holy shit also the older trucks too.
Corvair. Look up videos of guys putting big blocks in corvair. Its ridiculous and awesome
I have an old school 468 with newer aftermarket parts on it in my 64 Chevy 2 Nova
I just got a free 8.1 block and heads from a buddy. Had no idea what it was. Thanks for the video!!!
I've put about 250k on my 01 Suburban with the 8.1. While she still runs strong, the gaskets are leaking like a sieve. Mileage has dropped from 14 to 11 over time, but the power is still there. After moving to a Magnaflow at 180k when the cats went, she has a pretty distinct growl. Since all of the gaskets need replacing, I'm just going to rebuild her this fall and try to get another 15 years out of her.
You must have spent many times the trucks cost on fuel in those miles...
@@hendo337 Oddly enough, probably not. It retailed for about $59k 22 years ago. If I had to guess, gas averaged about $2.25 over that time.
That would put me around 2 grand a year in gas.
It's towed a 7500 lb boat and trailer on some 2000+ mile round trips more times than I can count. It's hauled four kayakers with their boats on the roof and their camping gear inside dozens of times. It carried 1500 lbs of hardwood flooring inside to the house and even fit a three cushion sofa in the back with the door shut.
I think I've gotten my money's worth, but I probably will rebuild it or replace it for another 20 years worth.
LOVEEE the video. Super informative and packed with facts. Im looking at purchasing one so huge thumbs up for the vid!
Never once mentioned this engine is incredibly popular in marine boats. Just so everyone knows
GM used to put them in the off shore race boats, they even had a support team to fallow them around.
1:58
And the once built 2500hd avalanche had the 8100. Had 6 at our dealership back in the days
This is interesting. I recently saw an Silverado 2500 posted on Ebay with the 8.1L mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. That must be a unicorn combo for a Silverado.
The real unicorn for the 8.1 is the avalanche very rare.
My 98 3/4 ton with the 454 is a beast and I'd never get rid of it. I'd love to find a 8.1 as well
Got 2001 cheve 2500 HD 8.1 my old work truck
i love the 496 been thinking about putting one in my nova with a cam and some work on the heads with a turbo
With head work and a cam that's fine . it does only have a 4 bolt main though , it won't support boost very well .
Dr. Westside seen plenty of 2 bolt main nitrous big block Chevy’s take a lot of abuse...
@@Dr.Westside lol you've been spoiled with the LS mains. 4 bolt is fine - and as already stated, a 2 bolt wasn't going to snap immediately either.
Super charge it over a turbo
Also, the 8100 has a taller deck so the intake manifold from a 454 does not fit. They had to make the deck higher to fit the longer stroke. Intake manifolds are the major issue in building a hot rod version.
thanks. i was going through the comments for just this info. thinking of building a later model bb. guess i'll be sticking with the 454 idea.
GM really needs to look into bringing the 8.1 back into their hd line up. ✌✌
With redesigned heads and direct port injection. Surely they could develop a tune when unloaded it could sip gas. Although the rwason why you wont is due to cost to bring back, government emission tax, competition with the 6.2 thats designed very well and exceeds the 8.1 in nearly all ways. Then you have the duramax.
@@coltoncarpenter3790 I would like to see a LS type head designed for the 8.1 ( if that's fesible) along with direct injection.
@Game Bred Duramax the 6.0 is lighter but it's also 100 ft lbs of torque behind the 8.1. The selling point of the 8.1 for me is the Allison transmission, which you can't get with the 6.0. But it all boils down to the use and how often. Thanks for the comparison I did some research.
www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/55051-60l-2500-hd-vs-81l-2500-hd/ ✌✌
Totally agree. The 6.0L is enimic.
The 8100 had some serious drawbacks conpared to earlier - notably one use metric fasteners, limited (and therefore expensive) affermarket support, and a persistent oil consumption issue that seems to be caused by the crankcas vent system in the intake manifold (which btw, seriously restricts airflow as well )
Got an 02 with the 8.1/Allison with almost 400k and I maintenance it and it still runs!
If you have one of the mills from the pickup truck , a custom grind cam from comp and a good machine shop to do head work , install bigger valves and deck the heads along with port and polish , that motor will easily make 550 - 600 horsepower 700 - 750 pound feet of torque . Tuning would also go a really really long way and probably dial in another 40 hp .
GM always chokes off the intake and exhaust valves in their big blocks for some reason . I wouldn't bother to do anything to the bottom end , those motors are stout .
With that kind of power it would be super duper thirsty .
How thirsty, they already get like 8/9 mpg
I've had my 02 sierra since new and it currently has 325,000 hard miles with no engine work ever done. Paired with the Allison trans. Both are still workin great!! (Knock on wood)
Great to hear Ryan!. My '01 8.1L has 160K and has run flawlessly so far.
