Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L LV3 (EcoTec3 V6) engine

Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L LV3 Engine for Sale. Low Mileage EcoTec3 V6 Replacement.

The Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L LV3 engine is the base V6 option in the Gen V EcoTec3 truck engine lineup. If you own a Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, or a similar GM platform equipped with the LV3 and need a replacement engine after an internal failure, excessive oil consumption, or a mechanical issue that makes replacement more practical than repair, a clean low mileage 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 engine from a verified donor vehicle is the direct path back to factory spec. At McClain Auto Part, we have been sourcing and selling used GM engines out of Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. The GM 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 engine is one of the more specialized units we carry in the Gen V truck engine lineup.

Silverado and Sierra owners with the 4.3 V6 come to us for a few reasons. Some need a direct factory replacement after a spun bearing, oil system failure, or internal mechanical issue on a high mileage truck. Others are rebuilding a Silverado that has good body and transmission condition but a worn original engine. In addition, fleet operators who run V6-equipped trucks frequently find that a verified low mileage replacement gets a vehicle back into service faster and more cost-effectively than a rebuild.

Whatever the situation, the goal is the same. A tested, documented LV3 engine Silverado replacement that installs correctly and runs the way the truck is supposed to.

Key Features

• Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L LV3 engine, OEM GM EcoTec3 V6
• Low mileage assembly, verified from donor vehicle records
• Compression tested on all six cylinders before shipping, numbers recorded
• Full visual inspection completed at our Cleveland facility
• Direct injection fuel system inspected before shipping
• AFM system condition documented on every unit
• Oil condition and coolant passages checked before packaging
• 6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects
• Ships freight to all 50 states from Cleveland, Ohio
• Most orders processed within 1 to 3 business days

The LV3 EcoTec3 V6 Platform

The LV3 is the V6 member of GM’s Gen V EcoTec3 engine family. GM introduced the LV3 alongside the L83 5.3L V8 and L86 6.2L V8 in the 2014 model year Silverado and Sierra. All three engines share the same Gen V architecture, which means the LV3 carries the same direct injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management technology found in the V8 versions of the EcoTec3 lineup.

What the LV3 Shares With the V8 EcoTec3 Engines

The LV3 and the L83 V8 share the same basic Gen V platform. Both use direct injection, dual independent variable valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts, and Active Fuel Management for cylinder deactivation under light load. On the LV3, AFM deactivates three of the six cylinders rather than four of eight. As a result, the fuel economy benefits of AFM apply to the V6 application in the same way they apply to the V8 trucks.

LV3 Versus the Older 4.3 Vortec

If you have researched the 4.3L replacement market, you already know there are two distinct generations to consider. The older Generation IV 4.3L Vortec, the LU3, used port fuel injection and did not include direct injection or the dual independent VVT refinements of the Gen V platform. The LV3 EcoTec3 is a fundamentally different engine. It produces more horsepower and better fuel economy than the LU3 while maintaining the same basic displacement. For owners who specifically want EcoTec3 technology in their replacement engine, the LV3 is the correct unit, not the older LU3 Vortec.

Aluminum Block Construction

Like the V8 members of the EcoTec3 family, the LV3 uses an aluminum block construction. This keeps the weight penalty of the V6 option lower than an iron block alternative and contributes to the fuel economy advantage of the base engine option in the Silverado lineup. For owners who chose the V6 specifically for its efficiency and daily driving characteristics, the aluminum block LV3 replacement restores those advantages.

Technical Specifications

Specs vary slightly by model year and application. Call us with your VIN and RPO code before ordering to confirm the exact variant in current inventory.

What Is Included

Included components vary by unit. Here is what a typical used LV3 V6 engine package from McClain includes.

Standard With Most Units

• Complete LV3 long block assembly
• Intake manifold
• High-pressure direct injection fuel rails and injectors
• Valve covers
• Oil pan
• Variable valve timing actuators

Available on Select Units or by Request

• Engine wiring harness
• ECU, PCM
• Throttle body and sensors
• Front accessory drive components

A Note on ECU and Wiring

Wiring harness and ECU are not assumed to be included unless we confirm them before the order ships. The LV3 ECU calibration is specific to the direct injection system and AFM configuration. For a direct factory replacement in a Silverado or Sierra, your original ECU and harness are typically reused with the replacement engine. For any other application, confirm your ECU and wiring solution before ordering. Tell us your VIN and application when you call and we confirm what is available in current inventory.

AFM lifter assembly condition is documented on every unit. If you are planning to delete AFM on the replacement engine, let us know before ordering and we advise on what that process requires.

Condition and Inspection

Every Silverado 4.3 engine for sale that ships from our Cleveland warehouse goes through a hands-on inspection. The direct injection system and AFM components on the LV3 require specific attention during inspection that older port-injected engines do not.

What We Check Before Every Unit Ships

• Compression test on all six cylinders, actual numbers recorded
• Full visual inspection of block, heads, and external surfaces for cracks, leaks, or damage
• Oil condition checked for contamination or signs of neglected service intervals
• Coolant passages inspected for signs of mixing or head gasket issues
• Mileage verified against donor vehicle documentation
• High-pressure direct injection fuel system inspected, injector seals, rail integrity, and pump condition noted
• AFM lifter valley inspected, oil passage condition documented
• Variable valve timing actuators checked for condition
• No audible knocking, ticking, or unusual engine noise confirmed before packaging

AFM system condition is a point we address on every LV3 unit we inspect. AFM lifter wear is a documented issue on Gen V engines at higher mileage. As a result, we document the AFM system condition on every unit before it ships so you know what you are getting before the order is finalized.

