[97EldoCoupe]

I stand by the Northstar V8. The few flaws that it has are nothing compared to what it's capable of doing. If you take a minute to observe the engine, how much engineering went into it to make it reliable- how well it performs and how little gas it consumes pulling these 4000lb cars, how the block was designed and machined...

50 HG jobs and well over 50 engines that I've taken apart and inspected. 3 had cracked cylinders, haven't found any since. 2 of those were Aurora 4.0s, one was a 4.6. Could be partially due to owner neglect and improper cooling fill procedures. One camshaft worn down and 4 lifters along with it. 0 warped heads - that's right - "0". Couple of engines with main & rod bearings worn down, loss of oil pressure at some point was the cause. When the owner drives with that oil light on, that can't be blamed on the manufacturer.

Yes they have oil leaking problems and HG failures. But we're talking 8,9, and 10+ year old cars here. They've already done their job and with a good refreshen- that's right not a rebuild, just new gaskets and seals and head studs, they're up to the task of driving another 200,000 miles.

Yeah, any engine's junk that doesn't last 100 years; that you can't pass on to your great-grandson when he enters retirement!!!!?????

So how many engines will have the original honing marks and very little wear on the cylinder walls after 200,000 miles? It was almost unheard of until the Northstar... the Buick 3.8 liter V6 and the Olds small block V8 are the only other two engines that I respect for their reliability. 403 Olds motors blew their HGs too, but they are well respected as engines that produce "Pure necksnapping torque".

I would sink 2-3k in the car any day of the week and continue to drive it before you'd see me out looking for another car. You really have to look at things differently- "I could have just as much problems with the next car I buy, at least if I fix the Caddy that's one repair that I shouldn't have to worry about again...".