Better towing power/economy upgrade options

[Heckraiser]

diesel horses are stronger than gas horses.

A 150 HP diesel has 150 of these:

Where a 150HP gasser has 150 of these:

 

[Dave 2000]

diesel horses are stronger than gas horses.

A 150 HP diesel has 150 of these:

Where a 150HP gasser has 150 of these:

Must say I have never seen that analogy before, but it works for me!

regards

Dave

 

[lazy]

I know nothing about the LM7 (or any other modern American V8) but the OP was more about, a bit of extra power and decent fuel mileage, also keep in mind the 80 will have the trailer on most of the time so he is not a racing driver. When you look at the votes the SUPERCHARGE or BIG ENGINE votes are possibly coming from more power hungry and perhaps (with respect) younger readers or older readers with spare funds to throw around?

regards

Dave

I would actually think the opposite, that someone doing a diesel swap is the "older reader with spare funds to throw around" and the person doing the vortec swap is looking for a more economical solution. But, I haven't really dug into it too much.

 

[Dave 2000]

I would actually think the opposite, that someone doing a diesel swap is the "older reader with spare funds to throw around" and the person doing the vortec swap is looking for a more economical solution. But, I haven't really dug into it too much.

Very possible, I was just looking at the poll with the power choices being put forward first, not necessarily the same people doing the swap.

regards

Dave

 

[SmokingRocks]

@Dave 2000
Interesting... Something is not right with their dyno's calibration if they are repeating numbers like those. put an lq4 on it and i bet it will tell you its making 400hp.

actually those may be slightly more accurate numbers than I thought considering they dumped about 2,500 of parts on it before they 'base lined it'. So for them to call those 'stock' numbers is pretty misleading.

Interesting info out there regardless. I would still prefer the flatter curves of the LQ over a peaky LM for trail use and towing.

 

[miahshodan]

Thanks all for your input. Dave 2000 was right in that I just want a modest power/mileage increase (50hp 5mpg) to let me tow with without losing any offroad capability. I would love more power, but don't need it for a 2,000 trailer. I don't have the skills or patience to do a swap myself as that would be contrary to my goal of spending more time out exploring. Buying a $20K 81 series diesel transferring over my lift/tires, etc. and selling the gasser or putting on a supercharger and spare fuel tank are probably the best fits. @Heckraiser I love the idea of a turbo (I currently have two other turbocharged vehicles) but I want plug and play. Even if I could get a kit it would need to be tuned and I am not willing to do that myself. Same issue with the GM V8 swap. I was hoping there was a $5-10k plug and play or fabricated and installed option that would meet my needs, but it doesn't look like there is.

 

[hammerheadfistpunch]

I recently bought a offroad teardrop that weighs about 2,000 pounds and is fairly tall on 33s (see image). towing it back to St. George, UT from Salt Lake I got between 8.5 and 10.5 mpg and had to slow down to about 50-55 on some hills (80 mph speed limit) It is a 1997 80 series with 35" tires on OME 2.5" lift I love the Cruiser, but plan on using the trailer most of the time I use the truck. Wanted your collective wisdom on the possibilities of improving the power/economy. Here are what I have looked at.

1. Suck it up and go a little slower and buy more gas. Also probably need some way to carry more fuel for offroad range.
2. trade for a FJ81 - $20k this seems like it would be an upgrade based on everything I have read. But the numbers don't add up for power. less power and torque than what I have now. Would probably help the mileage though. Probably low teens in mileage pulling the trailer?
3. Supercharge the current motor. - $4k in parts 60hp, and probably no mileage gain? I have also heard they don't handle heat well, and I live in a hot climate
4. 6BT Cummins Conversion - Lots of $$$ and downtime, any idea how much of each if done professionally? . stock power is a downgrade, but probably pulls harder at realistic RPM and improved economy
5. 5.3 vortec converstion - Lots of $$$ and downtime, any idea how much of each if done professionally? Lots more power and probably a little better mileage.

Anyway, love to hear what you all think. At this point I have more money than time and no real fabrication skills.

thanksView attachment 1233648

I tow a 3500 lbs popup here in Utah and I am running 4.56 with 33 inch tires and I still top out at 50-55 over the taller mountain passes. The fact is that these trucks have the frame, axle and suspension for a lot of load...but not the engine. I think the question of how to do it is pretty well summed up with the counter question: how much money you got? In my experience I wouldn't re-gear again, too much NVH and mileage drop for minimal towing performance gains. I've come to the conclusion that LS swap is about the only reasonable solution to towing with an 80.

 

[Heckraiser]

@Heckraiser I love the idea of a turbo (I currently have two other turbocharged vehicles) but I want plug and play. Even if I could get a kit it would need to be tuned and I am not willing to do that myself.

Just trying to be "encouraging" here, but if the supercharger does not need tuning at 5-6 psi, a turbo shouldn't either (assuming it is appropriately sized). I'll be your guinea pig

 

[miahshodan]

btw. I should mention there are no emissions where I live