Vehicle Compatibility

The GM 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 engine was factory-fitted in the following vehicles:

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2014 to 2018
• GMC Sierra 1500, 2014 to 2018
• Chevrolet Express 2500 and 3500 Van, select years
• GMC Savana 2500 and 3500 Van, select years

Before ordering, confirm your VIN and RPO code. Fitment depends on your specific build configuration, not the year and model alone. If you are replacing an older LU3 Vortec port-injected engine with an LV3 EcoTec3, that is not a direct swap. The fuel system and ECU are not compatible without additional work.

Call us with your VIN and RPO code and we confirm the right unit for your application.

Replacement Notes

For a direct LV3 engine Silverado replacement or Sierra replacement where the truck originally came with the LV3 EcoTec3, a clean low-mileage unit drops in as a direct substitute. The ECU calibration, direct injection fuel system, and sensors all match what the truck was built with. This is the most straightforward application.

AFM Delete

Some owners use a replacement engine as an opportunity to delete AFM before installation. If you are planning an AFM delete on the LV3, tell us when you call. We note the AFM system condition on the specific unit in stock and advise on what the delete process requires for the V6 configuration. AFM delete on the LV3 follows a similar process to the V8 EcoTec3 engines but uses a different lifter count and valley configuration.

Direct Injection Fuel System

The LV3 runs a high-pressure direct injection system. For a factory replacement in a Silverado or Sierra, the existing fuel system infrastructure supports the replacement engine directly. However, if you are doing a swap into a non-factory chassis, you need a compatible high-pressure fuel pump and returnless fuel system capable of supporting DI pressures. This is a more involved fuel system setup than older port-injected engines and needs planning before the build starts.

Transmission

The LV3 was paired with a 6-speed automatic in most factory Silverado and Sierra applications. Confirm your transmission and confirm the replacement engine matches the TCM calibration for your specific truck before ordering.

Shipping and Warranty

Shipping

We ship from Cleveland, Ohio to all 50 states. Every engine ships on a secured freight pallet, fully protected for transit. Most orders are processed and ready to ship within 1 to 3 business days after confirmation and payment. You receive a tracking number once the engine leaves our facility.

Warranty

Every engine we sell comes with a 6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects. AFM system condition and direct injection system condition are disclosed and documented before the order is processed. If a covered mechanical failure occurs within the warranty period, contact us. We work toward a fair resolution, whether a replacement engine, credit, or repair guidance depending on the situation.

We have been honoring warranty claims since 2009.

About McClain Auto Part

We have been sourcing and selling used GM engines since 2009. Over 10,000 engines shipped. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 800 or more verified Google reviews. Every engine we sell sits physically in our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse, inspected by our team, and ready to ship.

We are not a listing aggregator or broker. When you call us about a 4.3 EcoTec3 V6 engine for sale, you speak directly with someone who understands the Gen V EcoTec3 platform, knows the differences between the LV3 V6 and older LU3 Vortec applications, and gives you accurate information about the exact unit in current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the LV3 Engine?

The LV3 is the Gen V 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 that GM introduced in 2014 for the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. It uses direct injection, dual independent variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management. It is a fundamentally different engine from the older LU3 Vortec 4.3L.

What Is the Difference Between the LV3 and the LU3?

The LU3 is the older Generation IV 4.3L Vortec that uses port fuel injection and does not include direct injection or dual independent VVT. The LV3 is the Gen V EcoTec3 version with direct injection, VVT, and AFM. The two engines are not directly interchangeable. Confirm which generation your truck uses before ordering.

Is This a Direct Replacement for My Silverado or Sierra?

Yes, for 2014 to 2018 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 models equipped with the LV3 EcoTec3. Confirm your VIN and RPO code before ordering to make sure the variant matches your truck.

How Many Miles Are on the Engine?

Mileage is verified from donor vehicle records. We give you the exact mileage on the specific unit before you commit to the order.

Is the Engine Compression Tested?

Yes. Every cylinder is compression tested before the unit ships. We record the actual numbers and provide them on request.

Does It Include a Wiring Harness and ECU?

Not automatically. Harness and ECU are available on select units. Tell us your application and VIN when you call and we confirm what is in stock.

What Does the Warranty Cover?

Six months from purchase against internal mechanical defects. AFM system condition and direct injection system condition are documented and disclosed before the sale. Contact us if a covered issue arises.

Can I Delete AFM on the LV3?

Yes. Tell us when you call if you are planning an AFM delete. We note the AFM system condition on the specific unit and advise on what the delete process requires for the V6 configuration.

Ready to Order

If you are looking for a Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L LV3 engine, a verified LV3 engine Silverado replacement, or a clean Silverado 4.3 engine for sale for a direct factory replacement or swap project, call us. Confirm your VIN and RPO code and we will tell you exactly what we have in stock. Mileage, AFM condition, direct injection system condition, included components, and shipping timeline.

Clean LV3 EcoTec3 inventory moves consistently. If you have questions before committing, ask them.

McClain Auto Part. Cleveland, Ohio. In business since 2009.