Rebuilt Northstar motors

2897 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by tripledoil, Jul 20, 2007

jontz

Discussion Starter · Jun 14, 2007

Hello all! I am the Cadillac super n00b, so please bear with me.

I just bought a 1996 DeVille for $1600. The body is in great shape, same with the interior. I bought it from eBay, and when I went to pick it up it ran a little rough. I got it home and changed the plugs, and sure enough the #7 plug was soaking wet with coolant. Soooo...now I need some help.

I have seen several posts in here saying that there is a company in Wisconsin that remanufactures these motors, with timeserts. I have also seen reference to a company in Grand Rapids, MI that does the same thing. Does anyone have info they could share with me on either or these companies, i.e. phone numbers, web address, etc? I only live a couple of hours from Grand Rapids, about 4 from Milwaukee, so I could actually pick the motor up instead of having to have it shipped.

Also, has anyone had any experience purchasing from these places? Any insight/experiences/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help you can dish out!

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

codewize

· #2 · Jun 15, 2007

There's one place that sells them on eBay. I don't recall the name but they're very reputable form what I understand.

I'm sure someone will chime in with better info.

Ranger

· #3 · Jun 15, 2007

Stay away from Custom innovations in Madison Wisc. There was a thread recently with some eye opening revelations. Ask Chazglenn3. I forget who the other poster was.

Playdrv4me

· #4 · Jun 15, 2007

Well so much for that.

jontz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 15, 2007

Fabulous. Maybe I am better of trying to find a used engine, change the gaskets myself, and then dumping it in. I am not really keen on the idea of dumping $3000 into a motor with 130K miles on it. Plus, once the old motor is out I can change the head gaskets in it and sell it as used with good head gaskets. Hmmm....

Ranger, if you get a second could you post a link to that thread for me? I searched for it but I haven't found it yet.

I'll tell you what, I was one happy camper with this car for $1600 when I thought that it just needed a tune up...now it is a headache. Welcome to the Cadillac lifestyle, eh?

Ranger

· #6 · Jun 15, 2007

I can't remember it. Charles (chazglenn3) will remember it if he checks in.

jontz

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 15, 2007

Cool. I tried to PM him, but since I don't have 20 posts yet I can't. I did find that place in Grand Rapids, MI. They are on eBay as well. I am going to give them a call and get some info.

Ranger

· #8 · Jun 15, 2007

I will PM him and ask him to check in.

chazglenn3

· #9 · Jun 16, 2007

Sorry for the delay gents. The thread in question is linked below. It starts out with a radiator discussion so keep reading.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/northstar-performance-technical-discussion/107796-radiator.html

jontz

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 16, 2007

Wow...what a train wreck. It looks like if I am going to do this, then I had better check out that shop in Grand Rapids, MI. Hopefully they do better work. Thanks for checking in, chazglenn3. I really appreciate the info. I still can't believe what an IDIOT that guy from custom innovations is. Why can't people just do things the right way? Is that too much to ask?

BTW, does anyone have a good source for the shop manuals for a 96 Deville? I know that I am going to need a set...

Ranger

· #11 · Jun 16, 2007

Ebay is your friend.

A new set can be had from http://www.helminc.com

jontz

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 16, 2007

Ahhh...good old eBay. Thanks a million for all the info guys. I really appreciate it.

jontz

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 17, 2007

I've been doing some google searches on Accurate Engines out of Grandville, MI. They have an advertisement here on the site for rebuilt northstar motors. I've found some rather disturbing reviews of them on the net though that sound VERY similar to the complaints listed here in this forum about Custom Innovations in Madison, WI. I don't want to waste time on this project by putting in a junk rebuilt motor. Does anyone have any experience with Accurate Engines?

richbanta

· #14 · Jun 17, 2007

I have the print out for the grand rapids place at the office. Tomorrow I will get you the info regarding the rebuilt northstars. I dont have any experience with them, but the price is right, if they do a good job, $2,500. As far as FSM, I have the one for the engine that I used to insert my engine last fall. I am looking for the other book right now, but would be willing to let it go, I guess. I did not use timeserts. though. I used the inserts some guy had on ebay, solid type extra long and they worked great. I thought the hardest part of the job was the actual drilling and tapping of the block. I tried to find a 3 or 4 flute 17/32 core drill but couldnt locate one. Getting one of those and having it ground by a tool cutter grinder specifically for this job would make things easier, I think. A 2 flute drill, even if ground for aluminum pre-tapped hole tendes to grab when your drilling. I broke the handle on a 1/2 inch drill motor, (and almost my wrist) drilling those holes out

See less See more

jontz

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jun 17, 2007

Hey, thanks for getting me the info on Grand Rapids, I appreciate it. I actually have a line on the service manuals if you don't want to let yours go. Heck, I checked my local library and they actually have a set! Thanks for the offer though.

The inserts that you got from eBay, were the they called monster certs or something to that effect? I have heard a few people here talk about them. I can see how the drilling and re-tapping could be the most frustrating part. Since you have done this on your Deville, does the motor come out of the top of the car or do I have to take it out of the bottom? Thanks again for all the help!

Ranger

· #16 · Jun 18, 2007

Bottom. There is a "how To" thread in the Tech Tips section.

richbanta

· #17 · Jun 18, 2007

The name of the place is Accurate Engines, address, 2840 SW, Grandville, MI 49418, phone number is 616 531 2050 or 800 289 7118, email, www.ae-engines.com

jontz

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 18, 2007

Thanks again for all the info guys. I have decided not to even mess with this car. Too involved for a car it's age. I just hope I can get my $1600 back out ot it...

G

· #19 · Jun 19, 2007

jontz said:
Thanks again for all the info guys. I have decided not to even mess with this car. Too involved for a car it's age. I just hope I can get my $1600 back out ot it...

You made the right choice. I sold my '98 Deville w/98k miles on the odometer for about that much with a busted head gasket. I had a nice wheels and other stuff though. Good luck!.

tripledoil

· #20 · Jul 20, 2007

jontz said:
Wow...what a train wreck. It looks like if I am going to do this, then I had better check out that shop in Grand Rapids, MI. Hopefully they do better work. Thanks for checking in, chazglenn3. I really appreciate the info. I still can't believe what an IDIOT that guy from custom innovations is. Why can't people just do things the right way? Is that too much to ask?

BTW, does anyone have a good source for the shop manuals for a 96 Deville? I know that I am going to need a set...

I heard Custom Innovations has some extra nuts for sale from the northstar engines
:stirpot:

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.