Is it true, 8.1L Engine in GMC Yukon-XL's 2007-2013?

[GMCbigblock]

A friend of mine been to MEXICO back in 2011, and lately informed me that, he was told that GM's Branch of MEXICO is still offering the GMC Yukon-XL of 2007 till 2013 with 8.1L Engine as an option, but not in the US (in which the 8.1L was discontinued)!

I asked my friend to pass me any info...unfortunately; he did not have any contact-point or add; but advised to check with MEXICO's GM site!

Accordingly; I searched almost everywhere in the Net but could not find a clue? So, I wish my attempt here will firm up the situation; whether this is true, or simply a 'misunderstood information'?

I wish this is not a rumor, as am interested in one (I tried the Denali 2008 with 6.2 for about 5-years....yes, it drives well with a notable performance-manner.....but it lacks the stunning bull's pull of the Bigger-Bore heart)! Thanx in advance.

 

[Smokinthehippies]

Ask
Larry
On here. He has a thread with all the best 8.1 info somewhere. Really knows those engines well

 

[Smokinthehippies]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308019
Here's the thread but worse case you can shoot him a pm. I didn't see anything about Mexico but he may know anyway

 

[Larry]

Yeah, that is not true. 8.1L engines never made it to any GMT900 platform vehicles (2007-2013). GM de Mexico was never big on big blocks in the first place outside of medium duty trucks. The last GM 8.1L was built 12-21-2009 in Tonawanda, NY. The last GM production vehicle to receive the 8.1L was the 2009 GM medium duty truck. The last non-GM vehicle to receive the 8.1L was the 2010 model year Workhorse RV chassis.

The 8.1L has recently returned to production by PSI but they are not used in any GM vehicles (PSI is building 8.1L’s and an 8.8L version under license with GM). The PSI engines are being used by well pump manufacturers, gen set manufacturers, Marine and other OEM’s such as Freightliner, International and Workhorse.

I also see nothing in the global GM service manual that shows 8.1L engines in any pickup or SUV after 2006 (2007 classic) GMT800.

Bummer too. I personally feel the 8.1L was the best truck engine GM Powertrain ever built. It has the torque of a diesel without the bullchit and weight of a diesel engine, also has hot rod HP and still gets just as good fuel mileage as a 6.0L. GM discontinued it because it was canabalizing sales of the Duramax. GM had to dump a ton of money into the Dirtymax to meet 2007 diesel emissions so it made sense for them to kill off the main engine that was steeling Duramax sales. Nobody will admit that but it is true.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Then.....it can't be more true than what Larry has just stated, which nicely closed this thread for good, but with a real good and factual statement about the "daylight trade off deal" (8.1 for the Dura). Larry.....Thanks for life, for bringing piece to my brain and convenience to my soul, which is still chasing 8.1 around all world corners and my body parts

And, you were right Steve, this Thread had Larry's name all over. Many thanks!

 

[dyeager535]

Just as an FYI, this is the Mexican Chev site http://www.chevrolet.com.mx I can't speak or read spanish, but was able to maneuver the site ok. I didn't see the 8.1L mentioned anywhere, not that I doubted Larry.

Mexico often DOES get things we can't in the US, or continues versions of vehicles after the US stops making them, so sometimes you will find GM vehicles (or powertrains) in other countries that we aren't familiar with.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Just as an FYI, this is the Mexican Chev site http://www.chevrolet.com.mx I can't speak or read spanish, but was able to maneuver the site ok. I didn't see the 8.1L mentioned anywhere, not that I doubted Larry.

Mexico often DOES get things we can't in the US, or continues versions of vehicles after the US stops making them, so sometimes you will find GM vehicles (or powertrains) in other countries that we aren't familiar with.

Hi Dorian,

Rogered that, and I also speak NO Spanish! But I can follow some lines and manage thru the Site, as it will help my information need and general interest of Mexican market, which indeed offers some spec's different from that of US market (our Country mostly imports from US Market).

I myself saw (about couple of years ago) a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck with stick-shift behind V8!! To me, this combo will be fun to drive. Thank you all....

 

[Larry]

I myself saw (about couple of years ago) a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck with stick-shift behind V8!! To me, this combo will be fun to drive. Thank you all....

Yeah, our neighbors to the south still have manual transmissions available in their new fullsize GM trucks but it is a Tremec 5 speed. We never got such a Tremec animal here in the states in any GM vehicle. Hell, I don't think Ford or Dodge ever offered a Tremec in truck either. It would be interesting to see what one those Tremec truck 5 speeds drives like. I absolutely hate the ZF S6-650 6 speed manual in my 2001 Silverado with an 8.1L. The last manual in the US fullsize trucks was in 2006 (2007 Classic) GMT800 trucks. The GMT900 never got a manual in the states but it did in Mexico

 

[82355]

The GMT900 never got a manual in the states but it did in Mexico

I knew they didn't make them anymore, but I didn't realize they were still making them for other countries.

Martin

 

[paratrooper307]

It's a real shame truck manufacturers are getting away from sticks. Particularly for tow rigs or heavy duty applications. Always have control of the gear, no problems with overheating, and when you turn up the wick, just slap in a beefier clutch and you're good to go. Just too few people know how to drive one these days. Not to say that the modern autos aren't any good, but there's a reason most semi-trucks are stick.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Yeah, our neighbors to the south still have manual transmissions available in their new fullsize GM trucks but it is a Tremec 5 speed. We never got such a Tremec animal here in the states in any GM vehicle. Hell, I don't think Ford or Dodge ever offered a Tremec in truck either. It would be interesting to see what one those Tremec truck 5 speeds drives like. I absolutely hate the ZF S6-650 6 speed manual in my 2001 Silverado with an 8.1L. The last manual in the US fullsize trucks was in 2006 (2007 Classic) GMT800 trucks. The GMT900 never got a manual in the states but it did in Mexico

I knew they didn't make them anymore, but I didn't realize they were still making them for other countries.

Martin

It's a real shame truck manufacturers are getting away from sticks. Particularly for tow rigs or heavy duty applications. Always have control of the gear, no problems with overheating, and when you turn up the wick, just slap in a beefier clutch and you're good to go. Just too few people know how to drive one these days. Not to say that the modern autos aren't any good, but there's a reason most semi-trucks are stick.

Sadly true....a truck with no option for 'manual trans' performs the work in general, but will not fit specific-application of certain people. In deep 'n soft sand, when trying to negotiate your path climbing thru series of long dunes for long hard hours, you will really miss the manual-stick. Last things you want to see is a smokin auto-trans with excessive heat-build up. The situation gets worst when you got stuck, or when pulling out a stuck buddy.

As Larry stated, I equally hate the ZF in my 2006 GMC Sierra 8.1, and now am about to replace the stock one with the remanufact'd. one that just arrived from the US.....the stock one is now whining while driving, due to wear, and the fact that we pulled a stuck Bedford water-tanker out of the sand. The mule did the mission but against a high-price ticket, it seems!

I hope the "stick shift" remains around the big-boy logos, at least as an option, to qualify the Truck for those special app's!