The General Motors 5.3L Vortec engine is a small block V8 that was first introduced in 1996 as an option for the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUVs. It has since been used in a variety of other GM vehicles, including the Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks, Tahoe and Escalade SUVs, and even the Chevy Camaro SS. The 5.3L Vortec is a versatile engine that offers good fuel economy and plenty of torque, making it a popular choice for both light duty and heavy duty applications.
As the name implies, the 5.3L Vortec has a displacement of 5.3 liters (325 cubic inches). It is an overhead valve design with two valves per cylinder (16 total). The engine is constructed from cast iron with aluminum cylinder heads. It uses sequential multi-port fuel injection and has a compression ratio of 9.6:1.
The 2000 model year 5.3L Vortec engines were rated at 255 horsepower at 5200rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 4000rpm. However, actual output will vary depending on the specific application (vehicle) in which the engine is used. For example, the Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L Vortec engine has an advertised power rating of 295 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque while the heavier duty Silverado 2500HD rates its version of the same engine at 340 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque - due largely to different exhaust systems between the two trucks