DESCRIPTION
Rare Limited production 2001 Suburban LT 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Auto-Ride 8.1Liter Vortec V-8.
NOTE: As evidenced by the title. I've owned this truck for twelve (12) years!
Never smoked in!
No Check Engine Lights on!
Fresh Service!
Runs and drives great!
No blowby!
As the attached photos evidence, the original paint is in great shape with exception the hood which has some minor pin head chips from going over the pass in Winter when road were sanded and the windshield received two large rock chips that B&G Glass in Bend advised not be filled, so they installed a new one 15th of April 2024;
As the attached photos evidence, the leather interior is above average!
Reason for selling: I've sold my 39 foot Scarab off shore power boat and bought a new Silverado 3500HD crew cab 4x4 and no longer need the Suburban 2500HD tow rig.
I've increased the eBay "buy-it-now-Sale Price to $14,995" only because I've just purchased new front air struts, new rear air shocks and new air ride compressor. Les Schwab quoted me $6,753 for this service!
For less then what I paid Oregon Chevrolet dealers to installed a factory remanufactured 4L80E transmission, and a factory remanufactured HD transfer case, last year La-Pine Les Schwab dealer install four (4) new Crosswind LT35x12.50R20M/S tires on my 20" FOOSE wheels and do a four wheel alignment, new performance exhaust system, and 2" wide fender flairs (pictured but not yet installed), and I just install a new OEM A/C Compressor and had the A/C system serviced (See, 05-02-2023 invoice). You can own this Rare - Limited Production - Suburban LT 2500HD 4x4 with Auto-Ride and 8.1Liter Vortec Engine for only $14,995!
Has a factory HD RV tow package with electric brake controller that will bumper pull anything a one ton dully can up over the pass at designated speeds!
Has factory skid plates!
This Suburban 2500HD is not lifted and rides at the factory height seen in the posted pictures. I do have a new set of never used still in the box 2" keys if you want up to 2" more lift. The oversized LT35x12.50R20M/S tires do rub a little on tight turns but nothing you can't live with because the minor rub has not damaged the tires. This Suburban 2500HD was designed to be converted to a bullet proofed US State Department VIP vehicle. From the factory it was upgraded from 3/4 ton axles to one ton truck axles, same as the Silverado 3500;
This is the LT model with all the options offered in 2001. e.g., Full leather, dual six way power heated front seats with 2nd row and 3rd row leather bench seats, 3rd rear seat is removable, rear A/C and heat just serviced, On-Star, moon roof, heated rear window, and tow package with electric brake controller, and much more all work as they should. See, picture of option codes!
I removed the stock 1" fender flairs and have a new set of 2" wide fender flairs and new enter fender liners for the Buyer to install;
Last year I had Les Schwab installed the new oversized Cross Wind LT35x12.50R20M/S tires, replace the upper control arms and aligned the front with the rear to insure the truck tracked true. I was advised my truck needs new shocks...So, I've ordered new front and rear OEM Z55 Auto Ride shocks for the Buyer to install.
New front brakes and brake system flushed and topped off with new brake fluid;
The windows and doors open and close nice and tight like a new truck!
Its been stored in my hanger collecting dust since I sold my Scarab and I've not washed it. So, it comes in need of your cleaning and detailing!
The truck runs great, tracks nice down the highway and drives solid!
Carfax confirms this Suburban has spent its life in the Portland/Bend area where roads are not salted! No under body rust!
There are no major mechanical issues I'm aware of! Everything seems to work as it should, the following minor issues will be responsibility of the new owner:
1. The factory radio whip antenna is broken at the base...I've purchased a new cable that needs to be installed; And,
2. As the attached Oregon Title shows, I've had this Suburban since 12-05-2014 when the odometer registered 206,789 true miles. The Odometer/P-R-N-D-3-2-1 LCD Display Lights went out some time back, so I can't read the miles without a flashlight. On U-TUBE they show this is a common problem and requires re-soldering the circuit board where the solder connection could be cracked. On line odometer shops want $34.99 + shipping to re-order the circuit board.
