Beginning in 1963 and continuing through 1973 more than 300 alternatives to then current automotive engines were investigated by General Motors. In 1973 development began on a particular engine which would ultimately become the Vortec engine. By the mid 1980s General Motors had developed and introduced to the automotive world, piston engines which were designed to give owners more effective combinations of fuel and air. This was the Vortec engine.
These patented products came from vortex technology that was developed simultaneously by two scientists seeking a way to generate an adequate replacement for fossil fuels, Louis M. Michaud in Canada and Norman Louat in Australia. The concept of vortex generating power actually was first suggested by Shivkar Baupii Talpade, a student of Sanskrit, born in Bombay in 1864. Talpade was intrigued by the research of Maharishi Bhardwaja and the then unknown field of Aeronautical Science.
Michaud and Louat both suggested the substitution of a short structure in lieu of a large chimney that would be a guide to an oil/coal free future globally. One can think of a vortex as an energy swirl not unlike that of a tornado.
Genesis:
The use of vortex technology for the automotive industry then began with trade marking piston engines bearing the name “Vortec” introduced for use in trucks produced by General Motors. Engineers at General Motors developed a combustion chamber with a powerful internal swirl or vortex and named their engines based on the cubic centimeters of displacement.
When the Vortec engine came on the automotive scene in 1986 it provided more power and was more fuel efficient. Other components had to be improved for use with the Vortec. No division of General Motors was more involved in this adaptation then that devoted to power train technology.
The Vortec engine was not without its problems initially. Customers complained that it was too noisy. Though a new car, the engines sounded like that of some old clunker. This was eventually remedied.
How to tell a Vortec from a non Vortec Engine:
Looking at the engine head from the exhaust position’s point of view, a Vortec will not be distinguishable from other GM heads. One has to look carefully at the positioning of the unusual appearing 8 intake bolts to see the difference. The casting marks on a GM engine head 10239906 and 12558062also are indicators that the head is a Vortec.
The spark plug is positioned more in the middle of the kidney shaped Vortec engine head’s smaller chamber where the shape of the chamber is mainly responsible for the additional power generated. The Vortec heads are bolted almost vertically onto an engine with 8 bolts. Center bolts are no longer needed as the outer bolts suffice. Heat riser passages are none existent. These engines do require a Vortec compatible intake manifold.
General Motors were proud of the greatly improved flow performance when they introduced the Vortec and how this new technology benefited high performance vehicles especially those used in the field of racing.
Use of the name VORTEC only applies to products manufactured since 1996: 4.3L, 5.7L, and 8.1L. Other small block engines may be referenced as Vortec as a marketing tool. GM uses the name Vortec with the 4.2L I6 in this manner. The I6 is an overhead cam engine The Vortec is an Overhead Valve engine.
Problems that arose with Vortec Engines:
There were many accolades and awards to GM for the Vortec engine in the early 2000 plus years. The Vortec ASA 5700 V8 engine powered all race cars in the American Speedracing Association’s AC DELCO series. For several consecutive years, the auto industry awarded GM’s Vortec, best engine of the year.
Beginning in 2004 GM faced a $30 billion “piston slap” problem involving Vortec engines. This was followed by the inevitable lawsuits stemming from GM’s slowness to respond to customer problems and complaints. There has been much internet discussion in automotive forums on dissatisfaction with GM’s Vortec engines. GM however appears to have dealt with these issues successfully.
Vortec engines today:
While today the automotive industry uses the term Vortec to reference a vehicle’s power, and there are many thousands of cylinder heads in use since 1987, the Vortec engine most commonly referenced it is the Vortec engine that was introduced in 1996.
Vortec engines remain popular today with an all aluminum version available. It is the preferred type of engine for the auto industry. This is evidenced by the popularity of the HONDA CVCC.
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