newbie here!! 8.1 into 67-72 anyone go thru with it ??

[n8r67]

Hey guys. Newbie here but ive been lurking for a few years now. Bought my 67 c-10 about 4 years ago. I recently tripped over a 2002 express 3500 with the 8.1 4L85e. It has finally pursueded me to dust the old girl off and dive in. Been searching all over the board. However, the only posts I seem to find are from guys that wanted to do it but have been persuaded not to. Mainly for the lack of and price of the aftermarket for the 8.1 or the popularity of the 6.0 and ls small blocks. I have yet to find someone that went thru with it except for the one guy with a square body. Dirtylarry I believe?? Has anyone gone outside the popular crowd and done one in the 67-72s?? Or am I gonna be the first and have to set out on my own?? I have aquired alot of priceless info and seen alot of great ideas from you guys. Looking forward to throwing in my $.02 from here on out.
Thanks!!
Nate

[Longhorn 70]

Welcome!

Watching as it is something I once considered but never was able to fund.

[n8r67]

Heres a couple starter pics. One the day I brought her home fresh from tennesee. And one from last weekend peeling her open!!

[MalibuSSwagon]

Should be a fairly straight forward swap, everything for a BBC bolts up however make sure to save and re-use all the hardware for the engine mounts and everything as it's all metric.

[MARKDTN]

There is a link on the Street and Performance website by Gary Puls on an '88 1-ton.
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/81%20swap.pdf

the 8.1 is a tall-deck big block. It looks like it should bolt in like a big block, move the transmission crossmember and cut down the driveshaft. If you use the new style accessories, looks like to have to notch the frame for the a/c compressor. If you don't want new style serpentine accessories, you can probably find old school accessories on a 366 powered schoolbus for just power steering and alternator. Exhaust manifolds may be an issue. Other than that looks like a pretty straightforward swap with all the little things that go with any retro-mod swap.

[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

I have sold several of the 8.1 engines. my last customer put one in a 69 chevelle. it turned out really neat. when you open the hood NOTHING fills up the engine bay like a big block chevy!! and dart machinery www.dartheads.com is making peformance parts for them now you can even buy a new 8.1 engine block. a LSX engine runs good but the 8100 is a torgue monster. 496 cubic inches and lots of people can wire them up. good luck with your swap!

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

There is a link on the Street and Performance website by Gary Puls on an '88 1-ton.
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/81%20swap.pdf

the 8.1 is a tall-deck big block. It looks like it should bolt in like a big block, move the transmission crossmember and cut down the driveshaft. If you use the new style accessories, looks like to have to notch the frame for the a/c compressor. If you don't want new style serpentine accessories, you can probably find old school accessories on a 366 powered schoolbus for just power steering and alternator. Exhaust manifolds may be an issue. Other than that looks like a pretty straightforward swap with all the little things that go with any retro-mod swap.

Havnt had it set in the frame rails just yet but a/c should not be an issue. My motor came outof an express van. The compressor is on top on the drivers side

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by AMERICAN PICK-UP

I have sold several of the 8.1 engines. my last customer put one in a 69 chevelle. it turned out really neat. when you open the hood NOTHING fills up the engine bay like a big block chevy!! Andy dart machinery www.dartheads.com is making peformance parts for them now you can even buy a new 8.1 engine block. a LSX engine runs good but the 8100 is a torgue monster. 496 cubic inches and lots of people can wire them up. good luck with your swap!

Thanks im pretty pumped to see how it does. I know the aftermarket is very limited and expensive compared to a standard big block. But if your starting with 496cc and 450ft/lb a guy shouldnt need much more. I could have just went 502lsx but I enjoy being a lil different. That and I got $1500 in a driveline compared tl $15,000! When you look at it that way the aftermarket dosent seem so $$.

[70blackfish]

please take lots of pictures.....oh and post them....

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by 70blackfish

please take lots of pictures.....oh and post them....

I will get a build post going once I get going. Got to get thru the holidays before I get serious with my "garage time"

[Rust_phoenix]

Welcome, that step side will be a beast with the 8.1, as the others have mentioned it should be a fairly straight forward swap in the c10 chassis, I have installed one in mine but it is a 1972 4x4. there are a few people around with knowledge. Dirty Larry is the guru on here and has posted a lot of information and photos both here and other websites like CK5.com
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308019
do a google search and you will find quite a bit of help, Good luck with your swap and I will be watching as well should be fun!

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by Rust_phoenix

Welcome, that step side will be a beast with the 8.1, as the others have mentioned it should be a fairly straight forward swap in the c10 chassis, I have installed one in mine but it is a 1972 4x4. there are a few people around with knowledge. Dirty Larry is the guru on here and has posted a lot of information and photos both here and other websites like CK5.com
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308019
do a google search and you will find quite a bit of help, Good luck with your swap and I will be watching as well should be fun!

Some great info there on k5! Looks like I scored having pulld my 8.1 from the van. Do you have a build thread for you k-10. Looks like a very clean and proportional install from this pic

[Rust_phoenix]

Sure, here is my build thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=555878
I still have a long way to go, and will be pulling things back apart for paint, I wanted to get everything mocked up first.

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by Rust_phoenix

Sure, here is my build thread, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=555878
I still have a long way to go, and will be pulling things back apart for paint, I wanted to get everything mocked up first.

Actually found it in you signature. Very through work man. Like to see the fabrication more than just bolting on new panels. There is alot of great effort there I saving and building vs replacing. Hope you take some pride in that!

[Longhorn 70]

Thanks for posting the build threads. You guys made me feel better that I didn't try it. I just don't have the welding skills to cut frames, firewall and mounts.

Good luck on your build n8r67

[hugger6933]

The aftermarket is gonna catch up slowly to the 8.1 crowd they will have to. A lot of people dismissed that motor at first but is is a rat cousin right? I would think that Comp in Memphis could whip you up a hyd roller if they don't already have a range of profiles to choose from I haven't looked in their catalog that really would wake it up. there is probably at least a hundred HP and a hundred FT.LBS resting in there waiting to be brought out with a simple cam change. Jim

[n8r67]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

The aftermarket is gonna catch up slowly to the 8.1 crowd they will have to. A lot of people dismissed that motor at first but is is a rat cousin right? I would think that Comp in Memphis could whip you up a hyd roller if they don't already have a range of profiles to choose from I haven't looked in their catalog that really would wake it up. there is probably at least a hundred HP and a hundred FT.LBS resting in there waiting to be brought out with a simple cam change. Jim

Comp does offer a few cam/spring options. Also read that lsx cams fit just have to change firing order. Raylar seems to be top dog in the aftermarket but their prices reflect it. Cam change and some tuning is on my list. Wanna get it in and harnessed first tho. my plan is to use the complete harness from donor van and rewire the entire truck with it. Thats definately the most extensive part.