* Heavy-duty trucks: Such as Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups and chassis cabs. These trucks often used the 8.1L for towing very heavy loads.
* Large SUVs: Some larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL were optionally available with this engine.
* Motorhomes: Its power and torque made it a common choice for Class A and other large motorhomes.
While powerful, the 8.1L is also known for its relatively poor fuel economy compared to smaller engines. Its use has decreased significantly in recent years due to stricter fuel efficiency regulations and a shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, even in heavy-duty applications. It is largely considered a legacy engine, no longer produced for new vehicles.
