8.1 Chevy Vortec Swap.... [Archive]

69MyWay

05-29-2009, 08:44 AM

Okay...I know this is not the most popular, but it is proposing a very interesting angle to my next project.

I picked up a 2007 8.1 off ebay that will be here soon. It is sans accessoreis, harness, and computer. I am told these will run off the LS1 harness (with some mods) and LS1 computer.

Plan is to bolt it to the Richmond Six already in the project 69 Vette that I'll be building.

It has eight coils, eight injectors, front mounted drive by wire throttle body...and roller cam.

They turn 375 hp and 500 ft lbs stock and are good for a little more with a cam, tuning, headers...etc. Raylar makes aluminun heads...cams, etc. and can get an easy 700 out of them.

I think my biggest issue will be fitting the throttle body side under the hood - the intake is 10.5 inch tall on a tall deck (L88 hood being used). Direct fit headers will be an issue (will be running hooker side pipes).

They look like this, and to the casual observer will appear to be an LSx on steeroids!

http://www.streetrodperformance.com/images/Cars%20-%20Parts/Engine4sale.jpg

From a budget side, I picked mine up with 40k miles for 1K plus shipping. considering all else is LSx off the shelf stuff - it shouldn't take much to get it running.

Anybody else crazy enough to fool with one of these?

70rs

06-02-2009, 10:43 PM

I worked at a GM dealer for a bit and got to drive a few trucks with that motor. There was a tech there that had stuffed one in a '70 Monte Carlo and he took me for a ride. Both the trucks I drove and the Monte had stock engines with auto transmissions.
All I can say is that Monte HAULED A**!!! The Monte was going to be set up for drag racing but still had stock suspension when I rode in it. It was actually kind of scary how poorly that car handled that motor.

The engine itself is a good unit. GM quit making it only because the 6.0 in the trucks was doing better in sales. The 8.1 got such poor MPG and the gas prices were going through the roof, it didn't help either. (the Monte had a stock truck computer and modified harness, not sure about the throttle)

That engine in a 69 vette would be pretty cool. The aluminum heads would help alot if you can get them. That is a huge, heavy motor but strong and reliable.
I can't tell you anything about the harness and computer running right from an LS1. I would try and get a comp from a truck and tweak it instead. They are cheap in the wrecking yards and can be programmed many different ways.
Good luck with the hood clearance.
Post some pics when you get it installed.:thumbsup:

69MyWay

06-03-2009, 03:48 AM

That's always great to hear the "been there...done that - or rode in that...." story.

I have confirmation the engine is in route from the seller to me and should be here Friday.

I have been talking to Jared at www.currentperformance.com about wiring...etc.

He also confirmed the 8.1 runs on the same system as the LS, but doesn't know the wire harness lengths - he suggested I get a donor harness, measure things out - then send to him for tweaking.

He can also make sure we match the correct dbw pedal..etc.

I need to talk to Richmond about what sensor will go in the trans for speed readings that the LS will read, so I can make sure I get the cruise control functioning through the LS system and dbw too.

The car is now in a safe place in Cali - and the shipper will pick it up on a couple of weeks or so and it will be headed my way.

Between now and then I need to get a lift in stalled in the shop to make it easy for me by myself to pull the body on/off the frame....and get this puppy hooked up.

Here is a pic from the seller of the engine crated and ready to roll.

70rs

06-03-2009, 10:05 AM

Very cool. Please start a build thread and post lost of pics. I like to see this one go together.:thumbsup:

camcojb

06-03-2009, 12:45 PM

The car is now in a safe place in Cali

:unibrow: so you think........................ :lol:

Jody

69MyWay

06-03-2009, 01:50 PM

:unibrow: so you think........................ :lol:

Jody

:lateral: :cheers:

70rs

06-06-2009, 12:14 PM

I just saw a post on Chevelles.com about the 8.1. Look up raylarengine.com and check out what they have. Heads, intakes, cams...they say they can push it over 600 hp with bolt ons. They even have a Gen VII 600 cid block. 765 hp and hp and 825 tq with 700 rpm idle on 89 octane gas. That one is a turn key marine engine but with a few mods who knows? Big fun huh?
Good luck!

69MyWay

06-06-2009, 02:12 PM

I spoke to Raylar the other day. They KNOW this motor inside and out - in fact, the first 8.1 they messed with was dunked in a C5 convertible after major mods to the intake and pan to fit between the hood and ground.

Do you have a linky to that other discussion with the Chevelle guys?

I got the motor yesterday. It is now on the engine stand - I've been eyeballing it. Looks like the oil pan HAS to be chopped down - and no doubt the intake where the throttle body goes in will need some mods.

