i plan on doing a complete rebuild on everything in my 86 camaro.
i plan on getting a 4th gen rear end and the t56 trans.
my question is 8.1l vs 6.0,
i understand the 6.0 is better tech ls style, alum. heads etc and a sbc so itll be easier to fit and not have to mess to much with weight dist.
but i found a 8.1l for around the same price and i was wondering what needed to be fabbed, torched, and how big of a headache and if it is worth it?
i understand the 6.0 can make plenty of power and can hold boost really well with mild to mid build on low to mid boost.

is the 8.1 N/A worth the extra headache to squeeze in, or should i stick with my intentions of 6.0 FI?

as always any help is appreciated. thanks in advance

 

8.1's have been covered numerous times. Search around and I'm sure a few threads will pop up. They're generally thought to be too much work for no gain that you couldn't have achieved much cheaper and easier. Stick with the 6.0, you'll enjoy it.

 

I agree.

6.0, with a tubular K frame, tubular control arms, LS6 intake and MS3 cam

 

Okay thanks. I had am 8.1 lined up today for 400. Vs a 6.0 for a grand. I figured for the expenses it probably wont be worth the hassle to redo the bottom end, head work, suspension work. Thanks again

 

Maybe buy the 8.1 and see if you can flip it for a coin... Or is that what they go for...400?

 

this is the first one ive seen, and for any big block i thought i couldnt lose much money. since thats chump change compared to what ill end up putting in the car over the years ill think ill take the chances. i could always throw it in a shortbox and give it some real torque. thanks for all the help. im planning on purchasing a 4th gen with a blown head gasket for about 1800, posi trak, 6 speed, etc. to get everything ready when i put the car up, rust is a bitc...unkind woman up here in MI.

thanks for all the help, i may get it friday, ill post pictures and specs of what i know to see if anythings worth a hoot.

 

I found a 454 but its a gen v block. Is that a problem or are they just as simple to put in and find parts for compared to mk4

 

Dont know.. I do know that you can buy a LM7 for really cheep. Thats what Im going to do here as soon as I finish school. 35 and back in school....

 

 

Some progress on my 8.1 the alt will need to be moved to the passenger side runing msd 6ls and a microsquirt

 

Will need a cowl id like to get a sunoco style 4 inch

 

Do the 6.0 you'll be glad you did.

 

thats what im thinking for versatility over the 8.1l, and i could turbo it when i get deeper pockets, or do a cheaper 454 bottle baby.

im torn between a 454 and the 6.0 now because of suspension headers etc. and i want people to laugh when i say its "just a small block" for the 6.0 FI. i know i could use the t56 i plan on getting plus carb would be an extremely easy setup for the BB, vs. wiring ecu's all into place. im obviously not shooting for 1200 hp, but i would like close to 550-600 with bottle or FI.

the 8100 seems to risky since i cant just find BBC heads and mount them. to limited of parts

 

cj599 thats a tight fit ha, itll make one hell of a sleeper for being a budget build, have you done any top end work or is it stock? can you build to much power with that low of RPM plus the limited amount of bolt ons for it? and yeah i just got a GED and have been thinking of some basic gen ed college myself, since i program cars for a living and usually can make my schedule flex since its my dads company, although my boss is kind of a ***** hah.

 

also does anyone know where to get a decent staggered tire set, nothing to big just some skinny fronts and thicker backs without any fab to fit. if they came with M/T or hoosier would be nice.





something 5 spoke like so.

 

Check out raylar they make heads aswell as dart they also make cams rods etc, this is stock or now its a prequels for the 489 since ill be using the same headers efi and ignition on the 489 but the 8.1l can be a beast i would go with the 6.0 or 5.3 unless you have deep pockets like i dont

 

I've never understood why people put a 4th gen rear in a 3rd gen. They aren't any stronger (unless you have 26 spline axles currently - put 28 spline carrier and axles in, it'll be just as strong), you need different rims, and you'll be breaking it, anyway.

Just get an aftermarket 9", 12-bolt, or S60 in 3rd gen length and be done with it.

 

I can see people with 88 and earlier cars wanting a quick and cheap brake upgrade to use a gen 4 axle. Of course that also depends on expected power output. Past that I agree.

 

i can find a 4th gen rear for around 100 bucks, disc brakes and posi trak, for that amount of money its worth braking. and would the 5.3 put out close to as much with a mild build, i know i can make decent numbers on a 6.0 especially FI but what about a 5.3 FI? and i dont plan on making to much horsepower without breaking a few things. i know the main things i need before anything else are engine, trans, heads, headers, and that horrible design of the torque arm off moved. i see a bunch of people TT'ing the 5.3/6.0s and i think thats worth the money. ill stick with a cheap rear end for now. im trying to find a 2002+ 6.0 lq4 w/ alum. heads. but craigslist is kind of dry on vortec right now