anyone install a Vortec v8? truck motor? are they like the LS motors? they seem a hell a lot cheaper.

I had a starter MOTOR on my vortec ENGINE. My 5.7 vortec was a typical low rpm torquey engine. Ran fine, blew up an isuzu. Replaced with a turbo ls4. Wasn't cheap to replace with the ls4.

GM used the vortec name on almost all truck engine from 96+ and some even got the name as early as 92. This name was used on the SBC/4.3 family of engines as well as the later model 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 and 6.2 versions that were based on the LS architecture.

Archie sells kits for both setups, but when dealing with the later model LS based truck engines some of the early ones had more crankshaft protrusion.

the 4200 inline 6 that's in the trailblazer/envoy/bravada/ranier also carries the vortec designation.

See also the recent "truck engine" thread in the Tech section. Short answer is: yes, it's been done. The reason the truck engines are usually cheaper is because they are iron blocks instead of aluminum, like the LSx car engines. With the exception of the L92 which is also aluminum.

quote Originally posted by dobey: See also the recent "truck engine" thread in the Tech section. Short answer is: yes, it's been done. The reason the truck engines are usually cheaper is because they are iron blocks instead of aluminum, like the LSx car engines. With the exception of the L92 which is also aluminum.

its more about supply and demand in reality.

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: its more about supply and demand in reality.

Well thank you Captain Obvious for the middle school economics lesson. But it's more important to know why. And that why is that aluminum block versions are in higher demand.

quote Originally posted by dobey: Well thank you Captain Obvious for the middle school economics lesson. But it's more important to know why. And that why is that aluminum block versions are in higher demand.

Captain obvious quoting captain obvious.


Its simply in higher demand because its in higher demand.

[This message has been edited by Justinbart (edited 03-06-2011).]

quote Originally posted by jacknight: anyone install a Vortec v8? truck motor? are they like the LS motors? they seem a hell a lot cheaper.

Ignore the captains. The '96-'98 1500 pickups had an L31 Vortec 350, also used a few more years in the big vans. This is rated 255 HP at 4600 rpm, and 330 ft-lbs at 2800 rpm. The 2500 and 3500 pickups also offered the L31, but with less power, what with different exhaust seats, and seat cut angles. At this level, you don't need the 4-bolt mains, and if you get the bad heads, plan on new exhaust seats and larger 1.6" exhaust valves, which is actually a good idea if you get decent valves and pop for a 75 degree bowl hog while getting the new seats cut. But this adds cost.
The L31 used head castings with numbers ending in 906 and 062. If you don't find either of these under the valve covers, then move on. But these 2 casting numbers were used for the 3500s and 2500s as well as the 1500s. And could've been swapped between then and now.
Further, '96 versions, and some '97s, have worse valves. Many of the later valves did come with 30 degree back cuts right from the factory. Even so, they don't flow as well as cheap aftermarket valves, if the aftermarket valves also receive back-cuts.
The easiest way to install this is to swap on a carbureted intake manifold like Edelbrock, Weiand and GMPP offer. But EFI or carb, Archie's '87-up SBC swap stuff will get it installed and bolted up. His stuff is proven, and relatively easy, but if you can do metal fab, you might find it less cost to copy fieroguru.
Carbureted Vortec 350s are easy to push to 400 HP, with emissions-friendly camshafts.

[This message has been edited by Isolde (edited 03-06-2011).]