I would not say the Duramax is a better engine just a more powerful engine. I have drove many Duramaxes and industrial-grade trucks along with many 8100s in industrial trucks such as box trucks boom trucks bucket trucks dump trucks. the 8100 never broke down and never had a lack of power that was of any concern. I have set on the side of an interstate at least 15 times the last five years because of a Duramax! Not a better engine at all but will pull the world.
are they being maintained? I have a Duramax and I beat the fuck out of it with my semi heavy trailer attached to it. I really do put my lead foot down and beat the hell out of it. also mine is tuned so I should be having issues that ur having but im not...…….
They were company trucks and yes they were always maintenanced on time and a butt ton of preventive maintenance I did have one Duramax though I started driving with 250,000 miles beat the hell out of it in the North Carolina Mountains for another 50,000 and it never did break down
@@mitchelkane2641 damn thats good to hear because i always wonder if my trucks gonna go. My main concern would be the cp4 pump which i put additives in my fuel to lubracate the fragile cp4 pump. The ultra low sulfer in diesel takes away the lubracate the cp4 needs. It was 500ppm back 15 yrs ago and now its decreased so much to a 5ppm. 100x's less!! Also my tranny, which has been great so far but nothing last forever and i need to stop having a lead foot but with the mbrp exaust and it being tuned it sounds like a beast drivint around. Another problem they have is emissions. All my emissions on my truck are all gone so there is half the problem.
An 8.1 driving around empty: 9.0mpg
And 8.1 towing a house with 1000lb load in the bed: 9.0 mpg
I love my 04 2500hd W/T, has the 6.0 LQ4 with the 4l80e and the 4.10 rear end. Pretty basic but is a solid truck. I wish I could find one though with the 8.1 though that would be great in a single cab truck, boosted and built.
The 6.0...a 5.3...a 4.8...is a better engine for boost than an 8.1.
Why did you say the aftermarket is not as good when the 8.1 is based off of the 454 which the 454 has a massive aftermarket support on anything you want to buy. So is the 8.1 very different from the 454
I love my 2500 8.1 it is a beast.
I would really like to see one of these with the stroker kit, a set of aluminum ported heads, a cam, and a BBBIIIGGGGGGG turbo on it...with a 6 speed. Now that would be sick.
Hi Bryce! (I hope I spelled that right.) I just watched your video on why the LS engines are so good, and while I enjoyed that video, this one was much better. Your familiarity with the camera has improved, the different visuals were more engaging, and the lack of music made it easier to hear you and focus on what you are saying. Kudos! I've always wondered what the 8.1 was like, and I found this video quite informative. ☺
P Ferris a lot has happened since the last videos including acquiring my own camera, editing software, and a new area to film. Thanks so much for watching and stay tuned for future videos! 👍🏻
Dust Runners Automotive Journal - Those changes have worked well. I've subscribed, and look forward to seeing what you come up with in the future. ☺
I’ve got a 2002 Chevy 2500hd Silverado with the 8.1 has over 400,000 miles on it with no rebuild, will tow anything and everything. most reliable truck I have ever had, shits on 6.0 vortecs all day long and as for duraqueer’s of course they are quick they have a turbo the 8.1 is naturally aspirated, put a supercharger or turbo on the 8.1 and buh bye duramax
I also own the 496! I let her eat each time I drive it! I’ve pushed a ton of snow with a boss vplow!
The 6 speed Allison on a 8.1L is the finest combo GM ever offered.
I love this engine. I have a 2001 Silverado 2500hd with the 8100 and it is a power house (stock) I get 10 mpg with 33s and can tow anything with it. I do still want a duramax but this is a good alternative. Eventually I'm going to pull it and get a lot more power out of it and put it in the mud truck
I have a 2004 8.1 with the Allison transmission in a 3500 Suburban and I love it, we use it to pull our 30' RV (approx. 10,000 lbs.), it doesn't get the greatest gas mileage while towing (7-9mpgs) but it sure gets the job done. It gets anywhere from 12-16mpgjust cruising down the highway. I just turned 100K miles, we don't drive it much.
I had a 8100 in a Avalanche 2500 and for a 3 ton Truck he was going quick thru the woods.
We have a GMC 3500HD with the 8.1L in it, with 245k miles. Hard working miles too (pulling a Bobcat, hauling stone and cement, etc.). It drinks gas (7-8 mpg), but damned if it isn't bulletproof, and powerful!