70rs

06-06-2009, 05:05 PM

I don't know how to link it. I am a TOTAL computer idiot. Just go to chevelles.com and look in the engine forum for a thread "8.1 heads" .
That site is set up pretty much like this one. You will have to join to post questions.
So far everyone over there has been really nice, in spite if the fact that I don't own a Chevelle. I had my engine build plan posted there. In fact the guy who is supplying the rotating assembly is on that site (Mike Lewis Racing Engines). He has done motors for guys on this site as well. It was another member here (gmorris) that referred me to the Chevelle site and Mike.
Good luck with it and be sure to keep it all posted. :thumbsup:

1nkred1ble

06-07-2009, 12:22 AM

thats it ????
no updates???
arrgggg!!!

69MyWay

06-08-2009, 07:56 AM

Lots more to come...

The engine came in on Friday - I got it out of the crate and on teh stand. The seller did a first rate job of crating it up - very happy with that.

The car isn't here yet - so it will be a bit before I know exactly where to cut/trim...etc.

Some things I see right away.

#1 - pan is way too deep - it falls 3" below the teeth on the flywheel. It is aluminum and shouldn't be a problem having it shortened - I was told they are not compatible with standard big block pans

#2 - It has a cool cam sensor in the front cover, and the crank sensor is on the back of the block on the bellhousing behind the driver head shooting down to the back of the crank.

#3 - The cross over tube on the heads take the place of the old heads and intake mounted thermostat housing

The knock sensors mount low on the block just like the early efi small blocks.

The engine looks really cool in person - and HUGE.

Won't have a whole lot new for at lease a couple of more weeks

I need to get some pics posted of it on the stand from different angles.

69MyWay

06-08-2009, 08:25 AM

By the way - I searched the Chevelle forums and found a backtrack to the NastyZ28 forums...

There appears to be some interest in these things - but most guys bail when it comes to needing to get the DBW working...which is no big deal at all.

This post here was very encouraging:

We have one in Brothers truck. 2500 HD, he dropped a bolt in the intake is shattered a piston. I pulled it and disasembeled it. Took it to Ashwoth Proformance in Fuquay NC he bored it to 524 CI to clean it up, Port and polished the heads balance and bluprinted the block ECT..... Had to stay with OEM cam no aftermarket to be found, steel crank so we left it in had it micropolished ECT... 2700 reinstaled it changed the airfilter config to get more air. then took it to a dyno tunning 400.00 later and 4 hours there 590 HP and 545 Foot lbs toqure at the back wheels . Not bad for a stock cam and stock exaust still on it. The block has good potental.

70rs

06-08-2009, 06:35 PM

69MyWay

06-09-2009, 03:47 AM

I think 590hp and 545 ft lbs might get your Camaro rolling down the road. You should be able to at least hit the speed limit on the freeway.:rofl:

Did Raylar have anything for you? I was hoping they would get you all taken care of. It looked like one stop shopping for the 8.1 when I looked at the web site. Get them pics posted!!!!!:D
That's good you found more info on Nastyz28. I can't imagine having that much weight under the hood. Are you going to use aluminum heads? Do you know exactly how much it does weigh? I thought it might show on the shipping info, I am just curious.

Actually, this will be in a 69 Corvette mated to a Richmond six. Yes...more than enough power to push it.

Raylar has been great to speak with about this project. My initial plan is to slip it in as is, get it all running - then hop up the power later. However, I need to open it up and look inside to make sure I didn't get burned on the purchase before I blindly trust it to running.

Weight???? Didn't anybody ever tell you it is rude to ask about somebody's weight? :lol: :lol: :lol:

The shipping lable (with about a 60 lb crate attached) came in at 805 lbs! The only thing I can say in defense to that is my last 69 Vette had a 454 in it and couldn't have been far off with the exception it had aluminum heads. That was also weighed with the massive exhaust manifolds still bolted in place.

While an LS motor is a feather compared to this...getting an LS to pump out nearly 500 ft lbs STOCK...is impossible, so that more than makes up for the weight....then there is the whole handling issue... At least the Corvette sits the motor way back in the frame to push more of this to center than a F body or other type of GM car. My old 69 with the big block handled as good as I could ever want it to for the driving and use that I pushed it through, so I suspect this will be no different. Then again, I'm the same guy that put a V8 in a Fiero...and was so tickled with the kick...that the weight was never an issue for my style.

70rs

06-09-2009, 06:25 AM

Sorry about that. I knew from the original post it was for a vette. I just spaced it when I wrote my last post.

