8.1l Heads Questions

[TravisAZ]

Hey guys - This is pure speculation at this point, but I am trying to plan my options. Vehicle is a 2001 YukXL 2500 4x4 with the 8.1L around 120k mi.

 

I am losing alot of coolant and don't know where it is going. I am going to pressure test it this week, but I am expecting at best a head gasket and at worst a cracked head. I didn't think the castec problem applied to the 8.1L, but I don't really know much, so whatever.

 

Anyway, I know the heads for the 8.1L are odd and there is no after market for them. The motor has ~120k on it, so if I am going to go as far as pulling the heads to do gaskets, I might as well rebulld them if rebuild-able or replace them if not.

 

Of course, if I am going to go that far, I might as well do a cam and some headers while I am that deep into it. If I am going to go THAT far, I might as well just rebuild the whole freaking thing, right? While I would love to Im not sure I have or want to spend that kind of coin on this truck.

 

So, Questions:

 

1.) Raylar is the only option for after market heads, right? How about intake manifolds?

2.) If the heads are ok, what cam/rockers would you guys go with? Vehicle is used pretty much for towing.

3.) What should I expect to spend if I take the heads to a shop for a port and polish and then rebulid myself?

4.) What tests would you perform on the bottom end of the engine to feel comfortable not pulling and rebuilding it while doing the top end? Im pretty handy, but space is going to be a big issue here, because this beast probably wont fit in my garage, and I am far from having a well equiped shop. Mechanics are awesome, but I usually can't afford them. I know my limitations, but I try to do alot of my own work.

5.) Would I get much out of headers with this motor + towing cam?

6.) Any good sources for reman'ed heads out there?

[99 2500]

www.Dartheads.com has cylinder heads for the 8.1 at $670 per head. They also make stronger blocks.

[cliobogger]

www.Dartheads.com has cylinder heads for the 8.1 at $670 per head. They also make stronger blocks.

 

 

that hopefuly dont eat oil like crazy. OM NOM NOM

[Riverjet502]

I would just port match the heads to the intake.. (polishing the heads is a waist of money since you will never see the rpm to take advantage of the polish).. Maybe some bigger valves. Call a few of the cam companys and be honest with them to what your desired results are. And long tube headers. Now that sounds great, should see some good results.. But now can your PCM support these mods? Definitely need to call Justin at Black Bear and talk with him about some software changes...

[yukon25008.1]

I have an 8.1 out of a wrecker/tow truck, was going to put in an old truck. just dont have the time or cash right now to play around. the motor only has 47,000 on it. my motor guy looked at it when i first got it, and said everything looked great..and it didnt even look like it had 20.000 on it. this would save you a fortune on parts,labor,machine work. any of that raylar or aftermarket marine 8.1 stuff is SO high in price.

Let me know..im letting go pretty cheap