8.1/1gen Escalade

BLKESC · June 7, 2003

I've been wondering if the 8.1 would fit in the 99-00 Escalade. I would assume that it would since I've read that it is the same size(whereabouts) as a 454. Would you need to get the motor, computer, and maybe the radiator to fit it in? I assume that the trans would need to be beefed up to take the torque. Would this be a doable setup for 500hp & 500 ft/lb?

americanmuscleman · June 10, 2003

I think your going to run into all sorts of problems trying to do this, but anything is possible if you have the cash to do it.

One of the main problems is going to be your going to try to put a big block in front of and on top of that all wheel drive system. The big block is longer, and isn't going to just bolt in. The escalade's tranny (4L60E) and transfer case are bolted together. If you move them back (which you'll have to to put a big block in the engine bay), your going to need new frame mounts and new driveshafts. The 496 oil pan without a doubt is going to get in the way, its really deep, and definitely won't work. The big block should bolt up the 4L60E tranny, but that tranny isn't going to take big block power for very long. Your also going to need a stand-alone tranny controller to run the tranny. You'll need a computer out of a 6speed/496 truck to control the engine.

That all wheel drive system in the escalade isn't going to last long at all behind all the torque the 496 makes.

You would have to totally customize everything under that truck to do it. If you really want a big block escalade, I would buy a 3/4 ton suburban with a big block in it (93-99') and swap an escalade front end onto it. It would be much easier.

It would be a monster of a job to try to do this.

I would just buy a big block truck, and go from there.

BLKESC · June 14, 2003

Oh well. I knew it would be a long shot, but I wasn't expecting a coast to coast one. Thanks for your insight. If you think this is wild, I was originally imagining the 502!

I guess a pumped up 350 or maybe a mild 383 would work. Just wanted big, reliable power. Looking at what options would be available when it came time to a rebuild.

americanmuscleman · June 16, 2003

If your looking to add some major power to your Escalade, you can send it to Pacific Audio and Alarm, and they can install a 600hp 502 in your truck. It comes with a warranty, and the workmanship appears to be great. Its not cheap, but they take care of everything. Pacific Audio and Alarm If nothing else, their performance website might give you some ideas.

Lingenfelter can also make you an awesome setup. He built a black 2DR 4WD Tahoe a couple years ago (it was like a 98' Tahoe) that he stroked the 5.7L to a 396, and I think it ran 13's. It was in a Motor Trend a few years back.

99-2door · July 17, 2003

The easiest way to do it would be to use the engine and 4L80e tranny from a 8.1L 4x4 truck or suburban. You could then use the stock computer to control the engine and transmission. Contrary to popular belief the 99-00 Escalades are not AWD, they have Auto-trac 4x4, but not AWD. So it is basically the same system as the newer 4x4 trucks have. I would think you would be able to use the front drive-shaft from a 454 automatic 4x4 to match the transfer case to the front diff. The yokes may be different, but your length would be right. i would go with a 96-00 454 with 4L80e 4x4 for the drivetrain instead, it would be much easier since you would be dealing with the same generation. Everything would bolt up this way. With the 8.1L you would have issues with the gauge cluster and other things like that that would make you pull your hair out.

BLKESC · July 18, 2003

Thanks guys. Since I've posted I guess I've toned down my aspirations a bit. Like americanmuscleman said basically it can be done, but it'll cost ya. I think when the time comes I'll beef up the 350 for more power and maybe put on a supercharger. Whatever it is, it's got to take a lot of miles since I've put 20K on the truck and that's just a little past 6mos.

99-2door, I have that exact Motor Trend you're talking about. Weird how the Lingenfelter setup and Dean's setup came out the same hp wise(400). Dean's Tahoe had the S/C.