Is there a good source to get a rebuilt 8.1 that anyone has used. Mines not needing it anytime soon, but would like to buy one and have a friend do a mild build on it if I keep my truck! The engine I keep seeing is a Jasper rebuilt. Is that a good engine to do a cam and some other small things? I want a little more power without reducing the reliability or is there a rebuild kit where I could find a blown up 8.1 and rebuild it with him. Thanks for the info!!

I would try contacting one of the guys that converters suburbans to duramax's. I bet they would have some 8.1's kicking around.

Not a bad idea at all!

No PERSONAL experience, but have heard good things about Jasper engines!

I think I will consider a reman like Jasper for the bottom end and have a friend do the top end and a nice tow cam and such components to give it a little more grunt. Want to look into it now and build it over time so when I need it or its convent, switch it out! Thanks!

I have a Jasper Reman engine in my 96 Caprice and it's been good so far. Just so you know there is a difference between a Rebuilt Engine and a Re-manufactured Engine. The reman engines that Jasper uses are checked for clearances, cracks, and are at or better than factory clearances, etc. You never quite know what the rebuilt engine started out as, or how good the machine work and parts are that went into it.

Jasper will also do some custom work for you if you choose, maybe ported heads, better cam, etc.

Thanks for the info, just trying to find the best route, might make more sense to save up and buy a complete drop in from them if the offer it! Iv heard good things from Jasper.

Thanks for the info, just trying to find the best route, might make more sense to save up and buy a complete drop in from them if the offer it! Iv heard good things from Jasper.

Might be an issue if your plan is to do the swap yourself. I think they sell only through qualified installers.

I wondered about that since it seems you only see them at repair shops and such. Might void there warranty if not installed by them, good point! Didn't think about that!!