4.6 Northstar Swap Project (Page 1/14)
copperhens OCT 09, 08:09 AM
I picked up a project the other day. I hope I didn’t just get in over my head, but gotta start somewhere... I have always been interested in an engine swap, and this one was already started at least. Yes, I’ve heard about 3800sc are easier, why would you go for the Northstar?! Isn’t that the hardest and most expensive swap? We’ll figure this out.

Anyway, the car is a 1988 GT 5spd. I thought my California fiero was clean... this thing is soooo rust free you can lick it(ps, don’t lick it)! The Northstar is already in car. The coolant lines have been started. Looks like there is a new fan in the car. AC was deleted. The trunk has been chopped for the exhaust. Looks like wiring is almost done and it comes with a computer.

Now, the big issue is that the motor is seized and the clutch is shot. I found a new running motor for $300. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick that up and start there.

I’m on my phone so I’ll have to post pictures later.
Gall757 OCT 12, 11:47 AM
Lunatic OCT 13, 06:53 AM
I have two Northstar engines here. One is a '95 and the other is a '96. I also have two LS1 PCM's, an F23, flywheel, and a few other odds and ends. You can have everything for $300 Canadian. I'm downsizing.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 10-29-2018).]

copperhens OCT 15, 08:29 AM

quote
Originally posted by Lunatic:

I have two Northstar engines here. One is a '95 and the other is a '96. I also have two LS1 PCM's, an F23, flywheel, and a few other odds and ends. You can have everything for $300 Canadian. I'm downsizing.



PMing
motoracer838 OCT 18, 01:06 PM
You have a pm.

Joe
RCR OCT 18, 08:00 PM


Bob

------------------

My Build

[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 10-18-2018).]

copperhens OCT 19, 03:35 PM
Alright, here she is. Looks pretty sad, not sure if its saying "fix me", or "put me put of my misery".


Here's the rear... I suppose you guys wanna see what is underneath now.


I honestly have not checked if its seized. Probably should, though I shouldn't get my hopes up.


As you can see, my seats are state-of-the-art racing seats.
copperhens OCT 19, 03:42 PM
So, from it looks like in the car, is that the POs were almost done with wiring. The engine looks almost hooked up, but nothing inside is connected to the computer.


Also, I found this dash in the car. Looks kinda cool, but why put a dash in a fast car that only goes up to 100mph? Also, they also started converting the interior to gray instead of tan. Least they didn't get too far. There is also a switch they wired by the shifter. Don't know what that is for yet. They also deleted the AC.


The tires were holding air, until they weren't. Ugh.
Lunatic OCT 20, 06:55 AM
That swap looks crude and butchered. You've got your work cut out for you.

I have lots of fabrication, machining, wiring and CNC experience so a Northstar swap would be easy for me. If you were closer to me, I'd be willing to help you out with it.

Good luck with the project.
Patrick OCT 20, 04:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by copperhens:

I hope I didn’t just get in over my head...



Oh my... that looks like quite a challenge. I certainly admire your courage. Hopefully the people here who've done a swap of this sort can help steer you in the right direction(s). Good luck!