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2007i Vortec 4.3L V6 (LU3)

2007i Model Year Summary

Vortec 4.3L V6 ohv truck engine

• Next Generation GM LAN Capability With E37 ECM (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• 58X Crankshaft Sensing And 4X Cam Sensing (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Direct Ignition System (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Electronic Throttle Control (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Second Knock Sensor Added (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Dual Close-coupled Catalytic Converters For Lower Emissions

• Redesigned Water Pump For Improved Durability

• Precision Cast Rocker Arms Replace Stamped Steel

• Teflon Front Crankshaft Seal For Durability (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Redesigned Aluminum Front Cover And Gasket (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• New Oil Pan For Noise Suppression With Improved Gasket Sealing (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Threaded Block Heater Hole (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• Low Permeability Intake System Sealing

• Three-layer Exhaust Heat Shields Reduce Noise (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

• New Oil Pump Stub Shaft

• Regulated Voltage Control For Cooling Fan

• Extended Life Spark Plugs

• More Durable Crank Thrust Bearing And Balance Shaft Bushings

• Extended Life Coolant

• GF4 Engine Oil Extends Durability

• Advanced Rate-Based Diagnostics

FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES

NEXT GENERATION GM LAN CAPABILITY WITH E37 ECM (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

The new E37 controller allows the 4.3L V6 to communicate with the Local Area Network electrical architecture on the new GMT 900 pickups, the Chrevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra for 2007. It also enables the 4.3L V6 to communicate with the T42 transmission controller in the four-speed automatic transmission.

58X CRANKSHAFT SENSING AND 4X CAM SENSING (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

More precise ignition control is made possible with a new crankshaft sensing reluctor wheel, similar to the Gen IV V8 engines, which enables the crankshaft position to be sensed 58 times per revolution. In addition, valve timing is not sensed with the addition of a sensor wheel to the camshaft.

DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

The ignition system is now fired electronically, and uses three coils, each of which fires two cylinders. The coils are mounted above the former distributor location. A shorter oil-pump driveshaft was necessary to replace the former distributor shaft-driven oil pump.

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

An electric motor on the intake throttle takes command from the engine control module and then opens and closes the throttle plate. The accelerator pedal is connected to a sensor that provides the ECM with driver input. The system allows multiple throttle progressions or algorithms, which operate the throttle at varying rates according to operating conditions and driver demands. It also has built-in default settings that protect the engine and ensure safe operation in the event of malfunction with the ETC or other engine subsystems.

SECOND KNOCK SENSOR ADDED (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

A second knock sensor is added to improve spark control, which enhances more complete combustion and improves engine efficiency.

REDESIGNED WATER PUMP FOR IMPROVED DURABILITY

A new machined water pump allows a new redesigned gasket for better sealing of the pump to the block, and lessens the possibility of coolant leakage.

MORE DURABLE CRANK THRUST BEARING AND BALANCE SHAFT BUSHINGS

The thrust bearing for the crankshaft, which handles longitudinal loads, has been upgraded for all 4.3L V6 applications, which includes the Chevrolet Silverado Classic and GMC Sierra Classic pickups. In addition, the bushings which carry the balance shaft have also been made more durable.

DUAL CLOSE-COUPLED CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FOR EXHAUST

The new converter system is primarily designed to lower emissions. It features two new close-coupled converters, which are located closer to the exhaust manifold to enhance their effectiveness. Converters closer to the exhaust manifold reach operating temperatures quickly and reduce start-up emissions.

PRECISION CAST ROCKER ARMS REPLACE STAMPED STEEL

The increased volume in which precision cast rocker arms are used by GM engines enables the replacement of the former stamped steel rocker arms, which can have larger variances in dimensions.

TEFLON FRONT CRANKSHAFT SEAL FOR DURABILITY (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

Long-term durability is enhanced with a special Teflon front crankshaft seal.

REDESIGNED FRONT COVER AND GASKET (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

To fit the new crankshaft sensor reluctor wheel, a new, larger aluminum front engine cover replaces the former plastic component. The aluminum cover is also designed to reduce engine noise. The engine block was modified to accept the new front cover.

NEW OIL PAN FOR NOISE SUPRESSION (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

The aluminum oil pan, which fastens to the engine block and transmission bell housing to enhance powertrain rigidity, gets additional ribbing that makes it stiffer and adds to its ability to suppress engine noise. The pan also gets a new gasket that aids its long-term ability to remain sealed to the engine block.

