Automakers have launched many series of engines meant to offer greater performance or efficiency than their predecessors. Chevy's Vortec line, which includes General Motors' vortex technology, boosted ...

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 ...

In their later years, Vortec engines have fallen victim to some downsides, like Active Fuel Management, an aggressive thirst for oil, and engine knocking. But back when they were brand-new, these ...