The NorthStar is another example of “what might’ve been “ had it been right from the beginning. By the time GM had the issues resolved it was already too late to ever overcome the horrible reputation that it had. There needs to be a list of the top ten “What might’ve been “ engines. I’m looking forward to this build.
Yep, GM really messed up with the Olds diesel and northstar. If they had both been fixed from the beginning, GM would most likely be in a better position now. Diesels might be popular still
Ya that's like the "LS" big blocks the vortec 8100 and LS7(i know it has small block crank, can be stroked to 8L makes it big block family). Neither got the engineering love that the LS 4.8/5.3/6~2 had. The 8100 was little more then a proof of concept, literally called a boat anchor because the whole thing was cast the heads/intake/exhaust manifold, even the damn water pump was cast, soooo heavy. Then the LS7 went the other way all aluminum really light...but a well advertised valve drop issue then no one wants one. At least with the latter people saw the obvious potential and got to work like this guy is. It really is to bad the 8.1l never really got after market support the way an AMERICAN GM big block should, more then likely a fuel economy thing I'd guess.
I get bored watching guys opening boxes and bolting parts together. Your way of blazing different trails and creating the parts to get to where you're going is very entertaining. You and your dad are true craftsmen. I like the classical music too!!
As someone who was a mechanic in early to mid 2000s I loved this engine, I made so much overtime. Most of the time it was a elderly person who went 10000+ miles on a oil change and brought it in due to engine being noisy. To check and see oil was very low and black with glitter. Maintenace/ checking oil levels is super important but over looked. I use to add about 1/2 - 1 quart after the full reading for anyone elderly or who was unlikely to check oil. In my experience if maintained 250,000 miles no problems. Years and years ago I helped put one together to go into a Fiero. For its time it was fast low 12s car due to traction issues. Awesome video
I loved doing fuel system services on them when they were owned elderly folks. The carbon buildup would make for a John Force burnout style smoke show when taking the car for a road test! 😂😂😂
I worked at a gm dealership in 1998-2000 and we mainly serviced Cadillacs and H1 Hummers ( go figure) . I was the upholstery guys helper at the time . I can't tell you how many of these Northstar Cadillacs we had engine problems with back then . I remember they had a coolant conditioner that was pellet based ,and a special fuel system additive. I rode in a lot of trunks trying to find rattles and squeaks . Also I was the test driver .The techs would just go have me floor them on the freeway until they stopped smoking from the fuel system additive . The Bose sound systems were nice though .
@ALR74 and with total deadpan expression like he is completely serious and saving us the trouble of searching for parts that don't exist lol... because he is.
@@Room1sixtyfivedefinitely would be insanely fast. But why do all that work to the worst jeep ever made. Just a rebodied fiat. I guess that is the fun in it, but damn haha
GM actually fixed the head bolt and head gasket issues with the LH2 in 2004-2005 and NorthStar Performance also makes performance valve springs that’ll allow the engine to rev up to 8,000 rpm on stock cams and TimmyC also makes a larger 85mm ported TB
This a fascinating engine swap, GM spent a lot of time and money developing Northstar and its racing program, it would be nice to have access to their race program information.
They often create engines with amazing potential, but for one reason or another, be it a technical/design flaw that could've been easily fixed or sometimes the economic costs...and they end up 'fumbling the bag' real bad. The Blackwing 4.2 twin turbo is another great engine which I think has plenty of potential, but sadly, at 20k per engine, GM deemed it too expensive.
I own a 4.6 STS in Poland. It is very rare car in Europe, so not even a chance to stumble upon any tuning project with LH2 here. Great to watch you guys getting all the potential out of this engine. Can't wait for final result
Your killing me bro I need you to post more about this bro I'm trying to build my LH2 and I'm learning a lot more about the capabilities of this engine watching your channel I'm routing for you!! ❤🎉
The Caddy bellhousing can be swapped out to a 2 wheel drive Chevy 6L80 between 06-09, Depending on the year of your LH2, 2010-2015 6L80 can be reflashed to the engine computer of the same year, or maybe use, HP tuners? Good luck on the build...can’t wait to see it finished and rippin
Calvin, the stuff you and your dad do is amazing. I ran a custom exhaust shop for the better part of 20 years. The quality of your work would of been matched only by my top fabricator. Me. You definitely have some skills my friend. Not only can you design and fab your own parts, you actually understand the inner workings. Your not just a parts installer. We need more guys like you to keep our love of racing alive.
I had an Oldsmobile Aroura for a while a long time ago. It had a smaller 4.0 Northstar engine in it sideways for fwd. She pulled hard and gained rpm fast. Can't wait to see this build Calvin.
The reason why the 6l80 tailshaft doesn't bolt up is because that transmission is a 6l50 6l50 were found in 2wd and awd sts. Sts-v had the 6l80 but only in rwd configuration
I always wondered why nobody built the Northstars, they seemed like great platforms to start from....glad to see somebody doing it right on RUclips where I can watch along!!
The sand rail guys did from the start. All aluminum engine that was putting out 100 HP more than a 302 or 305. In the late '90s they were getting 400 + to the wheels naturally aspirated with comparatively primitive tuning. It is easy to spot one by sound, they don't sound anything like a Ford or Chevy.
