I know first off that the 8.1 vortec is not a popular motor. Just wondering how easy it would be to adapt sts turbo conpect to an 2001 8.1 2500HD? I know that I know need programming and tubing. But I have never actually seen a sts turbo setup. Does it have its own oil system? Will they make one for me (custom kit)? Info please!!

 

I dont see why the kit couldnt be adapted to fit your app. If youve got the money they will do anything for you. Im not sure if it will be as easily tuned since you will probably be a custom setup and I dont think the 8100 spins as high as the LS1 styles.

 

Call up Dave at STS and ask him directly. I know they will custom fab certain things to fit particular trucks. The only hangup is they need to find a same model truck near them to get the measurements right. I talked to him about a regular cab 5.3L turbo kit and the above was his response. They are really cool and easy to talk to so I recommend going straight to them with your questions.

The fact that the 8.1 may not spin as high is fine since the turbo can be sized to give excellent power in the lower rpm range and spool up by mid 2000 rpms so.

 

Ok Thanks, rpm not going to be factor, I can get high as 5200r's from westers, Just checking my options. Looking on this forum has got me wanting a half-ton 5.3. Heck if I had a 5.3 I can get a pair of z06 heads ported and assembled for $1700. Unlike 8.1, with alum heads starting at $2800. Kinda po-ed, trade in 94 tbi 350 for this one, think that will finially move into something with some performance. And now speed parts are scarce. Looking at used 5.3's now.

Again thanks for the info.

 

Yeah you could get a cam and good valve springs to get it to rev. Even a turbo like a T76 is going to spool quick with 496" of exhaust going to it!

 

wouldnt get POed. the 8.1 is a beast. its not as popular since 1 its more money and 2 a completly different motor than ls1 based so its alot harder to swap not to mention in some states ( cali ) it would be illegal in a half ton cuz of emmsions. I say throw on a turbo, like 10 psi and go duramax hunting. oh, beef up that transmission. shouldnt be a big deal for STS to do. they whould just have to use a little larger turbo than the other kits i think.

 

I've been thinking that a turbocharged 8.1 would be pretty sweet. That would provide a good amount of torque for towing and playing on the steet. There are performance parts available for this motor (cams, intake, aluminum heads, superchargers ect...) but not as much as the other motors and some of the prices are higher (as mentioned - the heads).

Tom



2002 8.1 Silverado HD - Full Throttle lift, 37" tires, Comp Cam, TOG headers, Volant induction plus more!
2002 8.1 Suburban -Intercooled Whipple supercharger, 22" wheels/tires + more - 407hp/558 ft-lb torque at the rear wheels - 13.93 @ 95.79 MPH

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