The Actual Cost of Turbocharging a Big Block 8.1: Should I have built an LS instead?

[@jodypierson3137]

Your making 600 foot pounds of torque and you don’t have the whole neighborhood looking out the front window wondering what the hell all that noise was, cause your at 4000 rpm not 7000, I like it.

[@IrocinZ]

I love that you chose an 8.1L. The displacement makes for a much better street truck and seat of the pants feel...

[@justinmoon8802]

Got a 2001 Burb with the 8.1, you got yourself a sub who wants to learn

[@510CurtDawg]

I remember you sayin when you first started 8.1 swap, that your goin for a unique build.... pretty cool your lookin for a local ls truck for some testing.... i cant wait to see that video!

[@jwg34]

$4848.00 to get your little gut to say Floor It! Worth every cent! Could you have done it cheaper? Probably. Could you have built it for more $? Probably. The best part of watching your build is that you explain the thought process and the reasons why. That thing is great way cooler than any kit build. Keep up the great work.

[@bennysmith3858]

The 8.1 is definitely cooler than a LS. Different is good.

[@mopster1913]

No replacement for displacement I heard that many years ago when I was young and always stuck with me. I am now 30 years old and like Your build

[@matthewsteadman5740]

This is a real video by a professional TV show host hands down best video make who care about the fancy editing all about the information good job buddy

[@LawrenceTolman]

Thank you so much 😀

[@justinredman4389]

Once you get a healthy cam in that 8.1L that'll jump up the gains without having to add boost....

[@SuperXs1100]

Awesome to see someone interested in the 8.1l on youtube other than Raylar lol.

[@deanmoberg445]

LT, I really like what your doing with "UT". Your transparency with you build has to be helpful for anyone looking to do something similar. The fact that building a turbo LS with the 5.3 or 4.8 has been done bunch, so it is not only interesting but, awesome to see something built "outside the box"! Good luck and look forward to watching your build!

[@tommydanger2564]

Have you considered doing an LT swap in something? You could call it LT’s LT!!! It’s pure gold!! 👍

[@bobbieandianguenter6693]

Thank you for sharing the true cost of a turbocharged engine.

[@SCwrestlerTTSB]

Love the channel and im glad you chose to build an 8.1 because they get no love and no one builds them. Not alot of info on people pushing them to the limits!

[@cbr1thou]

They both have their advantages and disadvantages, its a give and take. But its cool either way

[@MrScottt28]

Everyone has an LS. I do. The 8.1 is different. That makes it cool. A boatload of power in 4k rpm range makes it cool. The ability to make an astounding amount of power with a valvetrain upgrade makes it cool. The fact that you built it yourself makes it wicked cool. Rock on LT.

[@LawrenceTolman]

thanks a ton!

[@bigredracer7848]

First 👍's up LT thanks again for taking us all along with you for the great show

[@ZackNakazora1]

That's gotta be the nicest street race challenge thrown out there..

[@teaguegearhart9851]

LT go for the LS. I don’t think so. 8.1 all the way baby!!!!

[@renc3920]

Absolutely incredible work LT! Watching you fab this unique system up has been really cool. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Oh, and I think you'll do better than 100k by end of the year. *My question: Is Tommy Boshers as much of a ham in real life as he is in front of the camera? You & he are/were my fav PowerNation (and present) builders.. CHEERS!

[@Lawrench00]

I live across the lake from you and have my own 8.1 project truck. It’s a ‘73 IH Travellette Crew Cab. Never considered a turbo, but I’d sure like to upgrade the heads and camshaft.

[@EricErnst]

If you cam and build the 8.1 like the 5.3 was, it'll be an absolute monster. 4200rpms for peak power? That's nothing. That big turbo is barely breathing at that power level. Build that big block and you'll see why it's king of the mountain. Big power, backed by a mountain of torque.

[@MicahCoy]

5k is cheap for an adjustable boost setup with tons of room to grow! You're 100% correct. The 8.1 starts out with weak cast pistons and old school iron heads that don't flow where the LSx series starts with both of those issues solved in stock trim. I think you'll be super impressed at how with a cylinder head swap your engine becomes an LSx on steroids (6000+ RPM). Cam choices do all the same things you're used to with an LSx. That 218/228 cam on a 5.3 is pretty large for a big truck! About similar to a mid 240s cam on an 8.1L (crank 610hp / 640ft-lbs NA)

[@Daniel-Johnson]

LT I'll admit I've made the jump to LS based platforms over the last 8 years or so and don't get me wrong we all know they make killer power and reliability for little money but coming from old crusty big inch engines I will always have a soft spot for cubic inches.. there is just something about a BBC that's built right when you jam that skinny pedal on the floor and feel the torque under the seat of your pants that will never go out of style! I think it's so awesome you chose the 496ci to start with, it's outside the box and you don't have something everyone else does! Keep up the good work brother your killin it! Cheers from your neighbor to the west!

