hey everybody, im new here but not so new to chevy v8s..mainly tbi 350'*. im going to be getting a 1996 chevy 5.7 vortec soon and have a few questions. 1) what should i check out in the shop before buying it? and 2) i want to put a performance programmer/module/chip on it and i was wondering what the best one is for this engine? i wont run higher octane fuel, so no chips that require that. any help would be much appreciated thanks in advance!!

Welcome to the site. I'm sure a few members will be able to answer your questions.

welcome to the site, i have the vortec 350 and complety wish i had kept my old 89 tbi every time i have to work on it.its been the second worst truck ive had only behind a 86 f150. my advise would be stay away. get a tbi or get 2001+ 4800 or 5300. they have alot less problems.

Welcome to the site. I have a 98 chevy 305 with a 350 block in it and i love the truck. I would check the coolant quick connect on the intake thats a know problem area. Other than that check all the fluids. Not really alot of problem areas with the 350. Now as for the truck i would check the idler and pitman arms. They are know for being loose.

As for programming i am thinking about using HP tuners.

ok so what are all of, or the ones you know of, the problems for the vortec from this specific year? i got rid of my tbi because i kept going through transmissions in it (not my driving habbits, i do highway commuting), and i couldnt afford to drive it in the first place. other then that, it ran and performed great.

I'm a little older and wish I had all the money back from all the cars I performance tuned and then fixed because of my tuning pushed something too far... But I'm just old.. nothing to see here..

i understand how that works. im always willing to take advice from someone who has been there, done that, and know how it all works.

I have the 98 but only have had for a couple of months. I also have a 94 tbi. Both are great trucks and havent had any problems. I work at a chevrolet dealership for 6 years as a tech and there were not any common problems with vortec engines and there still isnt that i know of.

this one has 208xxx miles on it. since your a dealership tech, how long do these engines typically last? or how much life would you assume it has left? the maintenance on this pickup has been at every specified mileage and whatnot.