[Too Many Projects]

Wow, just went looking and the 2500 kept the old body style thru 2002, didn't remember that. Yes, the Vortec was a big improvement over the TBI engine but the optispark wasn't the best for reliability. Remember, this engine was only produced for 5 years and it was basically a test bed for Gm to introduce full computer controls for spark and injection. It still has a distributor and only 2 injectors that just feed fuel into a plastic intake, much as the TBI did, but with Mass flow metering of air/fuel and slightly better placement of the injectors for increased performance over the TBI. It can be a good engine, but for my money, I would move up 1-2 years and get into the LS, with direct injection and distributor-less control of the spark. The increase in torque with the LS motor for towing is significant.