[@LawrenceTolman]

thanks for the kind words!

[@767dag]

I love your honesty of the ls vs 8.1 ... really good. Good apples to oranges comparison !

[@dieselgartland4876]

Love the show. Keep it up. I like that you go a little bit more in depth than the tv shows. I used to watch them religiously but kinda wandered off.

[@LawrenceTolman]

Thanks, will do!

[@BOOST_TURBO_FUN]

its funny now you created this video. I have found out the same thing about the little things creeping up. right now I need to get the parts to upgrade the fuel system before I can start the install. I am doing a 5.3l in a 2009 tahoe

[@pauldulworth2768]

Well done. Well explained. Lots of facts with zero spin. Transparency is best. Thank you.

[@LawrenceTolman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewking1122]

Nice educational video on the cost of doing a less common build. I own a truck with the 7.4 vortec and have thought about this same build, thanks for doing it and the cost involved.

[@LawrenceTolman]

you should! also, stay tuned for some 7.4 vortec specific content, as I'll have the K2500 Suburban in the shop soon for an 0411 swap and possibly some other performance goodies

[@speedwack]

With what you said about the lack of aftermarket support for this big block I'm surprised you can get forged internals. I love the "not another LS build". It's been done.

[@LawrenceTolman]

surprisingly, you can get better heads, crankshaft, pistons, rods, cams, and even different blocks. Granted there is only one or two places for it, but at least its available

[@Richard-wk9le]

Another consideration is the Bore x Stroke relationship- over square as opposed to under square dictates where the HP and torque are made in the RPM range.

[@randallreveal1701]

I appreciate you doing something different!

[@iiDeReX]

Building a btr turbo cam stage one with an on3 78mm turbo on my 6.0/4L80e. Hope to make similar numbers as you did with this 8.1. Congrats!

[@charlesbeard8823]

Ls would’ve been cheaper for sure, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone document turbocharging a 8.1, we’ve all wanted to do it, and all knew the thing was begging for boost, with that low compression it has. I really love watching this build, makes for great content, and I’m sure it’s a blast to drive.

[@SSilverstone07]

Super cool unique build. Might need to add some cal tracs and sticky tires now

[@benmitchell2642]

“Side by side contest” = race 😂

[@glennmanchester9151]

Thats gotta be awsome to drive a torque. Monster

[@deraculandrac917]

The comparison you made the 5.3 had a cam while the big block was bone stock. So yeah cubic inches makes a difference. Anything at that level of a build the costs will be high in the end it's a one of kind build. The end result tire shredding FUN!!!!

[@tomhoten262]

This is has been a great build to follow, great work LT!

[@jeffboyer8214]

8.1 is a nice engine / as long as the person before you didn't beat on it. Can't wait to see whats next. I own a ls L77 in my caprice ppv. Just stock right now but I might toy with a 408 or 427 update in the future. Be safe.

[@bdugle1]

Building the big block provides lots of info to us viewers, thanks! I suspect if I were building a boosted truck it would be an LS, just for cost and availability of parts. That is not to say anything against your choices, though. The only choice you’ve made that I’d question is the rear end ratio. There’s no way that 8.1 needs 4.30 gears to move that truck at any speed, in my opinion. I’d want decent cruise rpm for a driver... Still, with all that said, great job! Looking forward to the engine tear down and 1000 rwhp!

[@LawrenceTolman]

when I re-geared it it was still a 5.3/4l80 and it needed the extra leverage to get off the line. Now, its kinda stupid (almost unsafe lol) with that much mid range torque so I may go back to the 3.42's it had... we'll see

[@Trident_Euclid]

I agree. Rebuild it right from the first time. Firged crankshaft and connecting rods. Hypereutictc pistons. As for the cam the stock one obviously is made for low rpm HP/torque and you will most likely will put a mild cam. Not to mention other complementary stuff related to PCV and the transmission.

[@fishpony1211]

Aside from good numbers, u have a very unique build. That alone is more then worth it in my eyes. Great work!

[@LawrenceTolman]

Glad you like it!

[@williamanderson4706]

Yeah but comparing the 8.1 to the LS without a cam swap on the 8.1 you'll probably gain another 75 to 100 hp with the swap. I did the same thing I've built the gen-6 454 in my 98 GMC 2500 4X4 gvw 8600 when I could have put an LS in for a lot less. But on 5 lb of boost I can lay 400-500 foot 35 x 12.50 dual black marks in an S curve anywhere I go it was worth every overspent dollar. We all have different budgets. I love watching these videos and the product you came out with is top-notch it looks really good.

