Forgotten engine

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
09/12/2013 at 19:18 • Filed to: None

Not forgotten, i guess, so much as overlooked.

The Vortech 4300, or the last of the 90 degree V6 engine line that started life in 1978, and lives on to this day (though its days are numbered)

From 2.8 to 4.3 liters, in its (naturally aspirated) peak it developed 215 hp and 265 ft-lbs. Not a lot of power, but the 265 ft-lbs peak happened low at 2800 and it was a super durable engine that you could always count on. hp has ranged from 95 in the malibu to 280 hp /360 ft-lbs syclone/typhoon.

As a bonus, since its just a 5.7 with 2 cylinders lopped off, most applications that used it accept an SBC without trouble....or if you were a madman, the other way around.

GM has a new high tech, but true to spirit 4300 that does 297 hp and 330 ft-lbs at 3500 rpm and promises best in class fuel economy.

Long life the small block pushrod? I would like to think so.

DISCUSSION (25)

AbigGRNboot > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 19:28

I owned 2 vehicles with the 4.3, and neither one ever let me down. The rest of the vehicles might have been suspect, but the motors were damn near bulletproof.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 19:30

Is the new one finally based on the ls series engines? Took them long enough.

itschrome > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 19:39

"lives on to this day"

Dude, hate to be the one to tell you this but that engine has been dead for the better part of 10 years.

Good new though a new one has been born! but in now way is it the same..

lonestranger > itschrome
09/12/2013 at 19:51

By "dead" are you being literal, or do you mean that it's simply unpopular? If it's the former, you're mistaken. It's been in production and available this entire time.

lonestranger > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter
09/12/2013 at 20:10

Yep, basically. Compare these EcoTec3 engines, both from 2014 GM pickups.

LV3 4.3L V6:

Kinja'd!!!

L86 6.2L V8:

Kinja'd!!!

itschrome > lonestranger
09/12/2013 at 20:56

few fledgling fleet sales on aging trucks and van platforms do not really count. very low production and all but dead.. it's dead..

HammerheadFistpunch > itschrome
09/12/2013 at 21:04

If its still being built...

lonestranger > itschrome
09/12/2013 at 21:16

For the better part of ten years, the GMT900 wasn't an "aging truck platform". It was brand-new in '07. And fleet sales? If you don't think that fleet sales make up a huge part of the truck market, I... I'm at a loss for words.

Yes, the 4.3 is dying now, but you can't honestly say that it has been for long.

Frank Grimes > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 22:03

How much it weigh? I wonder if this would be light and awesome for my mustang.

HammerheadFistpunch > Frank Grimes
09/12/2013 at 22:04

not so light; iron blocks and head. an LS would be lighter and about the same amount of money and as well.

Frank Grimes > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 22:07

hmm that sucks.

HammerheadFistpunch > Frank Grimes
09/12/2013 at 22:09

looks like about 480-500 lbs

Frank Grimes > HammerheadFistpunch
09/12/2013 at 22:16

thats heavy! OOPS I guess I was talking about the new Ecotec3 V6 so nevermind.

HammerheadFistpunch > Frank Grimes
09/12/2013 at 22:42

ah yeah, that will be lighter, like 320 lbs from what I hear.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 00:55

Not bad, but just pointing out that the 2.8 in the s-trucks was the 60 degree v6. The vortec was always 4.3.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:01

This engine is in my dads 97 GMC 1500 with 256k on it and his 07 silverado with 68k on it. Damn good engine. Needs a manual behind it. GMs automatics are garbage.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/13/2013 at 11:08

the 4l60 wasn't a great transmission, the 4l80 in the HD trucks was. Solid.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:19

The auto 07 does not understand downshifting on a hill. Seems like it drops 3 gears and then revs out and then holds the high revs. So I look like a maniac in the 07 sometimes. But all I am trying to do is get up a hill. Maybe its the gearing, maybe its he ecu, or auto programming. I dont know.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/13/2013 at 11:29

try a powerflush, sounds like the fluid is either low or bad.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:31

He just bought it a while ago. Will check on the fluid. That'd be shitty if they didn't do it before selling it. We did get four brand new tires from the dealer tho.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/13/2013 at 11:32

dealer? 100% sure they didn't change it.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:41

Haha as I was writing it. I was like it'd be absurd if they didn't change it. Then I was like...nevermind.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:48

Wait it says it has variable valve timing and direct injection. In a pushrod engine. LOL awesome.

HammerheadFistpunch > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/13/2013 at 11:51

yup its common to all the ecotec 3 engines, the 4.3, 5.3, and 6.2. Its called cam in block phasing, its the same principle, but it applies to the single cam. and you know what? with ~300 hp, 330 ft-lbs and what is expected to be best in class economy? Im in.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > HammerheadFistpunch
09/13/2013 at 11:57

For real. Hard to admit as a Ford fan. A 4.3 with a manual and 2WD is all I need.