Anyone got some good links for GM's L18/8.1L/496/Gen7 (2001 up bigblock)?
The 496 weighs like 730lbs and makes 400hp@4600/500ftlbs@3200 (on a tune) stock. Cast iron block and heads.
The 364/6.0L weighs like 540lbs and makes 370hp@5600/400ftlbs@4400 (on a tune) stock. Cast iron block and aluminum heads. LQ4 and LQ9 are pretty similar.
It makes me wonder if going with a 496 for a street truck is the way to go as far as dollar for performance (8.1L trucks resale for about the same as 6.0L LQ4 trucks). I'm looking at 2001up (so you get the good 6.0L or a 8.1L) standard cab long box 3/4 tons.
Seems like the only way to make in excess of 500hp on a 6.0L is with forced induction. So, when you get to forced induction you might as well aim for 14lbs or so. Hard to get 14lbs into a BBC but cake with cheap turbos on a 6.0L. Car people's throwaways could be had to build the 6.0L. Can't find used stuff for a 496... especially since there is like no aftermarket parts anyway.
It's still 190 extra pounds on the wrong axle though.