[@helvetesfonster900]

Watching this video series has Honestly made me jealous. Before I found your channel I was already working on a single turbo big block Ford, using an EFI 460 with mild ported F3 heads, a mild camshaft, and Holley Terminator X, my goal is 500 horsepower that I think should be pretty easy. I'm also using the stock bottom end for now, it should easily be able to handle 500 horsepower luckily the truck engines came with slightly better rods. I haven't decided on turbo sizing, I was kind of set an S477 with a 1.32 AR housing but now after watching your videos I may get away with an s480. Much like your 8.1 my 460 will almost certainly operate under 5,000 RPM so I don't want to oversize the turbo and cause a ton of lag but I also don't want to undersized the turbo and limit myself for the future. Right now I'm at a point where I have to stop and save up money and the wait is killing me especially when I watch similar projects like this that are badass.

[@LawrenceTolman]

as far as spool up time on the 1.32 S480 goes, I have no complaints, in fact its almost perfect for my power level, and has room to grow. Sounds like a badass project you are putting together, and I think you in the right ballpark with the 1.32. I wanted to make sure there was plenty of flow through the turbine to support a nearly 500 cubic inch engine

[@bellmanmatthew]

Quality content LT !!! Why did you choose to swap a 5.3 1500 rather than buying a 2wd 8100 2500 ?

[@LawrenceTolman]

when I bought the Uglytruck I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to go, plus the 1500s are a lot lighter and you can lower em easier

[@thegdfp6447]

I think you made the right choice. Between the unique aspect, your exceptional attention to details, and the effortless throttle-steering torque, it's so far ahead of the junkyard/eBay 1000hp 5.3 and will be a far different behaving truck with a 1000hp 8.1. 8.1/4L80 going in my Caprice Wagon for just that.

[@bboyvillain84]

That's not a bad price for all that. Worth it for a learning fun project

[@EricErnst]

A coworker just picked up his new Ram TRX this afternoon. I should send him your way.

[@ronkirkham3410]

I am very interested in going this route instead of staying displacement and naturally aspirated.. I was going to go the Raylar route. I do have one of their cans right now with a very mild custom-tuned. But I could have ten Grand in the motor alone going that way.

[@shawnc1716]

I think its awesome what you did & yea I got a ls & im building my truck slowly but theres a million of what im doing.what you have done is rare and my hats off to you.keep up the great content.

[@bryandevries7210]

I can't wait to see the full breakdown video for the 8.1, its going to be fun seeing a 1kHP build on it. Definitely makes for unique content.

[@mikealexander4166]

No matter how you skin it, HP cost money.

[@LawrenceTolman]

very true

[@brandonbaze7390]

Great job on this video! Really talked me out of it! Thanks lol badass build! Badass channel!

[@bigredracer7848]

It doesn't matter if it's worth it if you enjoy it that's all that matters everybody else is just a tire kicker

[@charleslowe522]

Nice breakdown of the cost. I was looking at images of the block, the pistons may be not be up to snuff to handle higher power levels but the main caps are 4 bolts and that should help a lot in keeping the bottom end together. There is no replacement for displacement. I say there is no displacement for replacement. When you can make 1500 plus with a 4 cylinder 2.0L engine, who cares about displacement. VTEC yo!

[@LawrenceTolman]

You are correct in the fact that smaller engines can make some impressive horsepower with a lot of boost, but not sure I Could bring myself to install a Honda engine into my truck lol.

[@charleslowe522]

@@LawrenceTolman I hear ya, just like I couldn't bring myself to install an 8.1L in a JDM Honda Civic yo. LOL. Well if you ran the amount of boost these smaller displacement engines run to achieve 1500hp you'd travel through time with the 8.1L

[@robertcoker5489]

Nice work and as simple as you could possibly make it. I’m into the 6.6 duramax, compound turbos and like you said it all adds up in the end. Great project, can’t wait till it’s all done.

[@AP9311]

LT, i love what you did on writing this and listing all the parts cost and your thoughts on comparison! This is far excellent video you made! I love your content! I keep on watching and enjoy your build and explanations etc! You got a many thumbs up!

[@LawrenceTolman]

I appreciate that!

[@ronkirkham3410]

I was curious if you wanted to do some type of video about this truck because it's not a junkyard situation but the trucks at for upwards of seven years. With life and things going on now it's coming to time to rebuild it and bring it back to life so I didn't know if you wanted to maybe incorporate something like that reviving a great big block along with adding power to it.

