Printable View
i was curious if the 8.1 would be worth doing? I found one for 650.00 dollars. The price is definately right. The truck it would be going in is a 1990 ss 454 so it should fit. If you did one what tranny would you run? 6.0 Be a better swap? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
Shawn
do a search at the top of the forum, there are already threads about this that answer ur exact questions.
Since you already have a 454SS I'd do the 8.1 and run a 4L80E behind it..... I love those rat motors! I haven't seen anyone post up details of a big block swap here however, so you would be a trail blazer. Be careful if you get an engine for a song as it may not have all the accessories. The best way to do these retrofit swaps is to purchase a complete dropout engine and trans that comes with with all wiring, computer, accessories and anything else you can get your hands on.... radiator, throttle cable, cruise control, relay and fuse panels, electric fans, etc. etc.. Definitely makes a swap much easier...... Since you already have a big block there may be some of your accessories from the 454 that may cross over... give it a close look and do some internet searches to try and dig up info.... Keep us posted if you decide to go ahead with the project.
It shouldnt be too hard of a swap. However if you are looking to put serious power behind the truck it is going to cost you with this motor. Heads and intake right now are only made by one company and the prices are rediculous! I almost bought one of these motors to do the swap myself but I am a novice and the problems I ran into were too much for me to handle. This motor is only available with the fly by wire throttle body as far as I know. Also the one I was looking at had the 5 speed allison auto behind it which has a separate computer. Nelson performance was not sure what they could do with that when I called. What I did find out though was that the motor would mount right up to small block 350 engine mounts and your old big block headers will work just fine as well.
Good luck!
-Mike
p.s. they have huge problems cracking pistons when you put power to them as well. The replacements from that company that does the heads and intake are better but alot of cake.