GM - A Global Leader In The Manufacturing Of Marine Engines

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News of February 14, 2001
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GM - A Global Leader In The Manufacturing Of Marine Engines

Market Cross-Over Is A Key Tool In The Continuous Improvement Of GM Engines

DETROIT - It's no secret GM engines are known far-and-wide; a tradition of dependability and performance have been a benchmark on the road for decades. GM's solid reputation is firmly grounded. The world's leading automobile manufacturer has been venturing into territory too tough for any off-road vehicle for nearly five decades, however - the local marina. Those efforts to push the boundaries of engine technology have made GM the world's largest marine engine manufacturer, too.

"For more than 40 years, GM has provided the marine industry with its complete line of Vortec engines. These are the same great engines that Chevrolet's Silverado and GMC's Sierra truck owners have come to ask for by name. Our newest lineup of Vortec engines introduces new technologies that have raised the bar in uncompromised performance, fuel efficiency and durability," said Rick Dunagan, executive director of brand management and OEM sales for GM Powertrain. "GM is the largest manufacturer of marine engines in the world and we design, engineer and build better truck engines as a result. The Vortec 8100 - the most powerful gasoline engine on four wheels - is proof positive."

The crossover between the automotive and marine markets provides an enormous positive impact benefiting GM overall - and more importantly, benefiting GM truck owners with thoroughly tested technology. GM engineers continually strive to improve durability and reliability of all GM engines. Exacting testing standards on marine engines, for example, led to a new method for examining truck engines. In one particular test, called the "Marine Dock," an engine is run at virtually wide-open throttle for 300 hours straight (60-minute cycle - 55 minutes wide-open/5 minutes idle), while the boat is chained to the dock.

GM's first marine engine was a 1958 Chevrolet 283-cubic inch, 185-horsepower engine. Realizing the financial benefit and engineering advantage of supplying marine engines, a group was formed in 1960 within GM to give full support to marine original equipment manufacturers. Currently, 30 percent of the Vortec 8100 engine supply is dedicated to the marine industry.

"Boat owners need to get the boat to the water and back home. GM's trucks are a natural for the task with powerful, efficient and durable Vortec engines. This natural linkage between the boat and tow vehicle is proof that Vortec power will not only get you there and back, but also provides power on the water," said Dunagan.

The continued sharing of engineering advances has altered both markets. Systems long standard on trucks but once never imaginable on boats have crossed-over, providing a new convenience to the boating industry.

"In 1991, GM brought electronic fuel injection (EFI) to the marine industry. The inherent benefits of quicker starts, improved fuel economy and better docking ability made EFI an immediate hit with boaters everywhere," said Dunagan.

The two markets have much in common, with reliability and durability as the key objective. While emissions legislation and fuel economy influence the truck engine market, both markets benefit from the advances made in these categories. Cleaner burning, fuel economic marine engines are better for the environment. And the durability needed in a marine engine is just as important in a truck engine. Both segments also benefit from the continued success of building more powerful engines.

Revolutionary engines offered by GM include:

Vortec 8100

The durable 8.1-liter engine produces 375 horsepower in its standard configuration and an impressive 415 horsepower in the high-performance offering. Both versions feature a coated cast aluminum intake manifold that is designed to optimize flow and includes an integral PCV system (a valve is not required). The water pump features marine-specific bronze impellers for enhanced corrosion resistance. The coated, 8-quart cast aluminum oil pan is of a specific "V bottom" design to accommodate various engine installation angles. It also features common GM drain plugs that are installed on port and starboard sides for twin-engine applications. The spark plug wires are also designed to allow routing around marine water-cooled exhaust manifolds, and are installed at the plant, allowing for 100-percent cold testing and hot testing.

Vortec 5700

The 5.7-liter V8 includes a number of interesting features. The sintered powdered-metal exhaust valve seat inserts provide increased durability, and a composite front timing cover is added for noise reduction and corrosion protection. The flywheels are offered with front- or rear- mounted 14-inch ring gear for various starter locations, suiting inboard and stern-driven applications. Available as an extra-cost option is an aluminum multi-port fuel injection manifold with a bronze water crossover. The Vortec 5700 delivers 307 horsepower and 358 lb-ft of torque.

Vortec 4300

The 4.3-liter, 90-degree V6 provides 223 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It includes many of the design elements incorporated in the 3.0-liter, plus a number of interesting features. For example, the Vortec 4300 features high-silicon cast aluminum pistons for excellent durability, and roller valve lifters, roller rocker arms and true roller timing chain for reduced friction and improved performance. For enhanced corrosion-resistance, this engine incorporates a cylinder case with brass water jacket core support plugs, and the cylinder head gaskets feature a stainless steel core.

(Feb. 10, 2001)

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