| GM Vortec engine families | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| GM 122 engine | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| I4 | L43 | 2200 | 2,189 cc (2.189 L; 133.6 cu in)[1] |
| LN2 | 2200 | 2,189 cc (2.189 L; 133.6 cu in)[2] | |
| GM Atlas engine | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| I4 | LK5 | 2800 | 2,770 cc (2.77 L; 169 cu in)[3] |
| LLV | 2900 | 2,921 cc (2.921 L; 178.3 cu in)[4] | |
| I5 | L52 | 3500 | 3,460 cc (3.46 L; 211 cu in)[5] |
| LLR | 3700 | 3,651 cc (3.651 L; 222.8 cu in)[6] | |
| I6 | LL8 | 4200 | 4,160 cc (4.16 L; 254 cu in)[7] |
| Chevrolet Small-Block engine, Gen. I-E | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| V6 | LB4 | 4300 | 4,300 cc (4.3 L; 260 cu in) |
| L35 | 4300 | 4,300 cc (4.3 L; 260 cu in)[8] | |
| LF6 | 4300 | 4,300 cc (4.3 L; 260 cu in) | |
| LU3 | 4300 | 4,300 cc (4.3 L; 260 cu in)[9] | |
| LG3 | 4300 | 4,300 cc (4.3 L; 260 cu in) | |
| V8 | L30 | 5000 | 5,012 cc (5.012 L; 305.9 cu in)[10] |
| L31 | 5700 | 5,733 cc (5.733 L; 349.8 cu in)[10] | |
| GM LS engine (Gen. III small block) | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| V8 | LR4 | 4800 | 4,807 cc (4.807 L; 293.3 cu in)[11] |
| L33 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in)[12] | |
| LM7 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in)[13] | |
| LM4 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in) | |
| L59 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in)[13] | |
| LQ4 | 6000 | 5,964 cc (5.964 L; 363.9 cu in)[14] | |
| LQ9 | HO 6000 | 5,964 cc (5.964 L; 363.9 cu in)[15] | |
| GM LS engine (Gen. IV small-block) | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| V8 | LY2 | 4800 | 4,807 cc (4.807 L; 293.3 cu in)[16] |
| LH6 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in) | |
| LY5 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in) | |
| LMG | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in)[17] | |
| LC9 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in) | |
| LH8 | 5300 | 5,328 cc (5.328 L; 325.1 cu in) | |
| L76 | 6000 | 5,967 cc (5.967 L; 364.1 cu in)[18] | |
| LY6 | 6000 | 5,967 cc (5.967 L; 364.1 cu in)[19] | |
| LFA | 6000 | 5,967 cc (5.967 L; 364.1 cu in) | |
| L92 | 6200 | 6,162 cc (6.162 L; 376.0 cu in)[20] | |
| GM Big-Block engine | |||
| Type | RPO | Name | Displacement |
| V8 | L21 | 7400 | 7,439 cc (7.439 L; 454.0 cu in) |
| L29 | 7400 | 7,439 cc (7.439 L; 454.0 cu in)[10] | |
| L18 | 8100 | 8,128 cc (8.128 L; 496.0 cu in)[21] | |
Vortec is a trademarked name for a line of piston engines for General Motors trucks. The name first appeared in 1988 on a 4.3 L V6 that used "vortex technology" to create a vortex inside the combustion chamber, creating a better air/fuel mix. Now its used on a wide range of different engines. Modern Vortec engines are named for their approximate displacement in cubic centimeters.
Contents |
The Vortec 2200 (RPO codes L43 and LN2) is a OHV straight-4 truck engine. It is entirely different from the Iron Duke having been the last North American iteration of the GM 122 engine. The 2200 uses an iron block and aluminum 2-valve pushrod cylinder head. Output is 120 hp (89 kW) and 140 ft•lbf (190 N•m). Displacement is 2,189 cc (2.189 L; 133.6 cu in) with an 89 mm (3.5 in) bore and 88.00 mm (3.465 in) stroke. 2200s were built in Tonawanda, New York.
LN2 applications:
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•lbf (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.
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 190 ft•lbf (263 N•m) of torque. First used in the 2007 Chevy Colorado, 2007 GMC Canyon, and 2007 Isuzu i-290.
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•lbf (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.
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 (211 cu in) in the Vortec 3500 to 3.7 L (223 cu in), producing 242 hp (180 kW) and 257 ft•lbf (327 N•m) of torque. This engine is offered with both an Aisin 5 speed manual and GM's HydraMatic 4L60e automatic transmission in the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Hummer H3, Hummer H3T and Isuzu i-370 trucks.
