LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**rs74** · 03-01-2013, 12:02 PM

If I am going to put a FI engine in my C10 what should I be looking at for the most mpg's. I don't know if there would be difference between the two or not. I am just thinking a stock engine at this point with probably a 4l60e trans. Would on of the LS engines be better to have over a Vortec?

1970 C10 MJW · 03-01-2013, 12:32 PM

well what do you mean by vortec? because vortec has been an engine classification for pretty much all chevy trucks since the late 80s.... for purely MPGs I would imagine the 4.8L or 5.3 would be your best bet with the DOD and a 6l65e, if you really want the MPGs I think thats the best route... but other guys may have an opinion. Also the rear gear would make a huge difference, and tire size.....etc etc... what kind of driving will you do with it city? highway? both?

**rs74** · 03-01-2013, 01:52 PM

By vortec I was referreing the the 4.8,5.3,6.0l engines. I am doing a restoration on my 85 short bed c10. This is just going to be a toy more less. I just figure that by going to either one of these vortec or ls engines would get me much better mpg's and realiability. I would be content with a 4 speed auto trans. I am not sure of what gears I have now but I would say they might be 3.73's. It had 2.73's in it and the rear end now is much lower geared than the original.

I still want it to have some pep but get decent mileage if and when it gets taken on a long drive. 10 mpg just doesn't get it anymore. After getting this one done I am going to focus on doing the same truck except 4wd. So I am trying to research for it as well.

Indian113 · 03-01-2013, 02:02 PM

I put a 2004 5.3 with a 700R4 and 3:42's in my 92 S10,I left the stock tune on my computer and I'm getting 20 mpg's at 65 on the highway. If I had it to do over I might have been as happy with a 4.8 for mileage. In my case the 5.3 makes more than enough power to put a smile on my face everytime I drive it.

**Clyde65** · 03-01-2013, 03:40 PM

I have a 4.8/4l60e/3.73 in my 65. I have gotten 20.5mpg on a 325 mile round trip to Abilene last fall. around town I get about 16-18 with mostly +/-45mph limits

BR3W CITY · 03-01-2013, 04:50 PM

I average 15/19 through a stalled 4l80e and 6.0 better than any other all steel hot rod I've ever had.

03-01-2013, 12:02 PM	#1
rs74 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,957	LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s If I am going to put a FI engine in my C10 what should I be looking at for the most mpg's. I don't know if there would be difference between the two or not. I am just thinking a stock engine at this point with probably a 4l60e trans. Would on of the LS engines be better to have over a Vortec? __________________ Roy 85 Short Bed Silverado- Work in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564818 1987 R10 shortie

03-01-2013, 12:32 PM	#2
1970 C10 MJW Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 470	Re: LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s well what do you mean by vortec? because vortec has been an engine classification for pretty much all chevy trucks since the late 80s.... for purely MPGs I would imagine the 4.8L or 5.3 would be your best bet with the DOD and a 6l65e, if you really want the MPGs I think thats the best route... but other guys may have an opinion. Also the rear gear would make a huge difference, and tire size.....etc etc... what kind of driving will you do with it city? highway? both? __________________ 70 C10 working on a LSx swap 4.8L MS3 edelbrock pro flo intake, pacesetter long tubes, 4l60e 2500 stall hoping the tranny holds up lol

03-01-2013, 01:52 PM	#3
rs74 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,957	Re: LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s By vortec I was referreing the the 4.8,5.3,6.0l engines. I am doing a restoration on my 85 short bed c10. This is just going to be a toy more less. I just figure that by going to either one of these vortec or ls engines would get me much better mpg's and realiability. I would be content with a 4 speed auto trans. I am not sure of what gears I have now but I would say they might be 3.73's. It had 2.73's in it and the rear end now is much lower geared than the original. I still want it to have some pep but get decent mileage if and when it gets taken on a long drive. 10 mpg just doesn't get it anymore. After getting this one done I am going to focus on doing the same truck except 4wd. So I am trying to research for it as well. __________________ Roy 85 Short Bed Silverado- Work in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564818 1987 R10 shortie

03-01-2013, 02:02 PM	#4
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s I put a 2004 5.3 with a 700R4 and 3:42's in my 92 S10,I left the stock tune on my computer and I'm getting 20 mpg's at 65 on the highway. If I had it to do over I might have been as happy with a 4.8 for mileage. In my case the 5.3 makes more than enough power to put a smile on my face everytime I drive it.

03-01-2013, 03:40 PM	#5
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s I have a 4.8/4l60e/3.73 in my 65. I have gotten 20.5mpg on a 325 mile round trip to Abilene last fall. around town I get about 16-18 with mostly +/-45mph limits __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

03-01-2013, 04:50 PM	#6
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: LS vs Vortec mpg ?'s I average 15/19 through a stalled 4l80e and 6.0 better than any other all steel hot rod I've ever had. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD



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