Need urgent help (2004 EFI 8.1 Ltr Engine in Blazer 1981!!)

[GMCbigblock]

Brian, thanks for passing by and good luck with ur future plan.
IGOR, the links really provided a wealth of info for making 8.1 swap a less-hassle job.

For the e-side (wires-set), I think the one sold by "Howell" is a better option than that of "Painless" - which will need some modifications to fit. The problem down here (in my area) is that the necessary parts cannot be easily found; which u know will make the job kind of frustrating. I rely on ordering the missing parts from the US. So, I will do frequent visits to the workshop and check the progress and manage the situation as it arises.

 

[GMCbigblock]

As advised earlier, I tried to post the pictures of my truck in here but couldn't. Anyway, I posted couple of photo's of the Truck - which is the subject of this article in the album. Hope it will work this time

.

 

[GMCbigblock]

I will appreciate anyone's assistance in providing me with the most-direct contact email with "HOWELL DEV." to help me making the order of the necessary wire-set and ECM for completing the ignition part of the Project. I chasing their response for the past 3-days with no response! Could it be their order/query system!

For info, the following is the communication exchanged between me and their Support:

"Q: Ahmed,

What transmission are you going to be running? Are you required to run any smog equipment? do you need us to supply an oxygen sensor? K&N air filter? MAF sensor?

Matt"
I replied:
"A: Hi Matt,

Thanks for the quick reponse. Am gonna run it with a Manual Gear. As for the smog, I don't need the EGR. As recently discussed with Rob, he advised me it's ok to use the first two O2 sensors of the factory four (so I guess a set of 2 is needed). If I can't run the engine without MAF, then it's a must and I need it. Hope this suffices and looking forward for the earlier reponse! "

So far, am waiting......

 

[GMCbigblock]

One more query for HOWELL, is the ECM offered for 8.1 fits all years. Thanks.

 

[sinner7773]

subscribed for future reference

 

[Engineered Vintage]

Excited to see you get this running. I have a good friend from high school who teaches at the International School of Creative Science in Al Sharjah, UAE

Not sure on best way to contact Howell - you are ahead of me at this point. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Sharjah-Ash-Shāriqah-United-Arab-Emirates/110558972296544

 

[GMCbigblock]

Thank you Ben for trying your best as how to contact Howell. Am glad to report here that yesterday I successfully placed the complete order via Net (I spoke first with Rob then obtained written details on what exact parts I will need together with their part #'s). Am now waiting for the order-delivery. Everything else is secured e.g. Engine is settled (using thick-plates -around 1 In. - above the original-mounts), all hoses are connected (cooling, power steering etc), EGR is canceled and closed with a plate, Engine-Brackets (to relocate the A/C and Alt.) were ordered from the local GM-Dealer and are on the way from US, the Manual-Gear is assembled with GM Flywheel and bolted to the Engine together with the TC (I found one in the Junk-Yard that bolted right the way, P. No. 208), Electric In-Tank Fuel Pump is fixed and connected to the Engine using new quick-link High-Pressure rubber Hoses......So, once I receive the Wires and ECM etc, I will move to the commissioning-stage, hopefully with no major issue! Wish you good luck with your Project.

 

[496truck]

Interested to see progress...

Pics?
Link to pics?

You have more than 15 posts now, you should be able to post pics on this site now. Just sayin.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Brian,

Ya right, you said it once and I forgot .

Truly, I just noted that I can 'go advanced' and post the photos from there . I hope I got it right this time.

Also and not to make anyone's expectation high, it may be unfortunate that am not a good photo-taker, but I managed to post here selected photos of my truck when I first bought it from e-Bay last year (3 Nos.). The other two photos are taken from the workshop, where I am doing the Project (only showing the engine when just settled and then finally secured and bolted in its bay). I'll try sharing more pict's by going to the workshop specifically for this purpose to take more pict's, just for you - and for other interested visitors!

 

[GMCbigblock]

Ben (IGOR),

In case your friend at Sharjah (UAE) needs any help at my place (Abu Dhabi), let me know by asking him to contact my email [email protected]

 

[GMCbigblock]

Gent's,

While the project is ongoing (still waiting the delivery of the wires), I'm thinking of upgrading the current TC. Currently, I managed to attach an NP-208 (2.61 Ratio) to the NV4500.

Rulling out the option to go for the 205 Unit (not favorable for my sand application as I need closer ratio), what's the next strong option that I can consider; noting that I used to be running in my other Blazer an NP-241 with the NV4500 behind the Vortech 7.4 and then a Caddy's 6.0 Engine for couple of years; each setup. Thanks!

 

[Engineered Vintage]

AHMED-

While I am by no means a transfer case expert, either the NP208 or the NP241 would be good choices - as I understand it, the 241 is basically an updated 208. There is also a bit more aftermarket support for the 241 vs. the 208.

How are you doing the VSS hookup for the 8.1? The 241 would have the correct output plug already set up.

From there, you could also go with an Atlas: http://www.advanceadapters.com/categories/build-your-atlas/10/

- these are very $$$ though...

 

[GMCbigblock]

Hi Ben,

I think I'll continue running the 8.1 business with the 208 till I manage to get the 241. This means I'll be running out of e-signals for some time depending on the GPS speed-reading (no work done with the VSS so far, but once 241 is fixed in place of the 208 SSV will go live).

