The 8.1L Vortec V8 Was GM's Last-Ever Big Block Engine
When found in 2500/3500 series pickups and vans (as well as Avalanches, Suburbans, and Yukons) it offered a generous 340hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, a whopping 50 more ponies than the older 'Rat' big block and competitive with its 10-cylinder rivals. It also fell within 50 lb-ft of the Duramax diesel engines available from GM at the time.