Chevy 8.1 truck with low miles?

babock wrote:

specta wrote:

babock wrote:
There is a reason GM got rid of it!

Emissions was the big killer of the 8.1. It was a filthy

Large bore engines of that era were filthy as far as emissions went.
That's why Ford went to a V-10, smaller bore lower emissions.

Technology was not all that great back them compared to today.

In its day the 8.1 was a good truck engine.

Why didn't the 8.1L have more power and get better gas mileage? 9.1:1 compression.

But then once again, I don't think the intention of this thread was to compare to old against the new.

Just to reminisce the old 8.1.

And why was it a filthy engine? It was because it was not an efficient engine! That's why they killed it.

Once again, emissions.

It could have been extremely efficient but emission regulations choked it.

babock wrote:

specta wrote:

babock wrote:
There is a reason GM got rid of it!

Emissions was the big killer of the 8.1. It was a filthy

Large bore engines of that era were filthy as far as emissions went.
That's why Ford went to a V-10, smaller bore lower emissions.

Technology was not all that great back them compared to today.

In its day the 8.1 was a good truck engine.

Why didn't the 8.1L have more power and get better gas mileage? 9.1:1 compression.

But then once again, I don't think the intention of this thread was to compare to old against the new.

Just to reminisce the old 8.1.

And why was it a filthy engine? It was because it was not an efficient engine! That's why they killed it.

Reading your post, I take it that you really didn’t like that engine or any other BB. Just a note, GM still produces BB engines in the 8 liter size. The 8.1 was discontinued because of the change in emissions. No big deal, it’s really a great engine, has tremendous power and easy to produce more. The GM 6.0 was upgraded along with 6 speeds that took the helm during that time. I’m thinking that GM will release another version of the 8 liter engine soon for larger trucks. I don’t think the duty cycle of any smaller displacement engine last as long. I have 2 friends that own both 8.1 trucks. Both tow regularly and have had zero issues. One of them pulls 15k horse trailer all around the Country. Has a lot of miles on it, last I heard was around 300k.. still runs and does the job. My other buddy has around 100k on his and zero issues. As long as I have personally worked on engines I’m a fan of both SB and BB variants. I even like the Ford Ecoboost series. My Fav are the GM LS series, but Ford has done a good job with the ecoboost so far. Now I’m watching the 1/2 ton Diesel engines. I expect good service from those as well. But if one ever finds a good deal on a low miles 8.1 and cheap... Best Buy it... it will last...

^I think he was referencing the good kind of filthy.....
Like “ Bro, that move was filthy!!”
Lol

specta wrote:

babock wrote:
There is a reason GM got rid of it!

Emissions was the big killer of the 8.1. It was a filthy

Large bore engines of that era were filthy as far as emissions went.
That's why Ford went to a V-10, smaller bore lower emissions.

Technology was not all that great back them compared to today.

In its day the 8.1 was a good truck engine.

Why didn't the 8.1L have more power and get better gas mileage? 9.1:1 compression.

But then once again, I don't think the intention of this thread was to compare to old against the new.

Just to reminisce the old 8.1.

And why was it a filthy engine? It was because it was not an efficient engine! That's why they killed it.

Lantley wrote:

BenK wrote:
Not apples to apples

There is a current reason why there are no tiny displacement ICE'S forced fed big block volumes of air in higher class trucks

It is not just HP for TV'S...especially towing heavy. There is a thing called duty cycle...

If you want the 8.1 to be a heavy duty cycle regular hauler it can be but in 2020 there are a lot of better options than a 8.1 if you are towing heavy everyday.
If you are an occasional user and don't tow heavy regularly than the Ecoboost models do come into play.
The 8.1 was a niche vehicle in its heyday that eventually got squeezed out by diesel power and gas prices.
While the 8.1 is still a beast of a motor, 15 years later these vehicles lack the payload and common features of modern vehicles to be a serious contender for most. Yes there are a few seldom heavy tow'ers that can use a bargain priced 8.1. For most the 8.1 is no longer a serious contender, it has simply aged out.
Many have fond memories of the 8.1 that reflect what a great motor it was once upon a time. However that time has passed.
This thread points out that finding a cherry 8.1 simply does not generate the excitement it once did.
Once you drop the fond memories the 8.1 just doesn't stand up to other options. Yes it may be the best bargain option, but when buying a truck for towing heavy there are lots of criteria to consider. Bargain price is not at the top of the list. Furthermore it is a bargain for a reason.....no one else wants it

I don't disagree what you're saying, but that said, the 2000-2007 GM trucks are pretty darn venerable, no matter what engine including the trusty old 8.1L. I was quite surprised when I went shopping last year for a boat puller and saw many of these models of trucks with really high miles that still run really good. It definitely helped make my mind up when I bought my 2001 Yukon from the original owner.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 2013 Ram 3500, but when the trusty 2001 Yukon with 10x the mileage on it gets to all of the same destinations pulling our boat, it really makes me think about things, especially considering I paid a small fraction for the Yukon compared to the Ram......:h

babock wrote:
There is a reason GM got rid of it!

