8.1L....will it fit?

[beastie_3]

the frame needs to be notched for the exhaust...per nuck's link

[1979C20]

It will need notching, but you wont have to notch and reinforce it.

[roadrage41]

The plasma, it is your friend.

[big bear]

it may not be required and or necessary, and maybe its just in my head, but whenever i notch things i always support them. somehow or another.

[ssapach]

I agree with reinforcing.  When I'm removing material I still want it to be as strong or stronger than it ever was.

[slammed79]

If mini truckers can fit big blocks into s-10's I'd say an 8.1 will fit our trucks, that is just an opinion statement

[big bear]

If mini truckers can fit big blocks into s-10's I'd say an 8.1 will fit our trucks, that is just an opinion statement

true story man.  what can i say, us mini truckers are a crazy breed.  but serioussly,  ive seen the 454 in many s10s its crazy.  i thought having a small block in my sonoma was asking for trouble haha

[Captkaos]

The 8.1L is just like a tall deck BBC, many of the frame notching is not necessary.
AC = Just move it back up top
8.1L manifolds, just don't use them, measure for "normal" BBC headers and find a set that will fit, keep in mind the tall deck difference makes the heads sit out 1/2" wider.
The Front of the oil pan will have to be clearanced.

[bohrer54]

You could also use a ord front crossmember to give you the needed clearance for the oil pan. I am right in the middle of putting my 8.1/s6-650 6 speed into my 86' crew right now and with headers the frame looks ok other than the a/c. i dont have the brackets for the ac/alternator yet.

As for the wire harness, i would ditch the stock one and go with an aftermarket one like howell engine dev. inc.. Much simpler to install, just send em your pcm and they reprogram it and your done.

Let us know what you come up with, or if you need more info.

[ssapach]

You could also use a ord front crossmember to give you the needed clearance for the oil pan. I am right in the middle of putting my 8.1/s6-650 6 speed into my 86' crew right now and with headers the frame looks ok other than the a/c. i dont have the brackets for the ac/alternator yet.

As for the wire harness, i would ditch the stock one and go with an aftermarket one like howell engine dev. inc.. Much simpler to install, just send em your pcm and they reprogram it and your done.

Let us know what you come up with, or if you need more info.

It sounds like you're doing something identical to what I was planning.  Is your truck a 4x4 as well? 

I'm curious how that 6 speed fits under the cab, if there is any reworking of the transmission tunnel required for it to fit or if it has enough room???

I would ultimately like a good used Duramax for my truck, but everyone wants way too much for a good used engine, not including other essentials to run the motor (rad, intercooler, etc.)  but if another 8.1 comes up close to home i might have to consider it.  The one I was previously eyeing up has since been sold.

[bohrer54]

Yep my crew is a 4x4.

I havent put the tranny under it yet, just the motor to see how that fits. just from looking i think it is going to be tight, but it may fit. i am going to do a bunch of floor pan work anyways so i thought if i need to i may just raise the tunnel a little if i need too.

I am really looking forward to seeing how the 8.1/6speed pulls. that will mainly be what my truck is used for. I had howell engine del. put there ho tune in it, along with removing all emissions and torque mang. stuff.

[ssapach]

I looked at the Howell website.  I may have to rethink this 8.1 engine option as they make everything look so nice and easy, and for about half the price of what PPE told me for a plug and play Duramax wiring harness.

Thanks for bringing that one up, I probably wouldn't have found that any time soon!

[bohrer54]

no prob.