2005 Yukon Denali engine swap to a Vortec 8100 ???

riskyvt · 03-20-2006, 01:26 PM

The towing power of the factory 6.0L V-8 in my '05 Yukon Denali with 3.73:1 gears just doesn't do it for me. Prior to this Yukon, I briefly owned a 2004 GMC Yukon XL 3/4 ton with an 8100 V-8. Towing my 3,800 lb. big-block Chevelle SS and steel trailer behind it was a dream....you hardly noticed it was behind you!

Call me nuts, but would any of you fellow gearheads know for certain if a Vortec 8100 engine would fit into the space of a 6.0L engine? Would it bolt up to the 4-speed automatic transmission? I'm pondering this swap, but not if it's too difficult or with too many mods...

Thanks for your time!

chevyguy · 03-20-2006, 05:13 PM

it will fit.

92BlueZ71 · 03-20-2006, 07:00 PM

too bad you cant swap a duramax into it, that would be sweet

chevyguy · 03-21-2006, 11:13 PM

The 1/2 ton suspension wouldnt handle the weight

gmtech · 03-27-2006, 06:19 PM

What transmission do you have in your 2005 gmc? It is most likely a 4L60E just a square pan. Unless you have a 4L80E transmission which in a longer and square in the front and smaller and rounded in the rear. The 4L60E trans won't take the torque of the 8.1L. I'm also not sure of the weight and the yukon unless it is and xl just has rear springs and thats not a good match up to all the power and torque of the 8.1. Then the frame will a 1/2 ton frame hold up to it? Thats just my input and don't think I would be doing it.

SilveradoTX · 07-13-2008, 05:52 PM

This looks like a pretty old post but I'll reply. I would go with a Radix intercooled SC or a Squires Turbo rear mount and either of these will put the 'little' 6.0 ahead of the 8.1 you used to drive.

The 4l60 is still going to be a weak link but it can be built so I would just put the power adder on and drive it til' it breaks and build it right afterwards. From my experience with seeing people add power on top of 4l60s, it's a box of chocolates. As far as I know, 4l60s are ok until you start getting into the 400+ hp range and then things start getting squirley.

My advice, just add the power adder of your choice and worry about the trans later. Also, I think Radix offers a 3 year warranty for the drivetrain so check it out.

03-20-2006, 01:26 PM	#1
riskyvt Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Berlin, VT Posts: 1	2005 Yukon Denali engine swap to a Vortec 8100 ??? The towing power of the factory 6.0L V-8 in my '05 Yukon Denali with 3.73:1 gears just doesn't do it for me. Prior to this Yukon, I briefly owned a 2004 GMC Yukon XL 3/4 ton with an 8100 V-8. Towing my 3,800 lb. big-block Chevelle SS and steel trailer behind it was a dream....you hardly noticed it was behind you! Call me nuts, but would any of you fellow gearheads know for certain if a Vortec 8100 engine would fit into the space of a 6.0L engine? Would it bolt up to the 4-speed automatic transmission? I'm pondering this swap, but not if it's too difficult or with too many mods... Thanks for your time!

03-20-2006, 05:13 PM	#2
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	it will fit. __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

03-20-2006, 07:00 PM	#3
92BlueZ71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 117	too bad you cant swap a duramax into it, that would be sweet __________________ CHEVROLET "Friends don't let friends drive a Ford" '92 Ext. Cab Short-Wide Z71 '62 Short-Stepside C10

03-21-2006, 11:13 PM	#4
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	The 1/2 ton suspension wouldnt handle the weight __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

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03-27-2006, 06:19 PM	#5
gmtech Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: farmville Va Posts: 348	What transmission do you have in your 2005 gmc? It is most likely a 4L60E just a square pan. Unless you have a 4L80E transmission which in a longer and square in the front and smaller and rounded in the rear. The 4L60E trans won't take the torque of the 8.1L. I'm also not sure of the weight and the yukon unless it is and xl just has rear springs and thats not a good match up to all the power and torque of the 8.1. Then the frame will a 1/2 ton frame hold up to it? Thats just my input and don't think I would be doing it.

07-13-2008, 05:52 PM	#6
SilveradoTX Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 9	This looks like a pretty old post but I'll reply. I would go with a Radix intercooled SC or a Squires Turbo rear mount and either of these will put the 'little' 6.0 ahead of the 8.1 you used to drive. The 4l60 is still going to be a weak link but it can be built so I would just put the power adder on and drive it til' it breaks and build it right afterwards. From my experience with seeing people add power on top of 4l60s, it's a box of chocolates. As far as I know, 4l60s are ok until you start getting into the 400+ hp range and then things start getting squirley. My advice, just add the power adder of your choice and worry about the trans later. Also, I think Radix offers a 3 year warranty for the drivetrain so check it out.

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