6.0 to 8.1 engine swap.....can it be done?
6.0 to 8.1 engine swap.....can it be done? I have a 2002 6.0 engine with the 4l80e tranny, and I have a chance to obtain a 8.1 engine, and I'd love to be able to run the 8.1 with the 4l80e for performance.
Is it possible to run the 8.1 with the 6.0 PCM, and all the hardware bolt up?
I can program the PCM to the new 8.1liter information, as long as I'm not looking at trouble with the pick-up on the crankshaft, which I don't know the tooth count.
Can yall think of something that may cause this set-up not to run on the 6.0 PCM?
(I can tune for v/e, maf, engine displacement, injector sizing and that stuff)
Moss
Is it possible to run the 8.1 with the 6.0 PCM, and all the hardware bolt up?
I can program the PCM to the new 8.1liter information, as long as I'm not looking at trouble with the pick-up on the crankshaft, which I don't know the tooth count.
Can yall think of something that may cause this set-up not to run on the 6.0 PCM?
(I can tune for v/e, maf, engine displacement, injector sizing and that stuff)
Moss
496 Yes, it is a stock low mileage motor that was taken out due to piston slap. I would love to be able to fix the piston slap and slap it between the framerails where my 6.0 is sitting!
Is it possible?
Is it possible?
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 171
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From: Northern Kentucky
The 8.1 is based on the newest big block platform, not exactly a dinosaur.
To answer your question I would assume you'll have to swap mounts for it to bolt up. Worst case you can always make your own mounts, it's not a terribly difficult task. You will most likely need the PCM for the 8.1/4L80E combination, and the transmission crossmember and driveshaft for that combination if they're different (I'm not 100% sure).
The engine was originally an option in your chassis, so swapping it in should be a relative walk in the park. Just about any part you would need can be had from a dealership or salvage yard.
To answer your question I would assume you'll have to swap mounts for it to bolt up. Worst case you can always make your own mounts, it's not a terribly difficult task. You will most likely need the PCM for the 8.1/4L80E combination, and the transmission crossmember and driveshaft for that combination if they're different (I'm not 100% sure).
The engine was originally an option in your chassis, so swapping it in should be a relative walk in the park. Just about any part you would need can be had from a dealership or salvage yard.
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TECH Regular
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From: Lake Jackson TX, south of Houston
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Vortec_engine
http://www.lt1swap.com/vortec8100.htm
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Verdad Gallardo i dont think he ever said what it is going in.....he said he has a 2002 6.0 and a 4L80E.
if its going in a truck, shouldnt be too hard
if its going in a car (Fbody), good luck......
if its going in a truck, shouldnt be too hard
if its going in a car (Fbody), good luck......
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Northern Kentucky
It sounded to me like it was going in a truck. If it's going in an F-body, you've got your work cut out for you, but it's not impossible. Anything can be done, your limiting factors will be your patience, skill, and wallet.
agreed.....ive seen a few BBC's put in 4th gens, but none that are fully streetable. they all had the wiper cowls cut, shock towers removed and replaced with tubular units...etc.....
I daily drove a 2002 2500HD with an 8.1L and an Allison. There was a 4 speed automatic option as well as a manual. If you could make this engine fit, I don't think it would be worth it. With the stock intake, heads, and exhaust manifolds they are HORRIBLY restricted just to pass emissions. They make great torque but the mass is ridiculous. It takes 2-3 seconds in neutral to go from idle to redline with it wide open. As for the PCM... I had a Hypertech Power Programmer III on it before anyone was making stuff for the 8.1L. Hypertech sent me the programmer for a 6.0 with a different tune. So apparently it is the same computer. http://www.tbyrnemotorsports.com/81truckcatalog.html
That should give you an idea on what it would take to get good performance out of one of these. In the HD I got 11-12MPG average with the Allison. With the truck pulling a 2000lb trailer with a 6000lb tractor it never downshifted on hilly interstates setting the cruise at 70-80. Still pulled 11MPG with it fully loaded. Super dependable motor. I would bet that "piston slap" your talking about is what the 8.1L guys call the 2-step tap. Lots of these engines produce a bad lifter tap after a few thousand miles. It can be extremely loud on a cold start up especially if the oil isn't topped off. I drove mine another 100k miles with no problems besides a Crankshaft position sensor going out. That **** was annoying. Trucks still sitting in the driveway with 140k hard miles on it and I have no thoughts of selling it.
