GM Vortec engine

Vortec is a trademarked name for a line of piston engines for General Motors trucks. The name first appeared in 1986 on a 4.3 L V6 but is now used on a wide range of different engines. Modern Vortec engines are named for their approximate displacement in cubic centimeters.

I4

2200

The Vortec 2200 (RPO codes L43 and LN2) is a OHV straight-4 truck engine. It is entirely different from the Iron Duke. The 2200 uses an iron block and aluminum 2-valve pushrod cylinder head. Output is 120 hp (89 kW) and 140 ft·lb (190 N·m). Displacement is 2.2 L (Auto cm3in3|2189) with an convert|89|mm|in|abbr=on bore and convert|88.00|mm|in|abbr=on stroke. 2200s were built in Tonawanda, New York.

LN2 applications:
* Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma (base models)
* Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy

2800

The Vortec 2800, or LK5, is a DOHC 2.8 L straight-4 in the GM Atlas engine family. It produces 175 hp (130 kW) and 185 ft·lb (251 N·m) of torque. The Vortec 2800 is standard equipment on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission built by Aisin, or a GM 4-speed Hydra-matic automatic transmission.

2900

The Vortec 2900, or LLV, is a DOHC 2.9 L straight-4 in the GM Atlas engine family. Displacement is increased from the Vortec 2800 it replaces to produce 185 hp (138 kW) and 195 ft·lbf (263 N·m) of torque. First used in the 2007 Chevy Colorado, 2007 GMC Canyon, and 2007 Isuzu i-290.

I5

3500

The Vortec 3500, or L52, is a DOHC 3.5 L straight-5 in the GM Atlas engine family. It produces 220 hp (164 kW) and 225 ft·lb (305 N·m) of torque.The Vortec 3500 is optional on Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon regular and extended cab trucks. It is standard on the Crew Cab Colorado/Canyon, and the Hummer H3.

3700

The Vortec 3700, or LLR, is a DOHC 3.7 L straight-5 in the GM Atlas engine family. Introduced in 2007, the engine has increased in displacement from 3.5 L in the Vortec 3500 to 3.7 L, producing 242 hp (180 kW) and 242 ft·lbf (327 N·m) of torque. This engine is only offered with the HydraMatic 4L60e automatic trannsmission in the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Hummer H3, and Isuzu i-370 trucks.

I6

4200

The Vortec 4200, or Atlas LL8, is a 4.2 L straight-6 in the GM Atlas engine family. It has four valves per cylinder and is a double-overhead cam (DOHC) design. Introduced in 2002 for the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Oldsmobile Bravada, the engine is also in use in the Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7, and the Isuzu Ascender. The engine was rated at convert|275|hp|abbr=on and convert|275|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on until the 2007 model year when the GMT360 platform received an increase to convert|291|hp|abbr=on and convert|277|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on. The Vortec I6 engine was on the "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list every year since its introduction in 2002 through 2005.

V6

4300

The Vortec 4300 is a 90° V6 truck engine, replacing the Chevrolet 250 in light trucks and Auto CID|200 and Auto CID|229 90-degree V6s in passenger cars. The 4300 is based on the Auto CID|350 Chevrolet small-block V8, and first appeared in 1985 with the throttle-body injected LB4 in passenger cars; light trucks and vans had carburetors until 1987. In 1991, the limited-edition GMC Syclone featured a convert|280|hp|abbr=on and Auto lbft|360 turbocharged and intercooled LB4 with the first use of multi-port fuel injection on a Vortec V6. The central-port injected L35 (Vin 'W') debuted in 1992; the cylinder block was slightly changed, a balance shaft was added to remove minor vibrations, and better breathing yielded convert|200|hp. Another CPI engine, the LF6, joined in 1996 with the introduction of Vortec cylinder heads, while the LB4 was retired after 1998. In 2002, GM introduced a new multi-port injected LU3 engine, and a LG3 variant appeared soon after. This engine's origins date back to 1955, when the original Chevy small-block V-8 was introduced.

All Vortec 4300s use a cast iron block and heads and convert|4|in|mm|2|abbr=on bore and convert|3.48|in|mm|2|abbr=on stroke, both of which are the same as a 350, which gives them a displacement of Auto CID|262.39. Connecting rods still measure convert|5.7|in|mm|2|abbr=on although the rod journal diameter is convert|2.25|in|mm|2|abbr=on. 1992 and later cylinder blocks used a different timing cover since these engines used a balance shaft (some 1992 production cylinder blocks for the LB4 with TBI induction used the 'traditional' front timing chain cover from the small block Chevrolet). They are OHV engines with two valves per cylinder and are produced in Tonawanda, New York and Romulus, Michigan. Power output of the new LU3/LG3 engines is convert|180|hp|abbr=on to convert|200|hp|abbr=on and auto lbft|245 to auto lbft|260.

