Where are all the Vortec Max trucks?

[Burt_Gummer]

Hello,

 

I joined this forum because I have decided to get a new truck and have settled on the Vortec Max series. I want an 06/07 Classic body style, with less than 150k on it, but have not had any luck finding very many at all in my area, St.Louis, MO. I have found pretty much 4.

 

Is this really that rare of a model that they just are hard to find? I can find plenty of newer 6.2L trucks, but dont want to spend over 20k.

 

Can anyone here help me find some resources to help locate one. I have found only 1 for sale in my area that meets the criteria I am looking for and it is way overpriced, and has a wreck on it's carfax.

I have tried; Craigslist, autotrader, cars.com, and calling dealers around the area

 

I don't want to settle for a Z71 since that's what I have always had, plus the 6.0 sounds pretty sweet.

 

Thanks for the help.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Your best bet would be to check dealeship lots. I have seen several in my area on trades for the new trucks.

 

Love my 2008 Vortec Max with Z71 suspension. Only thing negative I have to say about it is the AFM with the L76 engine but I had it tuned out since the day I brought it home.

 

If you can find a used 6.2L 2010-2013 truck that would be the way to go. No crappy AFM to deal with, all you get is power.

 

Also seems like you may be confused over what the Z71 actually is. It's NOT anything to do with the engine that comes in the truck. The "Vortec Max" is only an engine option, it's not a suspension package. It was available with the Z71 suspension, and the NHT max trailering suspension. It also comes with 4 wheel disc brakes and larger rear end than the 5.3L models.

For some reason people seem to have a little confusion over that and think the vortec max is a suspension package for some reason. Same thing happens with the 6.2L engine. That is also available with the Z71 suspension.

 

EDIT: Just read your post again, are you dead set on an older 2006-2007 model?

 

 

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Edited April 5, 2015 by BlackZ71Silverado

[Burt_Gummer]

Not dead set, just looking to spend around 20k, the biggest thing keeping me in this price range is that I am looking for leather interior and front captain style chairs instead of the bench seats. Moving up to the 6.2 liter engines put me into a different interior it seems.

 

My understanding was that the Max did not come in a Z71 package, and that Z71 designated; skid plate, 5.3L engine and a suspension upgrade. Am I missing something there?

 

 

Also I thought the max came with the Z85 suspension? Is there a difference between Max and Max performance packages I keep seeing? I thought they were the same thing? Also I was reading about some option that stiffened the suspension when traveling on rough roads, but can't find out the models/ years it is in or anything else about it?

 

Thanks for the info

[Chris]

Not dead set, just looking to spend around 20k, the biggest thing keeping me in this price range is that I am looking for leather interior and front captain style chairs instead of the bench seats. Moving up to the 6.2 liter engines put me into a different interior it seems.

 

My understanding was that the Max did not come in a Z71 package, and that Z71 designated; skid plate, 5.3L engine and a suspension upgrade. Am I missing something there?

 

 

Also I thought the max came with the Z85 suspension? Is there a difference between Max and Max performance packages I keep seeing? I thought they were the same thing? Also I was reading about some option that stiffened the suspension when traveling on rough roads, but can't find out the models/ years it is in or anything else about it?

 

Thanks for the info

06/07 it came under NHT or Z60. If you cant find one, why not get the truck you want minus engine and do a swap? Easier and cheaper than locating one

[Burt_Gummer]

I am interested in it for the increased towing capacity, along with the transmission upgrade over the 5.3 trucks.

[Chris]

I am interested in it for the increased towing capacity, along with the transmission upgrade over the 5.3 trucks.

I can understand capacity. I have had the LQ9 on the stock 4.8/5.3 trans for 50,000 miles. I have 160,000 now and swap was done at 110,000. Tuned right and driven right it can work. They use the same springs as the normal 1500 i believe. Just a larger axle. But if you want the capacity make sure when you look it has code NHT because the Vortec Max had 2 suspension options available. The one with the Z60 was a sport suspension. Basically the setup of the SS without the badges. Also in that year range the Vortec Max came with rear drums.

[MS3DALE]

2006 model year summary

H.O. 6000 (LQ9) renamed the Vortec MAX

• Vortec MAX availability expanded on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

• Close-coupled catalytic converter system

• New application for Vortec 6000 (LQ4) – GM W-Series (3500, 4500) trucks

Full descriptions of new or changed features

H.O. 6000 (LQ9) renamed Vortec MAX

The H.O. Vortec 6000 (LQ9) has been renamed the Vortec MAX to underscore its being the most powerful light duty V-8 in GM’s truck lineup. With 345 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, the Vortec MAX’s power equals that of its leading competitor and tops others in its class. The engine cover displays new "Vortec MAX" badging.

Vortec MAX availability expanded to Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

In addition to serving customers interested in high performance, the Vortec MAX will also become available in 2006 to serve those seeking the highest trailering capability in the light-duty pickup segment.