[@Willybillay01]

Keep up the good work LT!

[@fro-zswhenifindtimecustoms4087]

Great video as always LT.. the only thing I can really say is that your comparison of the 2 engines is that with the cam swap in the 5.3 it moved the power curve up in the rpm range if it had been on stock cam they would have really probably been making thier peak numbers pretty close to same rpm range. But your overall numbers would have suffered a bit. But of course either way the big block would destroy a 5.3 in torque with same atmospheric pressure. I know I'm just stating obvious things but sometimes I just can't help myself.. looking forward to your next upload

[@sevencorter]

Cam, springs, intake and throttle body and upgrade fuel system for e85 and tune and you would've made more power for less money and still have the option of adding turbo later

[@simentalg]

LT ready to go to the streets of Mexico nice 😁 do you guys have a 1/4 mile track up that way ?

[@robertyoung8001]

Just picked up an 2001 Suburban 8.1L to replace my 97 Sub with 7.4L. Wondering if Supercharging it would make any sense for towing heavy over the mountains? Great content by the way. Pretty sure I live right down the road from ya. I'm an Upper Peninsula Michigan transplant. Perhaps you might be interested in super charging my 01?

[@Averagegunenthusiast]

I like it because it’s different, I also liked low and slow on trucks because it was a turbo 6 instead of the normal small block or ls. There are a ton of engine combos I would love to build but can’t due to budget constraints. This was another cool and different build. I am curious though, I do believe that in a car the 5.3 would have the advantage but I think in that heavy truck the big block with its extra torque will win. People focus on peak numbers because they are exciting but where those numbers fall are important. In a light weight car that extra torque may be wasted at low rpm but in a larger vehicle it will be valuable.

[@GoFastGator]

I am 100% on-board with the 8.1L build for all the reasons you mention. Better, because it's different, and period correct for the chassis. This is the 496SS GM never built. The whip used on the 8.1L is always it's limited aftermarket. So. Gotta ask. Why not a whistin' Gen VI Big Block? Not a ton of them out there either, compared to the Mk IV, but way better parts compatibility/availability. It would still be a big middle finger to all the LS builds. Or is that what's up for the 8-lug 'burb?

[@LawrenceTolman]

the suburban does have the Gen VI Vortec 454, and its gonna get some upgrades as well. probably not turbocharged right away, but after driving the uglytruck, I think I might have to do it eventually

[@GoFastGator]

@@LawrenceTolman after I made this comment, I actually watched a couple of the videos from when you acquired the 8.1L and removed the 5.3L. I had no idea the 8.1L could be run on the LS controls with such minimal headache. Makes perfect sense!

[@bearallen852]

An apples to apples comparison would be fun. I have an 02 with a 4.8 that I’ve been waiting to put a turbo on just haven’t had the funds to do so yet.

[@jonesininktattoos5243]

Bro can get the whole gt45 kit for that truck and extra stuff ya need installed in a weekend and be out for under 1000 bucks maybe little more if ya wana add Intercooler but the kit itself is like 850 right now.

[@DXFXmc]

Great educational video. Love the way you posted real costs. Definitely an eye opener. Thank you!!🤗🤓

[@Mr688895]

Great build and great results. Really looking forward to your 0411 swap. I was curious what made you shoot for a 10.5 to 1 air fuel ratio under boost? At that boost level I would think an 11.3 to 11.5 to 1 would still be plenty safe and most likely put you over 500 whp. Again great job, beautiful work, and great channel.

[@LawrenceTolman]

I was/am actually targeting 11.3:1 in the tune, I just hadn't nailed the VE table yet in those spots.

[@Mr688895]

@@LawrenceTolman Thank you for the response.

[@omix8928]

LT or LS? Lol like your videos buddy keep them rolling

[@projectinlinesix]

Love the project, LT! Thanks for the awesome content!

[@tristenmorris271]

I guessed $5000 to turbo the 8.1l and I'm surprised I was in range! I'm amazed at this build and aspire to do a turbo 8.1 one day

[@jakewade7388]

Yes Sir, No replacement for displacement!

[@derekwhite9665]

Love the build want to see how you plum in your oil catch can I have 8.1 also

[@williamphilippus4700]

Great video with honest price break down.

[@ohfugit]

Lawrence LT Tolman I've been going through these videos again and missed where the injectors were changed out... Were the 1000cc injectors already installed on the 8pound boost dyno run? Awesome content thank you!

[@LawrenceTolman]

yes, the 1,000cc injectors were in from pretty much day 1 of the turbo build. but now, they're maxed out lol...