Had a friend that had one in a huge motorhome even he couldn’t believe how good it did on the interstate Much better than the ford v10 motor homes. I think they should offer it again or something like it again. Hell at the end of the day it’s still cheaper than a diesel to own operate and purchase. Everyone thinks they have to have a diesel now to tow anything bigger than a push mower. That’s like how an old timer told me about how they used to pull all this big stuff with 292 six cylinders and big block v8s in old 1 ton trucks Before the diesel fad began.
They were also available in Chevy/GMC B series school buses from 2001 to 2003, and in the Avalanche 2500
Diesels are great for big rigs but to meet epa standards in passenger vehicles the engines are smogged to the point that they are money pits after 200K miles. Give me an 8.1 or even a 454 any day.
The 8.1 is a great tow/haul gas option for trucks, but it is an absolute darling in the marine world.😍
Man O, I've got duo pushing my 30000 pound 40' Viking. Love the torque and the fuel mileage is right up there with a diesel.
Yep, I repowered my boat two years ago with Crusader 8.1’s that I rebuilt
My 8.1 Sierra with 216,000 is the most reliable best driving truck I have ever seen. (and i'm a mechanic) I would not alter it from stock or give it up for anything. Love it
Put a tune on it and get rid of the torque management and funky shift pattern, you'll be amazed.
Abm
Buy parts where 😁
❤I had one in my 01 suburban and loved it, especially when I floored it😊, deep muscle tone was music to my ears 😊, im going to get another one someday 😂
I've had a 8.1 in a 2500 pickup, on back-top it did great, but I do alot of hunting and fishing and the smaller 5.3 did alot better, and honestly the 4.8 with a little work did better than both. Cubic inches don't mean a whole in the country.
Depends on what you're hauling on the dirt roads. Cows have to get to auction too. lol
Thanks for your Imfo.Have nice day.
Great motor in stock form. Terrible for hot rod applications. 4 bolt mains, No aftermarket, no support and dollar/hp is a complete waste of time and money. A 6.0L lq4 6 bolt main is capable of much more reliable power for less money. Change my mind.
Always wondered if it had the 4 bolt main or not .
I’ve never owned an 8.1 but I do have a 6.0 lq4. I put a Vinci ultra torque cam in it with headers true duel exhaust, CAI and a custom tune, she pulls my 30 foot fifth wheel really well. As much torque as the 8.1?..... nope but it’s better than stock now
I have the 8.1 and it does good for me haven’t had any problems out of it.
Best engine I have EVER had ! Duramax KILLER!
Dawn Witmer what kind of mpg you getting out of it? Thanks
I get 9.5 to 10.5 around town, 12.5 to 13.5 on the highway with an 02 running the 4.11 gearing.
How do sales of the 8.1 compare to the 6.6? Thanks.
Until you go on a trip and you're filling up every 400 miles because you're out of gas. The oil thing the Duramax has is fuel economy. Outside of that its 10 quarts of oil vs 6 quarts and your changing oil every 5000 miles or so in the Duramax or 3000 miles in the 496.
Duramax killer? I call bullshit
The one I already have... 8.1 '06 Burb. GREAT tow vehicle.
8.1 came in anything that got bigger than a 1/2 ton frame. Avalanche, Suburban, 2500/3500(HD's) plus the list of mega stuff like RV's, Kodiak, etc. The Allison was not offered on the Avalanche or 'Burb though, they got the old 4 speed, and towing suffered greatly for it in those vehicles. The Allison transmission was the most important update GM made in it's HD trucks back then.
I would put (unmodified) an 8.1/allison against a similar era duramax for towing all day any day. The power starts at almost idle and the truck will shift before it tapers off. There is zero comparison to the 6.0's, that's almost laughable. As for mpg, I get 15 running empty on the hwy. Buy the right tires, keep the allison serviced, and for the love of pete put the correct oil etc in the thing not 15/40 sludge. Besides that, run NO ETHANOL FUEL.
In the long run, say what you want about gas prices, diesels are expensive to fix, the 8.1 will need some spark plugs and a quart or two of oil in between oil changes on it's way to 300k miles. You can buy a lot of gas for maint. cost difference between the two engines.
People looking to spend $$$$$ on a truck engine designed for pulling.... you are barking up the wrong tree. Why spend 6k dollars on an 8.1 when you could spend it on a small block for "go fast" fun? I won't try to convince duramax freaks about the $$$$, they don't care they would rather drop 15k dollars on a 5000 lb truck then spend half that on a sporty car that will go just as fast and still be a lot cheaper to do maint on and still get better mpg. It's like the people with Jeeps. To each their own, if a dumptruck engine floats your boat I ain't stoppin ya.
My 2002 avalanche 2500 is a beast!! It'll melt the tires off if i stomp her down, leaving my driveway. Difently has alot of power and torque for what it is. Mine currently has 140k miles on it, they'll go up tho, as i daily drive it.