6.0L to 8.1L Swap?? 6.0 Locked Up

[bmbutler]

My Nelson Tuned 6.0 has been a good motor for 4 years until last Thursday when it locked up.
Has anyone done a swap in a 1/2 ton to an 8.1L? PMs welcome.

I found an 8.1L in Houston for $1900 with 6 month warranty with 53K miles and comes with ECM.

I already have the 4L80E conversion...what else will I need. New harness?
Will it fit or will I need HD hood? Will it work with the 4L80E, Any suggestions?
If not, I found another 6.0 for $1600.00

So do I get a replacement 6.0?
Rebuild the one I got (assuming block is alright)
or 8.1L (if its worth the trouble).
I have about $3000 budgeted for this project.


I tried searching for past threads on 8.1s but am not having good luck.
If there are any threads on the 8.1 and swapping, please direct me to them.

I called Nelson Performance to get some ideas as he is the one that helped with the 5.3 to 6.0 & 4L80 swap. I guess I've been out of the loop for a while because his business must have grown BIG!!!
There's a 2-day period before he may be able to personally call you back, at least that's what the lady that answered the phone said, ....and they will not tune on Saturdays anymore.
With no days off except Saturdays and a 400 mile round trip to factor in. I think Nelson may be out of the question now days. He was an awesome help before, and worked unbelievable magic, but I may have to find a new tuner....that sucks.

Thanks for any help at all!!

[leochevy2001]

i would say go with the 6.0L.
i think there is more aftermarket for those than the 8.1L.

[mean05]

Stay with the 6.0....hell you could build a really nice motor with that kind of budget

[zeake]

6.0 gives you more for your money. More available mods and parts 8.1 drinks a lot of gas for a little bit more trq

[Lextech]

X5. The 6.0 is a much more "nimble" engine than the 8.1 You will have more fun and use less fuel with the 6.0

Jeff