Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine Overview
This Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine is included on the 1st generation of small block from Chevrolet, this engine is the last production of this 1st generation. It using cast iron for the cylinder head and cylinder block material. The configuration of this engine is using V8 cylinder configuration with displacement specs reach 5733 cc. This Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine cylinder head is compatible with all older small-blocks, and is a very popular upgrade. It offers the performance of more expensive heads, at a much lower cost. This engine is produce to be the successor of previous engine code name LM7, The production of this Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine start from 1955 then stopped at 2002. For that long period of service the Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine can be use for marine applications and utomotive hobbyists as the “ramjet 350″ with minor modifications
Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine Specs
Here they are the detailed data of Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine Specs
| Specs Item | Specs |
| Engine Type | Vortec 5.7L V8 |
| Engine Code | L31 |
| Engine Electronic | integrated into the dual microprocessor PCM |
| Displacement | 5,733 cc (350 cu in) |
| Transmission Type | 5 speed manual , 4 speed auto |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Bore and Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.48 |
| Valve configuration (pcs) | two valves per cylinder |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic Roller |
| Champ type | Chain |
| Fuel System | multi-point fuel injection |
| Recommended Fuel | Unleaded Fuel 87 octane |
| Emissions controls | evaporative system
catalytic converter positive crankcase ventilation return less fuel system |
| Maximum engine speed | 5500 |
| Horsepower(SAE net@rpm) | GVWR under 10,000 lbs 255 hp @ 4600 rpm , GVWR under 10,000 lbs 250 hp @ 4600 |
| Torque (lb. ft. @ rpm) | 330 @ 2800 |
| Intake Manifold Material | composite |
| Exhaust manifold Material | high silicon molybdenum
cast nodular iron |
| Engine block material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder head material | Cast Iron |
| Features | high-flow cylinder heads,
new camshaft roller valve lifters |
Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine Applications
This Vortec 5.7L V8 (L31) Engine is use for following vehicles applications
- 1996–2003 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana full-size vans
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet/GMC C/K full-size trucks
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Suburban full-size long-wheelbase SUVs
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 1996–1999 GMC Yukon (and 2000 Tahoe Limited) full-size short-wheelbase SUVs
- 1999–2000 Cadillac Escalade
Y’all have great site!
Just trying to find out the weight in pounds of the chevy tahoe 5.7L (350) 255 hp engine?
- alos the weight of automatic transmission 4L60?
Do you know these numbers?
Thanks.
Hi Lincoln,
thanks for your comment and asking
we’ll try to answer your question
- the weight of those engine is about 360 lbs.
- while for 4L60 transmission as following detail
Transmission Weight Dry (Approximate)
298 mm Converter
70.5 kg (155.70 lb)
Transmission Weight Wet (Approximate)
298 mm Converter
80.5 kg (176.16 lb)
thanks
I have a silverado with this engine, I want to know if its possible to change the engine for a LQ9 or a L76, I mean do they fit?
I just want some more power, my truck has 180k km, I do not think it is convenient to tune my engine up, I think that a bigger engine would work fine; your thoughts?
Hi Rafe,
if you are only want to increase your truck power,
you may try some little action before going to engine swapping, such as
enlarge the cylinder diameter
improve your fuel engine system
or you can change your engine block only with larger engine capacity
hope will get what you’ve targeted