

Though its maximum output of 360 hp is lower and it keeps 380 lb/ft maximum torque, the company releases more productive 6.6L Duramax diesel for the cases when an enhanced towing ability is required.

And these are astonishing specifications for heavy truck motors.Īspiring to better fuel economy and lower emissions levels, GM ceased producing their 2500/3500HD series to give way to more compact 6.0L motor. Moreover, 8.1L’s undersquare styling enhances low-end torque and contributes to torque curve flattening. Both 7.4L and 8.1L motors feature a bore of 4.25 inches. When it breaks, GM’s 8.1L is a stroked-out variant (4 inches vs 4.37 inches) of the company’s 7.4L Vortec V8, which ceased for the sake of the 496 cu in version. The 8.1L features a large bore and stroke with an almost square bore-to-stroke proportion and a redline of approximately 5000 rpm. Actually, this motor was produced till 2009 for diverse motorhomes and ships. Finally, the power increases to 320-340 hp at 4200 rpm.Īlong with Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, this motor was also utilized for Kodiak, vessels and motorhomes. That’s a range of 2600 rpm of usable torque higher than 400 lb/ft, peaking at 440-455 lb/ft (depending on the year of production) at 3200 rpm. Advertisementīeing a gas motor, the 8.1L demonstrates an imposingly flat torque curve, being powerful at 1200-1400 rpm and finally coming to nought below 400 lb/ft after 4000 rpm. GM created these motors for pickups to work steadily for a long time.

In 2007, a smaller but more high-performance 6.0L V8 substituted it. GM’s 8.1L motor, referred to as 8100 Vortec and first produced in 2001, was employed for Chevy Avalanche 2500, Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD plus their GMC Sierra doubles in 2001-2006.
