C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Northstar or Aurora engine transplant?

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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 12:49 PM
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Default Northstar or Aurora engine transplant?

I really don't like starting topics like this but I've searched the archives, the net, and I still didn't find anything.

Does anyone have any experience (or know of someone that has) with swapping a Northstar or Aurora V-8 into a C-4?

I've been toying with the idea for awhile and although I think it's neat, if I continue to see ZR-1 prices fall, I think I'll opt for the original!! See, I'm killing my own thread before it gets the chance to start! :conehead I think I need therapy! :troll
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 01:16 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Here is a link:
http://members.tripod.com/~grannys/enginescadillac.html

Add:

[img] http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpower...ages/46_tc.jpg [/img]


[Modified by PeteL, 12:28 PM 2/16/2002]
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 01:33 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (PeteL)

Thank you! Just what I was looking for!
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 01:43 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Just curious why you would want to do such a thing. If you want something that makes power, go for torque not just HP. By the time you could rig that thing into your car you could easily install an LT1, or assuming you already have an LT1 you should already be able to take that Northstar, or if not you are only a few bolt ons away.

Is it just for the number of valves?
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 01:50 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (Nathan Plemons)


Yeah, just for the number of valves! All aluminum construction. Complexity. Individuality. I've got the opportunity to buy an 84 with no engine and I was looking for something a little different.

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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 05:39 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Intriguing idea. Would look awesome. However, I'd imagine the engine/drivetrain management conversion would be a bear.
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 05:48 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Now see that's different. I thought you were gonna try and put this in there in place of a factory engine. Since the one you are looking at doesn't have one, go for it. It would be different.
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 06:23 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (Nathan Plemons)

I would do it, it would be interesting. :smash:
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 06:37 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (jeffie86/96)

ZR1 drivetrains do pop up for sale on occasion(probably for close to $10000).
Why not wait for one. 405 Hp. Chevy setup. Easy to run a sixspeed behind. Would still be plenty original. :cheers:
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Old Feb 16, 2002 | 07:28 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant?

Anyone remember what an L98 with all attachments weights?


[Modified by PeteL, 6:30 PM 2/16/2002]
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 01:55 AM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (PeteL)

I think i might try one of the Syclone 4.3 turbo engines before id go with the Northstar :chevy
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 02:58 AM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (IBEAM700)

Thanks for all the posts.
A ZR-1 engine would be too expensive for this project.
The 84 was for $2000 and a $10,000 engine would be overkill.
It's all a moot point anyway, the 84 was sold before I got there.
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 08:54 AM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

It's all a moot point anyway, the 84 was sold before I got there.
That sux :mad
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 09:16 AM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Ford Cobra owners have been fighting over the 5.0L and 5.8L cast iron 16V version (1993-1995) ever since the higher power 32V aluminum motor was released in 1996. The 32V powerband is not what most american drivers want. If you want to downshift 3 gears every time you want a burst of power, buy a 944T or Supra that can generate huge high RPM HP with a new chip and muffler. You should stick with what you have or modify it. You could put a 425 HP 383 in it for way less money and effort. A C4 with a Northstar would be a nightmare to construct and in the end....a worthless, gutless vehicle. It wouldn't be significantly faster than a stock LT1 and it would have zero torque. The Northstar is not a ZR1 motor. You'd be better off trading your car for what you want....something different.
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 01:44 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (Rick93Z07)

Rick, you should have read all of my posts on this topic. The idea was to put a Northstar or Aurora in an 84 that did NOT have an engine.
A Northstar can be had for $2500, a 425HP 383 costs between $3-4K.
The Northstar may not be a ZR-1 motor and maybe that's why it doesn't cost $10-15K used.

As far as Ford Cobra 32v's go, that's what all the kids around here could get if they could afford them. There's one around here that will smoke all the iron horses that can pony up the money (pun intended). I think it's a stretch to say that the 32V powerband is not what "most" American drivers want.

As far as wanting something different, I believe a C4 with a Northstar would be exactly that. Look, to each his own, if I want something different then I'll make my own. Isn't that what American hot rodding is all about? I think I'll go look for a '38 Chevy coupe project and drop a 289 in it. I am so sick of seeing old Ford rods with SBC's!!!
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Old Feb 17, 2002 | 02:07 PM
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Default Re: Northstar or Aurora engine transplant? (64_365)

Too bad you lost the C4 body. $2,000 seems quite reasonable. I think it would have been a fun car and quite a conversation piece. If you eventually do it, be prepared to take a bit of heat from some people. Make sure you build it to your liking and the heck with them. For my C4 conversion, I went with an engine that only has 12v instead of the 32v you were thinking about.
Good luck. :)




[Modified by TurboVette, 1:16 PM 2/17/2002]
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