The "Tan Brick" aka my 1997 Express Cobra conversion

[Fast355]

Work on the chassis donor is progressing. Sold my spare 4L80E for $450. Up about $700 of the $1100 I spent on the van and getting the van to me. Still have a running L31 and a ton of small parts to get rid of.




I am looking at picking up a new engine this week. 80K miles on this dirty junkyard pull. Its out of a 2001 Express cutaway that was a party limo van. I am guessing the hours are pretty low too as all the harness loom is still in place. The yard wants $1000 for it. A bit steep but 8.1L Express engines don't pop up often, especially low mileage.







I am thinking of running it on a modified 2006 6.0L Express tune, Harness, PCM, and TAC.

[Nasty-Z]

Interested in shipping the L31 ? P/M me if so , might be Interested.

Good find on the 8.1 , I have a few , seems not many really want them up here , nor do they realize their potential .

TOM

[Fast355]

Interested in shipping the L31 ? P/M me if so , might be Interested.

Good find on the 8.1 , I have a few , seems not many really want them up here , nor do they realize their potential .

TOM

I sent you a message. I am hoping I can acquire the 8.1 before it sales. I found a $548.00 check in my mailbox today when I got home. Refund after refinancing my car with a new bank. Really made my day because I thought the paperwork for the transition was accurate. I am hoping I can ditch the 2nd A/C compressor easily. If you notice in the 1st picture it has a Sanden style compressor mounted backwards under and in front of the main compressor.

Should be a monster of a tow vehicle with the 1-ton chassis, 4.10s, and Tuned 8100!

If I can get the 8.1, the Marine Intake/Marine cammed L31 from my Van is going into my boat. 0411along with Coil per Cylinder and all.

[Fast355]

I now own an 8.1, picking it up tomorrow.

[Nasty-Z]

I now own an 8.1, picking it up tomorrow.

NICE

TOM

[1project2many]

Wow. That's a helluva find. What is the lowest numerical ratio available for the 14 bolt? I'd be looking to gear that thing for 1500 RPM on the highway. Maybe it's time to step up to a 6L90E to gain the extra gear reduction?

Gear  6L90 Ratio          4L80 Ratio
1          4.027              2.48
2          2.364              1.48
3          1.532              1.00
4          1.152              0.75
5          0.852
6          0.667
R          3.064              2.07

2nd compressor is usually aftermarket and can be removed. We have several buses with dual A/C (but nothing with 8.1). All sorts of mischief with dual a/c systems, like belt only available from A/C company at $100 each, and modified belt routing, and idler pulleys not available from anyone. Carier was big designer of systems for years but has now been bought and name changed to MCC. From my vantage they don't have anywhere near the parts or support network anymore. Other players stepping up and trying to fill voids but parts fitment and application is still a challenge. I've got a 250A, $1000 alternator here that was designed to work with a dual a/c and custom alternator bracket on a Ford. It doesn't fit anything else but I'm surely not throwing it away after spending that much $$ on it. I'll fabricate a bracket for something.

[Nasty-Z]

3.42 is the highest (Numerically lowest) gear available for the 14FF

How about an Allison 1000 series and keep the 4.10's ? Works fantastic in my 8.1/Allison 2001 3500 Dually

Allison 1000 Ratios

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th*	R
3.094	1.809	1.406	1.00	0.711	0.614	4.480

* 6 speed available 2006-up but it is a retrofit to earlier models.

TOM