The previous owner advised me at 200,000 +/- miles his insurance company paid to had a Chevrolet dealer replace the engine with a factory new crate engine because the shop who serviced his suburban failed to properly tighten the oil filter and he lost oil pressure and damaged the engine;
I've attached copies of my invoices having a General Motors factory remanufactured transmission installed at 223,280 miles and transfer case installed by an Oregon Chevrolet dealer service department at 246,021 and both came with the same General Motors warranty as a new truck. I've not cut any corners keeping this Suburban in excellent mechanical condition for the simple reason it was the tow vehicle for my 39 foot Scarab off shore power boat and I could not risk a break down hauling friends and my boat over the pass to the coast;
Chevy 8.1 Engine’s Reliability and Brute Force by Braden Carlson, August 9, 2021:
The Chevy 8.1L engine–aka the Vortec 8100–was the final breath of big-block V8 production for the iconic Bowtie brand. We review its capability, which can make it last…
However, the big-block Chevrolet engine was not exclusively used in muscle cars. In fact, you’ll find them in a lot more trucks and SUVs than you will muscle cars. The most recent iteration of the Chevy big-block V8 engine is the 8.1-liter V8. It is formally known as the Vortec 8100 and came in a few different vehicles. Though its production ended in 2009, there are plenty of fans of the Vortec 8100, keeping them alive and well. Keep your eyes peeled, and you just might see one come up for sale.
Chevy 8.1 Engine Specs:
The Chevy 8.1 Vortec 8100 V8 is very much an old-school-style engine, as you can decipher with a look at the engine specs from Duramax Hub. It uses cast-iron construction for both the engine block and cylinder heads, and has traditional overhead-valve cam-in-block pushrod V8 construction. Also, the engine has two valves per cylinder and a maximum speed of 5,000 rpm. The bore and stroke are massive, coming in with a 4.25-inch bore and a 4.37-inch bore. It uses standard multi-port electronic fuel injection and runs on standard 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Power output is impressive, with up to 340 horsepower on tap. The real show is the torque figure, though, at up to 455 lb.-ft. Perhaps the most appealing specification of the Chevy 8.1 V8 is its remarkably flat torque curve. It achieves peak torque at 3,200 rpm. However, from 1,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm, it effectively remains the same throughout the lower to mid 400 pound-foot range. This makes the Chevy 8.1 an exceptional engine for towing and hauling just about anything one could imagine.
Chevy 8.1 Engine Problems:
Though Chevy V8 engines are notoriously stout, nothing is without issue. The website Chevy Trucks has an intuitive list of problems to watch out for when shopping for a Chevy 8.1 powered vehicle. First and foremost is the fuel economy. Though vehicles bigger than the likes of the Silverado 1500 do not have official EPA fuel economy ratings, it is widely known that a big-block V8 engine is not something you look into purchasing if you are at all concerned about fuel economy. Most owners experience single-digit gas mileage when driving in town, generally between seven and nine mpg. The highway ratings are a bit more bearable at 12 to 14 mpg. Undoubtedly, this engine is much more for utility than it is for pleasure driving. The Chevy 8.1 is prone to Crankshaft Position Failure, which is the sensor that tells the ECU what speed it is turning at. Without it, the engine will not run. Unfortunately, replacing the part is not easy to do, either, as it is nearly a foot long and tends to get stuck. The front suspension and the engine’s oil pan have to be removed to remove the stuck sensor. I have a new in the box OEM Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor to install at next service. Another common failure for the Chevy 8.1 engine is intake manifold gaskets. Failing gaskets will cause vacuum leaks and make the engine idle poorly and run rough. Fortunately, parts for this repair are relatively inexpensive, and the repair can be handled by anyone with a bit of know-how. Considering the ease of the job, having a mechanic sort it out would not likely cost too much. Over time the Chevy 8.1 engine develops a lifter tick. While it isn’t detrimental to engine performance, some shoppers and owners may find it annoying. Owners can sometimes remedy it with heavier weight oil.
Oil Consumption Issues:
The Vortec 8100 engine is also known to consume more oil than most engines would. Generally, you can expect it to burn a quart of oil every 2,500 to 5,000 miles. Though, this is not a big detriment to the engine. It’s is, however, important to keep an eye on the oil level. If the oil level gets too low, the engine could be prone to internal damage.
