03 silverado 2500HD 8.1L (496ci) issues & tips.

[Brandon James]

Just bought a 2003 silverado 8.1l (496). I know if you maintain these engines and drive with common sense these engines will go the distance. Just curious what kind of problems you run into using this truck as a daily driver? Running a 7" lift, 37" tires, 130,300 miles. Or anything I should look out for? Open to all advice and opinions. Thank you, Brandon.

[carnau]

The only problems we run into with 8.1's is the driver side head cracking and mixing oil and water, and the lifters beating the camshafts up. The local fire departments run these engines for their brush trucks and all of them have the updated head on them now lol.

 

Here is a picture I found on google of one. If you start seeing some water or sludge in your oil. More than likely this head.