For optimum trailering, the Vortec MAX will become available in light duty four-wheel drive Silverado and Sierra extended cab standard bed and four-wheel drive crew cab short bed pickups equipped with the RPO NHT trailering package at the start of the 2006 model year. In addition to the Vortec MAX, the trailering package provides a new 9.5-inch axle and 17-inch wheels for best-in-class trailering capability of 8,700 pounds in the 4WD Extended Cab and 8,400 pounds in 4WD Crew Cab models.

Production of the Vortec MAX for two-wheel drive light duty Silverado and Sierra Extended Cab standard bed and two-wheel-drive crew cab models ordered with RPO NHT will begin in January of 2006. The package, which includes the same equipment content, enables customers to achieve best-in-class trailering capability in these

segments.

At the same time, the Vortec MAX will continue to serve Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Silverado SS and light-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra customers primarily interested in performance. For performance purposes the Vortec MAX will be available in 2WD Silverado and Sierra extended cab models with the RPO B4V Performance Package, which also includes the 9.5-inch axle and 20-inch chrome wheels.

Sierra and Silverado models equipped with the Vortec MAX, excluding the Silverado SS, will carry "Vortec MAX" badging on the side door as well as on the engine cover. The Silverado SS will continue to carry its unique badging on the door.

Close-coupled catalytic converter system

The Vortec 6000 and Vortec MAX are equipped with a new close-coupled catalytic converter system, which helps to reduce emissions and provide more customer value. The system consists of two 102-cubic-inch (1.7 liters of volume per bank) converters, placed five inches from the exhaust manifold, and a close-coupled Y-pipe. The converters are bolted (rather than welded) to the exhaust manifold flange. They have a standard construction, consisting of a ceramic substrate, insulating blanket material and a steel shell. The new architecture replaces two previous mid-coupled converters.

The Vortec 6000 and Vortec MAX engines meet Federal emissions requirements and California Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV I). They also meet near-zero evaporative emissions standards in all states.

Overview

The Vortec 6000 delivers more horsepower than the competition’s V-10 with the fuel-efficiency of a V-8, and it beats the competition’s gasoline-powered V-8s when it comes to peak torque.

Until the advent of the premium 6.0L LQ9 for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade and EXT, the LQ4 was the largest and most powerful of GM Powertrain’s Gen III Vortec V-8s. These engines continue the grand tradition of one of the most important engines in automotive

history – the original small block Chevrolet V-8. The Vortec 6000 introduced a host of advanced technologies to the overhead-valve truck engines, including aluminum cylinder heads and a thermoplastic intake manifold. The deep-skirt engine block allows cross bolting of the bearing caps, limiting crank flex, stiffening the engine's structure and reducing overall vibration. The cylinder heads have replicated ports that are identical in every detail, allowing constant cylinder-to-cylinder airflow.

The 6.0L Vortec MAX (LQ9) is a more powerful evolution of the Vortec 6000, originally developed for Cadillac's luxury sport-utility vehicles, and subsequently expanded to the high performance Silverado SS. GM Powertrain engineers delivered a cost-effective, assembly-efficient alternative to distinguish the 6.0L LQ9 from the LQ4 and deliver the additional power Cadillac and performance-oriented pickup customers wanted: Flat-top pistons that increase the compression ratio from 9.4:1 (for the LQ4) to 10.0:1. The Vortec MAX gives Escalade and EXT class-leading power at less cost to the customer than competitors’ overhead cam engines. It also provides Silverado with power equal to that of any model in its class. And it helps provide Silverado and Sierra with best-in-class trailering capability. In short, the 6.0L LQ9 is a premium engine befitting a premium brand.

The Vortec 6000 delivers maximum durability with minimal maintenance. A steel camshaft provides excellent durability. Steel roller rockers add stiffness, allowing greater engine speed with less vibration. Hydraulic roller lifters reduce friction for better fuel economy and wear resistance. The spark plugs extend anticipated plug life to 100,000 miles, while the coolant maintains its cooling and corrosion-inhibiting properties for 150,000 miles. Scheduled maintenance is limited to oil changes, and thanks to GM Powertrain’s industry-leading Oil Life System, a customer should never pay for an unnecessary change. The Vortec 6000’s PCM records engine temperature, length of operation at a given temperature and several other operating parameters, and then indicates an oil change when it's actually needed, rather than according to a predetermined interval.

Under GM Powertrain’s philosophy of continuous improvement, virtually every engine system has been reviewed and refined. The Vortec 6000 led the introduction of Powertrain’s new floating-pin pistons, which offer many design advantages. It has

exceeded new emissions requirements years ahead of mandate. In 2004, thanks to a new returnless fuel injection system and the latest gasket technology, it met near-zero evaporative emissions standards. Thanks to the engine’s overall clean, efficient operation, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) was eliminated from all applications. As part of Powertrain’s alternative-fuels strategy, the Vortec 6000 is offered with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel option.