These engines are also known to foul spark plugs earlier than most, which is likely related to oil getting into the cylinders and burning off with the air/fuel mixture. Because of this, it is wise to change the spark plugs on a Chevy 8.1 every 25,000 miles.
While this may seem like a daunting list, the Chevy 8.1 engine’s issues are fairly minor, and it does not have any common major mechanical failures. Moreover, when taken care of, these engines are known to last up to 250,000 to 500,000 miles.
Should You Buy a Chevy 8.1 Powered Vehicle?
If you are looking for an older vehicle to tow cars, boats, campers, or just about anything else, it is hard to recommend anything over a Chevy or GMC truck or SUV equipped with the Chevy 8.1 engine. If you are looking to avoid the costly maintenance of a diesel engine and want to stick with the simplicity of an old-school gasoline V8, the reliability and brute force of the Vortec 8100 is a fantastic choice. As always, when shopping for a used car, it is important to ask the previous owner for maintenance records and get all the info on the upkeep. Then, combine that information with the vehicle’s VIN history to make an informed decision before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will my 8.1 Vortec last?
The Chevy 8.1L Vortec V8 should have no problems lasting over 250,000 miles as long as you take care of it and make sure to service it regularly. Many 8.1L engines have lasted over 500,000 miles as well, but some components will need to be replaced to get them to reach that many miles.
As with any engine, you should be prepared to spend more money as they get older. Components and seals in engines do tend to wear out over time and they will need to be replaced even in vehicles that are known to last a very long time like the Chevy trucks with the 8.1L Vortec.
Is the 8.1 Vortec a good engine?
Chevrolet's 8.1L Vortec is considered to be a very good engine to go with. This was a sibling to Chevy's famous 454 engine, and it was first used in trucks in 2001. This engine was used exclusively in the HD versions of the trucks and SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC. This includes the Silverado or Sierra 2500 and 3500 series, and the Suburban or Yukon 2500 series.
The 8.1L was built to be a competitive alternative to the Duramax diesel engines of the time and produced similar horsepower and torque figures, while also being cheaper and easier to maintain. Since this was a competitor for the diesel engines Chevrolet worked hard to make sure that they built a long-lasting engine.
Chevy's 8.1L V8 wound up being a good engine and trucks with them are still in demand today. These are known to last a very long time and it helps keep the value high on them.
What makes a Chevy 8.1 misfire at idle?
The main reason that a Chevy 8.1L V8 will misfire at idle is due to carbon buildup. These are known to use a lot of gasoline and if you are using a low-octane fuel it can lead to a lot of carbon buildup throughout the engine. When that happens eventually the buildup can reach the throttle body which can lead to it getting stuck open.
If the throttle body in your truck gets stuck open that will let more air into the engine, when that happens there may not be enough fuel or spark to complete the detonation in the cylinder and that can lead to misfiring, even at idle. The best thing that you can do if you notice that your truck is misfiring at idle is first check the ECU for any faults with an OBD II scan tool, and if it is all good then you can clean out the throttle body.
Other things can go wrong and lead to misfires such as worn-out spark plugs, and coils, but the most common culprit on these trucks is the throttle body. Using higher quality gasoline can reduce the amount of carbon buildup in your engine and can help it run better.
NOTE: I just installed a new OEM AC Delco Water Pump and Thermostat and I also installed a new OEM AC Delco Camshaft Position Sensor, and aircraft quality platinum spark plugs, and I purchased a new AC Delco Crankshaft Position Sensor for Buyer's installation at the next scheduled service...
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE: First $14,995 cash FIRM in my hand is the new owner!
Again, I've increased the eBay "buy-it-now Sale Price to $14,995" only because I've just purchased new front air struts, new rear air shocks and new air ride compressor. Les Schwab quoted me $6,753 for this service!
We are located 60 miles South East of La-Pine, Oregon on the Christmas Valley Airport 97641...to schedule a time to see this vehicle before purchase please e-mail us thru the eBay message option.
I have the clean Oregon title pictured in hand and please keep in mind I am required by DMV to keep my Oregon issued VA Disability Plates. As the last picture shows, DMV just issued me new tags good thru 10-31-2026. And, if you are a vet holding a DD214, I can leave the plates on the vehicle.
