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L18 8.1L swap resource thread

RootBreaker said:
not sure if this is in this thread...
far right 4wd... middle 2wd... left i was told rv. will fit but will be next to headders... so might be bad...

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All of those will fit an 8.1, as the 8.1 uses the same old filters any old SBC or BBC would take proving there is room for it. I run PF1218s on my K5, K10 and Suburban but the Silverado needs the short PF454 to clear the front driveshaft
 
The pf454 is far more common and easier to find at parts stores if you are in a hurry. But if you plan ahead and order online the pf1218 gives the obvious extra capacity.
 
@mrk5 we need to come up with a gm like designed sticker for our 8.1L trucks but be themed off the old 396 stuff with some sort of hint to the 496 that we are . kind of like 396+ a little or like this kind of idea .
 
Not picking here, what if a shoe box had a 66-67 396.
Yes the shinny chrome emblem would outta place on modern dull or no chrome trim car of today
 
Wes Harden said:
Not picking here, what if a shoe box had a 66-67 396.
Yes the shinny chrome emblem would outta place on modern dull or no chrome trim car of today
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I’ve seen many tri-fives running later engine badges on the fender over the years. Just doesn’t hit right for me. Seems out of place. But I’m a purist of that kind of car. Now if you ran the flag decal on the air cleaner on a 396 in a 55-57 Chevy I’m ok with that. Just not putting the badges on the body.

What sucks is Gm stopped putting the engine sizes in the grill with the end of the round eye squarebody style. Because that would look cool in the grill with 496 in the lower corner.
 
ZooMad75 said:
I’ve seen many tri-fives running later engine badges on the fender over the years. Just doesn’t hit right for me. Seems out of place. But I’m a purist of that kind of car. Now if you ran the flag decal on the air cleaner on a 396 in a 55-57 Chevy I’m ok with that. Just not putting the badges on the body.

What sucks is Gm stopped putting the engine sizes in the grill with the end of the round eye squarebody style. Because that would look cool in the grill with 496 in the lower corner.
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With as many emblems and little chrome pieces out nowadays, I'll bet you could make something that would look great.
 
Any of you guys happen to remember what diameter and thread pitch of the valve cover bolts is on the 2003 model 8.1litre? I know they're pretty small.
I've got one that spins in the hole. Gonna need to heli-coil it.
 
Working on rebuilding a 2001 8.1.

Was wondering if the juice was worth the squeeze in upgrading cam sensor (and cover) to 2004+ version?
 
Someone may correct me but I don’t think you can get the early style timing set anymore. Which if you were replacing the timing chain and gear during the rebuild you are pretty much forced to get the ‘04 and up timing set, cover and sensor.

Honestly there is no major performance increase between the two. But you might have to change if the early style isn’t out there. I got a Cloyes timing chain and gears for the latest 8.1 in mine. Rock auto had a really good price on them.
 
ZooMad75 said:
Someone may correct me but I don’t think you can get the early style timing set anymore. Which if you were replacing the timing chain and gear during the rebuild you are pretty much forced to get the ‘04 and up timing set, cover and sensor.

Honestly there is no major performance increase between the two. But you might have to change if the early style isn’t out there. I got a Cloyes timing chain and gears for the latest 8.1 in mine. Rock auto had a really good price on them.
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Thanks Zoo.

Rockauto shows they still have the early style.

Not looking for performance upgrade, just chasing reliability that Larry talks about in the 1st post. Think I'll look for a later style cover.
 
I’ve got one of those weird issues. Starter acts like engages the flex plate, but, doesn’t turn the engine over. The engine actually rotates when I put a ratchet and socket to it. It even acts like the engine has compression.the starter turns just fine on the bench, never misses. But, when it’s bolted up, it will go click, I’m assuming it’s the armature engaging the flex plate, yet, still won’t turn.

IMG_5114.jpeg
There is a mark on the starter that makes it look like the starter had a shim on it. Would that cause it to not turn, being all bound up?
 
BoondocK5 said:
I’ve got one of those weird issues. Starter acts like engages the flex plate, but, doesn’t turn the engine over. The engine actually rotates when I put a ratchet and socket to it. It even acts like the engine has compression.the starter turns just fine on the bench, never misses. But, when it’s bolted up, it will go click, I’m assuming it’s the armature engaging the flex plate, yet, still won’t turn.

View attachment 490646
There is a mark on the starter that makes it look like the starter had a shim on it. Would that cause it to not turn, being all bound up?
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Possible
 
I’m going to replace the original power cable, between the starter and the battery. The old original one is still bolted to the frame, so that’s what I’m using.
I’m going to build a new cable using 00 gauge cable. It acts like there isn’t enough power to actually rotate the engine. It’s a 31 series battery for heaven sake! How much bigger do I need?
It got me to thinking, that it turned the engine over a few times several months ago, but, hasn’t worked since and now it engages the flex plate, just won’t turn it.
 
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