The complete lack of drama and bs on this channel is refreshing Calvin, and your shameless inability to think inside the box is astounding. Keep it up brother, I'm here for it. ✌🇦🇺
I can not state enough how well the classical music went with the video ! 👌😎👍 Looking forward to this crazy build. I totally understand the long time dilemma. It's the same for every new project that has no precedent or very little in the way of parts and resources. I imagine it was the same with the ATLAS platform at some point in time. Good luck and keep us posted. ✌️
I’m sure offering those one off parts to the public will help fund anything you need for this build haha . I was hoping to see a manual trans setup but I’m still interested to know what these engines can do !
Me too, 4 years ago my roommate bought a 40k mile pullout from an STS-V for $400. Can't touch the blower for that much now.. he had aspirations to put it into an S10 mini truck build with a manual but we couldn't figure out how to make it work with anything off the shelf so we were stuck with the 6l80 that came with it.
@@malaukcrysis You can use the 60 degree V6 bell housing from a camaro or S10 with minor modification to one mounting hole and starter clearance. Do a search, flywheels are available. McLeod made mine.
@@flyoverstateresident2890 Northstar Performance has the solution for that. If not, we have some other things up our sleeves (pun intended). Stay tuned.
13:58 who remember's the People's jewelry commercials from the 90s that used this specific part of the song for their advertisements? Someone make a time machine please so I can go back to the GOLDEN age of the West. The 90s.
Can't wait to hear this engine run. should flow really well with DOHC and should rev pretty high. Great work as always. Good to see your Dad back at it
If you need to suregrip head stud tools for redoing the head bolts to his studs I have the tools you can barrow. I had a Northstar in a rock crawler buggy. I think they are a highly overlooked engine. I will definitely fallow this. Pretty cool.
I ran into a facebook marketplace listing in Caldwell. ID , twin turbo Northstar motor with intercooler and radiator, comes with fuel system electronics. Couldn't help but think of you guys and your project, can't say I have seen one listed for sale before.
You and your dad are true pioneers. Breaking the mold and doing the impossible, I absolutely love it. I think it's gonna be amazing. Can't wait to see it passing coyotes on the track.
"Now, this may sound ridiculous... but no one makes a kit to mount a Saturn III booster to the rear bumper of an '87 AMC Gremlin. So, we had to make one ourselves... and I think it came out pretty decent."
Im exited for this build! Im building one for my vega with a t5 trans. Not sure about the rwd engines but the exhaust cams are rather short duration on fwd motors. I'm going to use intake cams in their place and tighten up the LSA some for better power. Keep up the good work!
@michaelbush4741 you're putting a northstar in a truck? .. cool! Are you using 1 from front or rear drive?The engine I'm using is from a front wheel drive, so the water pump is driven off the left bank's intake cam. The extra length where the pump pully sits needs to be cut off so it will sit where the existing exhaust cam sits. You can do this with an angle grinder. Anyway, the cam lobes are in the same relationship on intake and exhaust cams, just are timed different. The exhaust cams on the cady have smaller lift and duration. (Probably a emissions thing) if you install a set of intake cams in place of the small exhaust ones the engine will clear out the exhaust better and allow more air fuel in. More hp. Make sure to time the cams to the exhaust cams specs. Not sure if you can use the ls computer with the 04 motor. If your northstar has 2 crank sensors, it can't read the trigger wheel. If it has only 1 crank it already uses the same ls computer
Man, I don't usually get too excited for builds on RUclips. But damn, I've always wondered the potential of the northstar in a performance manner. Guess we'll be finding out.
I'll be watching with keen interest. As a long-time Fiero owner, I've seen several NorthStar swaps. But in the Fiero, it's a challenging swap with very little room for "activities". It'll be cool to see where Calvin can take it.
You guys have incredible patience , creativity and drive. You give hope to those of us that can get overwhelmed at the amount of fabrication that is needed.
I like your content on this very original build. But I would to see content on the fabrication of the parts your building. Thanks and keep the cool original builds.
I’m watching this video right now and I love it. I have a 2 Wheel Dr., Cadillac SRX it is a 2005 and the north star is put in there correctly. It is the only one I’ve ever seen really excited for this project.
The progress you’re making on this project is excellent! I’ve been waiting for this update video and your project is going to be extremely awesome when completed. I’ve always liked the Northstar ever since I read an article about it in Hot Rod magazine way back in the early 2000’s. It’s nice to see the Cadillac Northstar platform getting some love.
Fantastic build sir your skill set and knowledge to turn something every mechanic called the worst GM engine ever made into this monster is truly an art. This man knows his stuff folks! The force is strong with this one! Keep up the good work sir! Impressive!
I love this! I'm trying to build a car with a Northstar in Germany. I believe the open deck design will run into problems after 700bhp. No need for 700bhp in Germany though. They'd lock you up if you took it on the streets.
This is an insane project. I really hope it goes to plan. I have 4 Cadillac Northstar cylinder heads in my dorm room that I'm slowly swapping parts between during my off-times at school. I look forward to having the time and resources to do my own projects like this.