805!!! Man, that's fat! :D Good thing it's going in a plastic car huh?
Ok, I'm just giving you a hard time. I am a big vette fan in reality.
I didn't even bother to think about what my motor will weigh in at because of all the torque but now I'mcurious what an aluminum headed BBC does wiegh.
Taking it apart is a good idea. I hope it all checks out ok.

You're right about any stock LS turning out 500 lb ft. It will never happen (LS9 not included, but it's got a huffer on it)

Once you get it going and bump the power up the ol' vette is going to flat out haul the mail. That would be a blast with the Richmond on the twisty roads around here.
You had a V8 Fiero? That's too funny. I used to work for a guy who built them on the side. I got to drive a few and they were a hoot! He also did a Porsche 911 type (not sure exactly what model) with a sbc in it. It still used the factory transaxle with an adaptor but it had a real problem staying together because of the torque of the small block. A couple others were Fiero chassis and windshields with Ferrari and Lambo body kits. Boy, I sure miss the 90's.:rofl:
Do you have any pics of the vette you can post?

69MyWay

06-09-2009, 08:04 AM

I don't have the car yet - it is still in Cali. When it gets here I'll be posting them.

However, when all is said and done...it will be a kissing cousin of my old 69 Vette - just can't imagine them looking any other way.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/files/sharkfest.jpg

70rs

06-09-2009, 10:02 AM

69MyWay

06-09-2009, 11:34 AM

Is that your old car? That is very nice! It looks like Jack Roushs' brother shaking your hand. :yes: Or at least some one who stole his hat.
You have got to get a build thread going when you get the car home. Lots of pics too. This will be a good one to watch come together.
When do you expect to have it? Is there anything being done to it where it is now?:cheers:

That is Mike Yager - big Vette guy. That hat is like his trademark. That is my old 69 - had a blast buidling and playing with it - then sold it prior to relocating from FL to Illinois...and have missed it everyday - then this other opporutnity came up.

Right now the car is at Jody's in Cali waiting in his garage for the shipper to pick it up. I am in the process of finishing my detached garage and should have it all done and ready by the time the car gets here. Last part is to get some concrete in and a lift.

I'll keep the updates coming!

69MyWay

06-11-2009, 07:38 AM

here is the beast on the engine stand.

Wayne S

06-11-2009, 09:31 AM

That should be a fun tire roaster. I have an '04 Suburban 2500 with the 8100 in it and 4.10's and a Hypertch programmer set to 87 octane (plus I upsized the tires to 265/75-16's). It weighs a little over 7,000 lbs., and for a big old thing, it sure can get out of it's own way. I've never run it at the track, but it feels like it might crack into the 15 second zone. And you're vette would be at least 3500 lbs less, so even in stock trim, it should at least be in the mid-low 13's. Another note, my Suburban doesn't need to rev past 4800 rpms either, so you won't need much gear. Plus, it can lug pretty low too. I can get about 13.5-14 mpg out on the highway, but my rpms are killing me, 2500 rpms at 65mph (plus it's a heavy brick). You shouldn't have any problem getting over 20mpg in the Vette with a 6 spd.

Good luck.

70rs

06-11-2009, 09:56 AM

What's your solution for the oil pan? Is there an aftermarket one or will you have to mod the factory unit?
Is there any pics of the car you can post?
Looking forward to pics and video if you can with the car going down the track.:D

69MyWay

06-11-2009, 10:26 AM

I am told the oil pan rails are wider on this than a traditional BB, so an aftermarket pan won't work. I assume (I know that can get me in trouble) that I can have this pan cut down and welded like I did the LS pan in my 69 Camaro. If so...getting it to fit shouldn't be an issue.

Right now the biggest issue I see is clearing the dbw throttle body under the hood (making a cold air connection, etc) and the front accessory drive.

I am currently thinking about making sure I have the highest possible rear gear, then keep this as a low RPM growler...that will still be quick, but just sip the gas on the highway.

I don't want to be a self inflicted victim of soon to be again ultra high fuel prices by putting together a monster that can't pass a gas station.

70rs

06-11-2009, 10:55 AM

You have an 8.1 that you are going to modify. I'm thinking it doesn't matter what gears you use, there will be frequent visits to the gas station in your future.:D
I get what you are saying about the gears, it will help alot with the MPG if you gear it right.
Be carefull with the oil pan mods, if you reduce capacity too much that oil pump will suck the pan dry quickly. The same thing can happen if the pick up point isn't right too.

69MyWay

06-15-2009, 04:27 AM

And....thanks to Jody...here are pics of the shell as it is being packed and loaded and headed East.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Killer-II.html

70rs

06-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Very cool. Thanks for posting the pics. I guess I missed the part about it being a convertable. I think that has to be my favorite style of 'vette. I'm looking forward to watching the build.