4300 applications:
* 1985-2005 Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari
* 1991-1993 GMC Syclone/GMC Typhoon
* 1988-1995 Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy
* 2001-2002 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
* 1988-2003 Chevrolet S-10/GMC S-15
* 1994-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada
* 1985-2001 Chevrolet C/K LU3 applications:
* Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari (base models)
* Chevrolet S10 Blazer / GMC S15 Jimmy
* Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana (base models)
* Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma
* Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (base models)
* GMC Envoy
* Isuzu Hombre (optional)
* Oldsmobile Bravada (base model)LB4 applications:
* 1991 GMC Syclone
* 1992–1993 GMC Typhoon

V8

4800

LR4

The Vortec 4800 LR4 is a Generation III small block V8 truck engine. Displacement is Auto L|4.8 with a 96.01 mm bore and 83 mm stroke. It is the smallest of the Generation III Vortec truck engines and was the replacement for the 5.0 L 5000 L30. The LR4 produces convert|270|hp to convert|295|hp and Auto lbft|285 to Auto lbft|305, depending on the model year and application. LR4s are manufactured at St. Catharines, Ontario and Romulus, Michigan.

LR4 applications:
* 2003-present Chevrolet Express 2500-3500/GMC Savana 2500-3500
* 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
* 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon

LY2

The Vortec 4800 LY2 is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine. Like its LR4 predecessor, it gets its displacement from a 96.01 mm bore and 83 mm stroke. The smallest member of the Generation IV Vortec engine family, it is unique in that it is the only member of that family that does not feature either variable valve timing or Active Fuel Management. It is rated at 295 hp (220 kW) and 305 ft·lbf (414 N·m) of torque for all applications.

LY2 applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2007-present Chevrolet Tahoe
* 2007-present GMC Sierra 1500
* 2007-present GMC Yukon

5000

The Vortec 5000 L30 is a V8 truck engine. Displacement is 5.0 L. It is a based on the Generation I small-block from Chevrolet. It was replaced by the 4.8 L 4800 LR4 for the 2003 full-size vans. In Van configuration it produces convert|230|hp Net Flywheel at 4,600 rpm and 290 Net Flywheel Torque at 2,800 rpm. The engine uses a hydraulic roller cam and high flowing, fast burn style vortec heads. Differences include bore and stroke, intake valve size, and smaller combustion chambers.L30 applications:
* Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
* General Motors C/K full-size trucks

5300

Generation III

The Vortec 5300, or LM7/LM4/L59/L33, is a V8 truck engine. It is a stroked (by 9 mm) version of the Vortec 4800 and replaced the 5700 L31. L59 denoted a flexible fuel version, while the LM7 was the standard version of the engine.

Power output is 285-295 hp (213-220 kW) and torque is Auto lbft|325 to Auto lbft|335. Displacement is 5.3 L (Auto cm3in3|5328) from 96.01 mm bore and 92.00 mm stroke. Vortec 5300s are built in St. Catharines, Ontario, Romulus, Michigan, and Silao, Mexico.

LM7

The LM7 Vortec 5300 was introduced in 1999, and can be considered the "garden variety" version of the Generation III 5.3 liter V8's.

LM7 applications:
* 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade 2WD
* 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
* 2003-2007 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
* 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 1999-2007 GMC Sierra 1500
* 1999-2006 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL
* 1999-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon

LM4

The LM4 was an aluminum block version of the LM7, and had a short production life. It should not be confused with the L33.

LM4 applications:
* 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
* 2004 GMC Envoy XL
* 2004 Chevrolet SSR

L33

The L33 was an aluminum block version of the LM7, and was referred to as the Vortec 5300 HO in marketing materials. Power increased by convert|15|hp|abbr=on, to convert|310|hp|abbr=on, over the LM7, and torque was unchanged. It was only available on extended cab 4WD pickup trucks.

L33 applications:
* 2005-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
* 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

L59

The L59 Vortec 5300 was introduced in 2002, and was a flexible fuel version of the LM7. Power and torque ratings matched that of the LM7.

L59 applications:
* 2002-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2002-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
* 2002-2006 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL
* 2002-2007 GMC Sierra 1500

Generation IV

First introduced in 2005, the Generation IV Vortec 5300 engines share all the improvements and refinements found in other Generation IV engines. At present, four versions of the 5300 are in production: 2 iron block versions (LY5 and LMG) and 2 aluminum block versions (LH6 and LC9). All versions feature the Active Fuel Management system.

LH6

The LH6 with Active Fuel Management replaced the LM4 for 2005, and was the first of the Generation IV small block V8 truck engines to go into production. It is the aluminum block counterpart to the LY5.

LH6 applications:
* 2005-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer including EXT
* 2005 GMC Envoy XL
* 2005 GMC Envoy XUV
* 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
* 2005-present Saab 9-7X
* 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2007 GMC Sierra 1500

LY5

Introduced in 2007, the LY5 Vortec 5300 is the replacement for the LM7 Generation III engine. For SUV applications, it is rated at 320 hp (239 kW) and 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) of torque; for pickup truck applications, it is rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 ft·lbf (458 N·m) of torque.

LY5 applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Avalanche
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2007-present Chevrolet Suburban 1/2 ton
* 2007-present Chevrolet Tahoe
* 2007-present GMC Sierra 1500
* 2007-present GMC Yukon
* 2007-present GMC Yukon XL 1/2 ton

LMG

The LMG Vortec 5300 is the flexible-fuel version of the LY5. Power and torque ratings for SUV and pickup truck applications are the same as each application's LY5 rating.

LMG applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Avalanche
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2007-present Chevrolet Suburban 1/2 ton
* 2007-present Chevrolet Tahoe
* 2007-present GMC Sierra 1500
* 2007-present GMC Yukon
* 2007-present GMC Yukon XL 1/2 ton

LC9

The LC9 Vortec 5300 is the Flex-Fuel version of the LH6, and is found in 4WD models. SUV applications are rated at 310 hp (231 kW) and 335 ft·lbf (454 N·m) of torque.

LC9 applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Avalanche
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500
* 2007-present Chevrolet Suburban 1/2 ton
* 2007-present GMC Sierra 1500
* 2007-present GMC Yukon XL 1/2 ton

LH8

The LH8 Vortec 5300 is a variant of the 5.3 L Gen IV small block V8 modified to fit in the engine bay of the GMT 345 SUV and GMT 355 trucks. It produces convert|300|hp|abbr=on at 5200 rpm and auto lbft|320 at 4000 rpm. It has a displacement of Auto cm3in3|5328. [http://www.gminsidenews.com/index.php?page=Engine_Guide]

LH8 applications:
* 2008-present Hummer H3
* 2009-present Chevrolet Colorado
* 2009-present GMC Canyon

5700

The Vortec 5700 L31 is a V8 truck engine. Displacement is 5.7 L. It is the last production Generation I small-block from Chevrolet. The cylinder heads feature combustion chambers very similar to those of the LT1 V8, but without the reverse-flow cooling. As such, the L31 head is compatible with all older small-blocks, and is a very popular upgrade. It offers the performance of more expensive heads, at a much lower cost. It does, however, require a specific intake manifold (a Vortec head has four bolts attaching the intake manifold as opposed to the traditional six bolts per head). The L31 was replaced by the 5.3 L 5300 LM7. The 2002 model year was the final year for the L31 5.7 L small block V-8 whose origins date back to 1955. The Vortec 5700 produces convert|255|hp and convert|330|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on of torque. It is currently being produced as a crate engine for marine applications and automotive hobbyists as the "ramjet 350" with minor modifications.

L31 applications:
* 1996-2003 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana full-size vans
* 1996-1999 Chevrolet/GMC C/K full-size trucks
* 1996-1999 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Suburban full-size long-wheelbase SUVs
* 1996-1999 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon full-size short-wheelbase SUVs
* 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade

TBI L31 applications
* 1996 G-Series vans over 8,500 GVW w/ 4L80E transmission

Special applications
* Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
*Isuzu Box Trucks

6000

Generation III

LQ4

The Vortec 6000, or LQ4, is a V8 truck engine. It is a bored version of the Vortec 5300. Displacement is Auto L|6.0 from 101.6 mm bore and 92 mm stroke. It is an iron/aluminum (2000 model year engines had cast iron heads) design and produces convert|300|hp to convert|325|hp and Auto lbft|360 to Auto lbft|370. LQ4s are built in Romulus, Michigan and Silao, Mexico.

