8.1 Chevy Vortec Swap....

[70rs]

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?

[69MyWay]

Originally Posted by 70rs

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]

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]

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/brandpa...t_1/index.html

[70rs]

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

[69MyWay]

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.

[69MyWay]

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.

[69MyWay]

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.

[69MyWay]

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]

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.