New Setup

[krcotter]

Isn’t the LS motor a really high performance motor. I thought I read one of the big advancements was a much larger physical cam in relation to standard camshafts, and that allowed smoother lifter rotation? I’d love to stuff a more modern motor in my truck, like a Vortec 5.3. I don’t think the better mileage would be a primary consideration, RELIABILITY would. In fact that might also be the reason to stay away from the brand new EcoTec motors.

I’m really a fan of modern fuel injected motors. Having a fuel injector computer recalculate fuel/air constantly results in virtually no carbon buildup also. Kids today don’t even know what a choke is, let alone about the strive for ideal fuel/air mixture. Modern motors have tighter tolerances. We should all be using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil in these engines, so we get better lubrication and no sludge buildup. This is why newer cars run for 250/300K with proper maintenance. Many of our parents felt the life of a vehicle was only about 100K growing up (I'm an old GenXer).

Unfortunately my old c10 would need a lot of other upgrades, like brakes if I were to put a Vortec in her. My primary ride is a 2005 Honda Element, and the idea that I can still just put the key in and it will start no matter how cold or hot it is and will run great warms my heart a little. I’d love to upgrade my Element to a brand new 2500 HD for the same reasons as above. I’d like to upgrade my snowmobile to a fuel injected model as well reliability.

The primary reason to upgrade to a Vortec or LS engine should either be reliability or to race respectively. So, forget about all of those calculations and determine how much you want to drive your truck, and how often you want to be working and tuning the engine/timing/carburetor.