Northstar 4.4 swap (Page 1/2)
randy86 JUN 06, 09:35 PM
Hello, new to the forum and have a few questions.

Guy has a SC 4.4 and am wondering if it would bolt up to 86 4sp?
My car is a 86 se v6, w/about 100k miles and it has some issues. So instead of dumping money into getting it running goos, thought I would do an engine swap.
My engine leaks oil just about everywhere and the distributor is on its last leg.
olejoedad JUN 06, 09:52 PM
The Muncie 4 speed is a good transmission, but I doubt it would live long behind the S/C N*.

I don't know if the bolt pattern would match up between the engine and transmission.
pmbrunelle JUN 06, 10:28 PM
I would not attempt a swap expecting to save money versus fixing up the stock 2.8.

However, if you want speed, and you're willing to pay for it, that's a good reason to swap engines.
dear1700 JUN 07, 12:35 AM
In case you aren’t aware, North Star engines are prone to head gasket issues.
The head bolts pull the threads out of the block.
Daryl M JUN 07, 12:51 AM

quote
Originally posted by dear1700:

In case you aren’t aware, North Star engines are prone to head gasket issues.
The head bolts pull the threads out of the block.


Not all Northstar engines have the headbolt issues. I believe the 4.4SC versions were ok in the headbolt department.
IXSLR8 JUN 07, 07:30 PM
Even if you had a N* with a head bolt issue, it's easy to rectify or fix and never have the problem again if you are willing to do the work of installing coarse threaded inserts or course threaded studs.
Dennis LaGrua JUN 08, 06:26 AM
The N* 4.4L SC engine was used by GM for longitudinal applications and may present an installation challenge in a Fiero. The N* 4.6L engine has been swapped into Fieros. It will bolt up to transmissions used in Fieros but with 300HP they would probably not last long. I don't see too many N* Fieros anymore, maybe because of engine reliability but if you like it go for it. .

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Frenchrafe JUN 09, 11:14 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

It will bolt up to transmissions used in Fieros but with 300HP they would probably not last long.




Use good oil like Motul 300. Helps in giving a little bit more life to a standard gearbox. Also, don't shockload the poor thing with clutch dumping in 1st!

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'87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. Sticky tyres. Driven hard!

Will JUN 10, 10:01 AM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:

Not all Northstar engines have the headbolt issues. I believe the 4.4SC versions were ok in the headbolt department.



In '05 GM switched from the 11x1.5 head bolt thread which had been giving them problems since '93 to the 11x2.0 used on the LS engines. The head bolt thread problems stopped with this change.

The longitudinal Northstar engines will have interference between the front mounted waterpump and the Fiero right frame rail. The transverse Northstar's rear mounted waterpump will not work on the longitudinal engines as the connections aren't there on the longi block.

The supercharged Northstar will likely have interference between the supercharger and the decklid.

The bolt pattern will bolt up to the Fiero transmissions. The engine uses a unique crank bolt circle and requires specific flywheels.
sourmash JUN 10, 10:33 AM

quote
Originally posted by Will:


The supercharged Northstar will likely have interference between the supercharger and the decklid.


The decklid is the only issue, not the waterpump again?


quote
The bolt pattern will bolt up to the Fiero transmissions. The engine uses a unique crank bolt circle and requires specific flywheels.


The bolt pattern of which will mate to the Feiro? The 4.4 or other?

[This message has been edited by sourmash (edited 06-10-2019).]