A teardown of a locked-up GM Vortec 350 reveals bent rods, destroyed bearings, a ventilated block, and why these workhorse engines go out with a bang.

Gilbert Smith is an automotive journalist with over five years of specialized research and writing experience. Before joining CarBuzz in 2024, he produced in-depth buyer’s guides and feature articles ...

The term Vortec signals that a Chevy engine is using Vortex technology, which employs a circular motion within the cylinder ...

General Motors introduced the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 back in 1999 and kept it in production for 15 years. Over that time, it became one of the most popular small-block engines in GM's lineup, offering ...

The popularity of various engine designs typically fades over time as technological advances provide more power, better fuel economy, or both. Flathead designs gave way to overhead valves, and inline ...