69MyWay

07-06-2009, 06:25 PM

OKay...here we are lifting the body back off the frame

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2bodylift.jpg

Frameless in the midwest....

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2bodylift1.jpg

rolling chassis

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2frame.jpg

Six speed trans:

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2richmond.jpg

8.1 dunked in testing fitting it all including the stock manifolds for giggles and grins

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k281frame2.jpg

and...it is in

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2811.jpg

Rut row...... the good news is it does clear the hood - with a whisker to spare...bad news is, I don't yet know how I'll connect this to an air filter - to the drawing board.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/k2813.jpg

70rs

07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

The intake looks like a challenge for sure. Good luck with that, time to start the fab. Not any thing you'll find at Summit:D
That engine does fit better than I thought it would. It's going to be a blast when it's on the road!
Is that the factory chassis with some mods or? I don't know enough about the 'vettes to know.
Keep at it, you're off to a great start!

GM Muscle

07-07-2009, 12:17 PM

try contacting http://wilsonmanifolds.com/ i think if you got a 90degree elbow you might have a good shot at being done..

http://www.wilsonmanifolds.com/shop/images/products/detail_19_elbows.jpg

70rs

07-19-2009, 03:53 PM

Any updates on the project?

69MyWay

07-19-2009, 04:26 PM

I'm working on the body just a little right now. Because the left rear fender was removed the body was very weak and needed to be put back. The flare kit with the car was all wrong and I'm having to do mods to make that work. I have the left side on now and will launch the right next week - my d/a and grinder died...so I'm haulted right now.

On the engine - I have the wire harness coming and am working on getting the accessory drive and exhaust. I just got the flywheel last week and am hunding for a clutch to mate up.

I'll update with pics and info soon.

Thanks for the tip on the intake mods to - I'll look into those.

70rs

07-19-2009, 05:32 PM

69MyWay

07-19-2009, 05:59 PM

Will a clutch from a truck fit? I don't remember what trans you are using. I seem to recall those trucks (8.1 one tons) were offered with a manual trans. You should be able to get a new clutch from any local GM parts dept. Unless it won't fit inside the bellhousing you are using. What set up are going to use for the trans and bellhousing?

You are correct, the trucks came with a manual and had either a 5 speed or ZF6 - I have the flywheel (new) in hand now and will be talking to Centerforce more next week.

Once I have a clutch, I should be able to hook all the other stock style stuff to the Richmond Six that I have for the car.

The thing is, most ZF trans I have seen have the reverse diaphram which makes me think that (with a modified clutch disc for the ROD 6) won't work with the 69 Vette linkage (push vs. pull).

We'll see.

70rs

07-20-2009, 11:55 AM

If the linkage won't work, there is always the hydraulic option. That would take care of all kinds of issues that the mechanical linkage may cause.

69MyWay

08-05-2009, 12:10 PM

Making progress now - parts coming in...etc.

Found some cool info from a truck site that did a 8.1 swap:

Unless you work at the Tonawanda, New York, assembly plant, this is probably the first time you've ever seen the new Vortec 8.1L (that's 496 very nasty cubic inches) big-block on an engine hoist. This one came to us directly from Chevrolet, but it's rumored a GEN VI crate engine from GM Performance Parts is in the works. In the factory HD truck trim these mills produce 340 hp and 455 lb-ft, but in our nonemissions marine trim (no smog pump, no EGR, a set of headers, and a trick new EFI controller) it puts out an estimated 420 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque.

And...on the flywheel/trans:

More good news. The 8.1L is internally balanced and will accept the old 14-inch, 168-tooth, neutral balance flexplate from a 396 or 427. Just don't try to run an externally balanced (weighted) flexplate from a 454 as it will damage the 8.1L's reciprocating assembly.

And...on fitting it in an older or even an LS application:

It gets even better. Even though GM has adopted a new engine-mount location on the new Silverado chassis, the old GM engine-mount pad is still cast into the 8.1L blocks. Want to bolt an 8.1L in where a 454 came out? No problem

Source: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/brandpages/chevy/131_0205_project_excursion_killer_part_1/index.html

70rs

08-05-2009, 12:40 PM

Thats; great news about the mounting and flywheel options. It should make the transplant easier. Any updated pics?

69MyWay

08-12-2009, 07:14 PM

Okay boys...here we go again.

