8.1 liter big block Chevy

[Clutch]

You might get a surprise with that SBC 350. I got a 94 suburban with 350 an it tows well. 5800lb suburban, 1700lb open trailer, 4000lb car, so 11,500 in total an it's a 4300km trip one way that l do once a year an l trust it more than my Escalade. And the suburban has about 200,000 miles on it, at points l hit 75mph.

I've been driving it as a daily since last winter. And I've towed with it it did it but I feel like I'm killing the poor thing

 

[bob64]

Well honestly after reading your post, yup put the 8.1 in the old girl an do your carb swap. You'll get the same mileage with the 8.1 as you do with the 350 an may even get a bit better with the amount of weight towing. There are after market parts for the 8.1 but pricey.

There is a reason for truckers having monster diesel engines in there rigs. Bigger engines work less an in return burn less Fuel. Proven theory!

 

[Clutch]

Well honestly after reading your post, yup put the 8.1 in the old girl an do your carb swap. You'll get the same mileage with the 8.1 as you do with the 350 an may even get a bit better with the amount of weight towing. There are after market parts for the 8.1 but pricey.

There is a reason for truckers having monster diesel engines in there rigs. Bigger engines work less an in return burn less Fuel. Proven theory!

The idea of a big turbo cat from a top kick or Kodiak crossed my mind to but OMG! That's expensive

 

[bob64]

The idea of a big turbo cat from a top kick or Kodiak crossed my mind to but OMG! That's expensive

Them little diesel compared to the highway rigs. I drove a International Eagle that would twist an lift the right front tire off the ground when loaded with a set of trains(2 trailers)

 

[DRIVEN]

Why were you towing in reverse?

 

[Turbo Zach]

I would say away from the little Cat's! Perkins cat is ok. Put a 71 Detroit in it! Two stroke diesel with a blower. Now that would be neat. Never mind carry on with your original idea. Sounds like a good one.

 

[bob64]

I would say away from the little Cat's! Perkins cat is ok. Put a 71 Detroit in it! Two stroke diesel with a blower. Now that would be neat. Never mind carry on with your original idea. Sounds like a good one.

Omg a house rattling Jimmy. Twin turbo blowing coal with the best Jake brake going! Got to love the sound of them!!

 

[lilbowtie]

Just go for it. There is no replacement for displacement.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I never drove a screaming Jimmy, man do they sound cool. The 8.1 is a good idea, of course your cooling system will need upgraded big time. With the RPM's you will be turning, get the biggest rad you can fit in there with either very good electric fans or a 7 blade fan with a severe duty clutch. At least you can put a really wide rad in that truck, unlike the G body which will only take a 31.5" wide rad or a hammer or torch is needed.

 

[dfast1]

FYI - 8.1 have a well known oil consumption issue. As weird as it might sound there is GM bulletin that has dealers replacing the intake bolts as a possible fix. Apparently it sucked oil from the intake to head surfaces. I had several 3/4 ton Suburbans with that motor. Good torque great power but uses oil.