Among its 2005-model enhancements, the Vortec 6000 built for four-wheel drive Silverados and Sierras received a new throttle progression for the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. Specifically for four-wheel low range, it allows more precise throttle modulation during severe off-road use. All Vortec 6000s were also equipped with an improved Throttle Actuator Control (TAC). An integral component of the ETC that takes commands from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and opens the motor that opens and closes the throttle plate, it was equipped with new read-only memory and control software. The PCM also began using a rate-based diagnostics monitoring protocol to improve the robustness of the Onboard Diagnostics System (OBD II) and ensure optimal emissions control performance. Iridium-tip sparkplugs reduced potential maintenance and helped maximum fuel economy and minimize emissions. All Vortec 6000 began being shipped to customers with GF-4 engine oil to reduce deposits, extend oil change intervals, improve fuel economy and extend the life of emissions control systems.

These V-8s deliver an optimum of torque and smooth, even power delivery through refined overhead-valve technology, surpassing customer expectations and keeping the cost of ownership low.

[MS3DALE]

I'll also add that the NHT package for '06'/'07 GMT800 four-wheel drive trucks also included the 4L70E Super-Duty transmission,AutoTrac transfer case,"ZX3" ride-control suspension,and G80 locking differential with 4.10 gear ratio.

Z71 suspension package was not available on the GMT800 trucks with the NHT package,due to them having the manual selectable ZX3 ride control suspension.

It wasn't until the GMT900 trucks came out that you could order the 6-liter as a "free-flow" option with the Z71 package,which is what I did when I special ordered my '07.

[Chris]

I'll also add that the NHT package for '06'/'07 GMT800 four-wheel drive trucks also included the 4L70E Super-Duty transmission,AutoTrac transfer case,"ZX3" ride-control suspension,and G80 locking differential with 4.10 gear ratio.

Z71 suspension package was not available on the GMT800 trucks with the NHT package,due to them having the manual selectable ZX3 ride control suspension.

It wasn't until the GMT900 trucks came out that you could order the 6-liter as a "free-flow" option with the Z71 package,which is what I did when I special ordered my '07.

Thanks Rich, you always seem to show up and drop knowledge when needed.

[MS3DALE]

Thanks Rich, you always seem to show up and drop knowledge when needed.

 

Haha no problem,My buddy has an '06 NHT that he ordered from us,and I remember us learning everything we could about that package!

And now his brother just ordered a new 2015 NHT/6.2 from us as well (note that the NHT package no longer gives you the 6.2 standard starting in '14,you must spec it out,otherwise you get the 5.3)

[KCXLT]

Not dead set, just looking to spend around 20k, the biggest thing keeping me in this price range is that I am looking for leather interior and front captain style chairs instead of the bench seats. Moving up to the 6.2 liter engines put me into a different interior it seems.

 

My understanding was that the Max did not come in a Z71 package, and that Z71 designated; skid plate, 5.3L engine and a suspension upgrade. Am I missing something there?

 

 

Also I thought the max came with the Z85 suspension? Is there a difference between Max and Max performance packages I keep seeing? I thought they were the same thing? Also I was reading about some option that stiffened the suspension when traveling on rough roads, but can't find out the models/ years it is in or anything else about it?

 

Thanks for the info

How far are you willing to drive. I'm in Ontario just across the bridge from Port Huron Michigan. I have an 08 Crew LTZ 4x4 with the Vortec Max, Leather, Navigation. Its got 86000 Km, about 54000 Miles. I'm the original owner. I have a 15 coming in a couple of weeks. I would sell it for $20000 US.

[99silveradoz71]

My 08 Vmax has been a pretty solid ride.

[Burt_Gummer]

How far are you willing to drive. I'm in Ontario just across the bridge from Port Huron Michigan. I have an 08 Crew LTZ 4x4 with the Vortec Max, Leather, Navigation. Its got 86000 Km, about 54000 Miles. I'm the original owner. I have a 15 coming in a couple of weeks. I would sell it for $20000 US.

 

 

Thanks for the offer. That's a good price. I ended up going with a 2008 Sierra SLE All terrain package with 85k miles.

 

I didn't get a huge deal on it, 23,000 out the door. Blue book is 25.900 and car fax puts it $950 above that, so I am pretty happy overall. I'll throw up some pictures when I pick it up from the dealer tomorrow.

[Theiceguy]

I just got ahold of a nice one! 140k miles.

[Harvey blake]

So I have a 2009 vortex 6.0  and a 2004 chevy 2500 with a 6.0 and I was wondering if anyone knew if the motor would bolt up I got the computers, wiring harness and transmissions for both! Would I be able to bolt in that 2009 in a 2004 classic