First of all, I had to modify the front X member to clear the longer larger front pulley/balancer. This is a common issue if running a long leg water pump on a Vette - it is easily accomplished with a sledge hammer, but I wanted to play around and do some cutting and welding. The frame was already powder coated...so after the mods were complete I had the local paint store match the color - then I base/clear shot it back in. The match is perfect.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6259.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6266.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6284.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6321.jpg

69MyWay

08-12-2009, 07:15 PM

Next...I went ahead and modified the trans x member so we could take a section out. There is no way to get the six speed out of the car without pulling the motor unless the X member is modified. This can be done with the body on - we did Killer with the body on. However, with it off it is 1000 times easier. Basically, I marked the line - cut. I then made up FOUR plates and mated two of them at a time - drilled them through in the press. I then took the width of them and cut the frame off on each side by that width. I then slid the piece in place with the plates bolted...and welded it home.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6290.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6291.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6292.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6320.jpg

69MyWay

08-12-2009, 07:16 PM

Now for the good stuff. We have to have a constant 55 PSI or so of pressure to run the engine just like and LS1/2/3/6/7. I picked up a killer TRE 343 in-tank pump which is a 255 gal per hour. Mouting a wire through bushing through the top of the tank, and welding a bracket to the stock pickup - I was able to get the electric pump in the tank and plumbed in place. We added a vent line too that will go to an emission can so we can run a sealed gas cap and not have fumes in the garage.

We will have a 99-09 Corvette fuel filter/regulator mounted by the tank and then a stock line all the way to the engine.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6295.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6295.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6306.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6314.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6309.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6318_rot_90.jpg

69MyWay

08-12-2009, 07:18 PM

The accessories came yesterday from a bone yard in NY. We had to go with the stuff from a 4500 / medium duty truck to get the a/c up high.

I put the motor back in the frame tonight and mounted it all on - it fits and looks good. A/C will be close to the hood - but close is okay.

Waiting on the oil pan, headers, and a few other small parts. Will run the rest of the fuel line when I have the other stuff on, then will go through the Painless LS harness to get it all in the right spot...then throw some fire in the hole and see if she will kick off.

I need to clean up the accessory parts a bit, and wait for the correct lower pulley before I get any more pics.

70rs

08-12-2009, 11:41 PM

The crossmember mods look great (both x members). That's a pretty cool trick to fit the pulley up front. Thanks for the updates. I'm looking forward to seeing this one done and on the road.:thumbsup:

04Prox2

08-15-2009, 07:09 AM

I've been following this thread quite closely, my friend manages a junkyard and just got an avalanche in with an 8.1 and low miles, $1600 for the whole package, wonder how easily this would go into a camaro.

69MyWay

08-17-2009, 07:28 AM

Here we are with the test fit going on for the front accessories.

I'm waiting to put the lower pulley back on after I pull the motor back out and install the modified pan.

I have two current issues.

1. Looking for the right adpater fitting to come out of the power steering pump and connect to a -8 female high pressure line. The stock pump has a cool Aeroquip factory quick disconnect, but it hits the frame. I pulled it and found it appears to be a metric - about 16mm wide male fitting needed that is not a taper fit - has an o-ring at the top. That needs to be mated to a -8AN male tip to do the trick. Have a plug from an LS engine and steel fitting that I might be able to weld together...

2. VSS from the Ricmond 6 (like an old Muncie). The stock LS has a 40 tooth reluctor wheel and generates about 128K pulse a mile. The highest aftermarket off the shelf sender I can find is 8K - so about 40K a mile. Checking with the programmer now to see if he can manipulate the tables, or if I have to find a way to put a new reluctor in the trans.
http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6349.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6350.jpg

spooled

08-17-2009, 11:18 PM

this unit should take care of your vss issues...

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=126/category_id=311/home_id=59/mode=prod/prd126.htm

69MyWay

08-22-2009, 05:45 PM

Man...the VSS stuff has been a headache - that unit above wouldn't generate enough pulse to feed the ECM.

So...after much research and debate.....the VSS is in......

I found the 4L80E reluctor wheel was just a tad loose over the splines. I hand machined four tapered slots into the wheel, then using four pins and lock-tite, I slid the gear in place and pressed it onto the shaft. I then yanked the VSS out of my 07 silverado to get an idea of how much air gap to set. I then wrapped five runs of tape around the wheel and slid the tail housing back on after I machined out the original speed gear hole to allow a straight on approach with the VSS sensor. Once the housing was back on, I wrapped the VSS in reverse tape, slid it in against the wheel, and filled it with epoxy. After that set, I slid the VSS out, and trimmed it off. I modified the mounting bracket and drilled/threaded the housing to hold the bracket tight. Took it all apart, removed the tape from the wheel - then slid it all back together. With my voltmeter on A/C current - I can spin the tailshaft and get voltage readings to increase the faster I spin it. I think we are good!

