If Anyone is Looking for an 8.1 Burb - NOT MINE!

BenK,

I know what you mean concerning the torque management. I have an old 1977 Chevrolet Scottsdale C-20 Trailering Special pickup with a 454 and TH400. It is a rocket sled compared to most new trucks. Helps that the curb weight is only around 4,500 lbs., too. :B

Those 8.1/Alli trucks are getting scarce these days and may start surpassing the ole 7.3 PStroke for demand and price. I've driven one and they are a great combo for a gasser.

I wish I had the double din radio size in mine so I could get a decent touch screen.

Here's another 8.1L Suburban that I found (not mine)...

http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/4774151764.html

Well, I think I will just stay silent on the 2001 Silverado LS 2500HD sb/ec 4X4 8.1/Alison, bone stock,with 35k miles, sitting in the back yard shed!

CDlaine;

Its not unusual for GM or for that matter any of the big companies to produce hundreds or in the case of GM thousands of units either on order, for inventory or just to use up parts. I know a fella who bought up 50 of the high hp Buick Grand National engines, how many years has that been and he still has a couple.

According to GM they do not supply the 8.1 GM engines

GM racing is another animal, but they are not and have not offered the 8.1 because the 502 based on the 454 is a better platform for a high performance engine. I have noticed that Mercury Marine is offering the 502/8.2 engine in their current lineup so GM or a supplier must be making it, maybe someone like Dart.

Probably more than needs to be said.

Thanks.

Rick,

I'm pretty sure PSI is still under license to build them ... at
least their webpage indicates they are...
PSI 8.1l
..and I think the marine application is still available via Volvopenta
and MerCruiser.

...this is the first time I have ever heard of the "chewing, er, eaters" claim.
I would like to see the referred to "Fleet" statistics... anecdotal evidence
aside, I'm glad I have the 496 CID with Allison combo... so far has
worked for me , well at least the first 11 years.

as to the vehicle in question in the ad...take it to a reliable mechanic, have
him check the common crimminals , and make your best guess if it a worthwhile
buy.

Charles

transamz9 wrote:
There is a reason the 8.1 isn't built to put in pick-ups any more. For the cubic inches it is it is weak.

The 8.1 at the time was the classical big torque gas engine and it does the job of towing very well and when not towing it likewise performs very well.

The reason the 8.1 is not made any more has nothing to do with its performance. First emissions were an issue and big bore long stroke engines would take more engineering and more money to produce. Secondly and more important was the fact that an 8.1 was a $1000 option give or take a few bucks. The diesel was an $8000 option probably adding a few bucks, the diesel also helps mileage ratings. GM would rather sell the diesel, then the gas engine. Also, dropping an 8.1 engine, which GM did in in 2007 from the truck line would save money. After mid 2007 the 8.1 engine continued to be used in marine applications. As of this year the 8.1 is no longer produced for any market.

I have had diesels in the past, and they are the tow beasts. There are certain advantages in a gas powered tow vehicles (we have owned two 8.1) and that is why last year we bought a low mileage (under 50k) 2006 GMC 2500HD after having spent 150K miles in our previous diesel.

BurbMan wrote:
The 8.1 has very predictable fuel mileage....you pretty much get 10 mpg no matter what, unless you tow at 70 mph, in which case it's around 8. I have gotten as high as 13 mpg cruising 55 mph with no head wind....

Also doesn't say what axle ratio, and not sure what the diameter of those 20" tires are vs. stock. Don't know why the trans was replaced, but these trucks are not known as "eaters".

LOL. Sure they are, our fleet numbers say they are as bad as anything out there for consuming transmissions. 4L80's (and variants) and their predecessors do not survive either heavy use or neglect.

Maybe I'm a cynic, but when I see a vehicle like with aftermarket rims, a blacked out bow tie, and aftermarket tail lights I get turned off. Maybe it's been hot rodded around? Perhaps the reason for the new tranny?