4.3 Vortec V6 Engine for Sale | OEM Used Chevy LV3 EcoTec3 4.3L V6 OHV
$7,887.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, compression tested across all 6 cylinders
- Availability: In stock, multiple year ranges available 2014 to 2018
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via crated freight, 5 to 10 business days
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results available before you pay
- Year and ECU calibration code documented
- Direct injection high pressure fuel pump inspected
- VVT and AFM operation documented where inspectable
- Timing chain condition inspected (P0008 / P0017 concerns addressed)
- AFM lifter condition specifically documented (highest-impact LV3 failure mode)
- 100% fitment verified before every order ships
- No core charge required
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
- Description
- Warranty
- Why Buy From Us
- Additional information
- FAQ
- Warranty
- Why Buy From Us
- Reviews (2)
Description
About the 4.3 Vortec V6 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 cast aluminum block architecture, direct injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management with 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 V8, 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. The earlier generations:
- LU3 / LF6 (1996 to 2002): Older OHV V6, sequential MPFI port injection, no VVT, no AFM. Pre-Vortec generation tech.
- LG3 / LU3 successor (2003 to 2009 era): Carryover OHV V6 with various refinements, still pre-EcoTec3.
- LV3 (2014 to 2018, this engine): Completely redesigned EcoTec3 architecture, direct injection, VVT, AFM, shared with 5.3L V8.
The two generations are NOT interchangeable. ECU calibration, harness pinout, mounting, and intake manifold differ. 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, indicating rod or main bearing wear at high mileage
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, indicating 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, often ring or PCV system issue
- Coolant in oil, head gasket failure on overheated units
- Donor Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, or Canyon has been totaled and the engine is being moved
- Repower of an aging GM truck where the body and frame are worth saving
Known LV3 Issues We Document Before Shipping
- AFM lifter condition: The highest-impact failure mode on this engine family. AFM lifters can collapse causing severe engine damage. We inspect AFM lifter condition on every LV3 we ship and document our findings.
- Timing chain stretch: Inspected and reported. P0008 / P0017 codes on aged units indicate chain stretch needing attention.
- High-pressure fuel pump function: Critical for direct injection operation. Inspected and noted.
- VVT solenoid and cam phaser operation: Tested for proper function.
- PCV system condition: Direct injection engines tend to develop intake valve carbon buildup over time (a separate issue from internal engine condition). PCV system condition documented.
- Oil consumption history: Disclosed where documented from donor.
What Ships and What Does Not
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Long block: cast aluminum block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, camshaft, aluminum heads, valve train including VVT and AFM components, 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. Regular unleaded 87 octane fuel acceptable. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Why Choose This LV3 Crate Engine vs Standard Used 4.3 Vortec
This listing is the premium crate engine variant of the 4.3 Vortec LV3 platform. Key differentiation from a standard used core:
- Comprehensive inspection package: AFM lifter condition specifically documented, timing chain stretch verified, HP fuel pump inspected, VVT solenoid tested
- Year and ECU calibration code documented: Critical for matching your existing PCM
- Variant generation confirmed: LV3 specifically, not the older LU3 / LG3 cores
- Donor application traced: Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, or Canyon origin verified
- Premium freight option: Crated freight delivery (sturdier than basic pallet for direct injection engines)
Application Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| 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.
Vehicle Compatibility
The 4.3 Vortec LV3 was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| 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) |
NOT compatible with: Pre-2014 GM trucks (those used LU3 / LG3 / earlier Vortec generations), non-GM applications without significant adaptation work.
Inspection Workflow
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 Part Nests
- 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
- Call (240) 306-7051 to confirm LV3 generation (NOT older LU3 / LG3), AFM lifter condition, ECU calibration code, and transmission pairing before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used 4.3 Vortec LV3 engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Compression failures on any of the 6 cylinders beyond what was disclosed
- AFM lifter failures within 15 days from installation (where AFM was documented as functional at shipping)
- Timing chain failures within 15 days from installation (where chain was documented as in-spec at shipping)
- High-pressure fuel pump failures within 15 days from installation
- VVT solenoid failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect generation shipped (LV3 vs LU3 vs LG3) due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incorrect ECU calibration for the year and donor application
- Damage from extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil viscosity (Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 recommended)
- Damage from running with aftermarket AFM disable tunes without proper hardware
- Damage from intake valve carbon buildup not addressed (recommend walnut blasting at install)
- External components (PCM, harness, throttle body, alternator, starter, A/C, P/S, flexplate, motor mounts) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 6 Cylinders Tested: Compression results documented before payment
- AFM Lifter Condition Documented: The highest-impact LV3 failure mode assessed
- Timing Chain Stretch Inspected: P0008 / P0017 concerns addressed
- HP Fuel Pump Verified: Direct injection critical component tested
- Generation Confirmed: LV3 EcoTec3 (NOT older LU3 / LG3 generations)
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| engine-family | GM EcoTec3 |
|---|---|
| configuration | 12 valves, V6 90-degree OHV |
| displacement | 4.3L (262 cu in) |
| bore-x-stroke | 99.6 mm x 92.0 mm |
| compression-ratio | 11.0:1 |
| aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| fuel-system | Direct injection |
| fuel-type | Regular Unleaded Gasoline |
| variable-valve-timing | Yes |
| active-fuel-management | Yes (cylinder deactivation under light load) |
| block-material | Cast aluminum |
| head-material | Aluminum |
| cooling-system | Liquid cooled |
| electrical-system | 12 volt |
| production-years-lv3 | 2014 to 2018 |
| horsepower | 285 hp at 5, 300 rpm |
| torque | 305 lb-ft at 3, 900 rpm |
| compatible-transmissions | 6L50, 8L90, GM 6L80 |
| price | $7, 887.50 |
No. The older 4.3 Vortec (LU3, LF6, LG3 generations from 1996 to early 2009) is a completely different engine from this LV3 EcoTec3 generation. The earlier generations used sequential MPFI port injection, no Variable Valve Timing, no Active Fuel Management, and an older block architecture. The LV3 (2014 to 2018) is a complete redesign using direct injection, VVT, AFM, and the same fundamental architecture as the 5.3L L83 V8. The two are NOT interchangeable due to different ECU calibrations, harness pinouts, mounting, and intake systems. Confirm your year when ordering.
