4.3 EcoTec3 Specs Chart by Year and Engines: 2014-2026
The 4.3 EcoTec3 specs start with 285 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm from 262 cubic inches. GM used this direct-injected V6, RPO code LV3, as the base engine in 2014 to 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups.
It is not a reworked 4.3L Vortec. The EcoTec3 V6 belongs to GM’s Gen V small-block family, the same design as the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s with two cylinders removed.
Below you will find the full spec sheet, the LV3 and LV1 differences, every truck and van that used this engine, oil and fluid data, towing ratings, a Ram Pentastar comparison and the known problems to check before you buy.
GM Gen V Small Block V6
4.3L EcoTec3 Specs at a Glance
LV3 in Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks 2014 to 2021. LV1 in Express and Savana vans 2018 to 2026.
Core Engine Specs
LV3 vs LV1
Which Vehicles Used the 4.3 EcoTec3 by Year
Swipe the chart to see all years
Complete 4.3 EcoTec3 LV3 Specs at a Glance
Every figure below comes from GM’s SAE-certified data for the LV3, as compiled in the GM Authority LV3 engine spec sheet.
| Specification | 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (LV3) |
|---|---|
| Engine family | GM Gen V small block, EcoTec3 |
| Configuration | 90-degree V6, OHV |
| Displacement | 4,301 cc (262 ci) |
| Bore x stroke | 3.92 x 3.62 in (99.6 x 92 mm) |
| Bore centers | 4.40 in |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Horsepower, gasoline | 285 hp @ 5,300 rpm |
| Torque, gasoline | 305 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm |
| Horsepower, E85 | 297 hp @ 5,300 rpm |
| Torque, E85 | 330 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm |
| Redline | 5,800 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-6-5-4-3-2 |
| Valvetrain | 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic roller lifters, dual-equal cam phasing |
| Valve sizes | 1.93 in intake, 1.56 in exhaust |
| Block | Cast aluminum with cast-in iron liners |
| Cylinder heads | Cast aluminum |
| Crankshaft | Forged steel |
| Connecting rods | Powder metal, 6.125 in |
| Fuel system | Direct injection, up to 15 MPa (2,175 psi) |
| Fuel | Regular unleaded or E85 |
| Oil capacity | 6 quarts with filter |
| Cylinder deactivation | Active Fuel Management, V4 mode |
| Transmission | 6L80 six-speed automatic (RPO MYC) |
| Assembly | Tonawanda, New York and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico |
Three systems explain most of these numbers. SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) sprays fuel straight into the cylinder, which allows the high 11.0:1 compression on regular fuel.
VVT (Variable Valve Timing) shifts cam timing to widen the torque curve. AFM (Active Fuel Management) shuts off two cylinders under light load so the truck cruises as a V4.
Peak numbers only tell part of the story, so the next section shows where the 4.3 makes its power.
How Much Horsepower and Torque Does the 4.3 EcoTec3 Make
The 4.3 EcoTec3 makes 285 hp and 305 lb-ft on gasoline. GM claimed that torque figure was the highest of any standard V6 in a full-size pickup when the engine launched for 2014.
Gasoline vs E85 Output
The LV3 is flex-fuel capable. On E85, output rises to 297 hp and 330 lb-ft at the same engine speeds.
That is a 12 hp and 25 lb-ft gain. Fuel economy drops on E85 because ethanol carries less energy per gallon, so most owners run regular unleaded.
EcoTec3 vs Old 4.3 Vortec LU3
The previous 4.3L Vortec LU3 shared only the displacement and the 90-degree layout. The table shows how far the Gen V redesign moved the numbers.
| Spec | 4.3L Vortec LU3 | 4.3L EcoTec3 LV3 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 195 hp @ 4,600 rpm | 285 hp @ 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm | 305 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm |
| Compression | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Bore x stroke | 101.6 x 88.39 mm | 99.6 x 92 mm |
| Block and heads | Cast iron | Cast aluminum |
| Fuel delivery | Port injection | Direct injection |
The EcoTec3 gained 90 hp and 45 lb-ft over the Vortec. It also switched to an aluminum block and heads.
