Description
About This 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 the cast aluminum block architecture, direct injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management of 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, 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. 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, rod or main bearing wear at high mileage
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, 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, ring or PCV system issue
- Coolant in oil, head gasket failure on overheated units
Known LV3 Issues We Document Before Shipping
- AFM lifter condition, the highest-impact failure mode on this engine family
- Timing chain stretch, inspected and reported
- High pressure fuel pump function, critical for direct injection
- VVT solenoid and cam phaser operation
- PCV system condition (DI engines tend to develop intake valve carbon buildup, separate issue)
- Oil consumption history disclosed where documented from donor
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | Long block: block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, camshaft, heads, valve train, 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. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
The 4.3 Vortec LV3 was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| 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.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, make, model, engine RPO code (found on the glove box label), and transmission. Our team verifies the exact 4.3 Vortec generation needed for your truck, LV3 versus LU3 versus LG3, and confirms ECU calibration compatibility before your order ships.
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-experienced support team on the phone, real conversation about RPO codes and AFM
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.