383 Stroker or 6.0 LS??

[Rashad Baker]

I know that it's not a super popular option, and there is not much for aftermarket power makers for them. But an 8.1l in stock form has that newer reliability and has torque compared to the 6.0l and 5.3. Plus its an easier swap going from old school sbc or BBC to the 8.1 then the LSs. Some people can even find them cheaper due to lack of popularity.

I'm in the same boat as vbb199 and not crazy about LS swaps due to them being overdone. So if I were to swap out my ole sbc/700r4 in a truck that would tow, I'd go 8.1l. If I were doing a 2wd c10, I'd be going with the 6.0l or find a way to put in the newer 6.2l.

Yeah I never thought about the 8.1L, truthfully I didn’t even know it was an option. All I really hear about are the 5.7, 6.0, and 6.2


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[Rashad Baker]

An old timer tranny builder with 40 yrs experience explained that in his experience a 700 can be built to handle 500 hp on the street or most likely, street and strip. No problem there.
But that doesn't mean this transmission will handle towing. Towing, extended pulling, or pushing snow will overheat these units far beyond what even a 500 hp capable build will
experience. Even with the best cooler, it won't actually stop the tranny from overheating. Look at it this way, the cooler is puling heat out of the oil 'already' heated to nuclear meltdown.

How much more work is it to use the 4L80E with the 383?


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[Rashad Baker]

Can anyone let me know what they are seeing as far as mpg with a 383 in their burb?


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[SquareRoot]

Ya. Gas mileage is gonna suck with a squarebody no matter which engine you choose. You'll be splitting hairs over nothing.

If you're starting from scratch, go with an LS. Dollar for dollar, it's a better deal in the end for hp and reliability.

Vbb makes valid points but that doesn't change the facts. If gen 1 small blocks were so great why is GM producing LS motors. Technology moves forward. If you already have the components and want to save money, well, you've got a decision to make?

 

[eskimomann209]

I have thought about the 8.1 but I hear nothing but arguments about it and don’t see many people actually running them. I don’t feel like pioneering it. I wanna put one in my 98 c1500 tho.
But odds are it’ll get the 6.0 Or I’m doing the 5.3 bored to 3.904 with a stroker crank. It’ll be pretty close to a 383 and be an LS.

 

[shiftpro]

How much more work is it to use the 4L80E with the 383?


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Average $500 controller need to shift it.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

@eskimomann209 I'm right there with you. And everyone makes very good points. The one i know of and really what got me interested in the 8.1l was a guy screen named Dirtylarry over on the 67-72 forum. While most other things on that site are hit or miss at best. His build up was very thorough and detailed from start to end. I also really like the nv4500 and np205 setup he did.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298696

That being said. Its production stopped in 2009 and it was replaced with the 6.0. Probably for a reason decided by the bean counters and engineers at gm, as well as stricter emissions standards.

One thing I think we can all agree on, a 350, 383, 454, 5.3, 6.0, 8.1 really whatever engine to put into a square is a very fun choice to be stuck with.

 

[Shorty81]

Made my own 8.1. Stroked, bored 454. LOADS of torque.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Jethro224]

Made my own 8.1. Stroked, bored 454. LOADS of torque.

You must be registered for see images attach

And purrrty!

 

[Rashad Baker]

Made my own 8.1. Stroked, bored 454. LOADS of torque.

You must be registered for see images attach

What type of mileage are you getting? How many miles have you put on it so far?


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[RoryH19]

My thoughts from someone that LS swapped a 4x4.

As mentioned, you are miles ahead with having a '90 FI truck.
You have the proper gauge cluster, and electronic t-case for VSS.
You also have the FI fuel tank and correct sender. Just need a different fuel pump.
Since you are traveling cross country it's nice to have cruise control. Very easy to setup if you buy a DBW version.

Since you will be towing most of the time, find a 3/4 4x4 ton donor pickup.
Take the 6.0 (LQ4) and 4L80e along with all accessories, computer, rad, e-fans...
It will make the swap easier and you know it will all work together.

I used an 04 Escalade as my donor.

The 1 issue you will have to address on the NP241c T-case is that it will be 27 spline. 4l80's need 31 spline.
You can either order the parts to convert or find a junkyard Np241c from a 90-91 3/4 ton burb.

Just my initial thoughts.
You can see my build in the link below.

Not telling you which way to go, just giving some info.
Good luck.

 

[Shorty81]

What type of mileage are you getting? How many miles have you put on it so far?


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Well, it's a K20, SM465 manual tranny. Not daily driver. Driven easily it gets 10-12 mpg. I've put 11000 on her so far. Not a over built engine. 781 iron heads, mild cam, 750 Holley. Very happy engine.

 

[Rashad Baker]

My thoughts from someone that LS swapped a 4x4.

As mentioned, you are miles ahead with having a '90 FI truck.
You have the proper gauge cluster, and electronic t-case for VSS.
You also have the FI fuel tank and correct sender. Just need a different fuel pump.
Since you are traveling cross country it's nice to have cruise control. Very easy to setup if you buy a DBW version.

Since you will be towing most of the time, find a 3/4 4x4 ton donor pickup.
Take the 6.0 (LQ4) and 4L80e along with all accessories, computer, rad, e-fans...
It will make the swap easier and you know it will all work together.

I used an 04 Escalade as my donor.

The 1 issue you will have to address on the NP241c T-case is that it will be 27 spline. 4l80's need 31 spline.
You can either order the parts to convert or find a junkyard Np241c from a 90-91 3/4 ton burb.

Just my initial thoughts.
You can see my build in the link below.

Not telling you which way to go, just giving some info.
Good luck.

Appreciate you sharing your experience. What type of mileage are you getting? Did you go with the 6L/4L80E setup?


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[82sbshortbed]

7.4L BBC?

 

[The88]

Could possibly get a full parts truck from copart for a decent price.