Admittedly, when it comes to trucks, we're diesel fans here at FASS Motorsports. That said, cool is cool—and the 8.1 liter big block Vortec 8100 is certainly that.
If you didn't know, Ram, GM, and Ford's massive V8 and V10 gas engines we're popular alternatives to Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke diesels in the 90's and early/mid 2000's.
For the big three OEMs, these massive power plants were designed to deliver diesel-like hauling power at a fraction of the cost. For example, the Vortec 8100 big block we're discussing here was 1/6 of the cost of the Duramax diesel option.
So, if you were buying a new 3/4 or 1-ton GMC/Chevy in the early 2000's, the 8100 option was worth a look.
492 Cubic Inches of American Muscle
Offered from 2001 to 2009 in a wide variety of vehicles, the Vortec 8100 was the second largest V8 ever put in a GM passenger vehicle (the Cadillac 500 holds the title).
There's no replacement for displacement—and 492 cubic inches is a LOT of displacement.
Built in Buffalo, New York, the 8100 quickly developed a cult-like following among Chevy and GMC truck owners. Fans of the 8100 are quick to point out how stout and seemingly unbreakable the engine is.
On top of that, the engine's short production life (more on that later) makes them especially collectable. It's not uncommon for an 8100-equipped Silverado 2500 to command a $5,000-$10,000 premium over the comparable 6.0 V8.
And make no mistake, the gas-guzzler held it's own with early versions of the Duramax, including the LB7, LLY, and LBZ. The vast majority of 3/4 and 1-ton GMC/Chevy owners would never need more grunt than the Vortec 8100 could deliver.
Big Block Suburbans, Avalanches, and Yukons
As if GM's Gorilla-sized V8 wasn't popular enough as a truck engine, you'll also find it in the 3/4 versions of the Suburban, Avalanche, and Yukon, to name a few.
These 2500 or 3/4 ton SUVs and Avalanches are some of the most sought-after used "trucks" on the market today. To find a mint-condition 8.1 big block-powered Suburban, Yukon, or Avalanche is a RARE occurrance—so expect to pay a premium.
Outpaced by the Duramax
Sadly, the Vortec 8100 didn't have a long production life. Although the big block was technically in production from 2001 to 2009, it was phased out in 2006 for the GM passenger vehicles referenced above.
Meaning, if you didn't buy a new 8.1-powered Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Yukon, or Avalanche between 2001 and 2006, you had missed your chance.
So what killed the mighty Vortec 8100? You'll probably get a different answer depending on who you ask.
One of the most common theories is that the increasingly capable and powerful Duramax simply outpaced the 8.1. As the Vortec V8 fell behind in power, in theory, it simply became irrelevant.
Upgrading Your Vortec 8100-Powered Truck
From the Duramax to the Vortec 8100 V8, our team here at FASS Motorsports is ready to help with the upgrades you're after.
Whether you simply want a quality leveling kit, some custom headlights, or any other upgrade—we're here to help.
To speak with our service staff, give us a call at (636) 433-5410, email us at info@fassmotorsports.com, or shoot us a message on Facebook or Instagram! You're also welcome to stop by our show room, located at:
FASS Motorsports
25 Town & Country Drive
Washington, MO 63090