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6381.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6383.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6384.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6386.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6389.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6391.jpg

69MyWay

08-22-2009, 05:46 PM

Here is the other update - Oil pan modified - and on...and the trick new nylon fuel lines are made and ready to go.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6393.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6400.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6372.jpg

69MyWay

09-09-2009, 07:35 AM

Here is the good and bad.

Good - we were able to flogged out the electronics and the engine with dbw throttle is all good.

Good - the air intake is taking shape - and almost done

BAD - after hooking the radiator up and getting it running - it is blowing water through cylinder 1 and 4 (both sides of the engine) and filling up the crank case.

I drained it all out - am going to finish building the air intake, then yank the body back off the frame and pull the heads.

My pics are too big to upload - will get something on the web later to share the disaster.....

70rs

09-12-2009, 08:06 PM

Sorry to hear about the water issue. I hope it is nothing that reqires a new motor. Good luck!

69MyWay

09-13-2009, 05:16 AM

Here is the low down on the mow down.

The painless wiring is super high quality nice stuff and easy to work with.

got it all wired with the body off the frame so I had full access to do what I needed, then wrapped the harness purrrty.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6425.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6438_op_800x600.jpg

Loaded up - radiator in place....and ready to test it all out - of course the engine failure was already present - I just didn't know it---yet.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6458.jpg

Then I noticed pressure in the radiator - I never got the engine over 190 in the drive - and it spit water out of both exhaust manifolds.

So...we drained it out.....

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6482.jpg

cappuccino anybody????

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6481_op_800x600.jpg

Here is what I found - BOTH head gaskets blown - how weird is that? I'll get the heads to a machine shop this week.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6522.jpg

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6523.jpg

I went ahead and started the cold air intake build - it is looking good - but going to be a super tight fit. The air intake goes over the radiator support down the front to a 10" Anderson Performance filter....

Waiting on headers now too - but will work on getting the engine healthy before they get there. I'm actually on a schedule...have to have this flogged out and functional before December. The final report will be in the March 2010 Corvette Enthusiast magazine with all the details of how this thing went down.

Now....I have an eye on a Comp cam xtreme energy cam...some roller tip rockers...and of course we could do a little head work while we are at it. However, I planned on running it stock first - spinning the dyno to figure out what we have as a base line - may be denied that opportunity now. :cheers:

69MyWay

10-18-2009, 06:03 PM

Progress...and goodies.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6627.jpg

Putting the head on using the torque to yield bolts.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6638.jpg

These are the adjustable push rods. You can't run the engine with these. They are only used to determine the measurement for the custom push rods. These are non-adjustable rockers - therefore I have to make up the adjustment in the push rod.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6640_op_800x600.jpg

These are the magnum roller tips. They will give me a tad more lift, less friction...AND they will fit under the valve cover.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6641.jpg

On the inside - I mounted the new Vintage Air Sure fit system, then sought the perfect spot to run the wire harness. This spot drops the harness right over the back of the engine, and clears the goods on the HVAC.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6649.jpg

And...the electronics will all be safely tucked away (thanks to the 4' longer harness) in the rear storage compartment.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6650.jpg

Spent the rest of the day running the now 2 gauge (big thick puppy) battery cables, grounds, and other time consuming stuff.

Will set the new Painless chassis wire harness in and connect it to the Watson Hot Dot - push button starter.

Waiting on -

Push rods
Headers.

70rs

10-19-2009, 06:17 PM

Wayne S

10-20-2009, 01:48 PM

This project is coming along well. That sucks about the head gaskets, but better you find out now than after everything is finished. Did you contact the seller of the engine?

One other thing about these engines is that they "use" oil. I've had to add 1-2 quarts in between oil changes ever since I've owned my Suburban (2500, 4x4, 8.1, 4.10's). Everyone that I know who has one says the same thing though, so I guess it's just an 8100 thing.

Keep up the good work. With that cam and aftermarket exhaust, you're probably looking at 425-450 hp and 500-525 ft lbs of torque. Hope you're ready for frequent tire replacement.:rofl:

69MyWay

10-21-2009, 12:41 PM

It's looking like you're in the home stretch now. Nice work. That really sucks that the head gaskets were toast. But now you know the top end will be solid. Do you have any pics of the cold air intake yet? I'd love to see how that is going to work out.
Keep it up, almost there!:cheers:

I am really looking forward to seeing it on the dyno! Any chance of getting it on video for us to see?

Wayne S This project is coming along well. That sucks about the head gaskets, but better you find out now than after everything is finished. Did you contact the seller of the engine?

