Reliability of Chevy V8 Vortec E85 Engines?

Greetings,



Shopping for a full size SUV (used). One of the local dealers has a number of such Chevys with V8 5.3L vortec E85 engines, in our price range. However, very few other dealers have such vehicles.



A search on the dealer turns up a review site with the majority of reviews labeling the dealer as a stereotypical shady used car dealer (hiding defects, playing dishonest games with customers etc).



The fact only this "turkey" dealer has the E85 engines leads me to believe those engines have problems. The models in question are 2003 models with 95,000 to 130,000 miles.



Another site indicated flex fuel engines are new and therefore have the inevitable developmental problems.



Do the Chevy V8 Vortec FlexFuel engines have problems?



ThanksReliability of Chevy V8 Vortec E85 Engines?
First you want to verify if it is really E85 ready or not. Get the VIN number on the Chevy you want to buy. Look at the 8th digit in the VIN. For Chevy trucks, if Prior to Model Year 2007 is a Z, then it is E85 Flex Fuel ready. If the 8th digit is other than a Z, then it is gas only. There is no physical difference between the Flex Fuel Chevy and the non-Flex Fuel model. The only difference is the software on the computer. Flex Fuel models have software that gives it the ability to put the proper amount of ethanol in the engine. All vehicles since 1985 can handle ethanol no problem but would require a conversion kit like the ones at http://www.change2E85.com . Flex Fuel engines are not new. They have been doing Flex capable in Brazil for 20 years.Reliability of Chevy V8 Vortec E85 Engines?
The E85 engines differ little from the gas-only engines. Chevrolet engines are very reliable. I have 80,000 miles on my 5.3L with zero problems. The FlexFuel feature is a plus if you live near an E85 station.Reliability of Chevy V8 Vortec E85 Engines?
I put 135k on my 5.3 liter with no problems yet, and still get 17.5 to 17.8 MPG.



You can always call Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 with your VIN # and ask about any recalls or updates available for that particular vehicle. I'd do that before I'd buy any used vehicle. Also ask for a carfax report, if they are the least bit hesitant, walk away.