Thank you for your interest!
Never smoked in!
No Check Engine Lights on!
Fresh Service!
Runs and drives great!
No blowby!
As the attached photos evidence, the original paint is in great shape with exception the hood which has some minor pin head chips from going over the pass in Winter when road were sanded and the windshield received two large rock chips that B&G Glass in Bend advised not be filled, so they installed a new one 15th of April 2024;
As the attached photos evidence, the leather interior is above average!
Reason for selling: I've sold my 39 foot Scarab off shore power boat and bought a new Silverado 3500HD crew cab 4x4 and no longer need the Suburban 2500HD tow rig.
I've increased the eBay "buy-it-now-Sale Price to $14,995" only because I've just purchased new front air struts, new rear air shocks and new air ride compressor. Les Schwab quoted me $6,753 for this service!
For less then what I paid Oregon Chevrolet dealers to installed a factory remanufactured 4L80E transmission, and a factory remanufactured HD transfer case, last year La-Pine Les Schwab dealer install four (4) new Crosswind LT35x12.50R20M/S tires on my 20" FOOSE wheels and do a four wheel alignment, new performance exhaust system, and 2" wide fender flairs (pictured but not yet installed), and I just install a new OEM A/C Compressor and had the A/C system serviced (See, 05-02-2023 invoice). You can own this Rare - Limited Production - Suburban LT 2500HD 4x4 with Auto-Ride and 8.1Liter Vortec Engine for only $14,995!
Has a factory HD RV tow package with electric brake controller that will bumper pull anything a one ton dully can up over the pass at designated speeds!
Has factory skid plates!
This Suburban 2500HD is not lifted and rides at the factory height seen in the posted pictures. I do have a new set of never used still in the box 2" keys if you want up to 2" more lift. The oversized LT35x12.50R20M/S tires do rub a little on tight turns but nothing you can't live with because the minor rub has not damaged the tires. This Suburban 2500HD was designed to be converted to a bullet proofed US State Department VIP vehicle. From the factory it was upgraded from 3/4 ton axles to one ton truck axles, same as the Silverado 3500;
This is the LT model with all the options offered in 2001. e.g., Full leather, dual six way power heated front seats with 2nd row and 3rd row leather bench seats, 3rd rear seat is removable, rear A/C and heat just serviced, On-Star, moon roof, heated rear window, and tow package with electric brake controller, and much more all work as they should. See, picture of option codes!
I removed the stock 1" fender flairs and have a new set of 2" wide fender flairs and new enter fender liners for the Buyer to install;
Last year I had Les Schwab installed the new oversized Cross Wind LT35x12.50R20M/S tires, replace the upper control arms and aligned the front with the rear to insure the truck tracked true. I was advised my truck needs new shocks...So, I've ordered new front and rear OEM Z55 Auto Ride shocks for the Buyer to install.
New front brakes and brake system flushed and topped off with new brake fluid;
The windows and doors open and close nice and tight like a new truck!
Its been stored in my hanger collecting dust since I sold my Scarab and I've not washed it. So, it comes in need of your cleaning and detailing!
The truck runs great, tracks nice down the highway and drives solid!
Carfax confirms this Suburban has spent its life in the Portland/Bend area where roads are not salted! No under body rust!
There are no major mechanical issues I'm aware of! Everything seems to work as it should, the following minor issues will be responsibility of the new owner:
1. The factory radio whip antenna is broken at the base...I've purchased a new cable that needs to be installed; And,
2. As the attached Oregon Title shows, I've had this Suburban since 12-05-2014 when the odometer registered 206,789 true miles. The Odometer/P-R-N-D-3-2-1 LCD Display Lights went out some time back, so I can't read the miles without a flashlight. On U-TUBE they show this is a common problem and requires re-soldering the circuit board where the solder connection could be cracked. On line odometer shops want $34.99 + shipping to re-order the circuit board.
