The Vortec 8100 is an 8.1L V8 from General Motors. It was designed as a diesel alternative for the GM pickup truck line-up. The Vortec 8100 borrowed much of its design from the 454 CI big block that is so popular.
The main difference between the 8100 and big blocks of old is the increased stroke — this is what increased the displacement to an impressive 8.1 liters.
The Vortec is an excellent heavy duty engine — it nearly matches its diesel brother in torque and beats it in horsepower. But, due to its heavy weight, it is rarely swapped into hot rods. However, it is slowly becoming more popular, thanks to companies like Raylar Engineering who can turn it into an absolute monster…
Search Donor Vehicles with VORTEC 8100 Engines
GM 8.1L VORTEC L18 V-8 Specifications
| Engine: | General Motors Vortec 8100 |
| Type: | 90° V-8 |
| Years Produced: | 2001 – 2006 Chevrolet/GMC 2500/3500 trucks, vans, and SUVs • Silverado and Sierra 2500HD/3500HD • Suburban and Yukon 2500 • Avalanche 2500 • Express 2500/3500 • Medium Duty Chevrolet Kodiak
Various marine and motorhome applications from 2001 – 2009 |
| RPO Code: | L18 |
| Displacement: | 496 CID (495.95) 8.1 liters (8.1266) |
| Cylinder Head Material: | Cast iron |
| Engine Block Material: | Cast iron |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.1 : 1 |
| Firing Order: | 1 – 8 – 7 – 2 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 |
| Cylinder Bore Dia: | 4.250 in (107.95 mm) |
| Cylinder Stroke Len: | 4.370 in (110.99 mm) |
| Aspiration: | Naturally aspirated |
| Fuel System: | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Valvetrain: | 2 valves per cylinder, OHV, typical cam-in-block pushrod engine |
| Oil Capacity: | 6.5 US quarts w/ oil filter |
| Fuel Requirements: | Regular 87 octane unleaded gasoline |
| Max Engine Speed: | 5,000 RPM (truck, van, SUV applications; governed speed may vary in marine, motorhome, and medium duty applications) |
| Peak Horsepower: | 330 – 340 hp @ 4,200 rpm (truck, van, SUV applications) |
| Peak Torque: | 440 – 455 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (truck, van, SUV applications) |
