95 or 96 5.7

[sa200]

I want to buy a used 4wd for a work truck. Whats more reliable and cheaper to maintain, a tbi or vortec 5.7 engine?

[roadrunner_70]

My own experience is a TBI. I work with three people who all have Vortec engines. Yeah, they have more horsepower, and torque, perhaps even better mileage, but when it comes to repairs they pay more for some parts than I do. Case in point; Two of them just spent between $650 and $1,000 for fuel pump replacements. I just had it done on my TBI for $276. TBI pressures are between 9-13psi. Vortecs are in the neighborhood of 60psi. You do the math. This is just one area where they differ.

[sa200]

I know the short blocks are the same so i guess the intakes and fuel systems are whats different. Are vortec intake manifolds more prone to develope leaks?

[Riche]

"Are vortec intake manifolds more prone to develope leaks?" you said it...
There is a revision to the gasket to fix it... But it is just making sure whoever does the job uses it.

[thecackster]

I dunno about the TBI but I love my Vortec. I just know friends that have the TBI wish they had more power. I have had hardly no problems, except I had to replace my water pump at 100,000 almost on the money.

[sa200]

Originally Posted by Riche

"Are vortec intake manifolds more prone to develope leaks?" you said it...
There is a revision to the gasket to fix it... But it is just making sure whoever does the job uses it.

What about the felpro gasket set? Is it a good choice or would you want to get a GM set?

[Riche]

Originally Posted by sa200

What about the felpro gasket set? Is it a good choice or would you want to get a GM set?

You may have to create an account at this site then come back and read this tread. There is alot of good info on this site. Don't start posting questions search and read you will be suprised what you can find.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...8&page=4&pp=20

link to above

There is a picture of 2 gm intake gaskets. Look at them close. You can see the difference. I am not saying Felpro makes bad gaskets, but after reading this tread I should have went to the dealer. And make sure and check the park No. they give you... It is not beyond them to give you the old gasket to get it off the shelf!!!! I have seen this done!!!

[horse482]

Fel-Pro builds a gasket specific to fix the vortec intake leek. Even my local GM Dealers are only using Fel-Pro gaskets to reseal the intake.

[Riche]

Originally Posted by horse482

Fel-Pro builds a gasket specific to fix the vortec intake leek. Even my local GM Dealers are only using Fel-Pro gaskets to reseal the intake.

They use felpro??? wow that is interesting. Did you read the tread I have linked Above?