How It Compares to the 2.7L Turbo L3B
GM’s 2.7L turbo four-cylinder (RPO L3B) replaced the V6 as the base engine. In 2019 to 2021 trucks the L3B made 310 hp and 348 lb-ft, rising to 430 lb-ft in its high-output 2022 form.
The turbo four also peaks at 1,500 rpm instead of 3,900 rpm. GM said a 2019 Silverado with the 2.7L weighed 380 lb less than the outgoing V6 truck.
Not every 4.3 EcoTec3 is the same engine, and the van version proves it.
LV3 vs LV1 4.3 EcoTec3 Differences Explained
GM built two versions of the 4.3 EcoTec3. The RPO code on the Service Parts Identification label in your glovebox or door tells you which one you have.Spec LV3 LV1 Application Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana Model years 2014 to 2021 2018 to 2026 Horsepower 285 hp @ 5,300 rpm 276 hp @ 5,200 rpm Torque 305 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm 298 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm Cylinder deactivation AFM standard Not used Transmission 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
The LV1 figures come from GM’s van order guides, which list 276 hp and 298 lb-ft with the eight-speed automatic. Some spec sites list the truck’s 285 hp rating for the LV1, which is wrong for the vans.
GM describes the LV1 as the LV3 without Active Fuel Management. That suits a van that spends its life loaded with cargo or passengers, where V4 mode rarely engages.
Express and Savana vans from 2014 to 2017 kept the older 195 hp Vortec LU3. The LV1 arrived for the 2018 model year.
Which Trucks and Vans Use the 4.3 EcoTec3 by Year
The LV3 powered base Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks for eight model years, from 2014 through 2021. Its role shrank after the 2019 redesign, and GM dropped it before the 2022 refresh.
| Model Years | Vehicle | Platform | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 to 2018 | Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 | K2XX | LV3 | 6L80 6-speed | Standard on Silverado WT and Sierra base, available on select higher trims |
| 2019 to 2020 | Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 | T1XX | LV3 | 6L80 6-speed | Silverado WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss and Sierra base only |
| 2021 | Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 | T1XX | LV3 | 6L80 6-speed | Ordering limited to base and Custom Trail Boss from March 22, 2021 |
| 2022 | Silverado 1500 LTD, Sierra 1500 Limited | T1XX carryover | Deleted | n/a | LV3 removed from order guides |
| 2018 to 2026 | Express, Savana | Full-size van | LV1 | 8-speed | Base van engine |
Why GM Replaced the 4.3 With the 2.7L Turbo
GM moved buyers to the 2.7L L3B for three reasons. It made more torque at lower rpm, it paired with the eight-speed automatic, and it cut weight from the nose of the truck.
The V6 also lost ground on fuel economy after the redesign. The 2019 to 2021 V6 trucks carried lower EPA ratings than the 2018 models, as the towing section below shows.
If you own one of these trucks, the maintenance specs matter more than peak horsepower.
4.3 EcoTec3 Oil Capacity, Firing Order and Fluid Specs
The 4.3 EcoTec3 takes 6 quarts of oil with a filter change. That is 1.5 quarts more than the old 4.3 Vortec, a common mistake at the first oil change on a used truck.
Engine Oil Capacity and Type
GM’s oil chart for 2016 to 2021 LV3 trucks lists 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) of dexos1 5W-30 and an ACDelco PF63 filter. The Express and Savana LV1 uses the same capacity, oil grade and filter.
For other Silverado engines and years, see our Silverado oil capacity chart by year. Always confirm the grade printed on your oil fill cap before buying oil.
Firing Order and Cylinder Layout
The LV3 fires in the order 1-6-5-4-3-2. GM numbers the odd cylinders 1, 3 and 5 on the driver side and the even cylinders 2, 4 and 6 on the passenger side.
