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.