Emissions was the big killer of the 8.1. It was a filthy

Large bore engines of that era were filthy as far as emissions went.
That's why Ford went to a V-10, smaller bore lower emissions.

Technology was not all that great back them compared to today.

In its day the 8.1 was a good truck engine.

Why didn't the 8.1L have more power and get better gas mileage? 9.1:1 compression.

But then once again, I don't think the intention of this thread was to compare to old against the new.

Just to reminisce the old 8.1.

We need to consider how OFTEN the truck is used. I bought a 1999 Ram 2500 V10 with camper pkg (dually springs), 100k miles, for around $3k US.

It gets 11 mpg, but has 3k lbs payload, and cost me barely anything in maintenance. I drive it 2000 miles a year at most, mostly in the bush while hauling a Bigfoot. Sits 9 months of the year. This is what the old big gassers are good for - occasional heavy hauling.

If you need the truck day in day out, or tow 10k+ lbs, then get a modern diesel or the 6.4Hemi/6.6 GM/7.3 Ford with 8/10 spd transmissions.

BenK wrote:
Not apples to apples

There is a current reason why there are no tiny displacement ICE'S forced fed big block volumes of air in higher class trucks

It is not just HP for TV'S...especially towing heavy. There is a thing called duty cycle...

If you want the 8.1 to be a heavy duty cycle regular hauler it can be but in 2020 there are a lot of better options than a 8.1 if you are towing heavy everyday.
If you are an occasional user and don't tow heavy regularly than the Ecoboost models do come into play.
The 8.1 was a niche vehicle in its heyday that eventually got squeezed out by diesel power and gas prices.
While the 8.1 is still a beast of a motor, 15 years later these vehicles lack the payload and common features of modern vehicles to be a serious contender for most. Yes there are a few seldom heavy tow'ers that can use a bargain priced 8.1. For most the 8.1 is no longer a serious contender, it has simply aged out.
Many have fond memories of the 8.1 that reflect what a great motor it was once upon a time. However that time has passed.
This thread points out that finding a cherry 8.1 simply does not generate the excitement it once did.
Once you drop the fond memories the 8.1 just doesn't stand up to other options. Yes it may be the best bargain option, but when buying a truck for towing heavy there are lots of criteria to consider. Bargain price is not at the top of the list. Furthermore it is a bargain for a reason.....no one else wants it

I had an '01 Suburban 2500 8.1L with 4.10 gearing pulling my 7000lb loaded TT. It was amazing. Got right around 8MPG towing.

Recently had to give up a '14 Ram 3500 CTD and GD Reflection 5th wheel. It also towed amazingly well. LOVED the exhaust brake. Around 10.5MPG towing 10,000lbs.

When towing out West there are mountains everywhere. The Ram devoured climbs. The 'Burb was no slouch....found it's sweet spot at 3100RPM and cruised to the top.

On the flats, which let's face it is probably between 90-95% of travelling, both combo's chugged along effortlessly.

Those are my experiences, yours may vary. :)

Now, once we make it through to the other side of our 'life detour' I will be hoping to get back into towing.
Because funds are an issue I would have NO qualms about grabbing another 8.1L if it presented itself.

A 2500HD would be awesome, and there's even a Yukon XL in my area in the low $5KCAN range which keeps bouncing into my conscience...lol
Now, a 'modern' F150 3.5EB (which has been mentioned in this thread) seems to fall in the $20-30KCAN range here depending on year.

For me, it'd be a no-brainer. Grab an 8.1L, run it on synthetic oil (which seemed to illeviate the oil consumption on my 'Burb) and cruise on. :)

If money wasn't an issue, then my plan might be different, but it is, so that's that.

My thoughts,

Mike.....off to search CL for 8.1's......dang-it :D

Not apples to apples

There is a current reason why there are no tiny displacement ICE'S forced fed big block volumes of air in higher class trucks

It is not just HP for TV'S...especially towing heavy. There is a thing called duty cycle...