is it just a basic big block or is it a new engine? can heads and cam and all that from the 454/502's work on it? will ls1edit work, i have heard it will?

just considering all my options....

 

All I know is it is heavy. :p

 

I believe it is an all new engine and is not compatible with BBC parts.

 

I think that it has enough changes that most big block parts won't fit.There are marine parts that will fit Mercury marine uses the engine.Check with Arizona Speed for parts and tuning questions.

 

All new and it drinks oil, BAD!!! 1 to 1.5 quarts every 500 miles. Not sure on the LS1 edit.

 

Wouldn't a 422-427 ci bored & stroked 6.0L work better for your application?

 

LS1edit will work on the 8.1 from 2001 to 2002. Last I read Ken hadn't tested the 2003's because they may be using a new PCM like the 6.0 trucks.

Not sure how easy fuel injector upgrades would be. I contacted someone who has an 8.1 to exchange injector information and he said modifying his fuel rail and using the old style injectors was not an option. Don't know if that is the case or not. Maybe, using that new aluminum ASM manifold, you can use whatever you want. I can give you the guy's email address if you like, he has a modded 8.1 -- whipple, bolt ons, etc. Nothing like what I assume you are looking to do.

 

Not all 8.1's drink oil, but a lot of them do.

The block is apparently the Mk VI (I think that is the digits on it) and if you look at it, the heads have nonsiamesed intake ports (think Small Ford) with equal length runners. I would assume the heads on there flow pretty well from the factory and would respond well to porting and general cleaning.

You could get the older heads design (like AFR-335's!) and find someway to adapt the older '96-'00 BBC truck intake on there to work like that. That just seems like too much work to me for a head swap...I'd stick with what is on there they can not be too bad.

EDIT is listed for the '01-'02 trucks on carputing.com's website also.

 

Drinks gas also

 

Yeah it is a Mark VI block so parts are fairly easy to come by, but most parts arent interchangable from the old first gen Mark IV big blocks. This motor is very popular in the marine industry so that is where a lot of parts have been developed. I wouldnt worry about not having parts out there for it.

They dont burn oil that bad either, that is one of those stereotypes that come from when one guy has a problem and it spreads across the internet like crazy. Yes it will burn more oil that a small block but nothing crazy.

And there is a LS1edit for them as well