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GM Generation III small block engines, also known as LS1s, made their debut in the 1997 Corvette. According to "Engine Builder" magazine, Generation IIIs replaced the LT1 series. They have a smaller block, are lighter in construction and generate more horsepower than LT1s. Identifying Generation III engines is similar to other GM engines; begin visually, then locate the engine block casting number to be thorough. Although the LS1 identifies the engine family, it actually consisted of the LS 1 through 7, the L89 and C33. Truck versions of the Generation III were called "Vortec."

Instructions

1

Determine if the year and make of the vehicle are possible Generation III candidates. According to LS1 Engine, Generation III engines were used in 1997 to 2004 Corvettes, 1998 to 2004 Camaro SS and Z28 models, 1998 to 2002 Pontiac Firebirds, the 2004 Pontiac GTO and numerous GM Truck, van and SUV applications.

2

Inspect the engine compartment. GM often put identifying decals and tags on the engine itself or in the compartment area. These may indicate the use of a Generation III engine. Also try to determine if the block is aluminum or cast-iron. According to "Hot Rod" magazine, most automobile LS1s were aluminum, while truck versions were cast-iron. Aluminum blocks will have a smooth finish as opposed to the rough grain of cast-iron.

3

Locate the casting number on the engine block. "Hot Rod" places it on the drivers side, just below the cylinder head. It is an eight-digit number.

4

Decode the casting number by comparing it to a casting number listing, similar to the one found on Fastnuf (see Resources). This listing will give the specifics of the engine in question when matched to the casting number.

If you want to upgrade or replace your Toyota truck engine, you should do a comparison first to make sure that you are getting the right engine at the right price. Whether youre buying a brand new Toyota truck engine or a used one, there are a few key criteria that you should consider when reviewing your options. Naturally there are some Toyota truck engines that will be unsuitable, such as diesel engines if you have a gasoline-powered vehicle, or low-torque engines if you have a large truck, or an extra-large engine if your pickup is compact. Be certain what characteristics you want from your engine before beginning your comparison process.

Instructions

1

Eliminate all unsuitable engines from your initial search. You should use the manufacturers website and those of pickup engine parts dealers to review engine specifications. To save time, make a list of engine types that are unsuitable. Write them down and discount them from your comparison process. For example, if youre buying an engine from a vehicle with right-hand drive, youll have to move the mounting struts and power steering pump to fit a left-hand-drive vehicle, which is a lot of work. Toyota stopped producing diesel pickup engines for the American market in 1986, so only very old engines will be available for diesel vehicles.

2

Set out your key criteria. In order to do a successful comparison, you need a starting point. Toyota truck engines come in different sizes and designs, so understand what you require. Write down a list of the three most important things that youre looking for in an engine. For example, you may wish to purchase a 2.0-liter engine with low mileage for no more than $600. So engine size, mileage and price are your three main criteria. There are certain Toyota truck engines, such as the 22RE and the L series diesel, that share the same mounting, spacing and transmission bolt patterns. Such compatibility makes for an easier installation.

3

Research recall history. For example, in 1996 Toyota recalled its 3.0-liter V6 engines made between 1988 and 1995 due to head gasket design flaws. Toyota repaired many of the engines that were returned, but double-check to ensure that the engine youre considering has been checked over.

4

Establish a ranking system. Rank your three main criteria in order of importance. When reviewing Toyota truck engines, rank them in the following method. Award a score of 1 to 20 for how the engine measures up against your top criterion, a score of 1 to 10 for the second criterion and a score of 1 to 5 for the third criterion. This gives a more accurate reflection of engine suitability when you add up the final scores.

5

Total up the final scores. Each engine will have a score thats as low as 3 or as high as 35; the engine with the highest mark is, ostensibly, the most suitable. If you have more than one engine with the same marks, use the other characteristics to break the deadlock. Quite often youll need to arrange delivery of the engine, speak to the retailers and find out who offers the cheapest or fastest delivery.

Engine rotation is determined by standing at the front of the engine and observing which way the flywheel spins. Most automobile engines spin to the right (clockwise), but a few do spin in the opposite direction, which is counterclockwise or anti-clockwise. However, since the flywheel is not usually visible, other means might be necessary to determine direction of spin.

Honda

Engines with reverse or counterclockwise rotation are rather rare in the automobile world. There is no scientific reason why a clockwise-rotating engine has become the norm. Most likely, this occurrence is just a result of standard convention. In regard to the use of a reverse-rotation engine, the main user is Honda. For many years, this Japanese car manufacturer has made a four-cylinder, reverse-rotation engine that was installed in the rear of their smaller vehicles. Beginning in 2000, Honda began to produce clockwise engines designed to replace the older ones, and by 2005, all American-made Honda engines were spinning in a clockwise direction.

Overall, there is no difference in the performance of the two engines. However, if you have to replace an engine, you cannot replace a counterclockwise version with a clockwise one, or vice-versa, unless you also change the transmission at the same time.

Corvair

Use of a reverse-rotation engine is even rarer among American car manufacturers than it is among the Japanese. However, in the U.S., one Chevrolet engine from the 1960s, called the "flat six", was made to spin in a counterclockwise direction. The model of vehicle was the Corvair, which was in production from 1960 to 1969. The engine was unique for American cars, for not only did it have a counterclockwise rotation, but the "flat six" was made from cast aluminum, had an air-cooled system and was mounted in the rear of the vehicle. With these unusual characteristics, the engine had more in common with a Volkswagen, Porsche or Lycoming aircraft than it did with other American vehicles.

The Corvair "flat six" could deliver as much as 140 horsepower and was one of the first engines to be turbocharged. As a result, the engine has frequently been used to power dune buggies and sports cars.

Twin Engines

Twin engines are rare in automobiles and even when present, they do not usually necessitate the use of a reverse-rotation engine. However, when used side-by-side in vehicles such as power boats, airplanes or military vehicles, such as tanks, twin engines are made in equal sizes and rotate in opposite directions. In these cases, the opposing rotational spin becomes a balancing factor, which allows the vehicle to be driven forward with equal thrust and torque on each side.