The Northstar engine was Cadillac’s flagship engine for many years, but it has since been replaced by a newer generation of engines. The most recent replacement is the twin-turbo V8 that powers the CTS-V and ATS-V.
This engine is smaller, more powerful, and more efficient than the Northstar, making it the obvious choice to replace it.
If your Northstar engine is on its last legs, you may be wondering what kind of engine can replace it. There are a few options out there, but the best one depends on what you need and want from your new engine.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a replacement engine for your Northstar.
Do you want an engine that is similar in size and power? If so, then you might want to consider an LSx engine. LSx engines are often used as replacements for Northstars because they offer similar performance levels.
They’re also relatively easy to find and install, which makes them a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Are you looking for something more powerful? If so, then you might want to consider an aftermarket option like a turbocharged or supercharged LSx engine.
These engines can offer significantly more power than a stock LSx, which means they’re perfect for those who want to take their car’s performance to the next level. However, they can be more expensive and difficult to install than a stock LSx engine.
Bulletproof Northstar Engine
The Northstar engine is a General Motors performance engine. It was introduced in 1993 as a 4.6 L DOHC V8. The name comes from its location on the north side of GM’s Pontiac, Michigan assembly plant.
The original Northstar engine displaced 4.6 L (279 cu in) and produced 295 hp (220 kW) and 290 lb·ft (390 N·m) of torque. Subsequent variations increased displacement to 4.7 L (289 cu in), 5 L (305 cu in), and eventually 5.5 L (331 cu in).
Peak power output ranged from 300 hp (224 kW) to 320 hp (239 kW), depending on the model year and application.
Along with the increase in displacement, power was also increased by using different heads, intake manifolds, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, and exhaust systems among other changes.
The last version of the Northstar engine was used in the Cadillac DTS until 2011 and produced 302 hp (225 kW) at 6300 rpm and 322 lb·ft (435 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm while running on premium unleaded gasoline with variable valve timing.[1]
Credit: en.wikipedia.org
What Engine Replaced the Northstar Engine?
The Northstar engine was replaced by the GM LS engine. The LS engine is a small-block V8 engine that was produced by General Motors for use in high-performance vehicles.
The LS engine is based on the GM Small Block V8 platform and shares many components with other GM engines.
Can You Bulletproof a Northstar?
Yes, you can “bulletproof” a Northstar engine. The term “bulletproofing” generally refers to making an engine stronger and more durable, usually by increasing the size of key components or adding reinforcement in critical areas.
There are many ways to do this with a Northstar engine, and the specific modifications will depend on how the engine will be used.
For example, if the engine will be used for drag racing, different modifications would be made than if it were being used for endurance racing. In general, though, some common modifications made to bulletproof a Northstar engine include: -Installing larger pistons and rods
-Adding reinforcement to the block in key areas -Upgrading the cylinder heads and intake manifold -Installing a higher capacity oil pump
How Much Hp Can a Northstar Handle?
The Northstar engine is a high-performance V8 engine that was produced by General Motors from 1993 to 2011. The engine was notable for its use of aluminum construction, DOHC configuration, and its 4 valve per cylinder heads.
It was available in displacements of 4.0 L and 4.6 L, and was used in a variety of GM vehicles, including the Cadillac STS and CTS, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and Buick Riviera supercharged.
The Northstar engine was discontinued in 2011 due to declining sales of the vehicles it was used in. The Northstar engine is capable of producing up to 300 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. However, some versions of the engine have been modified to produce even more power.
For example, the Cadillac CTS-V uses a supercharged version of the Northstar engine that produces 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque.
What Year Did They Improve the Northstar Engine?
The Northstar engine was first introduced in the early 1990s and went through a few iterations before finally being improved in 2001.
The original engine had some reliability issues that were addressed in later models, but the biggest change came in 2001 when Cadillac significantly increased the power and torque output.
The result was an engine that could easily propel a large sedan like the Cadillac DTS to highway speeds without breaking a sweat.
While the Northstar engine is no longer used in new Cadillacs, it remains one of the most popular engines ever produced by GM.
Can the Cadillac Deville 4.6 Northstar engine come out through the top?
Conclusion
There are many engines that can replace a Northstar engine. Some of these engines include the LS series, the Ecotec series, and the Duramax diesel. Each of these engines has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right engine for your needs.
