How Does the Vortec Work in a Chevy Vortec Engine?
by Sameca PandovaVortec is a trademarked name used by General Motors to refer to a variety of V6 and V8 engines first produced in 1988, and the name continues in use today. Similar to Ford's Triton name, or Ram's Magnum name, the name is merely descriptive in today's automotive applications
Origination of the Vortec Name
The first Vortec application occurred in 1988 with GM's 4.3L V6. Vortec in the early applications referred to the adoption of multiport fuel injection by GM, replacing the previously used throttle-body injection. In the early application, GM claimed multiport injection swirled the fuel to create a vortex that improved combustion and fuel economy.
Expansion of Use
The Vortec name spread from the original use in the 4.3L V6 to encompass everything from four cylinders, to straight 5 and 6 cylinder engines, to GM's current V8 lineup.
Availability
Vortec engines are found in Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, and GMC products, in addition to widespread use in marine applications.
Writer Bio
Based near Chicago, Sameca Pandova has been writing since 1995 and now contributes to various websites. He is an attorney with experience in health care, family and criminal prosecution issues. Pandova holds a Master of Laws in health law from Loyola University Chicago, a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Case Western.