Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

I know that the FWD Northstar that's in the Bonnie GXP and Lucerne CXS is rated at 275HP ("to protect Cadillac" in the words of Bob Lutz). How is the engine de-tuned from the Caddy version? Is is simply in the ECM programming or do they have different intake/exhaust setups which contribute to the differences?

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

Comparing the Northstar in the Lucerne and the one in the DTS, I think that the reason the Lucerne has a lower HP rating is due to a mroe restrictive exhaust and some minor engine tweaking. Comparing that to the STS though, the Lucerne makes less horsepower because it also has a MUCH more restrictive exhaust system, is FWD, and is mated to a 4-speed automatic. I'm not completely confident that these are exactly the answers, but they should be darn close.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

Arent the DTS Northstar and the STS Northstars 2 totally different engines with the same name?? ANd the Northstar SC is also a different animal with a similar name.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

The FWD Northstar (DTS, Lucerne) and the RWD Northstar (STS, SRX, XLR) only share about 25% of their components, from what I understand.

When the Northstar was called in for RWD duty, Cadillac had to substantially overhaul it for RWD use.

The Supercharged Northstar (STS-V, XLR-V) is basically a de-bored (4.4 Liters) RWD Northstar. From what I've read, the use of a smaller displacement with the SC Northstar will help out with fuel economy.

:D

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

The DTS and STS share the exact same Northstar engine, rated at 4.6L. The Northstar SC is also the same engine, but displacement was decreased to 4.4L.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

So the new DTS Northstar has VVT now? Cause hte old one didn't. I didn't pay too much attention to the specs of the new DTS.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

I'm pretty sure it's unchanged from the Deville, so no VVT.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

So, what it boils down to are 3 different Northstars... one FWD... one RWD/AWD... and one performance RWD.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

I didn't realize the Deville didn't have VVT. I always thought it did in Seville/Deville applications.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

Ok, here's what's going on.

There are 5 different northstar engines

4.0 Aurora (L47) 250 horse 260 ft lbs, big time debored version of the 4.6 L37

4.6 (LD8) 275 horse 300 ft lbs motor, This was the base model motor in cadillac for a long time

4.6 (L37) 300 HP 295 Ft lbs, So far as i know, this particular motor has different cams, the exhaust may be different but i don't know. this was the more upscale performance motor until the brand new RWD northstar came out.

4.6 (RWD, don't know that one's engine code...) VVT is added, along with a lot of changes to make it RWD, so far as i know, they are not very similar to the old 4.6 FWD motors.

4.4 SC, basically just debored version of the new RWD motor.

If you want to get real particular, there is also a 3.5 "shortstar" which the olds intrique, and aurora used, which is a 4.6 with two pistons removed

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

The RWD 4.6 is the LH2. The 4.4L S/C is the LC3.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

Don't forget about the Northstar XV12. :D

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

MMMM... the only version i ever saw of that was the 750 HP 450 Ft lb one, now that's what i'm talking about. Hey, are they actually going to come out with a v12 or no? I know I heard that GM was planning on making a V10 based on the LSx series of engines

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

I think there will be a V12 variant of the new Ultra V8 which is supposed to replace the Northstar in about 3 years. I'm crossing my fingers they keep the Northstar name.

Re: Northstar in a Caddy vs other brand
 

vvt is just a marketing gimmick. Similar to VTEC.