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, utilizes dual-overhead cams (DOHC) design, and features Variable Valve Timing on the exhaust cam, a first for GM Inline engines. 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 270 hp (201 kW) and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) in 2002 then 275 hp (205 kW) and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) in 2003–2005. In the 2006 model year the GMT360 platform received an increase to 291 hp (217 kW) and 277 ft·lbf (376 N·m). The Vortec I6 engine was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list every year since its introduction in 2002 through 2005.
Applications:
It is also the platform upon which the Vortec 2800/2900 I4 and Vortec 3500/3700 I5 engines for the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Isuzu i-Series, and Hummer H3 are based. These engines are simply the 4.2L I6 LL8 minus a cylinder or two.
229 cu in (3.75 L) 90-degree V6s in passenger cars. The 4300 is based on the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet small-block V8, and first appeared in 1985 with the throttle-body injected LB4 in passenger cars; light trucks and vans used Quadrajet carburetors for 1985. In 1991, the limited-edition GMC Syclone featured a 280 hp (210 kW) and 350 lbf·ft (470 N·m) turbocharged and intercooled LB4 with the first use of multi-point 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 200 horsepower (150 kW). 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-point 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 with a 4 in (101.60 mm) bore and 3.48 in (88.39 mm) stroke, both of which are the same as a 350, which gives them a displacement of 262.39 cubic inches (4,299.8 cc). Connecting rods still measure 5.7 in (144.78 mm) although the rod journal diameter is 2.25 in (57.15 mm). 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). This change created a situation where most aftermarket timing chain alternatives do not fit. This is true of gear drives and double roller chains. They are pushrod (center camshaft) 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 180 hp (130 kW) to 200 hp (150 kW) and 245 lbf·ft (332 N·m) to 260 lbf·ft (350 N·m).
4300 applications:
LU3 applications:
LB4 applications:
The Vortec 4800 LR4 is a Generation III small block V8 truck engine. Displacement is 4.8 L (290 cu in) with a 96.01 mm (3.78 inch) bore and 83 mm (3.27 inch) 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 270 horsepower (200 kW) to 290 horsepower (220 kW) and 285 lb·ft (386 N·m) to 305 lb·ft (414 N·m), depending on the model year and application. LR4s are manufactured at St. Catharines, Ontario and Romulus, Michigan.
LR4 applications:
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 295-302 hp (320-325 kW) and 305 lb·ft (414 N•m) of torque for all applications.
LY2 applications:
The Vortec 5000 L30 is a V8 truck engine. Displacement is 5,013cc. Bore is 95 mm, stroke is 88.4 mm. The compression ratio is 9.1:1.[22] 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 220 horsepower (160 kW) net flywheel at 4,600 rpm and 290 lb·ft (390 N·m) 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:
The Vortec 5300, or LM7/L59/LM4/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 of the standard fuel LM7 engine.
Power output is 270-305 hp (313-320 kW) and torque is 315 lb·ft (427 N·m) to 335 lb·ft (454 N·m). Displacement is 5.3 L (5,328 cc (325.1 cu in)) from 96.01 mm 3.78 inch bore and 92.00 mm stroke 3.622 inch stroke . Vortec 5300s are built in St. Catharines, Ontario, Romulus, Michigan, and Silao, Mexico.
The LM7 (VIN code "T") Vortec 5300 was introduced in 1999, and can be considered the "garden variety" version of the Generation III 5.3 liter V8's. The LM7 has an iron block and aluminum heads.
LM7 applications:
The L59 (VIN code "Z") Vortec 5300 is a flexible fuel version of the LM7.
L59 applications:
The LM4 (VIN code "P") Vortec 5300 is an aluminum block version of the LM7, and had a short production life. It should not be confused with the L33 described below. LM4 applications:
The L33 (VIN code "B") is an aluminum block version of the LM7, and was referred to as the Vortec 5300 HO in marketing materials. Power increased by 15 hp (11 kW), to 310 hp (230 kW), over the LM7, and torque was unchanged. It was only available on extended cab 4WD pickup trucks. Only 25% of trucks made in 2005 had the L33 engine.
L33 applications:
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.
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:
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 315-320 HP @ 5200 rpm and 335-340 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
LY5 applications:
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:
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 345 ft•lbf (454 N•m) of torque.
