Vortec Engine Question

[Guest Jeff Rimmer]

Good deal came up on a complete GM vortec 5.7L. ($950 Canadian). I had other plans, and had begun some work on a different block, however I was looking for some information on this engine. What type of intake system, mounting locations, mains etc does this block use? The only knowledge I have of these Vortec engines is that they are 350's... So I do lack info.

 

Where can I find out more info on this style of GM engine?

 

Thanks

Jeff R

[utvolman99]

I had originally planned to go with a vortec engine in my car. I have never seen anyone use the fuel injection on a car swap. There is a good site where its used on an old Land Cruiser.

 

Vortec Cruiser

 

Most people seem to take the fuel injection off and go with a carb. You have to buy a special intake from GM or Edelbrock to fit the Vortec heads. Here is what made me change my mind.

 

1. Stock Vortec heads flow great for stock but you need a set of $200 crane springs or machine work to be able to have more than 0.500 lift

 

2. The roller cam is great but there is not much available for it that is below 0.500 lift (see No. 1)

 

3. The cams are very expensive

 

4. Most aftermarket or GM performance cams require you change to roller rocker arms as well.

 

5. You can get a couple of really good intakes for the Vortec from edelbrock but they cost quite a bit more than the reagular intakes.

 

This could be a great motor but I decided to go a different direction. Here is what helped me make up my mind

 

Vortec engine $1,100

Comp Xtreme Cam $ 240

Crane spings $ 183

Victor Jr intake $ 236

TOTAL $1,759

 

1969 350 $ 100

Dart 215cc 2.05/1.06 heads $ 850 (ebay new)

Comp Xtreme Cam + Lifters $ 160

Victor Jr intake $ 130 (ebay)

Rebuild kit $ 180

TOTAL $1,420

 

With all this said. The Vortec is a great engine choice. I just wanted something a little different.

[Guest kc6wfs]

I agree that the hyr roller cams are a tad pricey. but the new technoligy is where the performance boosted!

 

I'm running a stock 1999 Vortec crate motor and love it. But I was able to get it somewhat cheep, haveing it never been bolted to a car. But Sallee Chev has complete cam upgrade that thay say will take my stock HP of 260 to almost 400 for around $550. "HotCam kit"

We will see when I put it in.

 

I would not shy away from a vortec, it depends on the hastles. With my motor all I had to do was drop it in.

 

Hope this helps..

Dave

[Modern Motorsports Ltd]

Originally posted by Jeff Rimmer:

Good deal came up on a complete GM vortec 5.7L. ($950 Canadian).

Jeff, if it's lower miles at all that's a great deal. One option is to buy it, sell the complete topend (it'll bolt on most any chevy), you'll then have the bottom end for pennies and you'll have kept the roller cam (for trade/regrind/or resale) and roller lifters ($300CD value new). Then you can put any standard sbc intake/carb in it. Roller cams don't have to be that pricey, Lt1 and HOT cams are available used if you're patient and look around and most of them are as new in condition.........that's exactly what I did to get into a late model crank bolt pattern (ie. T56 will bolt up if I want) in a full roller 350 with a ZZ4 cam and edelbrock topend (my cam was new and $50US, I had my choice from Lt1's up to HOT lift, some new and some used). Look around and you can find deals on fine roller rockers as well. I got into my chromolies still in wrappers for $100US (full set, 7/16's) and crane golds for similar cost. Just some initial options.....vortec bottom end is same and takes most any standard chevy parts from short water pump to usual heads/intakes etc....(once vortec heads are removed). Their heads are good value but depending on your final plans they might be better value to you once sold and money's in hand

 

Good luck!