Love these fox bodies. Hate the starter position and head bolts ondy northstar engine but, it can be righted with modifications. Keep an eye ondy water pump too
You are one very switched on and dedication to innovation young fella, at 70 you inspire me to do better. looking forward to seeing this one booggy. Eddie Australia.
Great go! Hope you get an awesome startup. This CAN outperform the ecoboost it terms of power per cube versus fuel burn. And that's a massive statement. While most are playing the the "big block" GM "ecoboost" known as a cyclone, your bushwacking new trails. Absolutely highest marks for fabricating in your own garage with your dad. Just American as it gets. Really do hope you earn Shelby or Yenko status for this kind of work!
I love that you're building this engine. The way I see it, So Much Potential. With turbos in endurance racing it made 650. I hope you get at least that. Im excited to see the coming videos. Keep up the good work
Ha we’re first. “This is gunna sound ridiculous but nobody makes this for ________” -Calvin naming some extremely obscure engine and car combination no one has ever seen or thought was possible. 🤣
@@Calvin-Nelsonwasn't there a place called Northstar performance that used to build these kits to put in older hotrods? I could've sworn I've seen adapters for the Northstar to a traditional automatic. Isn't the Bell housing pattern the same as the series 2 3800?
@Nivlac57 Thanks for working on this engine 😊 I have done some performance work with the LH2 in my STS-4 and love it! Delta Cams will regrind the stock cams and has a few good profiles, however, make sure he knows it's a new style roller cam or he won't do a Northstar cam. The stock LH2 intake was designed for torque and the plenum design restricts upper RPM. You'll see that the plenum is fed by the inlet duct with a 90 degree bend, and there is a lot of area the plenum can be expanded to upwards and back. I cut a 1/2" wide by 12" slit in the bottom of the intake and used that as access to hog out the plenum area from the front all the way to the back. I then 3D printed a dome shaped cap to close off the rear of the intake with epoxy and pop-rivets holding it. I then sealed off the bottom of the intake with a piece of steel that was 3" by 15", also using epoxy and pop-rivets. This intake has been tested to above 20 psi 😉 Hit me up, I have lots to chat about the LH2 and ECUs.
I dislike the northstar motor. But. I’m seriously interested in seeing what you come up with. Keep it up. Twin alternators should be good for 800 horsewatts. love the content 😁👍
I love all of the alternate engine builds and discovery of limitations. The Atlas and Northstar are both under valued. Same as the Mercedes M-120 V-12 and some "high feature" motors from the late 80s/early 90s. It doesn't have to be LS/Coyote/Big block all the time.
Same. For me it's the Subaru EA71. Which everyone says can't make over 100HP, but I have one making 125 HP, naturally aspirated. The cars these go in weigh under 2000 lbs so 125 HP is quite a lot, especially from an engine that only made 67 HP originally. I'm in the middle of building one that should make 150+ HP and rev to 8500+ RPM. People say that the single ports for intake and exhaust restrict the HP potential, but then don't realize that the ports are double the size of a normal intake or exhaust port, and only one cylinder is pulling air/fuel through or pushing exhaust out at one time. The ports on the EA71 are larger than some V8 intake and exhaust ports. What restricts the HP potential is the stupid intake manifold that necks down to under half an inch tall where the carburetor mounts. Get rid of it and put twin Holley 1904 1 barrels or twin Rochester B-type carbs on adapters right over the intake ports, and the flow problem is solved. My friend does the same type of thing with the Oldsmobile 5.7 diesel. He's currently building a turbocharged one with billet splayed bolt main caps, a custom billet crank, big block Chevy rods, custom steel pistons, custom Cometic MLS head gaskets, ARP head studs, and every other performance part that you can think of. He's using the late model DX block with the early pencil injector heads that don't crack. He thinks it should be good for around 450 HP with a custom built injection pump using the head and rotor from the Peninsular 6.2 marine diesel. A GM engine I always thought was overlooked was the Cosworth Vega engine. I always thought that engine with a Darton sleeved block would be capable of some huge power numbers naturally aspirated, given that the cylinder head is directly based on the Cosworth DFV Formula 1 engine.
It really was a design flaw. The head bolts would pull the threads out of the block by themselves. There's no maintenance to prevent bad thread design.
That’s correct they did pull the thread, but was it cause of the design or aluminum? Maybe the steel of the head bolt or even bolt width. I have seen bolts bottom out and even hydraulically lock in engines, but the Northstar corroded due to wrong antifreeze and lack of maintenance. I was drilling and tapping these bigger before the aftermarket caught on. Studs help as well along with thread sealer, not silicon or antiseize
@@firstrespondergarageif "wrong coolant" can cause your head bolts to pull threads, I would 100% still consider that a design flaw. There's no reason for head bolts to be that finicky. Combine that with the fact there is always going to be some amount of corrosion in a cooling system. It's a valid criticism of the engine platform imo.
Man enjoy every minute of working with your dad..l am a master carpenter and had a chance to work beside my father for over 25 years..God bless you both and great work..
