Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Yesca 71 · 01-09-2013, 06:42 PM

A friend of mine has a northstar for sale complete with wiring harness and tranny. Motor has 8,000 on it. Wondering what you guys think. Too much to mess with or what????? Thanks

Redcap · 01-09-2013, 06:45 PM

What are your intended uses for the truck?

cableguy0 · 01-09-2013, 07:21 PM

I would definately skip the northstar and just go with an LS engine. Those engines are expensive to maintain and have there issues. We get a lot of cadillacs through the shop and there always seems to be blown head gaskets or intake issues plus weird running problems. I personally dont like them mainly because of the cost of maintenance and they dont seem to have anywhere near the longevity of an LS engine.Is the engine from a front or rear wheel drive car? Mounts will need to be fabricated either way. With the LS you can simply buy a converson mount and its a bolt in deal.

**jayoldschool** · 01-09-2013, 07:57 PM

If you like blown head gaskets and head bolts that rip threads out, then the Northstar is the motor for you! Also, almost all N* setups were transverse FWD. Is the engine and trans he has from a RWD application?

Dale99 · 01-09-2013, 10:12 PM

IIRC, the northstar also uses the smaller trans pattern, so you would have to find a transmission from say a 2.8/3.1/3.4 camaro/s10.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 01-09-2013, 10:47 PM

I have seen it done at the Pomona swap meet in a 64-66 C10, and was listening to a guy who was interested in buying. They took it for a quick drive around the backside of the lot, and he was complaining how under powered it was. He did a couple of full throttle take offs to about 45mph. I don't know how it was set-up to say where he could improve.

In my mind if you run 27 inch tires, 4.11 gears, and bit of a stall in the converter it would fine for driving around. Plus it would probably get out of its own way fast enough to be fun.

The truck looked awesome with the engine, but I'd only go for it if I wanted something different. The LS truck engine is much better suited, and much cheaper to swap with out looking for bargains. Weiland has a aluminum LS6 type intake, that can be polished for a better look over then plastic.

61K10 · 01-10-2013, 02:18 PM

this used to be a poplar hot rod swap. at 280ci (279) at 300hp fine for a roadster or cp, but not great for a heavy truck. there use to be a bunch of after market parts for the NS, mount/headers/trans kits (modified 2.8 trans)even intakes for a carb.

jimbonice · 01-10-2013, 02:37 PM

I've owned two Northstars ... great engines imho, but they"re all transverse mounted. If you could mount it longitudinally, it would be an expensive fab job.

BigRed76 · 01-10-2013, 02:38 PM

It's your truck, do what you want to it. Personally I think it would be pretty cool...

And yes they leak, but you might as well reseal it before you put it in the truck.

Gumby · 01-10-2013, 02:58 PM

Yea its clear when you ope nthe paper and see 5-10 adds of people just offering northstar head gasket repair

Dale99 · 01-10-2013, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbonice

, but they"re all transverse mounted. If you could mount it longitudinally, it would be an expensive fab job.

Ive seen one in a camaro almost 10 years ago. He said there were a few obstacles, but if that was 10 years ago, I'm sure the information is out there now.

**jayoldschool** · 01-10-2013, 05:54 PM

You know why N* swaps stopped ten years ago? LS engines.

jimbonice · 01-10-2013, 06:00 PM

Iirc, the supercharged XLR's were north south. Northstars are a much better looking engine than an ls.
Posted via Mobile Device

Dale99 · 01-10-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

You know why N* swaps stopped ten years ago? LS engines.

Who said they stopped 10 years ago? I know serveral people in the past 10 years that have put them in fieros, grand prix's, and several other things.

Yesca 71 · 01-12-2013, 07:14 PM

Gents i thank you for your responce. The northstar has been sold so i think ill go the ls direction. I saw a totaledroadmaster and heard those will work so i might go that direction.

Pyrotechnic · 01-13-2013, 01:20 PM

I hate to say this, but if you want a 32 valve DOHC V8 swap then your best bet is the Ford Modular engines. A 32 valve 5.4 out of a 99-04 Lincoln Navigator would be a good one and it would have that exotic dual overhead cam look. 300HP 355TQ is not too bad.

Even then, 5.3/6.0 LS swap produces similar or more power and will be an easier swap.