The previous owner advised me at 200,000 +/- miles his insurance company paid to had a Chevrolet dealer replace the engine with a factory new crate engine because the shop who serviced his suburban failed to properly tighten the oil filter and he lost oil pressure and damaged the engine;
I've attached copies of my invoices having a General Motors factory remanufactured transmission installed at 223,280 miles and transfer case installed by an Oregon Chevrolet dealer service department at 246,021 and both came with the same General Motors warranty as a new truck. I've not cut any corners keeping this Suburban in excellent mechanical condition for the simple reason it was the tow vehicle for my 39 foot Scarab off shore power boat and I could not risk a break down hauling friends and my boat over the pass to the coast;
Chevy 8.1 Engine’s Reliability and Brute Force by Braden Carlson, August 9, 2021:
The Chevy 8.1L engine–aka the Vortec 8100–was the final breath of big-block V8 production for the iconic Bowtie brand. We review its capability, which can make it last…
However, the big-block Chevrolet engine was not exclusively used in muscle cars. In fact, you’ll find them in a lot more trucks and SUVs than you will muscle cars. The most recent iteration of the Chevy big-block V8 engine is the 8.1-liter V8. It is formally known as the Vortec 8100 and came in a few different vehicles. Though its production ended in 2009, there are plenty of fans of the Vortec 8100, keeping them alive and well. Keep your eyes peeled, and you just might see one come up for sale.
Chevy 8.1 Engine Specs:
The Chevy 8.1 Vortec 8100 V8 is very much an old-school-style engine, as you can decipher with a look at the engine specs from Duramax Hub. It uses cast-iron construction for both the engine block and cylinder heads, and has traditional overhead-valve cam-in-block pushrod V8 construction. Also, the engine has two valves per cylinder and a maximum speed of 5,000 rpm. The bore and stroke are massive, coming in with a 4.25-inch bore and a 4.37-inch bore. It uses standard multi-port electronic fuel injection and runs on standard 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Power output is impressive, with up to 340 horsepower on tap. The real show is the torque figure, though, at up to 455 lb.-ft. Perhaps the most appealing specification of the Chevy 8.1 V8 is its remarkably flat torque curve. It achieves peak torque at 3,200 rpm. However, from 1,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm, it effectively remains the same throughout the lower to mid 400 pound-foot range. This makes the Chevy 8.1 an exceptional engine for towing and hauling just about anything one could imagine.
Chevy 8.1 Engine Problems:
Though Chevy V8 engines are notoriously stout, nothing is without issue. The website Chevy Trucks has an intuitive list of problems to watch out for when shopping for a Chevy 8.1 powered vehicle. First and foremost is the fuel economy. Though vehicles bigger than the likes of the Silverado 1500 do not have official EPA fuel economy ratings, it is widely known that a big-block V8 engine is not something you look into purchasing if you are at all concerned about fuel economy. Most owners experience single-digit gas mileage when driving in town, generally between seven and nine mpg. The highway ratings are a bit more bearable at 12 to 14 mpg. Undoubtedly, this engine is much more for utility than it is for pleasure driving. The Chevy 8.1 is prone to Crankshaft Position Failure, which is the sensor that tells the ECU what speed it is turning at. Without it, the engine will not run. Unfortunately, replacing the part is not easy to do, either, as it is nearly a foot long and tends to get stuck. The front suspension and the engine’s oil pan have to be removed to remove the stuck sensor. I have a new in the box OEM Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor to install at next service. Another common failure for the Chevy 8.1 engine is intake manifold gaskets. Failing gaskets will cause vacuum leaks and make the engine idle poorly and run rough. Fortunately, parts for this repair are relatively inexpensive, and the repair can be handled by anyone with a bit of know-how. Considering the ease of the job, having a mechanic sort it out would not likely cost too much. Over time the Chevy 8.1 engine develops a lifter tick. While it isn’t detrimental to engine performance, some shoppers and owners may find it annoying. Owners can sometimes remedy it with heavier weight oil.
Oil Consumption Issues:
The Vortec 8100 engine is also known to consume more oil than most engines would. Generally, you can expect it to burn a quart of oil every 2,500 to 5,000 miles. Though, this is not a big detriment to the engine. It’s is, however, important to keep an eye on the oil level. If the oil level gets too low, the engine could be prone to internal damage.
These engines are also known to foul spark plugs earlier than most, which is likely related to oil getting into the cylinders and burning off with the air/fuel mixture. Because of this, it is wise to change the spark plugs on a Chevy 8.1 every 25,000 miles.