What a cool build, you guys are dedicated. Not many people would start a project like this knowing they will have to custom fabricate every part they need. Super excited to follow along!
This is so sick! Also your channel deserves sooo many more subs. I've always said the Northstar is underrated and people always scoff. Excited to see what this does!
Excellent presentation. Thank you. Really looking forward to this series. It is nice to see different things being done with different configurations in a "home shop" environment.
Big problem with the Northstar is that they pull the head bolt threads out of the block naturally aspirated. It's only gonna be worse under boost. I was a tech at a Cadillac dealership for years in the 2000s. We had 3 techs that all they did all day is pull Northstar engines and install head certs in the blick
I’m extremely excited. Single turbo takes a bit more time to link together so twins makes sense. I unfortunately have space constraints and can only fit one on my m112 Mazda truck b2200 build. Thanks for posting this. Keeps me moving forward on my project because I felt like giving up as no parts are available for my build and everything is hand built.
Your craftsmanship skills are amazing. I hope the parts you developed can be sold to others who may be interested. The trans adapter and exhaust flange designs and or parts would be super helpful to others. Great job! Can’t wait to see more.
Great video. I always loved Frankenstein cars. Was a dream of mine when I was younger to own a junkyard and just build crazy stuff like this. Keep making these crazy builds. Can’t wait to see it run!
Btw u can also bolt the Eaton m122 blower on that motor also very easily. Check out the Cadillac xlr-v 4.4l supercharged Northstar an the Cadillac sts-v also has the 4.4l supercharged Northstar and both make close to 500hp from the factory
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
The NorthStar is another example of “what might’ve been “ had it been right from the beginning. By the time GM had the issues resolved it was already too late to ever overcome the horrible reputation that it had. There needs to be a list of the top ten “What might’ve been “ engines.
I’m looking forward to this build.
That would be a cool list
Yep, GM really messed up with the Olds diesel and northstar. If they had both been fixed from the beginning, GM would most likely be in a better position now. Diesels might be popular still
Ya that's like the "LS" big blocks the vortec 8100 and LS7(i know it has small block crank, can be stroked to 8L makes it big block family). Neither got the engineering love that the LS 4.8/5.3/6~2 had. The 8100 was little more then a proof of concept, literally called a boat anchor because the whole thing was cast the heads/intake/exhaust manifold, even the damn water pump was cast, soooo heavy. Then the LS7 went the other way all aluminum really light...but a well advertised valve drop issue then no one wants one. At least with the latter people saw the obvious potential and got to work like this guy is. It really is to bad the 8.1l never really got after market support the way an AMERICAN GM big block should, more then likely a fuel economy thing I'd guess.
@@Calvin-NelsonI was wondering if this engine would be runnning
@@joshuaelizabethfoster6276you forgot the LSX 454, the 523 and the 623
I get bored watching guys opening boxes and bolting parts together. Your way of blazing different trails and creating the parts to get to where you're going is very entertaining. You and your dad are true craftsmen. I like the classical music too!!
Dig the classical track and the tech driven work too!
As someone who was a mechanic in early to mid 2000s I loved this engine, I made so much overtime. Most of the time it was a elderly person who went 10000+ miles on a oil change and brought it in due to engine being noisy. To check and see oil was very low and black with glitter. Maintenace/ checking oil levels is super important but over looked. I use to add about 1/2 - 1 quart after the full reading for anyone elderly or who was unlikely to check oil. In my experience if maintained 250,000 miles no problems. Years and years ago I helped put one together to go into a Fiero. For its time it was fast low 12s car due to traction issues. Awesome video
I loved doing fuel system services on them when they were owned elderly folks. The carbon buildup would make for a John Force burnout style smoke show when taking the car for a road test! 😂😂😂
Great until you blew a head gasket or sensors went out, which they frequently did.
What rpm could that Fiero build turn? I bet that motor sounded good at WOT in the higher revs
I got to drive a Fiero with a Northstar swap. Stupid fun. That is how GM should have built that car.
I worked at a gm dealership in 1998-2000 and we mainly serviced Cadillacs and H1 Hummers ( go figure) . I was the upholstery guys helper at the time . I can't tell you how many of these Northstar Cadillacs we had engine problems with back then . I remember they had a coolant conditioner that was pellet based ,and a special fuel system additive. I rode in a lot of trunks trying to find rattles and squeaks . Also I was the test driver .The techs would just go have me floor them on the freeway until they stopped smoking from the fuel system additive . The Bose sound systems were nice though .
Can't wait for more videos on the Northstar! Please continue the build!
Just came to the comments to see if I missed an update
How many times did Calvin say: This may sound ridiculous but no one makes one of these. So we made our own.
Stellar work family! Mom is in on it too😊
He says it so many time you could make a drinking game out of it, take a shot every time he says this may sound rediculos 🤣
I literally laughed out loud every time he said that. Lol
@ALR74 and with total deadpan expression like he is completely serious and saving us the trouble of searching for parts that don't exist lol... because he is.
And he doesn’t just make parts/adapters they are works of art!