The ATLAS unit appears to be THE ONE, but such bullet-proof structure is a plus and be considered more suitable to sustain in 'rock-crawling application' (which posses stresses on the mechanical parts) as opposed to the sand-application (which has lesser traction - thus lesser stress on the internals rotating parts).

Thanks man for passing by and sharing some good thoughts.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Hi, while still waiting for abnormal delivery period of the Engine ECM and the Wire set, I will post some more pic's showing the progress. By the way, I managed to fit the Factory 8.1 into the Frame without cutting it, as the Engine Braket's Spacer helped positioning the Mainfold's outlet within the inner U-shape area. Will get the pic for that soon.

 

[GMCbigblock]

FINALLY...Mission Complete !!

Yah, I could hide this smile after I managed to get every thing arranged and communicate to each other. I will provide the final feedback later, but the following are some points to observe and learn:

1) The HOWELL's ECM and Wireset worth every penny for the price and the quality. The Team has well-done their job to the highest achievable standards. The programing is HOT.

2) The Truck with the 8.1 Engine's massive torque readily available at low RPM has changed its manners, it becomes hot-tempered and response is solid and firm, mainly on the asphalt, it spins the 35 Tires so easily with a little press on the pedal. Be aware!!

3) I used the throttle-cable WITHOUT spacer, and the throttle was from 454 Vortec Engine.

4) The thick (about 1.5 inch) Plate placed under the 8.1 to adapt it to the original frame, helped in mountin the 8.1 Factory Exh. Mainfold WITHOUT trimming the chasis (see picture).

5) I installed an HD2500 Pickup Truck's Manual Gear (2006) behind the 8.1.

7) I installed an EFI Fuel-Pump of TOYOTA Land-Cruiser in the Tank (the most available parts in our area in many shops near Desert-Trials as well as it's known to be very reliable). The pressure and flow were adequate and this has been firmed up during the dyno-test.

8) Ensure that the Engine's Fuel-Injectors are cleaned and all sparks-plugs and their wires are new.

9) I dyno-tested the Truck to ensure all meterics check right, and the Run was great. It gave me NET figures about +330 HP on the Rear-Wheel and +550 of Torque, yet without Headers (but easy flow mufflers and twin pipes) and with a kind-of restricted Air-Intake Filter (planned to be upgraded soon).

I have more couple of pictures in my Album.

BOTTOM LINE, THIS PROJECT (8.1 ENGINE) MUST NOT WAIT ANY LONGER AND THE TRUCK RUNS REALLY GREAT AND STRONG.

Hope you will find this of good reference and thanks for all who interacted and helped me with providing references and valuable links/advices etc. I name IGOR (Ben), 496truck (Brian), Harry and soory if I missed any.

Good luck with your Project...

 

[y5mgisi]

Nice job! Bet that thing is going to be tons of fun to drive!

 

[swedester]

subsribed! I´m putting a 8.1 in my impala,should be some good info in here when your done,good luck!

 

[GMCbigblock]

Thanks guys for your kind comments. Indeed, this Truck now is fun to drive, as it feels swifter than before and runs like an athletic who wanna go any where. This combo gives the massive reputable range of "power figures" of the good old big-block school with the right degree of adaptation to the technology and reliability.
I feel that the 8.1's huge torque will snatch the Impala out of its position, enjoy the experience.
As harry stated, I'd remind to ensure replacing the 'Crank Sensor', and like to add checking the engine seals and crank case oil pan gasket, as it leaked a little in my case. good luck with the fun!

 

[GMCbigblock]

Gent's,

The engine is running Fine so far with the 4:10 and NVG4500 combo. However, am finding the truck having huge torque which pulls the gears so fast. Thus, am considering to swap the current Diff. 10/12 bolts with 3:73 8bolts, that I'll pull out of whole clean 1989 4X4 Burb with TBI 5.7 and manual 3 spd.

Now, when I crank the 8.1 engine's at the morning when it's cold, the throttle cannot hold at idle and it always needs a couple of pedal-pushes for the RPM to hold itself at the normal good reading (700 RPM). Noting that I am using a used throttle, could the reason be the need for new piece, which I've got to buy anyway? Any good proven suggestion for a high-perf. Cable-driven throttle body for the 2003 8.1 will be appreciated?

Also, any golden advice for:
1) high flow replacement radiator fan instead of the existing wide 5-blade OEM one?
2) other good add-ons (elect, mech, etc) that will enhance the perf. and drivability.
3) hi-flow/perf air intake.

Thanks guys!

 

[Engineered Vintage]

Ahmed-

Your 8.1 looks good! Good job! I got mine sitting in the frame - but a ways to go still...

On your questions:

1) I don't know of a better fan, other than going electric - maybe 8.1 from a Topkick truck would have a bigger fan? But not sure.

2) You can try 180-degree thermostat, and gapping plugs correctly - beyond that, it gets $$$ quickly. If you have money to spend, I would recommend Raylar, they specialize in 8.1 performance upgrades: http://www.raylarengine.com/cylinder_head.html

3) I have a K&N intake on my 2002 GMC 2500HD with 8.1, it woke up a bit with that - although it looks like you are already running similar.

Below is link for best group of guys on 8.1 knowledge that I have found. (This is a diesel website, but this section is specific to Chevy gas engines - lots of good reading on the 8.1)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9