I had a 01 2500 Crew LB w 8.1 before I got the LBZ. Got in new and put over 125K on it before trading for LBZ. The 8.1 is a very strong motor. Zero issues in the time I had it. Well except for rarely passing any gas stations at 10 MPG
I also have a 3500 express passenger van right now w the 8.1. Was one in my work fleet but now it's at the lake house for transporting Drunks around the neighborhood lol
Plan on pulling it one day for some kind classic car install. Didn't want my crew fuking it up. Not that employees Ever abuse work trucks.

Now back to RWTD

Tank, Who were you able to get insurance through? My first gun was an easy insure but the second one a couple of years ago was a pain. Not many wanting to insure old boats with 1000+hp for any reasonable agreed value number, it seems. Would really like to get into another Gun at some point once the woman decides she doesn't want to slow boat anymore..

got quotes from a couple places. No one baulked at the power or age really. But prices varied. In the end Devon at Wozencraft came in with a good policy that I thought was very reasonable ($3200 a year no layup agreed upon replacement value, etc). Devon wrote the cafe policy too which was stupid cheap because of the power. I mean under a grand a year. lol.

speaking of money, just got the bill for deep dive full service including drives gone through.

“buy a #6 boat” they said.

lol actually no one said that. Now I know why. Anyone want to buy a kidney?.

I'm not in the market for a kidney but I am sure I will need a liver replacement at some point.

What drive fluid are you running in those #6s?

Mercury Extreme performance gear lube 85W90 in drives
Mercury synthetic blend 25W50 in engines.

Curious. A guy I know here, uses Shaeffer in his 6's. Runs them offshore racing and fresh water also. When another local who services them services them and checks them for any issues, they usually put the used oil back in if there is no contamination. Scouts honor, I asked why, his reply is "it is that good". When I met him, I asked about Valvoline VR1 in engines, he said "best cheap oil there is"

Ha! I don’t care how good it is, you pull fluid out of any of my vehicles, fresh fluid goes back in.

there’s lots of different options and opinions on oils and lubes, like everything lol. My son in law is the mechanic and he’s certified through Mercury, which includes crew chiefing for one of the MTI champion race teams. He’s used them all. Likes the mercury product for many reasons. Im good with whatever he says to use as I trust his knowledge and experience.

Tank, was that a cold start up? if so,...wow, idled right out the gate! sounds great! looks like you made the right choice with RWTD. Even the hatch was done nicely on the engine side. You gotta be so happy with it. I was in FLA last week so I havent been on here. I may have missed it, but Did you run it yet?