Screw the purists! Can't wait to see it up and running!
this and that v10 lincoln are my two favorite builds on youtube right now, great work
Watching the 10 Lincoln project also😊
As much as I love putting a 4v v10 into a modern lincoln, I cant help but want to put a 2v in a 60s lincoln.
I feel like a 2v or 3v v10 in a 70’s Lincoln would make for a nice driving resto mod
Yeah, also look up for the Jeep Renegade HEMI swap...
@@Room1sixtyfivedefinitely would be insanely fast. But why do all that work to the worst jeep ever made. Just a rebodied fiat. I guess that is the fun in it, but damn haha
GM actually fixed the head bolt and head gasket issues with the LH2 in 2004-2005 and NorthStar Performance also makes performance valve springs that’ll allow the engine to rev up to 8,000 rpm on stock cams and TimmyC also makes a larger 85mm ported TB
This a fascinating engine swap, GM spent a lot of time and money developing Northstar and its racing program, it would be nice to have access to their race program information.
Heck yeah. That would be really cool. Lots of smart people worked on this program.
You can thank the 90s LT5 for the design. There is a LT6 and soon LT7 coming
They often create engines with amazing potential, but for one reason or another, be it a technical/design flaw that could've been easily fixed or sometimes the economic costs...and they end up 'fumbling the bag' real bad.
The Blackwing 4.2 twin turbo is another great engine which I think has plenty of potential, but sadly, at 20k per engine, GM deemed it too expensive.
I own a 4.6 STS in Poland. It is very rare car in Europe, so not even a chance to stumble upon any tuning project with LH2 here. Great to watch you guys getting all the potential out of this engine. Can't wait for final result
If he runs that exhast out the back that will be one hell of a sleeper
As someone that has a couple Northstars laying around and a 92 Coupe DeVille waiting for a rebuild / RWD conversion, you gained a sub!
Your killing me bro I need you to post more about this bro I'm trying to build my LH2 and I'm learning a lot more about the capabilities of this engine watching your channel I'm routing for you!! ❤🎉
It all takes time man. Wish I had more time to devote to it. It's back in the garage getting work done, so updates are coming.
The Caddy bellhousing can be swapped out to a 2 wheel drive Chevy 6L80 between 06-09,
Depending on the year of your LH2, 2010-2015 6L80 can be reflashed to the engine computer of the same year, or maybe use, HP tuners? Good luck on the build...can’t wait to see it finished and rippin
I just need more of your videos. I love the “oddball” engine builds.
Calvin, the stuff you and your dad do is amazing. I ran a custom exhaust shop for the better part of 20 years. The quality of your work would of been matched only by my top fabricator. Me. You definitely have some skills my friend. Not only can you design and fab your own parts, you actually understand the inner workings. Your not just a parts installer. We need more guys like you to keep our love of racing alive.
I had an Oldsmobile Aroura for a while a long time ago. It had a smaller 4.0 Northstar engine in it sideways for fwd. She pulled hard and gained rpm fast. Can't wait to see this build Calvin.
So did the Shelby series 1 by Carroll himself
I have a 2001 Aurora with the 4.0 Northstar. Bought new in 2000. NO HEAD GASKET TROUBLE AT ALL!!!
The reason why the 6l80 tailshaft doesn't bolt up is because that transmission is a 6l50
6l50 were found in 2wd and awd sts.
Sts-v had the 6l80 but only in rwd configuration
I always wondered why nobody built the Northstars, they seemed like great platforms to start from....glad to see somebody doing it right on RUclips where I can watch along!!
They do but it's mostly geared towards the drag scene. There's a handful of aftermarket for it
Headgasket issues plagued the early designs due to too small head bolts.. There are headstuds available for them now.
The sand rail guys did from the start. All aluminum engine that was putting out 100 HP more than a 302 or 305. In the late '90s they were getting 400 + to the wheels naturally aspirated with comparatively primitive tuning. It is easy to spot one by sound, they don't sound anything like a Ford or Chevy.
Looking forward to seeing this build!
The complete lack of drama and bs on this channel is refreshing Calvin, and your shameless inability to think inside the box is astounding. Keep it up brother, I'm here for it. ✌🇦🇺
Excited about this can't wait to see it done
I can not state enough how well the classical music went with the video ! 👌😎👍
Looking forward to this crazy build.
I totally understand the long time dilemma.
It's the same for every new project that has no precedent or very little in the way of parts and resources.
I imagine it was the same with the ATLAS platform at some point in time.
Good luck and keep us posted. ✌️
Yep. This is what we do! It's just an engine
I agree about the music selections. Two thumbs up. 👍👍
I’m sure offering those one off parts to the public will help fund anything you need for this build haha . I was hoping to see a manual trans setup but I’m still interested to know what these engines can do !
Me too, 4 years ago my roommate bought a 40k mile pullout from an STS-V for $400. Can't touch the blower for that much now.. he had aspirations to put it into an S10 mini truck build with a manual but we couldn't figure out how to make it work with anything off the shelf so we were stuck with the 6l80 that came with it.
The only thing stopping me from using a northstar in my el camino is the lack of a real manual option.
@@malaukcrysis You can use the 60 degree V6 bell housing from a camaro or S10 with minor modification to one mounting hole and starter clearance. Do a search, flywheels are available. McLeod made mine.