Edit: If the engine your getting was backed by an Allison transmission you are gonna have to get a PCM from somewhere else. When you get the Allison option it seems like all the engine/transmission electronics are completely different. I mean everything.
That should give you an idea on what it would take to get good performance out of one of these. In the HD I got 11-12MPG average with the Allison. With the truck pulling a 2000lb trailer with a 6000lb tractor it never downshifted on hilly interstates setting the cruise at 70-80. Still pulled 11MPG with it fully loaded. Super dependable motor. I would bet that "piston slap" your talking about is what the 8.1L guys call the 2-step tap. Lots of these engines produce a bad lifter tap after a few thousand miles. It can be extremely loud on a cold start up especially if the oil isn't topped off. I drove mine another 100k miles with no problems besides a Crankshaft position sensor going out. That **** was annoying. Trucks still sitting in the driveway with 140k hard miles on it and I have no thoughts of selling it.
Edit: If the engine your getting was backed by an Allison transmission you are gonna have to get a PCM from somewhere else. When you get the Allison option it seems like all the engine/transmission electronics are completely different. I mean everything.
TECH Resident
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From: sneaking in your back door as you leave!/cartersville ga
not all 8.1L are in front of allisons. my wifes suburban does not have a allison. it has 80e. the allison was an option behind the 8.1 in the trucks only, but the 80e was standard
truck Yeah, let's clairfy what's happening here.
The truck that I have (93 model), I put the 2002 6.0 with 4l80e tranny in it. We made motor mounts, trans crossmember, driveshaft and stuff for it.
I was thinking of taking the 6.0 out, and putting in the 8.1 (round about a2000 model engine).
I got some of my answers a few posts above, about if it came with an allison tranny, some of the electronics would be different! This is what I was mainly looking for.
I wanted to know if I could use the electronics off of the 6.0 and put them on the 8.1. I can cut/fabricate my own motor mounts, tranny won't move.
As far as pcm, I can get the tuning taken care of myself, just get an 8.1 bin file and copy all of the 8.1 tables over into the 6.0 tables, then tune from there, IF, and a big IF, if the 6.0 PCM will run the 8.1 electronics.
As far as restrictions, one day some boost will hit her in the mouth! but that'll be a long way down the road.
The truck that I have (93 model), I put the 2002 6.0 with 4l80e tranny in it. We made motor mounts, trans crossmember, driveshaft and stuff for it.
I was thinking of taking the 6.0 out, and putting in the 8.1 (round about a2000 model engine).
I got some of my answers a few posts above, about if it came with an allison tranny, some of the electronics would be different! This is what I was mainly looking for.
I wanted to know if I could use the electronics off of the 6.0 and put them on the 8.1. I can cut/fabricate my own motor mounts, tranny won't move.
As far as pcm, I can get the tuning taken care of myself, just get an 8.1 bin file and copy all of the 8.1 tables over into the 6.0 tables, then tune from there, IF, and a big IF, if the 6.0 PCM will run the 8.1 electronics.
As far as restrictions, one day some boost will hit her in the mouth! but that'll be a long way down the road.
8100 cam/crank signals are identical to the 6.0 engine.
you could probably use you're 6.0 engine harness, run a manual throttle body, and lengthen you're cam signal wire. (cam sensor is in timing cover on 8100, crank sensor is at back of block on top.
I had the 8100 in my 67 chevy pickup, torque was unreal, pistons were weak and it come apart.
good luck...If you decide not to put in the 8100, let me know i'll buy it...
you could probably use you're 6.0 engine harness, run a manual throttle body, and lengthen you're cam signal wire. (cam sensor is in timing cover on 8100, crank sensor is at back of block on top.
I had the 8100 in my 67 chevy pickup, torque was unreal, pistons were weak and it come apart.
good luck...If you decide not to put in the 8100, let me know i'll buy it...
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Yes the swap is possible. 8.1L bolts right up to the 4L80E. You can reuse the throttle body, K&N intake with minor cutting, harness, computer, fan, radiator, etc...
Here's our shop truck - a 2003 6.0/4L80E Suburban which has been swapped out to an 8.1L/496 which has been stroked to 9.0/547cid still using the stock block. Enjoy the video:
Here's our shop truck - a 2003 6.0/4L80E Suburban which has been swapped out to an 8.1L/496 which has been stroked to 9.0/547cid still using the stock block. Enjoy the video:
Last edited by Raylar Engineering; Mar 3, 2014 at 09:44 PM.
