We all know the cheapest, best way to make modern horsepower is an LSx motor. I'm not interested in whats cheapest for the time being, but I would like to get some feedback on this idea (again, not regarding cost). I was thinking, since I have an uncle with an Olds Aurora that he's selling for around only $1k, in perfect shape, that I could take that motor and transplant it into my 92 RS. Its the same block that was used in the IRL and should make some decent power with some work. Has anyone heard of this swap?

I know its a FWD car, but so are Northstar Caddys. Do you think a v6 bellhousing and a built t5 would bolt up? How about accessories and other issues? Motor mounts? Water pump? Starter?

 

LT1 is better bang for the buck. Anyway, what year is the Aurora?

Here is a little info for the thirdgen.org members.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadilla...tar_engine#L47
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_Aurora

and here's something i found on that site for bellhousing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Bell...thstar_pattern

 

I have never heard of this swap before, but it would definitely be unique. I personally think it is a pretty cool idea.

I dont know what you would have to do to make it work. At least you would have the entire original car for wiring, sensors, etc. I think it may be alot of work.

The only downside I see if you get it to work is availibility of aftermarket parts to build its performance. The thing that worries me is the fact that after you get over the hype of the cool swap, you are going to realize that you only have roughly the same power as a stock TPI 350, and you are going to want to go faster, but not be able to.

I still think it would be cool though.

 

Im not sure what year it is. My uncle lives down in Santa Barbara. I'm in the Bay Area right now. Its a late 90s car i think. But I've seen it and it is the 4.0L V8. I know its not worth the money, but these motors can be built into 9k rpm screamers, for a buttload of cash... But still I think it'd be nice and unique, kinda original. I'm just curious if anyone has ever done it. Is it close enough to the Northstar that there are the same problems with the swap?

 

I seen it in a 4th gen and in a C1500(both used 4.6L northstar's)

I know the T5 bell housing out of the 2.8/3.1 3rdgen will bolt on to the northstars.

on the northstar I believe the water pump is in the "back" of the motor and it also has a "water log" on the back of the motor.

also the motor mounts are weird, but they have RWD versions of the northstar now used in the STS, SRX, and XLR so you maybe able to use some of the parts used on them to swap one into your thirdgen.

at one point in time I was thinking of doing a northstar swap and found this site Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators Im sure they could answer all your questions and also have some parts to boost the performance of your northstar

hope this helps

 

the aurora 4.0 isn't just close to the northstar, it IS a northstar, just a bit smaller, and as an aurora owner, I can tell you there is very little to almost no aftermarket for it. every performance mod will have to be custom, and very costly.

 

those engines are nice,if your goin for uniqueness you found it,my dad has 1,a 1998 i think,i have a 1992 camaro rs,305 tbi,its not the best but will live till i get my 350,i bet the 4.0 will be a close race on my 5.0,as a matter of fact it is prolly faster,

i want to get a semi turbo off of a detroit,theres somthing unique

 

oh yea, the aurora will take your RS by at least a second in the 1/4. my 98 aurora ran a 15.5 stock last day at the track, the 91 RS I have ran a 16.7 with a few mods.

 

Heard it is a real PITA trying to crack the ECU's code, but then again... this is from memory of some mag that I read a long time ago. Still apply?

 

i believe that is true.