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Description
About the 4.3 Vortec V6 Engine
The 4.3 Vortec LV3 is the third-generation 4.3 liter V6 truck engine produced by GM from 2014 through 2018. It is part of the GM EcoTec3 engine family and shares cast aluminum block architecture, direct injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management with the 5.3L L83 and 6.2L L86 V8 engines. With 285 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm, the LV3 delivers V8-style work capability with V6 fuel economy in the Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Colorado, and Canyon platforms.
The 90-degree V6 configuration shares the same 99.6 mm bore and 92.0 mm stroke as the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, with two cylinders removed. This common architecture means the LV3 benefits from every R&D dollar GM spent on the small block V8 program: high-flow heads, low-friction internals, AFM cylinder deactivation, and VVT. The result is the most refined and fuel-efficient 4.3 Vortec ever produced, replacing the older Vortec 4300 (LU3) generation with substantially better performance and economy.
Earlier 4.3 Vortec Generations Are Different Engines
If you are searching for a 4.3 Vortec for an older Astro, Blazer, S-10, or Silverado from the 1990s or early 2000s, that is the LU3 / LF6 / LG3 generation, NOT the LV3. The earlier generations:
- LU3 / LF6 (1996 to 2002): Older OHV V6, sequential MPFI port injection, no VVT, no AFM. Pre-Vortec generation tech.
- LG3 / LU3 successor (2003 to 2009 era): Carryover OHV V6 with various refinements, still pre-EcoTec3.
- LV3 (2014 to 2018, this engine): Completely redesigned EcoTec3 architecture, direct injection, VVT, AFM, shared with 5.3L V8.
The two generations are NOT interchangeable. ECU calibration, harness pinout, mounting, and intake manifold differ. Tell us your year and we confirm exactly which 4.3 Vortec generation fits your truck.
Signs You Need a Replacement 4.3 Vortec LV3
- Knock or rattle under load, indicating rod or main bearing wear at high mileage
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, indicating head gasket or ring wear
- Active Fuel Management lifter collapse, common AFM-era issue across the EcoTec3 V8 / V6 family
- Timing chain stretch on units past 120,000 miles, code P0008 or P0017
- High-pressure fuel pump failure, hard start and limp mode
- Excessive oil consumption, often ring or PCV system issue
- Coolant in oil, head gasket failure on overheated units
- Donor Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, or Canyon has been totaled and the engine is being moved
- Repower of an aging GM truck where the body and frame are worth saving
Known LV3 Issues We Document Before Shipping
- AFM lifter condition: The highest-impact failure mode on this engine family. AFM lifters can collapse causing severe engine damage. We inspect AFM lifter condition on every LV3 we ship and document our findings.
- Timing chain stretch: Inspected and reported. P0008 / P0017 codes on aged units indicate chain stretch needing attention.
- High-pressure fuel pump function: Critical for direct injection operation. Inspected and noted.
- VVT solenoid and cam phaser operation: Tested for proper function.
- PCV system condition: Direct injection engines tend to develop intake valve carbon buildup over time (a separate issue from internal engine condition). PCV system condition documented.
- Oil consumption history: Disclosed where documented from donor.
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Long block: cast aluminum block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, camshaft, aluminum heads, valve train including VVT and AFM components, oil pan, valve covers, timing cover, harmonic balancer. Direct injection high-pressure fuel pump where present on donor unit. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (sometimes included, call to confirm), exhaust manifolds, throttle body, ECU and harness, alternator, starter, A/C compressor, power steering pump, flexplate, motor mounts. |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with Dexos1 Gen 2 spec 5W-30 motor oil. Regular unleaded 87 octane fuel acceptable. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Why Choose This LV3 Crate Engine vs Standard Used 4.3 Vortec?
