Swapping the Northstar into the Catera - Page 2

DeVillish · #11 (**permalink**) 07-20-03, 03:24 PM

so any updates on this??

scourge · #12 (**permalink**) 07-20-03, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeVillish

so any updates on this??

Yes, Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators told me that they can work the heads and get a new cam for a lot more power and a 5-speed will easily mate up for a RWD configuration. They did say the stock Catera drive shaft may/may not bolt right in. They didn't know the length of the drive shaft, so they couldn't say if it would work or if one would need a donor driveshaft from another car. I know a guy who can make custom aluminum drive shafts but why pay for custom work when a cheaper alternative will work just as well?

If anyone wants more info, you can email CHRFab at:

http://www.chrfab.com/

As for me doing this anytime soon, I can't. I am selling my Skyline becasue I am trying to move to the Japanese mainland. $1200USD just to ship the car to Osaka - not gonna pay that. And, if I do return to the USA this December to go to Graduate School, I'll get an Infiniti M30 and swap in an SR20 and 5 speed from over here - simply because its cheaper for me as I have access to the parts and people who can do the swap. Now, if I were staying long term in the USA and had the money, then I'd go with the Catera/Northstar.

Ls1 Catera project · #13 (**permalink**) 08-01-03, 02:50 PM

I am so into this just got to run to work again

Getting bored working at Mercedes so much even doe AMG's are fun to drive trough the car wash. . .

blkchrry92dvl · #14 (**permalink**) 08-15-03, 02:22 PM

I remember an article in gm hightech perf mag a while back about a catera with an ls6 swap done by Lingenfelter, complete with t56 trans. I have the mag at home, but couldn't find the link on its website. From what I remember, they said the motor and trans made it in fine, but the headers were a nightmare to fabricate, due to the fact that the US spec Cateras are about 2 inches narrower in the front than Aus Commodores. Later the ownder decided to upgrade the ls6 to 427 package, as if it weren't enough already

They also menitoned that wiring was hell, as well as making all the gauges work properly and stuff. So I guess ls1/ls6 swap can be done, although with some inevitable headaches; I say contact Lingenfelter for more info.

Also, I'll bet Northstar swap will be more difficult, due to its DOHC heads (the narrow front body work may not accomodate the larger exterior dimension of the Northstar compared to ls1/ls6). Like others have said, the trans issue would remain, as well as motor mounts, etc. I say keep pushing for ls1/ls6 conversion.

scourge · #15 (**permalink**) 08-29-03, 04:04 AM

Scan the article and post it here! CHRF has assured me that the swap isn't as difficult as an LS1 as they have expert knowledge with the Northstar and making trannies and the engine fit.

kcnewell · #16 (**permalink**) 08-29-03, 08:25 AM

This will be interesting to watch..

chrisngrod · #17 (**permalink**) 09-12-03, 03:46 PM

For the person who talked about the Fieros... Well it is a rear wheel drive card with the motor mounted in the back! I am pretty sure they keep the transverse mount...

dohcpower · #18 (**permalink**) 10-11-03, 05:21 PM

The only reason I would think the northstar swap to be harder is because the 4.6 DOHC is physically larger than the 5.7 LS1...

Ls1 Catera project · #19 (**permalink**) 10-12-03, 03:09 AM

I emailed Lightenfelter a while back and they sad they done few conversions but they dont offer anymore at a time. Well I figure I have to wait wich I am ok with because I need to make all my money to make them a well enought offer while I do that i can mod my car and etc's and save money.

it's going to be long project but its one good way for that limit free HP and TORQUE. Thanks that we have V8's, but who sad V6's cant perform they well can in well tuned forms (example I got like 245HP and I can get up to 300HP) Those numbers keep me well happy. Imagine more V6's that easy can go into Catera like all new 255Hp CTS V6 I am thinking. Who knows that might be like direct fit also putting some mods on that and can be well making what NorthStart make's if not more for so much cheaper then putting Ls1. Just few ideas came up on my mind for those who want that extra HP against those Recaro design seat's in those fine Catera's.

Good luck you all and keep us posted on conversion. I know it's posible just takes about aprox 10.ooo$$$$$$ which I dont have being 19 and paying for my Catera in and out. Also taking re-desingn whole car making it total new German performing street max power Catera with nice rim's tire's, suspension, breaks and other etc's. I mind as well wait and save all my money for new CTS V thats going to come out which I cant wait to see. But for now I mind as well tune the most out of 6 cyl engine's.

Ls1 Catera Project.
tune to perfection

Fats84z · #20 (**permalink**) 10-17-03, 02:27 AM

I just wanted to give some Tranny info for you. A C5 Vette trans deff will not work, but a C4 will. To save yourself time and money a 4th Gen Camaro's 6 speed is the same t-56. A S-10 5 speed is not the same T-5 as a Camaros, they have different input shaft splines and arn't interchangable without changing that Shaft. For the motor I agree the Northstar should be an easier swap, considering the electronics are the same. But if you deside to go with the LT1 or LS1 instead, Go with a Camaro's drivetrain and if you need info you can Email me Chevy91z@aol.com. I wish I could help you more with the swap but I might be at least be able to help you sort out electronics.