Would this even be possible? Just curious.

 

Anything is possible...........................if you've got the $$$.

 

Not worth it, too small CID. Youd need to do like the Mustang boys do and supercharge it to get it to really move.

 

yeah but would it bolt up to the 700R4? They make a RWD version now and its considered a GM small block (281ci). I'm not going to do it, just wondering if it were possible.

I hear you can bore the engine out to 5.4 L and since its a 32 valve V8 I think it could make a lot of power. Sounds kinda like the LT5 a little bit. With a supercharger alone it made 469 HP in the V-STS.

 

since when is the Northstar considered a "small block?"

It's a totally different engine architecture. Gee... it has double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder. It is the son of the LT5, actually.

I am sure it would fit... but it would be a real bitch to make work.... I don't know anything about it's dimentions, so I don't know how easy or hard it would be to fit.

There are easier options.

As an aside, the Northstar puts out nearly 320 hp.... it is NOT a pig... but yes, to get more power out of it would require a blower.

And all this adds up to one thing... CUBIC MONEY.

 

Not a C4, but Cadillac XLR is in essence a Corvette

http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...lr&seo=goo_xlr

Would make me think you would have some of the same, and more, problems you have when trying to put a LSX into a C4...

 

Different bellhousing pattern (actually there are Two patterns, depending on what application the motor is from - one is identical to the 2.8/3.1/3.4 V6 pattern). Neither matches up to the older style GM (like 700R4) stuff used in the C4's, although there are adapter plates available, both for the block/bellhousing and for the flywheel/convertor. The starter motor is located top center in the V between the cylinders, making supercharging more of a challenge. The oil pan is a stressed member - a cradle also comprising the main bearing caps. Oil pan Clearance in the C-4 frame is a problem, and it won't be possible to just swap pans..

As an Oh-by the way: The four wheel drive version of the Cadillac SUV is interesting - the front diff is built into the engine oil pan. With a Lot of work (complete new fabricated front clip) you could have a Four wheel drive C4.

The Northstar is a variable cam timing motor. There are two separate engine controllers (ECM's), one just for the cam and valvetrain stuff. Interfacing with the C4 wiring will be a tough task.

All of that said, there is stuff out there - guys who are hotrodding these motors. I had a link to a site where they were using Northstar's in sand rails - making pretty impressive horsepower doing it...look around online - you'll find it.

Of course, GM has already Done the work for you - just buy a new Cadillac XLR and pull the drivetrain out of it for your swap. There must be one wrecked in a bone-yard Someplace.

 

As far as dimensions go, it is slightly bigger than a 3.8L v6 found in Buicks. I know this because its a popular mod to take the Northstar and tranny out of a FWD Cadillac and it bolts right up.

Now I didnt realize all the tecnical specs about the oil pan and such, so yeah i'm sure it would be a total B to get it in there.

 

The bolt pattern is a non issue. If you are going through the time and money for a custom engine swap, fabbing a bellhousing adapter is small potatoes.

 

I've personally seen one in a Fiero, so putting one in a Vette must be possible.