01-09-2013, 06:42 PM	#1
Yesca 71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Joplin, MO. Posts: 15	Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? A friend of mine has a northstar for sale complete with wiring harness and tranny. Motor has 8,000 on it. Wondering what you guys think. Too much to mess with or what????? Thanks

01-09-2013, 06:45 PM	#2
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? What are your intended uses for the truck? __________________ '77 K35 - 454, SM465/NP205, 4.56 D60/14bFF

01-09-2013, 07:21 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? I would definately skip the northstar and just go with an LS engine. Those engines are expensive to maintain and have there issues. We get a lot of cadillacs through the shop and there always seems to be blown head gaskets or intake issues plus weird running problems. I personally dont like them mainly because of the cost of maintenance and they dont seem to have anywhere near the longevity of an LS engine.Is the engine from a front or rear wheel drive car? Mounts will need to be fabricated either way. With the LS you can simply buy a converson mount and its a bolt in deal. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-09-2013, 07:57 PM	#4
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,154	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? If you like blown head gaskets and head bolts that rip threads out, then the Northstar is the motor for you! Also, almost all N* setups were transverse FWD. Is the engine and trans he has from a RWD application?

01-09-2013, 10:12 PM	#5
Dale99 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NLR, AR Posts: 1,387	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? IIRC, the northstar also uses the smaller trans pattern, so you would have to find a transmission from say a 2.8/3.1/3.4 camaro/s10. __________________ 2008 Sierra k3500 LMM 1994 s10 blazer 4x4 1991 Camaro Vert Rusted in Half RIP 1972 Jimmy 4x4 L05,4L60E,np205http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=546364 1967 C10 L6/3tree(dads truck)

01-09-2013, 10:47 PM	#6
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,567	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? I have seen it done at the Pomona swap meet in a 64-66 C10, and was listening to a guy who was interested in buying. They took it for a quick drive around the backside of the lot, and he was complaining how under powered it was. He did a couple of full throttle take offs to about 45mph. I don't know how it was set-up to say where he could improve. In my mind if you run 27 inch tires, 4.11 gears, and bit of a stall in the converter it would fine for driving around. Plus it would probably get out of its own way fast enough to be fun. The truck looked awesome with the engine, but I'd only go for it if I wanted something different. The LS truck engine is much better suited, and much cheaper to swap with out looking for bargains. Weiland has a aluminum LS6 type intake, that can be polished for a better look over then plastic.

01-10-2013, 02:18 PM	#7
61K10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: pleasant valley--placerville ca Posts: 3,039	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? this used to be a poplar hot rod swap. at 280ci (279) at 300hp fine for a roadster or cp, but not great for a heavy truck. there use to be a bunch of after market parts for the NS, mount/headers/trans kits (modified 2.8 trans)even intakes for a carb. __________________ 1961 chevy K10 my build is------------61K10 build

01-10-2013, 02:37 PM	#8
jimbonice Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: White City, SK Posts: 411	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? I've owned two Northstars ... great engines imho, but they"re all transverse mounted. If you could mount it longitudinally, it would be an expensive fab job.

01-10-2013, 02:38 PM	#9
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? It's your truck, do what you want to it. Personally I think it would be pretty cool... And yes they leak, but you might as well reseal it before you put it in the truck. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB

01-10-2013, 02:58 PM	#10
Gumby Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NW-Ohio Posts: 2,525	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? Yea its clear when you ope nthe paper and see 5-10 adds of people just offering northstar head gasket repair

01-10-2013, 05:54 PM	#12
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,154	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? You know why N* swaps stopped ten years ago? LS engines.

01-10-2013, 06:00 PM	#13
jimbonice Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: White City, SK Posts: 411	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? Iirc, the supercharged XLR's were north south. Northstars are a much better looking engine than an ls. Posted via Mobile Device

01-12-2013, 07:14 PM	#15
Yesca 71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Joplin, MO. Posts: 15	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? Gents i thank you for your responce. The northstar has been sold so i think ill go the ls direction. I saw a totaledroadmaster and heard those will work so i might go that direction.

01-13-2013, 01:20 PM	#16
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Cadillac Northstar V8 in my 71???? I hate to say this, but if you want a 32 valve DOHC V8 swap then your best bet is the Ford Modular engines. A 32 valve 5.4 out of a 99-04 Lincoln Navigator would be a good one and it would have that exotic dual overhead cam look. 300HP 355TQ is not too bad. Even then, 5.3/6.0 LS swap produces similar or more power and will be an easier swap. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande



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