While this may seem like a daunting list, the Chevy 8.1 engine’s issues are fairly minor, and it does not have any common major mechanical failures. Moreover, when taken care of, these engines are known to last up to 250,000 to 500,000 miles.
Should You Buy a Chevy 8.1 Powered Vehicle?
If you are looking for an older vehicle to tow cars, boats, campers, or just about anything else, it is hard to recommend anything over a Chevy or GMC truck or SUV equipped with the Chevy 8.1 engine. If you are looking to avoid the costly maintenance of a diesel engine and want to stick with the simplicity of an old-school gasoline V8, the reliability and brute force of the Vortec 8100 is a fantastic choice. As always, when shopping for a used car, it is important to ask the previous owner for maintenance records and get all the info on the upkeep. Then, combine that information with the vehicle’s VIN history to make an informed decision before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will my 8.1 Vortec last?
The Chevy 8.1L Vortec V8 should have no problems lasting over 250,000 miles as long as you take care of it and make sure to service it regularly. Many 8.1L engines have lasted over 500,000 miles as well, but some components will need to be replaced to get them to reach that many miles.
As with any engine, you should be prepared to spend more money as they get older. Components and seals in engines do tend to wear out over time and they will need to be replaced even in vehicles that are known to last a very long time like the Chevy trucks with the 8.1L Vortec.
Is the 8.1 Vortec a good engine?
Chevrolet's 8.1L Vortec is considered to be a very good engine to go with. This was a sibling to Chevy's famous 454 engine, and it was first used in trucks in 2001. This engine was used exclusively in the HD versions of the trucks and SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC. This includes the Silverado or Sierra 2500 and 3500 series, and the Suburban or Yukon 2500 series.
The 8.1L was built to be a competitive alternative to the Duramax diesel engines of the time and produced similar horsepower and torque figures, while also being cheaper and easier to maintain. Since this was a competitor for the diesel engines Chevrolet worked hard to make sure that they built a long-lasting engine.
Chevy's 8.1L V8 wound up being a good engine and trucks with them are still in demand today. These are known to last a very long time and it helps keep the value high on them.
What makes a Chevy 8.1 misfire at idle?
The main reason that a Chevy 8.1L V8 will misfire at idle is due to carbon buildup. These are known to use a lot of gasoline and if you are using a low-octane fuel it can lead to a lot of carbon buildup throughout the engine. When that happens eventually the buildup can reach the throttle body which can lead to it getting stuck open.
If the throttle body in your truck gets stuck open that will let more air into the engine, when that happens there may not be enough fuel or spark to complete the detonation in the cylinder and that can lead to misfiring, even at idle. The best thing that you can do if you notice that your truck is misfiring at idle is first check the ECU for any faults with an OBD II scan tool, and if it is all good then you can clean out the throttle body.
Other things can go wrong and lead to misfires such as worn-out spark plugs, and coils, but the most common culprit on these trucks is the throttle body. Using higher quality gasoline can reduce the amount of carbon buildup in your engine and can help it run better.
NOTE: I just installed a new OEM AC Delco Water Pump and Thermostat and I also installed a new OEM AC Delco Camshaft Position Sensor, and aircraft quality platinum spark plugs, and I purchased a new AC Delco Crankshaft Position Sensor for Buyer's installation at the next scheduled service...
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE: First $14,995 cash FIRM in my hand is the new owner!
Again, I've increased the eBay "buy-it-now Sale Price to $14,995" only because I've just purchased new front air struts, new rear air shocks and new air ride compressor. Les Schwab quoted me $6,753 for this service!
We are located 60 miles South East of La-Pine, Oregon on the Christmas Valley Airport 97641...to schedule a time to see this vehicle before purchase please e-mail us thru the eBay message option.
I have the clean Oregon title pictured in hand and please keep in mind I am required by DMV to keep my Oregon issued VA Disability Plates. As the last picture shows, DMV just issued me new tags good thru 10-31-2026. And, if you are a vet holding a DD214, I can leave the plates on the vehicle.
Thank you for your interest!
P.S. This vehicle is also listed for sale on "BendCraigslist".
