Thread: any Northstar powered rods ?

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I've been playing with the Northstar motors for several years now. I have one in a Fiero, but I've only seen one other in a street rod (65 Nova) and none in hot rods. I had plans to put one in a street driven Altered lookalike, but I keep getting sidetracked. I've built a couple ITB injection systems for the Northstar that work well, and have this motor in my shop that I used as a test bed for it's developement. with some tall stacks on it I think it would be a cool setup in a rod.... maybe some day I'll get around to building the car.

Lot

whoooo. I hadn't concidered the rear engine sidewinder configuration, but that is some impressive enginering there. I was thinking more in terms of a more traditional front engine hot rod configuration however. the 80s Camero v-6 bellhousing fits the Northstar engine with a slight modification to one bolt hole, and custom flywheels are available, so the T-5 or whatever std trans can be used. I did some one-off custom work on my Fiero to utilize the 5 speed Fiero trans, but of course thats a mid sidewinder configuration also. this is my Fiero engine/trans package.

Lot

I have a 36 Ford slantback that I've already shortened the bodywork 20" with the Northstar power in mind, but my back problems have worsened to the point where I don't think I'll be able to finish that extensive of project anymore. I might pick up a roller of some type that could give the motor a home and be easier for me to complete. we'll see. the 36 would sure make a cool looking rod IMHO however........ kinda reminds me of the old Topolino bodied altereds

Northstar was the engine of choice for Ida automotive and their Tucker project. Neat set up.

Very nice work. Where did you source the tb's?

thanks. TBs are from 98' Suzuki GSXR 600 bike (x2). upper throttle shafts taken out and holes plugged (bikes have two per bore) injector holes have aluminum adaptors machined and installed to provide vaccume for various sensor signaling etc. water jet cut flanges and hand formed tubes welded in to form the manifold (northstars intakes are dry) It takes some work, but I'm happy with the results, and you're not likely to see a dozen more like it lined up next to you at a show.

Lot

Indeed, the dozen lined up next to it is a major issue. What size are those throttle bores btw. I'm presently doing some stacks for my Fairlane but channeling through the stock-ish tb and air meter. Recently scored a benchtop lathe and mill for easier fab.

40MM plates.
I'm not sure I follow. I'm picturing a plenum with stacks on it that channels to the stock TB and manifold? for looks only? nothing wrong with that, I'm just curious.

Lot

Have they came out with many performance goodies for the Northstar yet??? I really like the appearance of the engine but at 300 horse I don't think they'd quite be up to the performance level that I like! I guess in a light car under 2500 lbs. they'd probably do great, though.

Yep, it should look better than the stock manifold that covers up the engine. I'll be trying the individual tb's later. My next efforts should be better than milling on the drill press.

i did a northstar in a 55 nomad in 1999 , i used a 700 r4 out of a s10 because the bellhousing was almost a direct bolt up . then i had street and performance build a harnes to make it run .

Go to this website: www.chrfab.com

They specialize in Northstar engines and conversions, and they now have a forum. You may find their website helpful.

Dave, ther's a couple things available for the early N* . did you want twin turbo or blown? as noted by rumrumm, chrf is the go to guy here. I've spoken with Alan several times and he knows his stuff. I wasn't aware that they had started a forum however, so thanks for that tip also rumrumm.

Lot

Originally Posted by w2zero

Yep, it should look better than the stock manifold that covers up the engine. I'll be trying the individual tb's later. My next efforts should be better than milling on the drill press.

Huummm. I must be missing something here. looking at your pic.... what are you using for throttle plates? did that start as a dual quad manifold, or was it set up originally for webers or?


Lot

That's a sbf GT40 lower intake I'm building from. Have to get a bottle of argon so as to weld up that part then start on the plenum.