This listing is the premium crate engine variant of the 4.3 Vortec LV3 platform. Key differentiation from a standard used core:
- Comprehensive inspection package: AFM lifter condition specifically documented, timing chain stretch verified, HP fuel pump inspected, VVT solenoid tested
- Year and ECU calibration code documented: Critical for matching your existing PCM
- Variant generation confirmed: LV3 specifically, not the older LU3 / LG3 cores
- Donor application traced: Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, or Canyon origin verified
- Premium freight option: Crated freight delivery (sturdier than basic pallet for direct injection engines)
Application Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2014 to 2018 (base V6 trim) |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2014 to 2018 (base V6 trim) |
| Chevrolet Colorado | 2015 to 2018 (4.3 V6 trim) |
| GMC Canyon | 2015 to 2018 (4.3 V6 trim) |
| Chevrolet Express Van | 2018 to 2020 (4.3 V6 base trim) |
| GMC Savana Van | 2018 to 2020 (4.3 V6 base trim) |
Transmission Pairings: GM 6L80 6-speed automatic (Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500), GM 8L90 8-speed automatic (later Silverado and Sierra), 6L50 6-speed automatic (Colorado, Canyon). Tell us your transmission and we confirm the correct flexplate, ECU calibration, and harness compatibility before shipping.
For older 4.3 Vortec generations (LU3 1996 to 2002, LG3 2003 to 2009 EcoTec3 predecessor), call us. We carry both LV3 and earlier 4.3 generations and ship the correct version for your truck.
Vehicle Compatibility
The 4.3 Vortec LV3 was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2014 to 2018 (base V6 trim) |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2014 to 2018 (base V6 trim) |
| Chevrolet Colorado | 2015 to 2018 (4.3 V6 trim) |
| GMC Canyon | 2015 to 2018 (4.3 V6 trim) |
| Chevrolet Express Van | 2018 to 2020 (4.3 V6 base trim) |
| GMC Savana Van | 2018 to 2020 (4.3 V6 base trim) |
NOT compatible with: Pre-2014 GM trucks (those used LU3 / LG3 / earlier Vortec generations), non-GM applications without significant adaptation work.
Condition and Inspection
Every used 4.3 Vortec LV3 we ship goes through this process:
- Compression test across all 6 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- AFM lifter condition inspected and documented
- Timing chain stretch checked and reported
- High-pressure fuel pump operation inspected
- VVT solenoid function and cam timing verified
- Visual inspection of block, heads, and oil galleries
- Year, ECU calibration code, and donor mileage documented when available
Where donor mileage is verified, it is shared. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose openly before payment. Full inspection documentation is available on request.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results shared before order is confirmed
- AFM lifter and timing chain condition documented (the two highest-impact LV3 failure modes)
- ECU calibration code and year documented per unit
- Fitment verified for your specific Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, or Canyon application
- Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states, no hidden surcharges
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- GM EcoTec3 experienced support team on the phone with real conversation about RPO codes and AFM
Lila M. –
Needed a 4.3 for my Canyon work truck. Vaz confirmed the right LV3 generation for my year, compression numbers were strong, timing chain inspection clean. Light oil seep on the rear cover was disclosed, easy fix during install. Honest, thorough, would buy again.
Roger H. –
Original LV3 dropped a lifter at 145,000 miles, classic AFM failure. Vaz had a clean LV3 with verified compression and AFM lifter inspection on file. Year and calibration matched my truck. Install was straight forward, ECU recognized the engine on the first start, no codes. Truck runs better than it did at 100,000.
Lila M., Sacramento CA –
Needed a 4.3 for my Canyon work truck. Vaz confirmed the right LV3 generation for my year, compression numbers were strong, timing chain inspection clean. Light oil seep on the rear cover was disclosed, easy fix during install. Honest, thorough, would buy again.
Roger H., Knoxville TN –
Original LV3 dropped a lifter at 145,000 miles, classic AFM failure. Vaz had a clean LV3 with verified compression and AFM lifter inspection on file. Year and calibration matched my truck. Install was straight forward, ECU recognized the engine on the first start, no codes. Truck runs better than it did at 100,000.