Cylinder 1 sits at the front of the driver-side bank. Use this layout when you read a misfire code such as P0301 or P0304.
Spark Plugs and Coolant
The factory plug is GM part number 12622441, sold as ACDelco 41-114 iridium. GM specifies a gap of 0.037 to 0.043 in, and the plugs come pre-gapped at about 0.040 in, so do not re-gap them.
The cooling system uses DEX-COOL extended-life coolant. We could not verify an LV3-specific coolant capacity from an official GM source, so check the Capacities table in your owner’s manual before a full flush.
Fluids keep the engine alive, but most V6 buyers want to know how much it can pull.
4.3 EcoTec3 Towing Capacity and Fuel Economy Ratings
GM’s launch announcement rated the 4.3 EcoTec3 to tow up to 7,200 lb, but only in one setup. That 2014 maximum applied to a regular cab, short bed, 4WD Silverado or Sierra.
Towing Capacity by Year 2014 to 2021
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The table lists the highest V6 rating per model year. Ratings fall as cab size, bed length and options add weight.
| Model Year | Max V6 Towing | Best Configuration | EPA MPG 2WD | EPA MPG 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 7,200 lb | Regular cab short bed 4WD | 18 city, 24 hwy | 17 city, 22 hwy |
| 2015 to 2018 | 7,600 lb | Regular cab 2WD, 3.42 axle | 18 city, 24 hwy | 17 city, 22 hwy |
| 2019 to 2021 | 7,900 lb | Regular cab long box 2WD, WT | 16 city, 21 hwy | 15 city, 20 hwy |
For the 2021 model year, the V6 topped out at 7,900 lb in a 2WD WT regular cab long box. Crew cab V6 trucks rated far lower, around 7,300 lb in 2019, and some 2017 4WD crew cabs with the 3.08 axle dropped to 5,600 lb.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the most your loaded truck may weigh. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the limit for the truck and trailer together. Both appear in GM’s trailering guides and on the door-jamb sticker.
Our Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity chart covers every engine and year. Check the trailering guide for your exact cab, bed and axle before you hitch up.
EPA Fuel Economy by Drivetrain
The K2XX trucks from 2014 to 2018 earned the V6’s best ratings. A 2WD truck was rated 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 20 combined.
The 2019 T1XX redesign dropped the 2WD V6 to 16 city, 21 highway and 17 combined. The 2.7L turbo beat those figures, which made the old V6 harder to justify.
Payload by Year 2014 to 2021
GM quoted a maximum payload of 2,108 lb for 2014 V6 trucks. A 2019 Silverado WT regular cab long box with the V6 is listed at 2,250 lb.
Payload depends on cab, bed and options. The yellow Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s door jamb gives the exact figure for your truck.
Ram owners shopping a used Silverado usually ask how this V6 compares to the Pentastar.
4.3 EcoTec3 vs Ram 3.6L Pentastar V6 Compared
The two engines reach similar results in very different ways. The GM V6 relies on displacement and low-rpm torque, while Ram’s Pentastar spins higher and uses more gears.
| Spec | GM 4.3L EcoTec3 LV3 | Ram 3.6L Pentastar |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4.3L (262 ci) | 3.6L (220 ci) |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 12 valves | DOHC, 24 valves |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 5,300 rpm | 305 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 305 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 4,175 rpm |
| Fuel delivery | Direct injection | Port injection |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max towing, 2019 trucks | 7,900 lb (Silverado) | 7,730 lb (Ram 1500 with eTorque) |
The 4.3 makes 36 lb-ft more torque at a lower engine speed. That gives it a stronger pull from a stop with a trailer behind it.
The Pentastar answers with 20 more horsepower and the eight-speed TorqueFlite. It also avoids the carbon buildup that direct injection can bring. Our Ram 3.6L V6 Pentastar specs guide breaks down every Ram application.
For light towing, we rate the two engines as close. Buyers who tow often should step up to a V8 in either brand.