One other thing about these engines is that they "use" oil. I've had to add 1-2 quarts in between oil changes ever since I've owned my Suburban (2500, 4x4, 8.1, 4.10's). Everyone that I know who has one says the same thing though, so I guess it's just an 8100 thing.

Keep up the good work. With that cam and aftermarket exhaust, you're probably looking at 425-450 hp and 500-525 ft lbs of torque. Hope you're ready for frequent tire replacement.

Thanks guys. These set backs have just about taking the wind out of my sail...but we are marching forward now.

I did let the seller know- he claimed when I bought it that he bought it from a salvage yard and had no idea if it was good. So, he gets a get out of jail free card.

The push rods are coming now. I needed some that were 8.125 - but Comp doesn't make them that size. I had to get 8.150, and will shim the screw in studs on those valves to get the length back right.

We took video of the first raw start...but can't get it off the Sony camera onto the puter. We reloaded the software twice...but no go. Hope to have it fixed by dyno time. Yes...400 REAL hp and 500 REAL ft lbs of torque would be awesome. The whole plan here was do to "not another" LS swap - yet utilize all the benifits of the LS elenctronics.

Oil burn? I heard that too. This engine is actually a 2007 and came from a medium duty. One place I read said they resolved this issue with better rings/pistons on the newer ones. Time will tell.

Here is a pic of the cold air intake being built. What is tricky here, is I had to notch out the core support (man...I wish I had some of your guys welding and fabrication skills!)....and welded in a work-around.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/100_6535_op_800x600.jpg

69MyWay

10-25-2009, 04:40 PM

First drive...and video.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the video.

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Killer-II.html

Now...this is with open manifolds...and many loose ends...BUT - it runs and drives.

Now we are waiting on the hooker side pipe headers and will be able to do this right.

70rs

10-30-2009, 09:50 PM

I tried loading the required quicktime program and I still can not watch the video. I would really like to see it running too. I have followed this from the start.:(

69MyWay

10-31-2009, 02:31 PM

I tried loading the required quicktime program and I still can not watch the video. I would really like to see it running too. I have followed this from the start.:(

I don't know why that isn't working.

I have it also at www.digitalcorvettes.com. You might be able to see it through this link off that site.

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/corvette-videos/showphoto.php/photo/1536/limit/recent

70rs

10-31-2009, 03:18 PM

Still no luck. I am running Vista on my laptop so that may be an issue. Not sure. I did download the program and saved the video too. I will work on it.

I am glad to hear you got it going though. How did it do?

snakeater

11-09-2009, 11:50 AM

Keep the good stuff coming. I am getting the rear of my 69 camaro situated now ( with help) thanks Ron. Next step if sliding one of these bad boy 8.1's in the camaro. Also going to start on a supercharger set-up for it. May have to make all the brackets, but that's par for the course. I think the 8.1 could use just a little more juice for my tastes. Snakeater

69MyWay

11-11-2009, 12:11 PM

Good news!

I was having a problem with the dbw throttle.

It worked perfect until you started moving. As soon as the VSS picked up speed - it went to reduced throttle.

Was going crazy trying to figure it out - no error codes.

Turned out I had bad PCM programming. I goofed up and sent a 4x4 base 8.1 truck program to the PCM guy and something in that wasn't friendly to my VSS...etc.

Got that straightened out...and we are cooking with grease now!

If all goes well, the headers should be here this week - that is the last major piece of the puzzle to get it ready for the dyno...and wrap up.

70rs

11-11-2009, 04:09 PM

That's great!! Glad to hear it's back on track. I was reading your posts from early and mid October and it sounded like it was kicking your a** a bit. Now it looks to be almost there and ready for some road time soon!!:thumbsup:

awr68

11-14-2009, 08:58 AM

Goood work Chris!! Looks like your son has grown a little since the Camaro build! Keep at it!! :thumbsup:

6D9

11-14-2009, 08:17 PM

Cool build man....cant wait to see the dyno results!

69MyWay

11-29-2009, 06:19 AM

Micro update...

The headers finally came and we got them slammed on there on turkey day. I am now waiting on a set of killer JCL spiral baffles in place of the Hooker glass pack inserts. However, we slid the glass packs in and got it up and running.

I am still kicking myself for letting it run without oil for over a mile on 10/31 when the oil cooler line blew off and I didn't know it. No oil gauge at that time - but we have one now.

The engine is quite - After it fully warms up it is holding just over 20 psi of oil at idle. This is a stock oil pump.

The car is not street legal, but we made the run around the (paved) cornfield roads yesterday. The throttle response is crisp and instant. It will take off smooth as butter, but if you slip the clutch at all, or give it any throttle it lites the rear tires up. I have dabbled in the throttle a little - and all I can say is it is too much too fast to dabble with until the car is better suited for road use (no windshield, etc, right now).

