8.1 vortec swap.
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8.1 vortec swap.
I have a 8.1 I was curious what all it requires to put it in my 69 camaro which is currently a 350. I plan on a carb swap. I know there could be issues with oil pan clearance. Can I use an older big block oil pan? I have a TH400 I want to pair it with what's required to make that happen? Any info would be great. Thanks!!
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I think from a research point of view you should look at what needs changed form a Small block to Big block swap then look at what needs done for a big block to 8.1 swap. The 8.1 is more like a LS motor in the intake, firing order and balancers.
I was looking at the 8.1 for a truck project a while back. It was a fair amount of work to go from a 454 to a 8.1. I believe you can buy a carb intake that is designed for the 8.1 and you can put a 454 Cam in it which would allow for a standard distributor/firing order. This would be about the same cost of keeping the EFI and ignition system and you can just get it tuned for the car much like a LS swap. I believe the TH400 is direct bolt on BUT the Flex plate/converter is not. There is an external balance on the 8.1 for both the flex plate and the front balancer.
Keep in mind I have not verified any of this as I never did the project. I am not even sure all 8.1 are the same and the year of the engine may be important. I do know the 454 to 8.1 conversion is very common in speed boating world that is why some of these custom part are even available.
In my research the best /cheapest way to swap in the 8.1 was to do a complete swap. From the fan to the start of the drive shaft. Jail break the PCM and tune out all the stuff you do not need. Just like a LS swap with a LOT more torque. Make sure your rear is up for it, heck make sure the body is up for it. The 8.1 may not have amazing Horse power numbers but the torque is insane and it is in the lower RPM range. All that adds up to Rear breaking. body twisting torque levels.
I was looking at the 8.1 for a truck project a while back. It was a fair amount of work to go from a 454 to a 8.1. I believe you can buy a carb intake that is designed for the 8.1 and you can put a 454 Cam in it which would allow for a standard distributor/firing order. This would be about the same cost of keeping the EFI and ignition system and you can just get it tuned for the car much like a LS swap. I believe the TH400 is direct bolt on BUT the Flex plate/converter is not. There is an external balance on the 8.1 for both the flex plate and the front balancer.
Keep in mind I have not verified any of this as I never did the project. I am not even sure all 8.1 are the same and the year of the engine may be important. I do know the 454 to 8.1 conversion is very common in speed boating world that is why some of these custom part are even available.
In my research the best /cheapest way to swap in the 8.1 was to do a complete swap. From the fan to the start of the drive shaft. Jail break the PCM and tune out all the stuff you do not need. Just like a LS swap with a LOT more torque. Make sure your rear is up for it, heck make sure the body is up for it. The 8.1 may not have amazing Horse power numbers but the torque is insane and it is in the lower RPM range. All that adds up to Rear breaking. body twisting torque levels.
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The HD hood is fairly desirable in my neck of the woods. That 8.1 is a great engine to power a tow pig…but man they get horrible fuel mileage. Looking forward to the build series.
192.168.100.1 192.168.1.1
192.168.100.1 192.168.1.1
Last edited by dhaki; Jan 12, 2024 at 02:07 AM.
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