03 tahoe engine swap

[dollarcustoms]

i have a 03 tahoe with a 4.8 thats 4wheel drive. im wanting more power so i was wondering what all was needed to swap in an 8.1 out of an 06 truck. like what all would i have to change and if its posible. thank for the help

 

[Physh1]

Is it possible...yes. But, in all honesty, the lack of aftermarket parts for the 8.1 make it less desirable & harder to install than swapping in a 6.0 lq4 or lq9. The 8.1 is also a bit of a slug IMHO.

If you did the 8.1 you'd want the 4l80e with it...it would need the computer & harness as well. You'd likely need a shorter drive shaft I def need to upgrade the rear end. The stock g80 won't last long under 8.1 torque.

I'd really look at a 6.0 if I was looking for a power upgrade.

Cameron

 

[bkboatnsleds]

Agree with above... I did the 6.0 swap.

 

[07Burb]

x3 on the 6.0 swap over the 8.1 swap. Much easier to come by for parts and aftermarket "support".

 

[dollarcustoms]

swap

thanks for the advice i just thought bigger was better. ill just go with the 6.0

 

[solored]

there isnt much aftermarket support for the 8.1L.. you would be more than happy with the 6.0L. Lots of power, can add some bolt on's ie cam for easy big power.

 

[chevy_man]

The 8.1L does have one advantage, which is gobs of torque down low. It also doesn't rev out like a 6.0L does either.

A 6.0L should be cheaper, and easier to swap/work on because it's so much more popular and big blocks in these would be tight.

I'm trying to find an 8.1L for my 88, but only because the only mod I want to do is put a cam/tune and drive it till it falls apart.