The baffles should be here this coming week and we will go to the dyno (weather permitting) next week.

After that I am going to rough out all the a/c lines...etc, then the whole car comes back apart to start the paint/body/firewall - engine bay work.

So far I am happy with our decision to go down the road less traveled here. Would have all been better had we not run into the bum ebay engine - then the bum machine shop that screwed up the heads the first time...then me running it dry on oil. We have had some other dbw throttle issues - but believe it or not it all turned out to be a glitch in the software - not the components...of course after hour and hours of pouring over schematics...and research to verify the compatibility of all components.
:thumbsup:

70rs

11-29-2009, 11:26 AM

Very cool! Im glad to hear it's almost there. And looking forward to more pictures as always.:cheers:

69MyWay

12-13-2009, 11:05 AM

And....it is done. We wrapped up with a dyno tune session last week at www.1320hp.com in Lenox, IL. Mike Hornback tweaked the PCM to an all around smooth tune.

Details and video here:

http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Killer-II-page-two.html

For a cam with less lift than the one stuffed in my LS1 69 Camaro - this is impressive. On a cold day, the car is making nearly 600 ft lbs at the crank.

When I took the car for a test drive, I was shocked at how it would just blister the tires in 1-2-3 gear from a roll with NO effort all...and now I know why.

So...what's next you ask? I am going to wrap up the plumbing on the a/c system and install the gauges. I'll also go ahead and wire the entire chassis...then she all comes apart to roll the body over and get it prepped and ready for paint. We already have all the interior..etc, so when it is painted I just have to assemble. We may be putting 2010 ZO6 calipers on as well as a few other fun things before I pick out the rolling stock.

I'm a happy camper. This car is going to be a blast with enough power to slam you in the seat at a mere whisper on the pedal...but smooth enough to idle like a Caddi and just sip the fuel in O/D (plus cruise control).
:thumbsup:

radrambler

12-13-2009, 11:58 AM

Chris

nice numbers .congrats, should be fun to drive ...
WHEN ITS NOT FREEZING COLD!!!:rofl:

Tom

8.1 chevelle

12-23-2009, 05:10 PM

If you could find a marine harness it is only two wires to hook up very easy all self contained best move I ever made is putting one in my chevelle:woot:

xx_ED_xx

12-31-2009, 08:17 AM

Beautiful vette. I was doing some research for a 8.1 thread and came across this. you can see mine at

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/general-discussion/performance/376372-vortec-8-1-496-bbc-into-2004-silverado-scsb.html

8.1 chevelle

12-31-2009, 08:35 AM

I am totaly with you on this throtal at 50 or so in third gear just lights up the tires so much toq. scary ma-b 2 much naaaaaaaaaaaaa. just hang on:willy:

Wayne S

01-08-2010, 07:35 AM

This car is going to be a blast with enough power to slam you in the seat at a mere whisper on the pedal...but smooth enough to idle like a Caddi and just sip the fuel in O/D (plus cruise control).
:thumbsup:

Congrats, I bet it's a blast. One thing though, as an owner of an 8.1 powered Suburban....the sipping fuel part. lol I'm not sure if I'd say that they sip fuel, but I'd be real curious as to what kind of mileage you can get out of one of these 8100's in a small, light car with enough OD to keep the RPM's really low, like 1500-1700. I would think that it should be above 20 mpg, but the key is keeping that rpm down. I find that my Suburban does best when I drive 50-55...which the best it's gotten was 14.5 mpg (but that's with 4.10's and a 4L80). What rear gears are you running again?

69MyWay

02-05-2010, 12:07 PM

Congrats, I bet it's a blast. One thing though, as an owner of an 8.1 powered Suburban....the sipping fuel part. lol I'm not sure if I'd say that they sip fuel, but I'd be real curious as to what kind of mileage you can get out of one of these 8100's in a small, light car with enough OD to keep the RPM's really low, like 1500-1700. I would think that it should be above 20 mpg, but the key is keeping that rpm down. I find that my Suburban does best when I drive 50-55...which the best it's gotten was 14.5 mpg (but that's with 4.10's and a 4L80). What rear gears are you running again?

Running a Richmond six speed tied to a 3:55 rear gear on what should be 26 or so inch tall tires. The 69 Vette has a low drag coefficient, so I suspect it will be smooth.

I was able to get right at 20 out of my old 69 Vette with 3:55 and EFI 468 Rat.

Look for the magazine article series (June and July 2010) in Corvette Enthusiast. I was able to expand on the whole process there.

Article now out...