GM V-8 Engines

C

CharlesW

The Rainmaker
Do some of you folks have knowledge of what V-8 engines of GM are derived from another variation of the same basic motor?
In particular, I am wondering what other engines are spin-offs from the Cadillac NorthStar V-8.
I think some Oldsmobiles used a slightly different displacement of the same engine, but I don't know that for a fact.

Charles
 
CharlesW said:
Do some of you folks have knowledge of what V-8 engines of GM are derived from another variation of the same basic motor?
In particular, I am wondering what other engines are spin-offs from the Cadillac NorthStar V-8.
I think some Oldsmobiles used a slightly different displacement of the same engine, but I don't know that for a fact.

Charles
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I too would like some info and would like to hear from peoples experiences with GM V-8 engines.

In particular I want to learn more about the 400hp powerplant in the new 2005 Corvettes. :naughty
 
Dwayne said:
I too would like some info and would like to hear from peoples experiences with GM V-8 engines.

In particular I want to learn more about the 400hp powerplant in the new 2005 Corvettes. :naughty
Click to expand...
FWIW, the new Vette engine must have upset the weight distribution. The word on the street is that they go through rear tires almost as quickly as a viper. :)
Why in the world would anyone want a car with that much power!! :brick
 
The LS2 in the new Corvette is not all that much different from the LS1 (structure/layout-wise). It's a very similar layout with quite a few improvements. Here are the specifics....taken from another car forum.

"pre-2001 LS1-
346 ci OHV V8 (3.898 bore x 3.62 stroke)
10.2:1 compression
202/210 @ .05" duration, .496" lift, 116 LSA cam
26.4 lb/hr injectors (28.6 in '98)
305 hp rating (f-body), 350 hp rating (98-00 corvette), 345 hp rating (97 corvette)
LS1 intake manifold
LS1 heads
LS1 block

2001(+) LS1-
346 ci OHV V8 (3.898 bore x 3.62 stroke)
10.2:1 compression
198/197 @ .05" duration, .478" lift, 115 LSA cam (worse)
28.8 lb/hr injectors
310 hp rating (f-body), 350 hp rating (corvette)
LS6 intake manifold (better)
LS1 heads
LS1 block (mostly), but ~17% chance of having the stronger LS6 block

2001 LS6-
346 ci OHV V8 (3.898 bore x 3.62 stroke)
10.5:1 compression
204/211 @ .05" duration, ..525" lift, 117.5 LSA cam (better)
28.8 lb/hr injectors
385 hp rating
LS6 intake manifold
LS6 D-ported heads (better)
LS6 block (stronger webbing, better oiling, better bay-to-bay breathing)

2002+ LS6-
346 ci OHV V8 (3.898 bore x 3.62 stroke)
10.5:1 compression
204/218 @ .05" duration, .550" lift, 117.5 LSA cam (much better)
28.8 lb/hr injectors
405 hp rating
LS6 intake manifold
LS6 D-ported heads , longer & lighter valves
LS6 block

2005 LS2-
364 ci OHV V8 (4.00 bore x 3.62 stroke)
10.9:1 compression
204/211 @ .05" duration, .525" lift, 117.5 LSA cam (same as '01 LS6)
32.5 lb/hr injectors (better)
400 hp rating
LS2 intake manifold (slightly improved flow, runner length redesign for more mid torque, 90mm throttle body)
LS2 heads (duplicates of '01 LS6 heads)
LS2 block (LS6 + larger bore, redesigned oiling system, and various sensor relocation, 15 lbs lighter)"



Now, for the LT1. The biggest difference between the Corvette LT1 and the F-body LT1 is that the Corvette got 4-bolt mains, and the F-bodies got 2 bolt mains. The accessories are also on the driver side, whereas the F-bodies have them on the passenger side. Other than that, the engines are identical. Except of course, the exhaust manifolds. Any F-body LT1 that was replaced by GM got a 4-bolt main replacement.

The LT4 engine was found in the 1996 Corvettes...I'm pretty sure any 1996 Corvette with a 6 speed got one, along with the Grand Sports. They were also found in many of the 1997 SLP Camaro SS's and Firebird Firehawks.

For differences between the LT1 and LT4, go here:

http://www.grandsportregistry.com/lt1vslt4.htm
 
Hey Matt, all good information, but I would like to know about the NorthStar and its various siblings.
While the Chevy V-8 seems to be a proven thing, the NorthStar doesn't have quite that good of a reputation. I am wanting to know what other displacement of GM engines share the NorthStar technology, be it good or bad.

Charles
 
Northstar

The 3.5 V-6 in the Olds Intrigue/Aurora is a Nothstar sibling. They called it the "short star " at GM. I don't think that engine is being used by any GM products currently. I have one and find it to be an excellant engine. Good power and decent gas milage.
 