THREADED BLOCK HEATER HOLE (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

The block heater hole is now threaded, which will improve the long-term durability of the sealing of the block heater plug and the block.

LOW PERMEABILITY INTAKE SYSTEM SEALING

To ensure minimal emissions from the fuel mixture seeping out of the intake system, the seals for the entire system are replaced with a low-permeability compound.

THREE-LAYER EXHAUST HEAT SHIELDS REDUCE NOISE (Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra)

The exhaust manifold is upgraded from two-layer insulated tubing to three layers of insulated tubing to reduce exhaust noise.

NEW OIL PUMP STUB SHAFT

The former distributor was replaced by a new bracket with three ignition coils, and underneath this bracket the distributor drive is replaced by a new stub shaft which drives only the oil pump.

REGULATED VOLTAGE CONTROL FOR COOLING FAN

The electrically operated cooling fan is controlled by the temperature of the engine, and only operates when the engine requires further cooling of the coolant. This control keeps the engine at its optimal operating temperature, and improves efficiency when the fan is not required.

EXTENDED LIFE SPARK PLUGS

The platinum-tipped spark plugs extend anticipated plug life to 100,000 miles to keep maintenance at a minimum.

MORE DURABLE CRANK THRUST BEARING AND BALANCE SHAFT BUSHINGS

The thrust bearing for the crankshaft, which handles longitudinal loads, has been upgraded for all 4.3L V6 applications. In addition, the bushings which carry the balance shaft have also been made more durable. All of the bearings and bushings are free of hexavalent chrome.

EXTENDED LIFE COOLANT

DEXCOOL coolant maintains its cooling and corrosion-inhibiting properties for 150,000 miles.

GF-4 ENGINE OIL EXTENDS DURABILITY

GF-4 engine oil reduces deposits, extends oil change intervals, improves fuel economy and extends the life of emissions control systems.

ADVANCED RATE-BASED DIAGNOSTICS

Rate-based diagnostics monitoring protocol are used to improve the robustness of the Onboard Diagnostics System (OBD II) and ensure optimal emissions control performance.

LOW MAINTENANCE

The platinum spark plugs have a recommended service life of 100,000 miles, while the DEXCOOL coolant is expected to remain effective for 150,000 miles.

OVERVIEW

The Vortec 4.3L V6’s excellent torque, fuel efficiency, durability, low cost of ownership and steady improvement all contribute to its popularity as a base engine in light-duty applications. It powers more trucks around the globe than just about any V6 engine in current production. The Vortec 4.3L V6 is the base engine for entry level full-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups and full-size Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans.

This 90-degree V6 was developed in the mid-1980s by removing two cylinders from GM Powertrain's legendary small block V-8. A counter-rotating balance shaft was employed to balance primary crank vibration. The low-end torque delivery of an overhead-valve engine, combined with continued improvements in noise, vibration and harshness control and the latest electronic controls have kept the Vortec 4.3L in high demand.

The Vortec 4.3L was upgraded midway through 2006 with cracked powder-metal connecting rods for more precise rod bearing clearance. The connecting rod is connected to the piston at one end and to the crankshaft at the other end. During its processing, the rod is hot forged, sintered in a furnace, machined and then the cap is fractured from the rod portion. This fracture joint is used to accurately position the cap to the rod during engine assembly.

The Vortec 4.3L continues to remain a workhorse for entry-level truck customers, while setting a standard in marine and industrial applications around the globe. It is popularly used in fork lift trucks, for example, and as an uplevel engine in the marine industry. As a classic V6, it delivers outstanding torque and good specific output in an economical, high-value package, while continuing to surpass increasingly stringent government emissions standards.

The Vortec 4.3L V6 is produced in Romulus, Michigan.

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Posted

Well, as old as it is, at least it looks like they put some real effort and money into updating and improving the 4.3L.

It's still one of my father's favorites, based on experiences with it in varying mileage and abuse states in many different vehicles on different jobs, so this probably isn't a bad thing at all.

And, in truth, is more trusted by a lot of the people who buy vehicles with it and beat them to death than the 4.2L I-6 would be...and cheaper for GM to build, I would assume, given the core's age.

Posted

well... guess the older engines will still have a steady flow of new parts :lol:

just kindin... for the base pickups it seems to be a decent engine.

the coil packs look funny though!

keep up the good work Romulans!!!! :lol:

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