Excluding aftermarket crate engines, the 496ci (8.1-liter) Vortec 8100 is widely regarded as Chevrolet's largest production big-block V8. Introduced in 2001 as the successor to the 454ci Vortec 7400, ...

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 ...