LC9 applications:
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 300 hp (220 kW) at 5200 rpm and 320 lbf·ft (430 N·m) at 4000 rpm. It has a displacement of 5,328 cc (325.1 cu in).[23]
LH8 applications:
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 and intake ports 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 8 bolts attaching the intake manifold as opposed to the traditional twelve 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 255 hp (191 kW) to 350 hp (261 kW) at 4600 rpm and 330 ft-lbf (448 N•m) to 350 ft-lbf (475 N•m) of torque at 2800 rpm. It is currently being produced as a crate engine for marine applications and automotive hobbyists as the "ramjet 350" with minor modifications.
L31 applications:
TBI L31 applications
Special applications
The Vortec 6000, or LQ4, is a V8 truck engine. Displacement is 6.0 L (370 cu in) from 101.6 mm bore and 92 mm stroke 4.0 inch bore 3.622 inch stroke . It is an iron/aluminum (1999 & 2000 model year engines had cast iron heads) design and produces 300 horsepower (220 kW) to 325 horsepower (242 kW) and 360 lbf·ft (490 N·m) to 370 lbf·ft (500 N·m). LQ4s are built in Romulus, Michigan and Silao, Mexico.
LQ4 (VIN U) Applications:
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 10 hp (7.5 kW) and 10 ft·lbf (14 N·m), bringing output to 345 hp (257 kW) and 380 ft•lbf (515 N•m). LQ9s are built only in Romulus, Michigan. GM also listed it as based on LS architecture.[24]
LQ9 (VIN N) Applications:
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. 4.0 inch bore 3.622 inch stroke
LY6 applications:
The Vortec 6000 L76 or new VortecMax is a Generation IV aluminum small block V8 truck engine based on the Holden L76 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 (274 kW) at 5400 rpm and 375 ft•lbf (508 N•m) at 4400 rpm. Production started in late 2006, and is only available with the new body style Silverado and Sierra VortecMax.
L76 applications:
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 367 lbf·ft (498 N·m) at 4100 rpm. Engine VIN code of 5.
LFA applications:
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) (≈376 cu in) 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 403 hp (301 kW) and 390 ft•lbf (565 N•m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT (2009+), GMC Sierra Denali, and in the Cadillac Escalade. and makes an additional 2 ft·lb (2.7 N·m) torque in the Silverado and Sierra Vortec Max pickups, and 390 hp and 578 ft·lbf (784 N·m) in the Hummer . It was also available in the Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 395 hp (295 kW) and 590 ft·lbf (800 N·m).
Applications:
The Vortec 7400 (RPO L29)(≈454 cu in) 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 a hydraulic roller cam and parts more suitable for use in light duty trucks and more advanced technology.
L29 Applications:
The 7.4 L (454 cu in) 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 290 horsepower (220 kW) at 4000 rpm and 440 lbf·ft (600 N·m) at 3200 rpm.
The Vortec 7400 (RPO L21) was a Commercial version of the Chevrolet Big-Block engine used in the Medium Duty truck platform. It shares much from the L29 454, with the addition of forged pistons and crankshaft. It has slightly reduced hp/torque than the L29 454 and uses a different PCM than the light duty trucks did. And was used with the early 4 speed Allison automatic transmission or manual transmission depending on application. also features coil near plug ignition
L21 Applications:
1998–2001 Kodiak/Topkick 1998–2001 P12 HD Motorhome Chassis. The Workhorse W-20 is clone of the P12 Chassis...
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 is an all-iron engine (block and heads) with two valves per cylinder. It retains the same bore centers as the old 7.4 L big-blocks, but stroke was upped by 9.4 mm to reach 8.1L (496cuin) for a total of 107.95 mm bore and 111 mm stroke. Power output ranges from 325 hp (242 kW) to 550 horsepower (410 kW) and torque from 455 lbf·ft (617 N·m) to 690 lbf·ft (940 N·m). Vortec 8100s were built in Tonawanda, New York. The Vortec 8100 is the engine used in the largest Uhaul, their 26-foot (7.9 m) truck. GM stopped installing big block V-8's in the Silverado HD trucks, when the GMT-800 series was discontinued in 2007. 8100 marine engines range from 400 to 600 hp and come with a stand-alone Engine Control Module (ECM). The last L18 was manufactured in December 2009.
Important differences between the Vortec 8100 and older big blocks include a changed firing order (1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3), a new 18-bolt head bolt pattern, different symmetrical intake ports, different oil pan rails and the use of metric threads throughout the engine. The fuel-injection system for the Vortec 8100 is nearly identical to that used on Gen III engines, right down to the fuel and spark tables in the ECU.[25]
L18 Applications: