C4 Northstar AWD Swap
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
C4 Northstar AWD Swap
Hello all, I’m very new to the corvette world but I’ve really fallen in love with my C4, and just have a stupid idea. I like driving the thing, daily it whenever I can, but the 84 already has a lackluster engine, trans, and rear end. I’m wanting to swap in the necessary drivetrain components out of an 07/08 V8 SRX to make an incredibly fuel efficient, quicker, 6-Speed AWD Corvette that I could take wherever, whenever. Right now I’m still in the brainstorming phase without a doubt, so I was just looking for any type of pointers anyone could give me. Thanks all!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I get it’ll be a pain, and obviously yeah I won’t be making any big moves till I’m ready. I plan on acquiring more of a beater C4 with either the money from or a trade for this 09 civic I’ve got. Better, less valuable candidate for a teardown as the first experiment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
Hello all, I’m very new to the corvette world but I’ve really fallen in love with my C4, and just have a stupid idea. I like driving the thing, daily it whenever I can, but the 84 already has a lackluster engine, trans, and rear end. I’m wanting to swap in the necessary drivetrain components out of an 07/08 V8 SRX to make an incredibly fuel efficient, quicker, 6-Speed AWD Corvette that I could take wherever, whenever. Right now I’m still in the brainstorming phase without a doubt, so I was just looking for any type of pointers anyone could give me. Thanks all!
The C4 is very good at a few things. And that means it's not as versatile as other platforms. It's probably the best bang for your buck auto cross car there is. It even makes an ok drag car. I think it's an amazing street car. All of those things are perfectly well suited for RWD. If you search on the forum there have been a lot of crazy and very successful swaps done. Hell years ago I remember a guy who pulled an LT4 out of a blown up 96 grand sport and swapped in a turbo diesel 6 cylinder. He even drove it to Corvettes at Carlisle.
Making it AWD just wouldn't be worth it. But doing a motor swap with a big turbo, nitrous or a supercharger has all been done and is very worth it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I have to question the choice of a Northstar. Take a look at the number of engine failures. They are common to have blown head gaskets. The cure is not a simple head gasket change, but rather it is from the studs/bolts that go into the block. Over time and corrosion the internal threads don't have enough support for their loading and many times requires a new motor. ( I had this problem on a Cadillac I had briefly.)
The swap is an interesting idea, but I would choose something that is more common and has had good results like another small block, an LS engine, etc.
Good luck.
The swap is an interesting idea, but I would choose something that is more common and has had good results like another small block, an LS engine, etc.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 568
From: Carterville Il
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The Northstar wasn't exactly GMs best, most reliable motor......I would think there are better options. Drop in a new LS motor, less headache.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
I have an LQ9 with a 4L80e all with a PCM and stand alone harness for sale on my eBay store and in the forum parts for sale section right now if you're interested. I would sell it less here than eBay...just saying.
It would be way more reliable than a Northstar. And you could make way more power.
It would be way more reliable than a Northstar. And you could make way more power.
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I have to question the choice of a Northstar. Take a look at the number of engine failures. They are common to have blown head gaskets. The cure is not a simple head gasket change, but rather it is from the studs/bolts that go into the block. Over time and corrosion the internal threads don't have enough support for their loading and many times requires a new motor. ( I had this problem on a Cadillac I had briefly.)
The swap is an interesting idea, but I would choose something that is more common and has had good results like another small block, an LS engine, etc.
Good luck.
The swap is an interesting idea, but I would choose something that is more common and has had good results like another small block, an LS engine, etc.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I have an LQ9 with a 4L80e all with a PCM and stand alone harness for sale on my eBay store and in the forum parts for sale section right now if you're interested. I would sell it less here than eBay...just saying.
It would be way more reliable than a Northstar. And you could make way more power.
It would be way more reliable than a Northstar. And you could make way more power.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 400
From: DFW TX