Rock2
PA
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anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine? I just realized when I read "2008 Guide to Towing" and did not see any of V8 8.1 engine. I figure it would be cheaper to have 8.1 engine over diesel engine in a long run and the price of diesel is too expensive.
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Engineer9860
Eagle Scout dad
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My guess would be because they were able to bump up the 6.0L gasser to 353HP. Torque for the 6.0L isn't anywhere close to the 8.1. My 8.1L is rated to 460lb/ft. Not sure what the TQ is for the 2008 6.0L. The early 8.1s had 340hp, but it was dropped to 330 in 2004.
I own both the 8.1L, and the 6.0L gassers, and am equally happy with their towing performance. However, if I need to tow really heavy, my 8.1 always gets the nod over the 6.0L.
* This post was
edited 05/09/08 05:44pm by Engineer9860 *
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Jack_Diane_Freedom
Toronto Canada
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I do not know why but they are not offering it. I had a 2005 8.1 Silverado that was a great towing machine and wanted to get another because I did not want a diesel and do not tow enough to justify the diesel price of $11000 premium in Canada. So what do I do, go to the only place that offers a big gasser. Just got a 2008 F-350 Crew Cab with 4:30 gears. Put the hitch in yesterday so will tow the 5er next weekend and see how it does. I guess the market for the 8.1 was too small as everyone was getting the Duramax/Allison.
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LarryJM
NoVa
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Rock2 wrote:anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine? I just realized when I read "2008 Guide to Towing" and did not see any of V8 8.1 engine. I figure it would be cheaper to have 8.1 engine over diesel engine in a long run and the price of diesel is too expensive.
If you're taking new that might be true, but in the long run something like the 7.3PSD will beat the 8.1 hands down for TT much over 6K ... 10 to 12 for the 7.3 and 7-8 for the 8.1. You mention the fuel cost but consider for 1000 mile at 7mpg for gas at say $4/gal that's 142 gal for a cost of $571. The same 1000 miles at 10 mpg for the diesel is 100 gal for a cost of $600. Also, the diesel will last at least twice as long as any gasser on average ... only problem is that now the used diesels that used to cost $4K more than the same gasser are getting $8K more used than an equivalent gas based vehicle which again sort of shots a hole in the upfront cost argument.
The new 2008 and up vehicles diesel especially might not worth the cost over something like the still offered Ford based V-10 properly geared.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
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Jim&Peg
Central Ohio
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The market share was too low. That is why it was discontinued. I forget the actual number but less the 5% of the pickups were equipped with it. I have one and it is an excellent tow vehicle.
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Rock2 wrote:anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine? I just realized when I read "2008 Guide to Towing" and did not see any of V8 8.1 engine. I figure it would be cheaper to have 8.1 engine over diesel engine in a long run and the price of diesel is too expensive.
The 6.0 phased it out.
I had a diesel p/u when I pulled my camper. Got rid of it and bought a 6.0 gasser p/u. The difference between the gasser and the smoker was about 4 mpg. YAY. Smokers will cost $9000 more off the start and diesel fuel is about one dollar +/- where you are located.
Now $9000 bucks can buy alot of gasoline. And for the people out there who say "diesels go 300-400 thousand miles". Now do you really think I want to own something made these days with everything else to go wrong besides the engine for THAT kind of mileage?!?! HELL NO! 
The ONLY real thing I noticed with a smoker is the torque when pulling up hills. Other than that, I'll stick with my gassers. 
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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I'd guess they were trying to promote the diesel. 6.0 doesn't even come CLOSE to the torque of the 8.1
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8.1 Van
Millstone NJ
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LarryJM wrote:Rock2 wrote:anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine? I just realized when I read "2008 Guide to Towing" and did not see any of V8 8.1 engine. I figure it would be cheaper to have 8.1 engine over diesel engine in a long run and the price of diesel is too expensive.
If you're taking new that might be true, but in the long run something like the 7.3PSD will beat the 8.1 hands down for TT much over 6K ... 10 to 12 for the 7.3 and 7-8 for the 8.1. You mention the fuel cost but consider for 1000 mile at 7mpg for gas at say $4/gal that's 142 gal for a cost of $571. The same 1000 miles at 10 mpg for the diesel is 100 gal for a cost of $600. Also, the diesel will last at least twice as long as any gasser on average ... only problem is that now the used diesels that used to cost $4K more than the same gasser are getting $8K more used than an equivalent gas based vehicle which again sort of shots a hole in the upfront cost argument.
The new 2008 and up vehicles diesel especially might not worth the cost over something like the still offered Ford based V-10 properly geared.
Larry
The 7.3 PSD is derated in the E350 vans and is rated at 215HP 425TQ compared to 340HP 460TQ in the 2002 8.1 3500 vans.
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rjstractor
Auburn, WA
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Rock2 wrote:anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine?
They still make it, you just can't get it in a pickup. It's the standard engine in the Kodiak series and available in the Workhorse MH chassis.
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lesmore49
canada
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rjstractor wrote:Rock2 wrote:anyone know why chevy is not making 8.1 gas engine?
They still make it, you just can't get it in a pickup. It's the standard engine in the Kodiak series and available in the Workhorse MH chassis.
I wonder how long the 8.1 liter V8 will be available at all, considering that GM has sold their intermediate truck line to International. I think they may eventually be replaced by IH engines, if there is any GM semblance left in the trucks, once IH gets rolling on this takeover.
Just speculation, but......
lesmore49
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