This is the one that replaced the 454. Is this engine any good for a build up? I haven't heard anything on it but I my have a chance to get one cheap.

It is basically a Vortec 7400 with a long stroke, so it won't rev like a 454 will. But it will let you hook up to Mt Everest and let you drag it off at idle.

All depends on your intended driving. Racing? No, Street driving, probably ok. Some of the big monster engines that are in racing do use long strokes like that.

I wouldn't expect it to rev over 5000 rpm in stock form easily, due to the smallish cams. My Vortec 7400/454 is all done by 4500 rpm, but it makes nearly 400 lb/ft off idle to 3500 rpm. Hard to argue with that (mine's in a 99 K2500 Suburban)

Stock it would love 3.08 gears or taller with OD and drive nicely with them.

It's a tall deck block, 4.25" b x 4.37" s = 496" BB that has SB LS- type heads on it so go figure!!

I personally want to redrill the deck and install a Mark IV topend on one to see if it can be done AND if it will run better!! BUT I don't have that kinda money to play like this!!

pdq67

It's a tall deck block, 4.25" b x 4.37" s = 496" BB that has SB LS- type heads on it so go figure!!

I personally want to redrill the deck and install a Mark IV topend on one to see if it can be done AND if it will run better!! BUT I don't have that kinda money to play like this!!

pdq67


can't be done, the water jackets are in the wrong spot as are the O-A-L of the heads among other things

not much in the way of speed parts for the 8.1 so i'd probably leave it alone unless I got it cheap and wanted to put it in my truck...... good motor, just too many things going against it at this time

Comp does offer a few off the shelf cams for it. Key is if someone made an intake for it - none available, so it's factory fuel injection or nothing. Oil pan is another problem.

The decks can be redrilled b/c the bore centers are still the same as the old blocks. (Just have to make sure there is enough cast-iron at each new head bolt hole to engage all the threads of the bolts, otherwise, figure out how to "red-head" each bolts threads down in there)..

Cooling passages can also be taken care of if I had the money.

As for a pan, cut the flange off it and custom make one!

BUT like said, why unless you just WANT TO!!

pdq67

If you want to play with that engine, expect to pay.

Here's a site that specializes in the 8.1:

http://www.raylarengine.com/

John

NO!!

I would "shade-tree" it all the way if I wanted to play w/ an 8100 motor!!

pdq67