In a press release dated July 25, 2003, GM announced its 2004 lineup of improved industrial engines. Key improvements are the addition of a 5.0-liter displacement engine, a 25 percent power increase at 1800 rpm for the Vortec 8100, and a higher output variation of the 3.0-liter natural gas generator engine.
"We continue to refine our industrial lineup. Performance improvements, product offerings, and durability are looked at every day in this business. We have been able to introduce substantial improvements for 2004 that ultimately power superior industrial products," says Dave Garrett, customer engineering support manager for GM Powertrain.
Vortec 8100–2004 improvements for the 8.1-liter big-block V-8 were aimed at increased performance and durability. A unique camshaft was developed to optimize performance at 1800 rpm for direct drive generator applications. This new camshaft also provides more torque through the intended torque range up to 2800 rpm. Durability enhancements include the addition of induction hardened intake valve seats and reduced valve spring load to ensure proper valve seating for the life of the engine.
Vortec 5700–Part of the Vortec small-block family, the "350" is a perennial favorite for industrial, marine, and automotive applications. The 5700 5.7-liter V-8 industrial engine has exhaust valve seat inserts and induction hardened intake valve seats for increased durability in the industrial market.
Vortec 5000–This new 5.0-liter displacement offering for 2004 broadens the GM industrial engine portfolio. Similar to the overhead valve Vortec 5700 V-8, with the exception of bore size, the Vortec 5000 is designed to work with gasoline, liquid propane, and natural gas. Induction hardened exhaust valve seats, hydraulic roller lifters, and one-piece rear seals help make this engine an ideal industrial engine candidate.
Vortec 4300–For 2004, production of the Vortec 4300 4.3-liter V-6 continues at the Romulus, Michigan, engine assembly plant. Romulus is picking up production from the Tonawanda, New York, engine plant as Tonawanda makes room to build new 3.5-liter and 3.9-liter engines. The Romulus facility has produced the Vortec 4300 since 1987. This engine continues to be a favorite of the lift truck market due to its compactness, durability, value, and high power level.
Vortec HO 3000–A variant of the Vortec 3000 inline four-cylinder will be introduced during the 2004 model year. This overhead valve engine will enable a generator to produce 35 kilowatts at 1800 rpm using natural gas. The engine is rated at 62 horsepower at 1800 rpm using compressed natural gas (CNG). The increased power level is achieved through the use of new high strength pistons, a high flow cylinder head, and a new camshaft profile. The new pistons are coated with graphite to help reduce noise and vibration and improve engine life. The cylinder head is an adaptation of the marine variant with the addition of high strength valves. The intake and exhaust valves are bimetallic with tempered tips for abrasion and corrosion resistance and dimensional stability under the higher temperatures CNG creates. The intake valve diameter for this variant increases from 1.72 to 2.00 inches. The exhaust valve increases in diameter from 1.50 to 1.60 inches.
The exhaust valves have the addition of stellite to the seat area for additional wear resistance under higher temperatures. The cylinder head intake and exhaust ports are separated and are larger for improved flow. Cam timing, lift, and duration are optimized for natural gas use along with low speed, high torque requirements. This inline four-cylinder engine also comes with platinum tip spark plugs for increased durability.
Vortec 1600–Introduced in 2003, the Vortec 1600 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine has become a value leader in small displacement industrial engines. Its compact, single overhead cam design is now a popular choice for aerial lifts and mobile sweepers. Design features include a 79mm bore by 81.5mm stroke, 9.4:1 compression ratio and cast aluminum cylinder head with valve seat inserts. An iron block is used for strength and durability. The Vortec 1600 also features a distributorless ignition system that reduces maintenance and increases reliability.
Along with these changes, GM will look for ways to continuously improve its industrial engine portfolio by using all of its corporate resources. "Leveraging expertise from the automotive sector ensures industrial engine customers receive validated engines and components with increased durability," says Garrett. GM research and development, laboratories, proving grounds, manufacturing, and quality systems are just a few of the resources GM industrial engines leverage.
GM Powertrain is a global producer of engines, transmissions, castings and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine, and industrial OEMs. Headquartered in Pontiac, GM Powertrain has operating and coordinating responsibility for General Motors powertrain manufacturing plants and engineering centers in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s consumer Web site [www.gm.com].