Gman said:
The 3.5 V-6 in the Olds Intrigue/Aurora is a Nothstar sibling. They called it the "short star " at GM. I don't think that engine is being used by any GM products currently. I have one and find it to be an excellant engine. Good power and decent gas milage.
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Hi Gman:
That engine is one I was wondering about. Your good experience is a plus for me, since an Intrigue is on the list of cars we are looking at for my adult daughter.
Several of my friends are in the car business and that series of motors is not too highly regarded in the used car circles. Because of that, I have been hesitant to recommend the Intrigue or Aurora to her. One of the comments made in reference to the 100,000 mile tune-up on the Cadillac is that most of them never last long enough to need a tune-up.:dunno
A suggestion made to me. To check on the reliability of an engine, call to see how many are available at the salvage yards. Good engines are plentiful, not so good engines are scarce because so many people need to buy them for replacement. Makes some sense, I guess. FWIW, Northstar engines are quite scarce.:)

Charles
 
I have 22,000 on a 2002 Intrigue and haven't had any problems yet! I am not a GM fan since a really bad experience with a 97 S-10 4.3 engine/ I had to have it repaired twice for coolant/ intake gasket problems and chevy said it wasn't their problem when vehicle was 4,000 over warranty.It cost $2500.00 to replace cooling system. I would not buy another GM product but must be honest and say I haven't had any real problems with this Intrigue and the car is nice to drive. Hope this helps.
 
Charles I think the opposite of that theory...the reason the engines aren't available is because they haven't been junked. I know a few GM dealers and sales managers and they all have the highest regards for the Northstars...would i wait 100k for a tune-up ..no way..would this lead people to not take care of an engine as well as they should, i definitely believe so.
As far as sibling engines..no idea...but i did recently find out that they using the Corvette engine in the new 2 seater Caddy and it's too much engine for the car...
I was also told that the Equinox we just bought will be Chevy's new staple of sales, but i would not recommend it unless you can live with poor gas mileage..rest of the vehicle is pretty good and it's awd and handles extremely well, but they totally over rated the mileage to expect...:dunno ....they told me to wait until it breaks in:nono ... we'll see:angry:
 
Poorboy said:
the reason the engines aren't available is because they haven't been junked.

I know a few GM dealers and sales managers and they all have the highest regards for the Northstars

but i did recently find out that they using the Corvette engine in the new 2 seater Caddy and it's too much engine for the car...
I was also told that the Equinox we just bought will be Chevy's new staple of sales, but i would not recommend it unless you can live with poor gas mileage..rest of the vehicle is pretty good and it's awd and handles extremely well, but they totally over rated the mileage to expect...:dunno ....they told me to wait until it breaks in:nono ... we'll see:angry:
Click to expand...
The engines that are being purchased are from wrecked late model vehicles, not really junk motors. They seem to have a waiting list for Northstars around this area.

As far as the dealers and sales managers, remember the 4-6-8 fiasco that Cadillac had about 20 years or so ago? Not to pick on the dealers, but they receive so much brain washing from GM that they still think the Vega and the Citation were good cars. :)

As far as the Corvette engine in the Caddy, 400 HP sounds about right for me.:D

Since I haven't been in the market for a new car, I'm really not familiar with the Equinox, but GM would never give you any incorrect information. Well, maybe they might if it meant you would buy a car. It's unfortunate that the mileage isn't what you were led to believe it would be. It's very unlikely that it will be much better when broken in.

Keep in mind that driving 12,000 miles a year, a couple of miles per gallon less is still only going to cost you about $110 to $120 extra per year. If you enjoy the car otherwise, you'll get used to the gas consumption.:)

One reason I don't go look at new cars is the fact that every time, and I do mean every, I go look, I end up buying. Even if I go with a friend, I'm the one that ends up with the new car. My solution, I don't go looking.

Charles
 
CharlesW

Im not really a chevy guy myself (Having a brother who's a ford tech has its advantages) However being that as it may in my honest opinion your best bet would be to try and talk to one of the techs! Im sure they would be your best source for the info your looking for! Lastly I am a firm beleiver in saying if you take care of it, it will last! doing the proper maintnance and you will get a lifetime out of it!
 
Focusedonsound said:
Lastly I am a firm beleiver in saying if you take care of it, it will last! doing the proper maintnance and you will get a lifetime out of it!
Click to expand...

Ditto. Not always true, but the majority of the time this is the case. It kills me to see people who complain and whine about poor craftsmanship on their car at 40,000 miles and they have never once changed the oil. I believe, most of the time, you will get out of a car what you put into it maintenance-wise.

Good luck with finding your daughter a car Charles!!
 
I think

outside of Cadillac - the pre 2000 Olds Aurora used a scaled down version of the Northstar V-8 and as mentioned the Intrigue but only on later models (past 98 I think) were they standard on all intrgues -

great lil engine - had what is called a "limp home" feature that if the engine was damaged in any way (loss of coolant or what ever) it would operated still in so you could "limp home" to get it to a repair shop.
 
Mine's too old: '89 Coupe Deville 4.5 L V8, replaced the plagued 4.1, predecesor to the 4.5 and then the Northstar
 
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