LQ4 applications:
* Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
* Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, Crew Cab, and Chassis Cab/GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup and Crew Cab, C3, Denali, and 3500 Pickup and Chassis Cab, 1500HD Crew Cab
* Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL Denali
* Hummer H2 SUT
* GMC Yukon Denali

LQ9

The Vortec HO 6000 or VortecMAX is a special high-output version of the Vortec 6000 V8 truck engine originally designed for Cadillac. This engine was introduced in other truck lines as VortecMAX for 2006. It features high-compression (10:1) flat-top pistons for an extra convert|10|hp|abbr=on and convert|10|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on, bringing output to 345 hp (257 kW) and 380 ft·lb (515 N·m). LQ9s are built only in Romulus, Michigan. GM also listed it as based on LS architecture. [http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineShowcase/index.jsp?engId=LQ9&engine=LQ9&sku=19156262&engCat=ls]

LQ9 Applications:
* 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade
* 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
* 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
* 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS
* 2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck]
* 2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option

Generation IV

LY6

The Vortec 6000 LY6 is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine. It shares the same bore and stroke as its LQ4 predecessor, and also features variable valve timing.

LY6 applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado HD
* 2007-present GMC Sierra HD
* 2007-present Chevrolet Suburban 3/4 ton
* 2007-present GMC Yukon XL 3/4 ton

L76

:"See also the automotive L76"The Vortec 6000 L76 is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine and features variable cam phasing, along with Active Fuel Management. It can be considered the replacement for the Generation III LQ9 engine. It produces 367 hp (265 kW) at 5400 rpm and 375 ft·lb (495 N·m) at 4400 rpm. Production started in late 2006.

L76 applications:
* 2007-present Chevrolet Suburban
* 2007-present Chevrolet Avalanche
* 2007-present Chevrolet Silverado
* 2007-present GMC Sierra
* 2007-present GMC Yukon XL

LFA

The Vortec 6000 LFA is a Generation IV small block V8 truck engine. The LFA variant is used in the GM's hybrid GMT900 trucks and SUVs. Major features include Active Fuel Management, a late-intake valve timing system, and a higher 10.8:1 compression ratio. It produces 332 hp at 5100 rpm and auto lbft|367 at 4100 rpm.

LFA applications:
* 2008-present Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
* 2008-present GMC Yukon Hybrid
* 2009-present Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
* 2009-present Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
* 2009-present GMC Sierra Hybrid

6200

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) engine. It is an all-aluminum design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam V8 engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 380 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft·lb (565 N·m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali and in the GMC Sierra Denali, and underrated at convert|403|hp|abbr=on and convert|415|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on in the Hummer and in the Cadillac Escalade.

Applications:
* 2007+ Cadillac Escalade
* 2008+ Chevrolet Tahoe
* 2007+ GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
* 2007+ GMC Sierra Denali
* 2008+ Hummer H2
* 2009+ Silverado 1500

7400

The Vortec 7400 (RPO L29) was a truck version of the Chevrolet Big-Block engine. Introduced in 1996, it was produced for five years until being replaced by the Vortec 8100. Even though it was introduced as the Vortec 7400 in 1996, it was basically a 454 big-block with parts more suitable for use in light-duty trucks and more advanced technology.The Auto Lrev|454 V8 features MPFI (multi-port fuel injection) and 2 valves per cylinder. Among the many improvements was more power for the gasoline engines. The Vortec 7400 big block V8 has a 107.95 mm bore, 101.6 mm stroke, produces convert|290|hp at 4000 rpm and Auto lbft|410 at 3200 rpm.

8100

The Vortec 8100 (RPO L18) is a V8 truck engine. It is a redesigned Chevrolet Big-Block engine and was introduced with the 2001 full-size pickup trucks. It retains the same bore centers as the old 7.4 L big-blocks, but stroke was upped by 9.4 mm to reach Auto L|8.1 for a total of 107.95 mm bore and 111 mm stroke. It is an all-iron engine (block and heads) with two valves per cylinder. Power output ranges from convert|225|hp|abbr=on to convert|340|hp and torque from Auto lbft|350 to Auto lbft|455. Vortec 8100s are built in Tonawanda, New York. The Vortec 8100 is the engine used in the largest Uhaul, their convert|26|ft|m|sing=on truck. GM stopped installing big block V-8's in the Silverado HD trucks, when the GMT-800 series was discontinued in 2007.

L18 Applications:
* Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500HD & 3500 (option)
* Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL (option)
* Chevrolet Express 3/4 or 1 ton
* Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 (option)
* T-98 Kombat

ee also

* List of GM engines

References