I have the 8.1, and this dinosaur will eat a 6.0 alive. I use a quart of oil every 3K miles running synthetic. For less than $1K, I've got 100 lbs more torque than the new 6.0 corvette (I have the dyno numbers).

 

along with that, in the future if you decide to cam it, you won't have to worry about a big loss in torque down low. from what i've read, the 8.1 is also a big improver after pcm programming. you could probably get over 400 NA hp out of the 8.1 without ever even taking a valve cover off.

 

How much more does the 8.1L weigh than the 6.0? Also, how many different heads/cam options do you have compared to the 6.0. How many blower options, header options, etc? 6.0 IS cheaper to mod, and there are more options. Mod for mod the bigger the better of course, but there are also other factors. I think that it would be cheaper and easier to make the 6.0 fast, and you would still have better gas mileage. Just my $.02

Aaron

 

Maybe at the flywheel but not at the rear wheels. The stock 8.1 trucks will usually produce about 240 rear wheel horsepower. I made just under 410 with my Suburban and am aiming for the same number with my HD. That truck will be naturally aspirated though.

There are only a few cam options available for the 8.1 and one company is making aluminum heads for this motor so there are alot more parts available for the 6.0. There is always a way to make horsepower. People will fine it no matter how few choice there are



2002 8.1 Silverado HD - Full Throttle lift, 37" tires, 4.56 gears, Comp Cam, TOG headers, Volant induction plus more! Heads, cam and intake manifold upgrade coming soon!
2002 8.1 Suburban -Intercooled Whipple supercharger, 22" wheels/tires + more - 407hp/558 ft-lb torque at the rear wheels - 13.93 @ 95.79 MPH

www.tbyrnemotorsports.com

 

Here is a post from another forum---regarding simple 8.1 upgrades...

Quite frankly, there is no replacement for displacement and starting with 496 cubes is a great place to be. From there it doesn't take much to get silly power from it. As well, don't forget about torque---thats really what you are looking for in a heavy street driven truck.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/inde...5&#entry249760

 

496!!! The 8.1 is the way to go, lots more torque power and if you do any mods to it, it has incredible gains. I am very pleased with the 8.1 and it is a lot of fun to drive. Tbyrne, those are some sweet trucks you have!!

 

I have a stock 01 8.1 Suburban. It uses about a quart every 1000-1500 now at 50,000 miles. My wife drives it daily. Went to the Dealer and had her drive a 03 6.0 2500 and she refused to give up her "fast" truck.

Kurt

 

My wife is past that, she likes them to be slow at emptying the gas tank moreso than fast under throttle

 

I tried to sell mine on a mini van for fuel consumption....She was NOT buying what I was selling!! LOL

Kurt

 

But see the difference is that my wife "buys" her gas herself out of her general cash "budget" and she is VERY aware of what it costs to run her present car and wants one cheaper yet to run in the future.