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Introduced in 1999, the 5.3-liter (325-cubic-inch) Vortec engine is based on General Motors "LS" engine platform that was launched in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. This Generation III design (and later Gen IV LS models) varies considerably from the earlier Gen I and Gen II configurations first produced in 1955.
Similarities and Differences
The 5.3-liter Vortec engine shares just two common features of the previous 5.7-liter and 5.0-liter Gen II and earlier Chevy V8 platforms: the cylinder spacing (at 4.4 inches) and the 90 degree "V" configuration. All other aspects of the 5.3-liter engine, including its other Gen III and Gen IV siblings, are different.
Physical Specifications
Using either an iron or aluminum block (depending on engine model and/or date of production) and using aluminum heads, the 5.3-liter Vortec engine has metric bore and stroke dimensions of 96.01mm and 92mm, respectively, creating a displacement of 5328cc.
Power Output
Early 5.3-liter Vortec engines produced between 285 and 295 horsepower and 325 to 335 lb-ft of torque. When the 5.3-liter Vortec is used with E-85 flex fuel, GM lists the horsepower output for 2010 at as much as 326 and torque of 348 pound-feet.
