Issue 13 • Engine & Transmission Tips

Why Fraser’s remanufactured GM 5.3-liter V-8 Vortec engine is better than the original.

General Motors’ 5.3 Liter V8 Vortec engine has been around since 1999 and lives in its fourth generation now.

It’s the strongest GM engine Fraser sells.

Successfully balancing power, torque, and efficiency, the 5.3L boasts decades of intelligent, tested design and refinements. But there have been documented issues with the GM 5.3L Vortec engines, that Fraser has actively addressed in our remanufacturing process.

According to Michael Fraser, operations manager for the GM and Ford division, the Gen 2 5.3: the engine had a common problem with cracking. So, after a full inspection and integrity check of the block, Fraser applies installs higher quality gaskets and applies much better sealants. The net result being the engine is less susceptible to that issue.

If a customer chooses the High Durability option, everything internally is going to be built with OEM-grade, or better, parts. All major updates from GM and kit updates are incorporated.

Fraser is also utilizing the new DoD (Displacement on Demand) system, which allows the engine to perform as intended, deactivating half of the cylinders to help improve fuel economy.

The most forward-thinking thing done on the Gen 2 and Gen 3 engine is Fraser installs a new, better-than-OEM lifter kit, designed with a stick-resistant feature that performs significantly better in response to the Active Fuel Management system.

ABOUT THE GM 5.3L V8 Vortec Engine

The 5.3 block provides a solid, but light foundation that offers a rigid but sound structure based on GM’s racing program insights. Vibration is minimized through deep-skirt design. Bulkheads feature six-bolt main-bearing caps that limit crank flex. The oil pan also improves the rigidity of the engine. The LMF engine was designed from the ground up to be as quiet as possible, incorporating a heavy-duty timing chain engineered specifically to decrease operational sound.

Built around innovative cathedral-shaped 2” intake ports that yield exceptional airflow, the GM 5.3L engine also incorporates 1.5” D-shaped exhaust ports for outstanding airflow. Coupled with the 356-T6 aluminum alloy heads, the variable valve timing maximizes engine performance by offering smooth idling, but at higher RPMs, timing can be retarded to significantly increase horsepower, or advanced to increase torque.

In the realm of technological advancements, GM has led the industry in Electronic Throttle Control. ETC engages the engine throttle with no mechanical link to the accelerator pedal. The pedal angle is measured by a sensor, and a signal is sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM), which subsequently engages an electric motor that opens the throttle at the appropriate rate.

Continuing their dedication to quieting down this beast of an engine, GM has improved the exhaust manifolds to extend durability, enhance sealing, and significantly reduce noise over previous years.

Finally, the GM 5.3l Vortec engine accommodates FlexFuel E85 gasoline.  E85 is an alternative blended fuel, made in the United States, that boasts 85 percent ethanol alcohol and just 15 percent fossil-based gasoline. Ethanol is a biodegradable fuel that can be produced from corn and wheat stalks as well as agricultural and municipal waste.

ENGINE VERSIONS:

• Gen 1 – 1999-2006
• Gen 2 – 2007-2009
• Gen 3 – 2010-2014
• Gen 4 – 2015-2020

SPECIFICATIONS – GM 5.3L V8 Vortec LMF Engine (Gen 4)

Displacement:   5328cc (325 ci)

Engine Orientation:     Longitudinal

Compression ratio:      9.6:1

Valve configuration:    Overhead valves

Valves per cylinder:     2

Valve lifters:   Hydraulic roller

Fuel system:   Sequential fuel injection

Fuel Type:       Regular unleaded and E85 Flex Fuel

Maximum Engine Speed:          6000 RPM

Horsepower: 310 hp (231 kW) @ 5200 RPM SAE Certified

Torque: lb.-ft.:   334 lb.-ft. (453 Nm) @ 4500 RPM SAE Certified

Assembly Origin:          Michigan, USA, and Ontario, Canada