Big block vs 6.0 ls torque
 

Ok, random thinking here. Just mapping out this fall/next years project and I'm going back and forth on the engine choice.
Yeah, it's not an f body but it's automotive so let's talk. For my 83 ramcharger. Years ago my father rebuilt it and put it on a 3/4 ton chevy frame, put 35" tires on it, and powered it with a healthy olds 455.
Well, been sitting for years and I'm finally going to revive it since I basically have a chassis I can't refuse falling into my lap.
It's going to keep a 3/4 ton axles and have a 6" lift and something between 35"-38" tires on it. Right now the chassis is coming with a 4 speed manual that I may keep, or, may sell to go auto. Not sure there yet either.

Anyhow, reason for the post. I'm torn on a motor choice. I want modern fuel injection. I've had it with carb's. I think I'm down to an 8.1 big block or a 6.0. Horsepower wise they're close but obviously stock for stock the big block beats it for torque. However, with basically a cam I know the torque peaks can match up pretty close and the ls motor wins for economy hands down.
Yes, I realize no matter what it's gonna be a hog. I'm just thinking for parts availability, ease of modding, and again longer range, the ls motor is on my list. But, I know the peaks can match up, how far apart are they across the whole curve? Does a modded 6.0 have a decent flat torque curve or are they peaky?
So yeah, long story short, I know peaks can match up close but how does the entire torque curve compare between an 8.1 and a 6.0?
And, are there even cams and such for the modern vortec big blocks?
Or should I just say screw it and go with a turbo'd 6.0 lol?

there is a reason that they dont make the 8.1 any more that motor was a pig with like no after market you would be better off running some thing like a old school 454 stroked out and then set it up for EFI

8.1L H/C setup,cheap -$6000 for parts

They should have never made that shitty 8.1L. It makes about 20-30ft/lbs more torque than the 6.0L but the 6.0 makes 100 more hp.

Whichever way I go I just want to get a complete pull out from the junk yard. Any of the aftermarket efi set ups get way to pricey and aren't worth it when there are so many decent factory options available.

Just the person I was hoping would answer.

Yeah I knew the peaks were close, I was just wondering how the whole curves compared. If it's only 20-30 over the whole range then 6.0 it is, but if down low the 8.1 makes say 100 or more ft lbs then I may go with the huge iron chunk.

down real low the 8.1 will have a little more but thats what gears are for

go 6.0 def bigger after market..

the saying is true though no replacement for displacement..but seeing you want junk yard pulls and efi and them are your only 2 picks def go 6.0..now you think about a duramax? goobs of tq and would run threw any off road shit you would want untill you burried your axles..


After my stang is done im moving onto doing a mud/trail style truck..2.5 rockwells 50" tractor tires and a old 80s step side if i can find a clean one..It will def have a 468 bbc in it though with some juice.probley have iron oval port heads..make around 700-750 on pump gas with out the jug.
pretty much a twin to this truck
http://www.youtube.com/user/z71on46s#p/f/28/TLNp5DvxD44

I think you will be happier with the 6.0 in the long run, it is flat out a better engine. With light modding it makes as much or more power then an 8.1 and also has a nice broad torque curve. Parts are also much much easier to get. In fact if you decide to do it I have almost a complete 6.0 longblock here I can give ya a good deal on.

That was my only concern was if the 6.0 could come close in the torque curve to the 8.1 or if the big block blew it away down low.
I there isn't much difference I'll most likely go with the 6.0.

I'd love a duramax but the initial cost is about 4 times the other two options and I can do a lot to an ls motor with an extra 3 grand lol.

while I agree that that is badass it's fairly useless on the trails around here. We don't have much open swamp land like Florida ;)