larrybee

looking at a 05 caddy w/northstar engine w/only 17k on it. i've heard that in the past 90's thru 04 they have had some issues. how about 05 and later engines?? any northstar owners out there?? thanks for the help.

87SAM

Guessing this thread won't last long here in C5 gen. Try this forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/other-cars-24/

cdkcorvette7

PM a mod and ask them to move this. It'll probably be locked soon...

PHIL MEMPHIS

We just got rid of a 2004 SRX. Not impressed with the 4.6 motor. Very expensive to work on. Had several issues. Oil leaks, water pump, etc. Don't ever want another one.

Fast one

I have a 2000 Eldorado with 98,000 miles on and has the original water pump, no leaks but it does burn more oil than an LS1, newer northstars are much better.

RetiredSFC 97

I have a 99 STS with the 4.6 Northstar. So far everything is original. But it does have the oil consumption issue. A quart every 1200 miles or so. The oil pan gasket is about to need replaced as well, which is common. And it has the frontend shake somewhat, caused by bad rotors. Not bad though.

But other than that it's been one of the best cars I've ever had.

It's hard to find people who can/will work it and the dealers charge out the gazoo to work on them.

95K on it.

I have heard the newer Northstars don't have the oil consumption issue after everyone complained to GM so much about it. They fixed it, imagine that!

I will also say they have more power than one would think. Really good mid range torque. I get second gear rubber and it's a front wheel drive

phil hunter

I had a series of Cadillacs with the Northstar engine. A 1993 DTS, 1997 STS, 2000 STS and a 2004 STS. Never had an engine issue with any of them. No oil burning no water leaks, no engine issues of any kind. Personally, I'd have no concerns about the engine as long as it has been maintained properly.


Phil

RetiredSFC 97

The oil thing was kinda like the oil thing in the 01 vette.

Not all of them had it but they were prone to it. But I personally never knew anyone who had an early Northstar that didn't have the issue. Well now I know one.

jimb100

I had an 01 STS but I would never own one again. Lots of engine problems, lots of problems of all kinds from the starter motor to the tire pressure monitors to the wheel bearings. All within 60k miles. The car was at the Cadillac dealer at least once a month for years.

Got rid of it before the trans failed, another known issue.

LDB

My wife had 3 Northstar Caddys, my Dad also had 3, and a cousin had one. All were driven over 70,000 miles before trading. No drivetrain problems on any of them. They were properly maintained and were not driven particularly aggressively. But they were not babied either. I wouldn't be afraid of it. Like anything else, you will hear a few horror stories, and they are expensive to work on if they need work. But we certainly had good experiences with them.

phil hunter

RetiredSFC97,

I also have a 2001 Vette and it doesn't burn oil either. Guess I have been lucky, or the problems are overstated.
I quit buying the Cadillac STS when they dropped the Northstar in favor of a V6. Not enough engine for a car that heavy IMHO. Went with a Chrysler 300C instead.


Phil