GM set out to make the Vortec 8100 a tough and resilient engine for folks looking to tow. It’s based on the old-school Gen-VII Big Block and effectively is a 454 with a longer (4.37-inch) stroke. Other major improvements include massively updated electronics and, importantly, updated electronic fuel injection for a bump in efficiency compared to older big block engines. GM also added an LS-style intake manifold to the 496 to cement its footing in the modern world while taking the title as one of the biggest production engines ever sold.
The result was 340 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque under the hood of 2500/3500 trucks and 2500 chassis Avalanches, Yukons, and Suburbans. With its low-RPM start for the torque (1,200 RPM) and narrow rev range to around 4,000 RPM, the Vortec 8100 was a picture-perfect gasoline towing platform. It offered nearly as much torque as the Duramax diesel offerings at the time without the additional upkeep of a diesel powerplant. For some, that’s invaluable.
The Vortec 8100 also made its way into medium-duty commercial trucks and boats. With the lax emissions regulations on boats, the 496 made up to 550 horsepower and 690 lb-ft of torque from the factory.