Awesome tool, pops is very skilled! It's exciting to see someone doing an unprecedented build
for this alone i needed to subscribe i need to see this thing run
Love the classical music in the montage! Btw, love watching your stuff. Great fabrication and wonderful outcomes. Thanks for the content!
Thank you Sir.
The north star. Guiding us through life since the beginning. What a name for a motor
What do the Coyotes howl to? The Northstar! Lol
@@Calvin-Nelson hahaha
Head gaskets like to blow.
@@flyoverstateresident2890 Northstar Performance has the solution for that. If not, we have some other things up our sleeves (pun intended). Stay tuned.
@@flyoverstateresident2890 everyone already knows that.
This is gonna be awsome! Can't wait to see the next video
Im building my own project and im amazed at how fast you guys can put stuff together.
That is so tough. I dig it.
When this thing is done you need to sell shirts with a picture of the car and “sounds ridiculous” printed on it
13:58 who remember's the People's jewelry commercials from the 90s that used this specific part of the song for their advertisements? Someone make a time machine please so I can go back to the GOLDEN age of the West. The 90s.
Can't wait to hear this engine run. should flow really well with DOHC and should rev pretty high. Great work as always. Good to see your Dad back at it
Awesome! I can't wait to see this thing rip!
I've always thought these engines are seriously underrated.... Can't wait to see how this turns out..
Oh jeez exactly what I needed, even more hipster engine swap alternatives 😅
Hope this experiment works out as you anticipate
If you need to suregrip head stud tools for redoing the head bolts to his studs I have the tools you can barrow. I had a Northstar in a rock crawler buggy. I think they are a highly overlooked engine. I will definitely fallow this. Pretty cool.
Yeah. Northstar Performance is going to help us with that. Thanks
I ran into a facebook marketplace listing in Caldwell. ID , twin turbo Northstar motor with intercooler and radiator, comes with fuel system electronics. Couldn't help but think of you guys and your project, can't say I have seen one listed for sale before.
You and your dad are true pioneers. Breaking the mold and doing the impossible, I absolutely love it. I think it's gonna be amazing. Can't wait to see it passing coyotes on the track.
This is awesome
Totally outside the box and as I’ve heard nobody plays with them so even better
"Now, this may sound ridiculous... but no one makes a kit to mount a Saturn III booster to the rear bumper of an '87 AMC Gremlin. So, we had to make one ourselves... and I think it came out pretty decent."
At least you have plenty of room to work on it in the engine bay. They were impossible to work on in the pontiacs, oldsmobiles, and cadillacs
Im exited for this build! Im building one for my vega with a t5 trans. Not sure about the rwd engines but the exhaust cams are rather short duration on fwd motors. I'm going to use intake cams in their place and tighten up the LSA some for better power. Keep up the good work!
Can you give anymore info on this? I am wanting to put my 04 into my 67c10, but run the LS pcm to control it. Just cant find cams..
@michaelbush4741 you're putting a northstar in a truck? .. cool! Are you using 1 from front or rear drive?The engine I'm using is from a front wheel drive, so the water pump is driven off the left bank's intake cam. The extra length where the pump pully sits needs to be cut off so it will sit where the existing exhaust cam sits. You can do this with an angle grinder. Anyway, the cam lobes are in the same relationship on intake and exhaust cams, just are timed different. The exhaust cams on the cady have smaller lift and duration. (Probably a emissions thing) if you install a set of intake cams in place of the small exhaust ones the engine will clear out the exhaust better and allow more air fuel in. More hp. Make sure to time the cams to the exhaust cams specs.
Not sure if you can use the ls computer with the 04 motor. If your northstar has 2 crank sensors, it can't read the trigger wheel. If it has only 1 crank it already uses the same ls computer
Love the videos. You and your dad make a great team . Nothing like the bond turning wrenches give.
Man, I don't usually get too excited for builds on RUclips. But damn, I've always wondered the potential of the northstar in a performance manner. Guess we'll be finding out.
We fittin to see!
I'll be watching with keen interest. As a long-time Fiero owner, I've seen several NorthStar swaps. But in the Fiero, it's a challenging swap with very little room for "activities". It'll be cool to see where Calvin can take it.
ive seen those too, but never with a turbo setup, let alone twins!
I’ve seen TT Northstar sand rails at the dunes do wheelies up the dune with 5 people in it. They told me it was around 800hp. So yeah…
Awesome job guys can’t wait to see the end result
I had a northstar caddy car years ago.
Had good stock power.
Always thought those engines had a ton of potential.
The engine will make whatever horsepower the turbos R rated for
Im really looking forward to seeing this project come together. Always love the odd ball swaps.
You guys have incredible patience , creativity and drive.
You give hope to those of us that can get overwhelmed at the amount of fabrication that is needed.
I like your content on this very original build. But I would to see content on the fabrication of the parts your building. Thanks and keep the cool original builds.
Its winter in Pennsyltucky! Youve got 6 months! Lots of time! By the time spring rolls around, you'll have a great racecar ready to go!
That and the other 4 projects. Lol
I like it, I’m excited to hear what it sounds like. What RPM do you expect you’ll be able to make power to?
This project sparked my interest since day one. I cant wait to see how this thing responds 😈
I’m watching this video right now and I love it. I have a 2 Wheel Dr., Cadillac SRX it is a 2005 and the north star is put in there correctly. It is the only one I’ve ever seen really excited for this project.
@nivlac57 transmission - tail of transmission - 2010 gm Camero with 4l90e case will fit
I love seeing non-conventional swaps going together. 🤘😎🤘
Ready to hear and see it on the dyno! Love your enthusiasm towards the not so popular stuff.
The progress you’re making on this project is excellent! I’ve been waiting for this update video and your project is going to be extremely awesome when completed. I’ve always liked the Northstar ever since I read an article about it in Hot Rod magazine way back in the early 2000’s. It’s nice to see the Cadillac Northstar platform getting some love.
Fantastic build sir your skill set and knowledge to turn something every mechanic called the worst GM engine ever made into this monster is truly an art. This man knows his stuff folks! The force is strong with this one! Keep up the good work sir! Impressive!
I love the content you provide for us, keep up the great job!
I love this! I'm trying to build a car with a Northstar in Germany. I believe the open deck design will run into problems after 700bhp. No need for 700bhp in Germany though. They'd lock you up if you took it on the streets.
You guys need more racetracks.
@Calvin-Nelson true. I'll probably take it hill climbing as that doesn't require the same rules as getting something road legal.
I always love your videos and your innovation. NorthStar's always get a bad rap so I hope to see you do some cool things with it.
Thanks. Should be fun
This is an insane project. I really hope it goes to plan.
I have 4 Cadillac Northstar cylinder heads in my dorm room that I'm slowly swapping parts between during my off-times at school. I look forward to having the time and resources to do my own projects like this.
Love these fox bodies. Hate the starter position and head bolts ondy northstar engine but, it can be righted with modifications. Keep an eye ondy water pump too
Yeah. 10 bolts and the starter is right there. I kind of like it being on top of the engine. Lot easier to get at.
It will make 1000hp to the crank np.
You are one very switched on and dedication to innovation young fella, at 70 you inspire me to do better. looking forward to seeing this one booggy. Eddie Australia.
Great go! Hope you get an awesome startup. This CAN outperform the ecoboost it terms of power per cube versus fuel burn. And that's a massive statement. While most are playing the the "big block" GM "ecoboost" known as a cyclone, your bushwacking new trails. Absolutely highest marks for fabricating in your own garage with your dad. Just American as it gets. Really do hope you earn Shelby or Yenko status for this kind of work!
Had a turbo 4 mercury zephyr same year ! Wish I still did it was great z7 load too
I love this. Glad you are doing LS alternatives. I want more weird motors supported by the aftermarket! Keep up the good work.
I love that you're building this engine. The way I see it, So Much Potential. With turbos in endurance racing it made 650. I hope you get at least that. Im excited to see the coming videos. Keep up the good work
Love this channel. You’re a plethora of information!
Can't wait to see it goin. Love watching different motor swaps.
Ha we’re first.
“This is gunna sound ridiculous but nobody makes this for ________”
-Calvin naming some extremely obscure engine and car combination no one has ever seen or thought was possible. 🤣
Thanks for tuning in. Looking forward to the 5 cylinder project!
@@Calvin-Nelsonwasn't there a place called Northstar performance that used to build these kits to put in older hotrods? I could've sworn I've seen adapters for the Northstar to a traditional automatic. Isn't the Bell housing pattern the same as the series 2 3800?
@Nivlac57 Thanks for working on this engine 😊
I have done some performance work with the LH2 in my STS-4 and love it!
Delta Cams will regrind the stock cams and has a few good profiles, however, make sure he knows it's a new style roller cam or he won't do a Northstar cam.
The stock LH2 intake was designed for torque and the plenum design restricts upper RPM. You'll see that the plenum is fed by the inlet duct with a 90 degree bend, and there is a lot of area the plenum can be expanded to upwards and back. I cut a 1/2" wide by 12" slit in the bottom of the intake and used that as access to hog out the plenum area from the front all the way to the back. I then 3D printed a dome shaped cap to close off the rear of the intake with epoxy and pop-rivets holding it. I then sealed off the bottom of the intake with a piece of steel that was 3" by 15", also using epoxy and pop-rivets. This intake has been tested to above 20 psi 😉
Hit me up, I have lots to chat about the LH2 and ECUs.
I dislike the northstar motor. But. I’m seriously interested in seeing what you come up with. Keep it up. Twin alternators should be good for 800 horsewatts. love the content 😁👍
Yeah. I'm excited too. Horsewatts. That's a good one
I’m really liking the plate, you keep it very interesting, I can’t wait
Everything is beautiful, fantastic job guys
I love all of the alternate engine builds and discovery of limitations. The Atlas and Northstar are both under valued. Same as the Mercedes M-120 V-12 and some "high feature" motors from the late 80s/early 90s. It doesn't have to be LS/Coyote/Big block all the time.
Same. For me it's the Subaru EA71. Which everyone says can't make over 100HP, but I have one making 125 HP, naturally aspirated. The cars these go in weigh under 2000 lbs so 125 HP is quite a lot, especially from an engine that only made 67 HP originally. I'm in the middle of building one that should make 150+ HP and rev to 8500+ RPM. People say that the single ports for intake and exhaust restrict the HP potential, but then don't realize that the ports are double the size of a normal intake or exhaust port, and only one cylinder is pulling air/fuel through or pushing exhaust out at one time. The ports on the EA71 are larger than some V8 intake and exhaust ports. What restricts the HP potential is the stupid intake manifold that necks down to under half an inch tall where the carburetor mounts. Get rid of it and put twin Holley 1904 1 barrels or twin Rochester B-type carbs on adapters right over the intake ports, and the flow problem is solved. My friend does the same type of thing with the Oldsmobile 5.7 diesel. He's currently building a turbocharged one with billet splayed bolt main caps, a custom billet crank, big block Chevy rods, custom steel pistons, custom Cometic MLS head gaskets, ARP head studs, and every other performance part that you can think of. He's using the late model DX block with the early pencil injector heads that don't crack. He thinks it should be good for around 450 HP with a custom built injection pump using the head and rotor from the Peninsular 6.2 marine diesel. A GM engine I always thought was overlooked was the Cosworth Vega engine. I always thought that engine with a Darton sleeved block would be capable of some huge power numbers naturally aspirated, given that the cylinder head is directly based on the Cosworth DFV Formula 1 engine.
Excited to see what a northstar does. I’m a twin so of course I like twin alternators! This will be titties when done
I have an 05 with 6000 original miles on it and am super excited to see where this goes...! Awesomeness!
Its funny how people said Northstar was a POS and I thought it was a good engine just got a bad rap from lack of maintenance.
It really was a design flaw. The head bolts would pull the threads out of the block by themselves. There's no maintenance to prevent bad thread design.
That’s correct they did pull the thread, but was it cause of the design or aluminum? Maybe the steel of the head bolt or even bolt width. I have seen bolts bottom out and even hydraulically lock in engines, but the Northstar corroded due to wrong antifreeze and lack of maintenance. I was drilling and tapping these bigger before the aftermarket caught on. Studs help as well along with thread sealer, not silicon or antiseize
@@firstrespondergarageif "wrong coolant" can cause your head bolts to pull threads, I would 100% still consider that a design flaw. There's no reason for head bolts to be that finicky. Combine that with the fact there is always going to be some amount of corrosion in a cooling system. It's a valid criticism of the engine platform imo.
Man enjoy every minute of working with your dad..l am a master carpenter and had a chance to work beside my father for over 25 years..God bless you both and great work..
What a cool build, you guys are dedicated. Not many people would start a project like this knowing they will have to custom fabricate every part they need. Super excited to follow along!
Check out some of the other builds on the channel.
This is so sick! Also your channel deserves sooo many more subs. I've always said the Northstar is underrated and people always scoff. Excited to see what this does!
I dont think anyone in the world would put twins that insanely large on a northstar - i'm all for it. 1500hp lesssssgo
Excellent presentation. Thank you. Really looking forward to this series. It is nice to see different things being done with different configurations in a "home shop" environment.
Big problem with the Northstar is that they pull the head bolt threads out of the block naturally aspirated. It's only gonna be worse under boost. I was a tech at a Cadillac dealership for years in the 2000s. We had 3 techs that all they did all day is pull Northstar engines and install head certs in the blick
We will be fixing that problem with some improved studs from Northstar performance.
From what I understand, a 700r4 from v6 f-body cars (Camaro/firebird) or any 90 degree v6 S10 will bolt up...
I’m extremely excited. Single turbo takes a bit more time to link together so twins makes sense. I unfortunately have space constraints and can only fit one on my m112 Mazda truck b2200 build.
Thanks for posting this. Keeps me moving forward on my project because I felt like giving up as no parts are available for my build and everything is hand built.
I love your works and your out-the-box thinking and pragmatism doing these projects shows cool insights for our own and esp on yours look great bro
I have never clicked on a video so fast in my life. This is going to be interesting!
I can't get enough of your videos.
Your craftsmanship skills are amazing. I hope the parts you developed can be sold to others who may be interested. The trans adapter and exhaust flange designs and or parts would be super helpful to others. Great job! Can’t wait to see more.
Hell yeah! 🫡
Very impressive! Can't wait to watch a video of this Frankenstein on the Dyno!
You should do the same thing make a adapter plate to make it a two-wheel drive
Great video. I always loved Frankenstein cars. Was a dream of mine when I was younger to own a junkyard and just build crazy stuff like this. Keep making these crazy builds. Can’t wait to see it run!
I'm a ford guy and I am all in for this. Ford guy approved!
Btw u can also bolt the Eaton m122 blower on that motor also very easily. Check out the Cadillac xlr-v 4.4l supercharged Northstar an the Cadillac sts-v also has the 4.4l supercharged Northstar and both make close to 500hp from the factory
YESSSSS GOOD JOB CALVIN