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8.1 liter for my 8x18 panther

S

swampdonkey

Well-known member
I'd like to bounce a couple of things off you guy's. #1 Would an 8.1 liter engine out of a 2002 silverado be a good engine for an airboat? #2 If so should we get an aftermarket computer for it?
Have been hearing some good things about FI on here lately . Looking for your input.
Oh yah we have a 2:1 gear box.
If there's anyone with a similar unit what size prop are you running. Cage can handle 78" or possibly even an 80"
Thanks
swampdonkey
 
Waterthunder and Felber have preferences as to MkIV blocks or aftermarket but I imagine the "Leviatator" and other "crate" engines are built on the same block you are considering. Being that you used to run DD I would think it would be a real kick in the a$$. I would also like to know about the intake (actually L29 V 7400) and what computer to run, seen some reasonably priced if they work? Looks like a really cool setup but don't know what the max HP would be with that setup, injectors you can change, throttle body, and computer but what would be the easiest and softest on the pocket book both initally and in the long run. "Fast"? or someone elses computer? That has the LS type rectangle port heads and I haven't read about anyone playing with them yet. But you do want bottom end torque and you didn't have problems with the DD to my recolection. Cubes Rule! 8)


Actually if I had the money I would order a Waterthunder engine but i hope to build my boat for less than one. :wink: Not saying it's over priced. Maby next one. Building a High performance engine is way more work than I remembered. :lol:
 
The 8.1 is a commonly used engine in the aftermarket, mainly in marine/airboat use, but sadly it's only support in the aftermarket is the crate engine GM provides. In other words, it's a decent engine with little suport to improve upon it. To be more clear it is what it is...Buy the crate engine outfitted with the fuel injection and control unit or try to buy the FI seperate from GM, but if history serves me well, the cost of that alone will be damn near what the crate engine costs. I'll be happy to hook you up with aftermarket FI for it, but the cost would shoot it in the foot, since there are better engines out there to spend your money on. As of right now I don't know of anyone making a system that will fit it's factory sensoring, and I know that no one makes a carb retro-fit for it.

But I'm sure there are people workin on it, and maybe even some who have developed some of the aftermarket support I'm being judgemental of. If there's a will, there's a way...Just gotta do the homework, then decide if the cost outweighs the final product. JMO

Felber
 
They use the same 58x crank reluctor and the on off cam sensor located in the rear of the block. Unless it's a Marine motor then they are still stuck with the 24x reluctor I don't know why it has 1/2 the resolution. The system I use on all my LS1,LS2,LS6 and L92 will hook right up to it piece of cake! It will run your fuel injection and ignition. I keep them in stock and have developed on heck of a tune up for airboat use! I purchase these systems in bulk so I can get you a great price on them almost 1/2 of what a F.A.S.T. or most other systems costs! I will be honest with you it's a very heavy motor and in DD form it will not be a hill burner. It will be a good motor but not a great performer!
 
Well if the Red Line is already capable for the 8.1 that may come in pretty handy. I've developed cylinder heads for the engine, and combine that with a camshaft kit with a good tuneup, and I think it would be pretty practical for a lot of people to upgrade.

Felber
 
Thanks for the info. So what you guy's are saying is, engine is nothing to get overly excited about. I,m not interested in a hill burner. But would like something that could turn a big prop on a 2:??? reduction without over working engine capable of hauling alot of gear. What would be a safe RPM to set this engine at WOT and also what RPM could we hold it at for crusing?? Without jepordizing reliability? THUNDER I would definatly want to put one of your specially tuned computers on there. If you could let me know what I will need and what I am looking at as far as cost for required components to get her running. Then I will know if this avenue is worth pursuing. It's not a marine engine. It comes out of a 2002, 3/4 ton truck. Engine has 65,000 miles. auto wrecker want's 2500.00 for engine only. Wrecking company is reputable and I know them well. They went through engine and said that they replaced valves on it. I will need to purchase everything else to get her going. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me what I would have to expect to pay to complete this engine setup. I believe you also sell rotator gear boxes which I am also in the market for but haven't desided on what ratio. I know your perferred choice of ratio. Do you think a 2.68 would work with this engine and size of boat with a big KICK ASS PROP???. Or are these 2.68 better suited for smaller boats?? WOW I got to try and control myself here. Just trying to put all the pieces together. I think I'm more excited about this project, ThenI was when I build my first boat 4 years ago. First boat is an 18x8 airgator, 455olds with 72" 3 blade supper snapper. I'm actually surprised with the performance of this boat for a DD. But certainly couldn't follow you up the hill. HE HE
If you would perfer to PM thats fine. Don't know if you want to put prices on here.
 
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