The Vortec 4200 inline-6 outperformed its size, and even though it was used in SUVs from GM and Chevrolet, its existence has nearly been forgotten.

General Motors introduced the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 back in 1999 and kept it in production for 15 years. Over that time, it became one of the most popular small-block engines in GM's lineup, offering ...