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6.0 to 8.1 engine swap?
Hey,
I have a 2002 2500HD with a 6.0 in it. I am seriously debating dropping in an 8.1 out of a 2500 avalanche or a 2500 suburban. Has anyone here done this? Just wondering if there is anything I should be aware of before any purchasing of an engine or anything else. I am going to try to stick with an 01 or 02 8.1 due to the whole drive by wire/ cable changeover with the 2003 and newer 8.1 engines. The other reason I am going with a suburban/avalanche engine is because I hve a 4l80e in my truck that i just beefed up a year ago and as far as i know, the suburbans and avalanches came with the 4l80e as well. If I was able to get a complete parts truck a 2001 or 2002 2500hd or 3500 with and 8.1/allison combo, will i need to do anything other than reprogram my PCM for the engine/trani swap. I've also read that the engine mounts out of the suburbans/avalanches are different but I haven't confirmed this. Let me know any input you have.
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Just don't. Swapping form a 8.1 to 6.0 sure, but going to 8.1 from 6.0 will be a considerable let down. Take the cash you'd spend on the swap and invest it into the 6.0 and you will be much happier.
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One question Y? 8.1 is a gas hog and the 6.0 has plenty of potential. Get a tune, headers, and cold air. If thats not enough power. Do a cam swap.
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Well, in my 6.0 I have a hypertech programmer installed which didn't make a lot of difference as far as I am concerned. I have a K&N FIPK cold air kit, and borla exhaust. I haul trailers occasionally but primarily work the engine when I am plowing snow. I don't care about fuel mileage because I only drive about 8000 miles a year. I'm only pulling about 10 mpg average. I am an ASE master tech that works at my family owned shop so as far as cost, Labor is FREE. The reason I am considering this is because #1 a diesel is too much money, and #2 the torque of the stock 8.1 is awesome.
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look into a supercharger.
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I looked into a charger but they are $6000. To be honest, I really haven't looked into investing moiney into my 6.0 as far as a cam or even a stroker kit if they are available. The bottom line is that I need more low end torque then a stock 6.0offers. Any recommendations on upgrades on the 6.0 that aren't going to cost $6000? I don't plan on doing anything for less then $2500 bucks or so but don't want to get too crazy with it either. I just was thinking an 8.1 swap because it would be a drop in and gor for somewhere around $3000, but if you guys know of better options for my 6.0 i'm definitely open to suggestions.
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6.0
milled heads 10:5:1 compression
220/224 on 113lsa or 222/226 custom cam
2800-3000 stall
custom tune
pacesetter LTs
CAI
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I agree....Tune, Headers, and a cam.
Another thing you might consider. What gears are you running?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
sleeper1500
408.
lmao thats 5000-7000 easy atleast from TSP
id just buy a low mileage 6.0, cam, LTs, tune, gears depending yours as of right now.
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Even I can build a 408 for less than that, cost of parts is pretty much double here too
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Alright... what exactly is a 408? Stroked 6.0? If I were to get a decent cam, headers, maybe a nelson tune (as recommended) any ideas on power gains and torque gains?Like I said in earlier posts, I am primarily working my truck while plowing snow and an occasional trailer. I'm not looking to blow a Z06 away in the 1/4 mile. Still need to drive it everyday. Looking for primarily low end torque gains. What are your thoughts as far as my power/torque gains? What are your estimates on fuel economy if I go with a mild but more agressive then stock cam? Any other mods necessary to accomplish what I'm looking for?
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408 is a 6L engine that has a 4" stroke rather than 3.62 and bored to 4.030" rather than 4.00". A very torquey engine with the right cam, don't run a high lift high duration cam and expect low rpm torque.
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408 is a 6.0 bored out .030 with a 4" stroke. Lots of torque there, add to that a lower duration (212/218) high lift cam (.580 min.) with a wide LSA (113-115), and basic bolt ons you'd have a torque monster. With good live tuning fuel economy would be no worse if not better than a 8.1. Not to mention you are still saving weight off the front end by keeping the small block, since you plow snow you know thats a benefit. Of course proper gears and converter help too
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Well, I know this isn't the exact forum to talk about this in but I'm in the search of a newer truck with a duramax. Can get some pretty good deals so I think this is the better way to go for me anyway. Thanks guys for all your replies. If things fall through with the duramax I will still be considering these mods for my truck.
