So Long V8 Cadillacs
#91
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#92
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sloppy design? Problematic? If the engine is maintained properly, it lasts just as long as any. I've owned several Northstar Caddy's.. I sold my first with 110,000 miles - it never had any major issues and ran like a brand new engine. My brother-in-law had one with 170,000 miles before he got rid of his. It was also running 100% perfectly when he got rid of it.
The Northstar is a world class engine. I don't know where you heard it was sloppy and problematic.
The Northstar is a world class engine. I don't know where you heard it was sloppy and problematic.
#93
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
As mentioned, Cadillac isn't giving up on v8s. They're simply not continuing on with the Northstar. They'll likely be using the LSx version of their engines and will work a little harder at the NVH that go along with them.
#94
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sloppy design? Problematic? If the engine is maintained properly, it lasts just as long as any. I've owned several Northstar Caddy's.. I sold my first with 110,000 miles - it never had any major issues and ran like a brand new engine. My brother-in-law had one with 170,000 miles before he got rid of his. It was also running 100% perfectly when he got rid of it.
The Northstar is a world class engine. I don't know where you heard it was sloppy and problematic.
The Northstar is a world class engine. I don't know where you heard it was sloppy and problematic.
#95
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The use of oil was more for protection than anything. Being that I own and operate the Cadillac equivalent to ClubLexus, I've had the honor of speaking directly with the most involved engineer of the Northstar motor. If you can take my word for it, the "use" of oil was not an accident. If you cannot take my word for it, I'll do what I can to find what you need to know. However, that will take me some time..
In short, it had to do with over-lubrication...
In short, it had to do with over-lubrication...
#96
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Furthermore.. The Northstar wasn't "not a grossly unreliable engine". It was actually quite reliable. However, as indicated in the owners manual, it was of supreme importance to take care of the cooling system. Unlike many engines, maintenance was very important. Those who neglected their engines had problems.
So the most common issue was being a quart short at the time of an oil change. If that's a big deal, than I don't know what to say. But, that quart short was normal.
Does anyone here know how long a Northstar engine could run at redline for?
So the most common issue was being a quart short at the time of an oil change. If that's a big deal, than I don't know what to say. But, that quart short was normal.
Does anyone here know how long a Northstar engine could run at redline for?
#97
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The use of oil was more for protection than anything. Being that I own and operate the Cadillac equivalent to ClubLexus, I've had the honor of speaking directly with the most involved engineer of the Northstar motor. If you can take my word for it, the "use" of oil was not an accident. If you cannot take my word for it, I'll do what I can to find what you need to know. However, that will take me some time..
In short, it had to do with over-lubrication...
In short, it had to do with over-lubrication...
#99
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#100
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If I could pull up a similar issue with, say, an 05 LS430 owned by a relative, would that make the 4.3 sloppy and problematic?
#101
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes. What, you think Ive got some kind of allegiance to an automanufacturer? If the engine has continuous problems then that is not a good engine. I don't care who makes it.
#102
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Terribly unreliable even with a pristine service record. When spark plugs and wires only last 2000 miles then you have a problem.
"sloppy design" and "problematic" are words that should not be used in the same sentence as "Northstar".
#103
Lexus Test Driver
#104
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#105
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Northstar was a world class engine......many years ago. Most car companies have engineered better engines in the past 5-10 years. But it is a bright spot for Cadillac in what was a very dim period for them.