Chevrolet 2500 HD 8.1 litre performance

[The Fred]

With 420HP from a 6.2, the big block is stone cold dead. The cost to re-certify, re-engineer and re-tool would be cost prohibitive for such a small market.

Not true GM will use the same basic engine they so well designed in 1963. With a few updates such as piston targeted direct injection this engine will shine. I have owned, rebuilt, modified small, big block and GM LS series engines and there is simply no replacement for a large bore low speed engine. Torque is what starts a load. All of your LS series engines don't make enough power until high up the RPM band. I have to keep my 08 6 liter 2500 at 3000 plus RPM to haul anything. The fuel mileage pulling with a 6 liter stinks at 8.5 for a 4 place enclosed snowmobile trailer. The fact that I must fool and manipulate the shifting on the interstate to keep it in any sort of useable powerband is a total PITA. Big bore low RPM ROCKS for towing period!


Fred

 

[buickanddeere]

Time will tell . Do you know anybody inside GM's engineering division?

 

[britt2020]

Big bore low end torque does rock for towing, that's why they produce diesels.

 

[The Fred]

Big bore low end torque does rock for towing, that's why they produce diesels.

At a cost. More money for fuel ,far more added emissions. Large gas engines will make a comeback. Cheaper to produce, proven technology, more customer choices. Just another opinion.

Time will tell . Do you know anybody inside GM's engineering division?

No I'm just an idiot but look at the way GM does things. They love interchangeability compared to say Ford that has different engines per manufacturing plant; Windsor or Cleveland? Which fits? GM= they all fit. It's just the way they seem to do things.

Back to the original poster's question. If you need a tow rig the 8.1 will shine for the money if you don't want the Duramax.

Fred

 

[britt2020]

You are right. GM does do interchangeability, but I just don't see where a Big Block has a place in today's lineup. I will be tickled to death if you're right though Fred. It would be the balls to have those big cubed motors available for transplants on down the road. I'm afraid however that they have had their day.

 

[buickanddeere]

The vehicles of the USA today is what Europe drove 10-30 years ago.
Few Americans will be able to afford to drive 10mpg vehicles with fuel at $8 to $12 a gallon before the vehicle is worn out. Looks how fuel has increased since Obammy took office. Look at European prices.
Fuel-prices-europe.info - Current Fuel Prices in Europe

 

[sld]

Don't forget the 3V 6.8L Ford V10. Extra "smaller" cylinders are good for emissions and power. My truck does not even use an EGR system....but still not clean enough for California...so it's been replaced.

It makes around 450 lb/ft at 2000 rpm. Not bad, but nothing like a diesel.

 

[buickanddeere]

Don't forget the 3V 6.8L Ford V10. Extra "smaller" cylinders are good for emissions and power. My truck does not even use an EGR system....but still not clean enough for California...so it's been replaced.

It makes around 450 lb/ft at 2000 rpm. Not bad, but nothing like a diesel.

More and smaller cylinders burn cooler as there is more wall area to soak the heat away and make NOX. Could be a variable cam in there too? Cam timing can perform the EGR function.

 

[flusher]

My 2004 Isuzu NPR stakebed (8 x 14 ft Supreme bed) has the Chevy/GMC 6.0L engine (LQ4) with the 4L80-E 4-speed automatic and 4.777 to 1 rear end. Weight with 3/4 tank of gas, me and my tools is 7100 lb. GVWR is 12,000 lb; GCWR is 18,000 lb. Mileage: about 12 gpm unloaded on the freeway, 10 mpg with about 4000 lb of tractor on the bed. No problem hitting 75 mph on the freeway (no load) despite tilt-cab aerodynamics drawbacks.
Found it on eBAy two years ago for $11K with 49,500 miles showing. Went this way after spending about 18 months looking for a similar vintage 3/4 ton diesel P/U that would fit my budget. That 6.0L engine has been trouble free; ditto the tranny (one of the best shifting automatics I've ever owned).

Good luck.