[@jasonmorales1846]

Thanks for giving us a real world price on this,not that I'm gonna do it.Wish this was done on all the projects that were done from your former employer.

[@nicholassilvestri1804]

In my opinion, i would just spend that $ on the Raylar heads cam and intake if that was the final goal with the turbo. That way you can still run 87 octane and tow reliably with more hp!

[@EricErnst]

I also feel like big power can he had by putting more timing into it. 11 degree is nothing. Your flame front is chasing the piston down the hole! I know you are being conservative, but 11⁰ is pretty ridiculous! I'm running 28⁰ on my 355 centrifugal supercharged sbc at 8.5psi on 93 octane. I pulled 1⁰ per psi. That's on the ragged edge the other direction.

[@okiewindllc7]

How much fuel mileage did you lose by doing what you’ve done so far? I love mine but it is already not great on gas mileage as you know. I’ve thought about modifying it and giving it more balls than it already has but I’m not looking to race it but just keep a great towing and transportation truck.

[@Boots_And_Slicks14]

I'd like to see it run up against some dee-zuls, both towing and drag racing. I think that would be a little more interesting than drag racing a Turboed LS... Not that I would turn down watching either said race.

[@bigredracer7848]

The more horsepower and engine makes na the more it's going to make with a turbocharger he's absolutely right there is no replacement for displacement a 565 with a procharger or twin turbos will make somewhere in North the 3000 horsepower

[@Chris-ux5nl]

Ready for a track day vlog

[@aaronanderson6892]

With a stout bottom end and raylar heads, with a modded intake, what would you suspect that to produce n/a? With a better flowing combination like that, would your current turbo suffice? I would suspect it may light off a little quicker.

[@TheExi450]

Are you in salt lake? Cuz me too. I just bought an 8.1 on whim and I didn't even have a vehicle for it to go into yet. Mine came from a mastercraft boat and its the high output motor which apparently is rated at 450hp 550tq na. Probably gonna get a 50's-60's station wagon

[@JosePerez-ki5zv]

Awesome work bro, what size wastegate and blowoff valve you running ?

[@LawrenceTolman]

VS Racing 60mm wastegate, and their blow-off valve

[@edjackson4389]

Great info, Thanks for putting this video together. Very informative

[@LawrenceTolman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@69JJV]

Well my 8.1 is my mule. Sure I would love a power adder. Tell you what had a 5.3 Avalanche struggled to clime the hills I travel with my RV. The 2500 Avalanche doesn't even shift down where the 5.3 struggled. The same MPG's pulling the RV. So it still comes down to your needs or the loud pedal. I was the odd one to be different. Butt when a policeman pulls you over and asks what the He%% do have in this. Then shoots the sh*( for an hour. So different is a good thing. It was a great build to watch doing it your way.

[@maldo72]

it's great that you yanged out the LS motor for a big block I see all the LS swap guys pulling their hair out and loving every min ... lol

[@shanzepanunzio]

I’m up in Ogden and have a turbo 06 Silverado

[@BigRedMcCoy]

Hey LT, id love to see your 8.1 side by side a stock lly or lbz duramax. Im thinking my stock 01'8.1 will be close with an lb7, but i havent found anyone to do a pull with.

[@zacharylewis3528]

Great summary vid LT! Are you going to clean up the engine bay?

[@LawrenceTolman]

I think whenever I pull the engine to build it, I'll clean and maybe paint the engine bay, and for sure get some powder-coating and probably ceramic coating done on the turbo pipes

[@jonathanfoster1651]

Have you had any problems with your brakes after the turbo install? The booster is vacuum assisted, so I’m curious if the boost pressure negatively impacted the brake power booster?

[@JosePerez-ki5zv]

Awesome build, what sizes are the wastegate and blowoff valve??

[@davidcunningham00]

when you do that bottom end and a good cam ooo that will murder a ls3 and be taking on the LS7

[@LawrenceTolman]

I Hope so

[@richardcoleman9645]

You have much more torque in the 8.1 at lower rpms. In a truck, that makes a lot of difference and is very important. Put a large load In or behind the truck and make the same pulls. 5.3 and 6.0 will need higher rpms and burn more fuel.

[@Kdog307]

your here because you wanted your build to "stand out", i like what ya done, its the first. na ya shouldnt have built an ls

[@grr4561]

How many items did you have to buy twice? I'll have an idea then buy something and just not like how it is. I know it happens all of the time and sometimes it it isn't huge things, just like which fittings you used....

[@rubenwong9574]

Gm should of done 8.1 in all their 03to06 silverado SS like dodge ram srt10

[@a2cryss]

Acceleration contest = Drag race!