This category is dedicated to the GM and Chevy Vortec engine family including 4.3, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 8.1L Vortec engines. Our content range from Vortec mod guides to engine problems to comparisons and every between. A few Chevy Vortec articles include an ultimate 8.1 Vortec engine guide and the best 5.3 Vortec engine upgrades. Scroll down to see more insightful, knowledgeable content on the GM Vortec engines.
The 4.8 Vortec produced solid power levels for its time, but would certainly be considered underpowered for todays era. Fortunately, this is an LS-based engine platform and it can handle some decent additional power with a few bolt-on upgrades and some boost. In this guide we’re going to cover how you can build a 450whp+…
If you’re looking to add some extra horsepower and torque to your 5.3 Vortec then a cold air intake is a great bolt-on modification. An intake upgrade can add up to 15hp and torque when tuned, offering some decent power gains in addition to a number of ancillary benefits like better throttle response and improved…
Looking to build a 400whp+ 5.3 Vortec? If so, a supercharger is going to be a great option to help you get there. The Vortec LS-based engines respond extremely well to boost, both from superchargers and turbochargers. While we opted for the turbocharger route on our 5.3 Suburban build, we heavily weighed the idea of…
Now retired, GM’s 4.8 Vortec engine earned a reputation for itself as a solid and reliable power plant for nearly two decades. With no AFM, minimal problems, and a strong block capable of over 500hp the 4.8 Vortec was a great engine. We’re covering the engine in depth starting with the history, specs, and technical…
The 7.4 Vortec put down 290 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque which is nothing crazy for a 454 cubic inch engine. Fortunately, GM overbuilt these engines and then underpowered them, leaving a ton of room for performance upgrades. With internals that are good for over 800hp and a block that can handle more than…
The 4.3 Vortec has garnered a reputation for its reliability and durability. While the engines aren’t the most popular or robust for performance upgrades, there is some room for improvement and power gains with a few bolt-on modifications. With the factory internals limited to around 300whp, we’re going to discuss five upgrades that can get…
The big 8.1 Vortec came with pretty good power levels from the factory. However, just a few bolt-on modifications like tuning, intake manifolds, headers, camshafts, and cylinder heads can add some impressive horsepower and torque. The engine can handle about 550whp before needing some more advanced upgrades like internals. We’re going to cover five modifications…
GM’s 6.0 Vortec engine was one of their longest running and most successful engines, spanning from 1999-2019. The engine was used across their spectrum of vehicles, from SUV’s and half-ton trucks as well as being the Duramax alternative all the way until it’s retirement in 2019. The engine spans multiple generations and engine variations. We’re…
General Motors/Chevrolet produced the 5.3 Vortec engine for nearly two decades from 1999–2014. It spanned two generations of their small block V8, and was finally succeeded by the 5th Generation EcoTec3. Known for its reliability, performance, and stout design, the 5.3 Vortec engine was hugely successful. Though it was discontinued nearly a decade ago, the…
For a short period of time from 2007-2014, GM produced a 6.2L engine as a part of the Vortec engine family. It served as the top-of-the-line upgrade in GMC and Chevy trucks with the highest trim packages such as the Escalade and Denali. We’re going to cover everything about the 6.2 Vortec engine from the…
Chevy first debuted the compact S10 truck in 1982 as the successor to their outgoing LUV truck. Among Chevy fans, the S10 was one of the top trucks of the 1980s-’90s, and it was known for its versatility, style, and reliability. General Motors also sold rebadged versions of the S10 under their GMC, Isuzu, and…
In 1996, Chevrolet released their 7.4 Vortec V8 engine. It was part of Chevy’s penultimate generation of their big block series, and it is sometimes called the 454 Vortec. It is distantly related to the 454 LS6 V8 that Chevy put in their famous 1970 Chevelle SS — hence the 454 name. Though it had…