Active Fuel Management lifter collapse. The LV3 (and the related 5.3L L83 V8) uses Active Fuel Management to deactivate cylinders during light-load operation for fuel economy. The AFM system uses specialized hydraulic lifters that can collapse with age, particularly on engines that have run with extended oil change intervals or low oil pressure. Collapsed AFM lifters cause severe engine damage including bent valves and damaged cylinders. We inspect AFM lifter condition on every LV3 we ship and disclose any concerns openly. Many builders install an AFM disable tune at engine installation to bypass the cylinder deactivation feature.
Chain wear at higher mileage causing P0008 / P0017 codes. The LV3 timing chain can stretch on units past approximately 120,000 miles, causing codes P0008 (Engine Position System Performance) or P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation). The stretch causes loss of camshaft timing accuracy. Replacement chain kits are widely available. We inspect timing chain stretch on every LV3 before shipping and disclose any concerns.
Intake valve carbon accumulation from PCV blow-by. The LV3 uses direct injection, which sprays fuel directly into the cylinders rather than through the intake valves. This means the intake valves accumulate carbon deposits from the PCV system without being fuel-washed (as port injection engines have). Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation, and reduced response, typically appearing at 50,000 to 60,000 miles. The remedy is walnut blasting to mechanically clean the intake valves. We recommend planning for walnut blasting at engine installation or within the first 10,000 miles after installation.
Yes for 2014-plus model years. The LV3 fits 2014 to 2018 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 (base V6 trim), 2015 to 2018 Colorado and Canyon (4.3 V6 trim), and 2018 to 2020 Express Van and Savana Van (base V6 trim). It is NOT a direct fit for pre-2014 GM trucks, which used older 4.3 Vortec generations (LU3 / LG3). Tell us your exact year, trim, and transmission when ordering and we will confirm correct ECU calibration and harness compatibility.
Multiple GM modern automatic options. The LV3 was factory-paired with the GM 6L80 6-speed automatic (Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500), the GM 8L90 8-speed automatic (later Silverado, Sierra), and the GM 6L50 6-speed automatic (Colorado, Canyon). The transmission compatibility depends on your specific donor truck year and trim. We can match the correct flexplate, ECU calibration, and harness for your transmission when you order.
Possible but requires significant adaptation. Cross-installation of the LV3 into non-GM applications requires custom motor mounts, custom ECU and harness adaptation, custom exhaust manifold or header sourcing, and matching transmission interface or transmission swap. This is feasible for experienced custom builders but is not a drop-in swap. For most non-GM applications, the cost of adaptation usually exceeds the value of using the LV3 specifically. Most LV3 buyers are GM truck owners doing a direct-fit repower.
No. There is no core return required.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used GM 4.3 Vortec LV3 engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Performance materially different from how the engine was described
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incompatible components
- External components unless specifically itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery.
- Year and Calibration Recorded: ECU flash compatibility flagged on every order
- AFM Lifter Condition Inspected: EcoTec3 signature failure addressed up front
- Timing Chain Status Assessed: Stretch indicators checked before payment
- HPFP Verified: Direct injection high-pressure pump function checked
- All 6 Cylinders Tested: Compression results shared before payment
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
2 reviews for 4.3 Vortec V6 Engine for Sale | OEM Used Chevy LV3 EcoTec3 4.3L V6 OHV
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Eric K. –
Got a 4.3 LV3 for a 2016 Silverado 1500 V6 replacement. Year and ECU calibration documented, AFM lifter condition inspected and reported as acceptable, timing chain checked for stretch. HPFP verified clean. Plan walnut blasting at install per their recommendation. Truck is back to working order.
Roy J. –
Replaced a 4.3 LV3 in a 2015 Colorado. Honest about it being a used unit with disclosed mileage history. AFM lifter condition was the main concern, and they reported borderline but acceptable. Plan an AFM delete at installation per their note. Solid replacement at a reasonable price.