Both V6 engines are durable, but the GM unit has a few known issues worth checking.
3 Common 4.3 EcoTec3 Problems Owners Report
The 4.3 EcoTec3 has a solid durability record. Most of its known issues trace back to two technologies, AFM and direct injection.
AFM Lifter Failure
AFM uses special collapsing lifters on the cylinders that shut off. When one of these lifters sticks or collapses, you hear a ticking noise and get a misfire code, and a damaged cam lobe can follow.
The repair usually means new lifters, a camshaft and head gaskets. SDPC sells an LV3-specific AFM repair kit for about $930 to $1,030 in parts alone, and shop bills for AFM lifter jobs on EcoTec3 trucks often run several thousand dollars.
Excess Oil Consumption on Early Engines
GM issued a bulletin, PIP5382H, for Gen V oil consumption, covering 2014 to 2017 Silverado and Sierra trucks with the 4.3L LV3. It lists an engine build breakpoint of October 2015 for the 4.3L.
Related GM bulletins allow piston and ring replacement on affected LV3 engines, with a labor time of 13.0 hours. Check your oil level between changes if you own a 2014 to early 2016 V6 truck.
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Direct injection never washes the back of the intake valves with fuel. Over time, oil vapor from the PCV system bakes into carbon deposits, which can cause rough idle and misfires.
Walnut blasting is the most effective fix. A catch can on the PCV line can slow the buildup on a truck you plan to keep.
For the full list of model years with the most complaints, see our guide to Chevy Silverado years to avoid.
Is the 4.3 EcoTec3 a Good Base Truck Engine
Yes, the 4.3 EcoTec3 is a good base truck engine for light towing and daily work. Its 285 hp and 305 lb-ft are close to an older 5.3L V8, and it needs just 6 quarts of oil and six plugs.
It is the right choice for fleet buyers, budget shoppers and owners towing under about 5,000 lb. Buyers who tow near the 7,900 lb limit should look at a 5.3L V8 instead.
Before you buy, confirm the RPO code on the glovebox label and check the trailering guide for that exact truck. A V6 truck with a clean service history is one of the simplest half-tons GM built in this era.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 4.3 EcoTec3
What is the firing order of the 4.3 EcoTec3?
The 4.3 EcoTec3 firing order is 1-6-5-4-3-2. Odd cylinders 1, 3 and 5 sit on the driver side, and even cylinders 2, 4 and 6 sit on the passenger side. Cylinder 1 is at the front of the driver-side bank.
How much oil does a 4.3 EcoTec3 take?
The 4.3 EcoTec3 takes 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with a filter change. GM lists dexos1 5W-30 oil and an ACDelco PF63 filter for 2016 to 2021 LV3 trucks. The older 4.3 Vortec took only 4.5 quarts, so do not mix up the two.
Is the 4.3 EcoTec3 the same as the 4.3 Vortec?
No. The 4.3 EcoTec3 is a Gen V design with an aluminum block, direct injection and 285 hp. The 4.3 Vortec LU3 had a cast iron block, port injection and 195 hp, and only the displacement and V6 layout carried over.
What year did GM stop putting the 4.3 EcoTec3 in trucks?
The 2021 model year was the last for the 4.3 EcoTec3 in the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. GM deleted the LV3 for the 2022 Limited trucks and made the 2.7L turbo the base engine. The LV1 version stayed in Express and Savana vans.
Does the 4.3 EcoTec3 have Active Fuel Management?
Yes, every LV3 truck engine has Active Fuel Management as standard. It shuts off two cylinders under light load and runs the engine as a V4. The LV1 van engine does not use AFM.
How much can a Silverado with the 4.3 V6 tow?
A Silverado with the 4.3 V6 tows 7,200 to 7,900 lb at its maximum, depending on year. The highest rating, 7,900 lb, applies to a 2019 to 2021 2WD regular cab long box WT. Crew cab and 4WD V6 trucks rate lower, so check the door-jamb sticker and GM’s trailering guide.
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