my mechanic is selling an oldsmobile aurora with a northstar 4.3 v8. car needs brakes, lines, tires, and icm, minimum. can i smell a northstar swap?????? $1500 for the car. you guys think i should take it? has 115000 miles on it. i know i will be doing a crap load of custom work to get this in my car(well, i think i might get a vert for this engine...already have plans for my car), and i know its been done on here before, but not to expect a huge amount of assistance, cuz this is not a regular thing on here. opinions wanted!!!!
i'd fix the aurora and sell it for more money!!
thats a possibility too...it sure is a lot of car for so little money...doesn't really need anything too major
The Aurora V-8 is 4.0L, not 4.3L. And if it's a '95, most will tell you to just walk-away... unless you're able to adapt the '96-later management to it. Also, the Indy Racing League use(s?d?) this engine in competition, so many used super-hot racing parts are available used... if you can find them.
My advice: Get the car for the engine & trans, scrap the car & find a good, clean Fiero to fit that power-train into. There are plenty of companies out there that offer Fiero mod-parts, including a cradle for that power-train & management re-programing for use with the P-body's lack of attributes that the Aurora has. The all-aluminum block will be just as heavy... or lighter... than either the Fiero's factory 2.5L I-4 or 2.8L V-6, and the overdrive trans-axle will help keep fuel-mileage about in check with what the original engines got. That is, if the final-drive ratio & tire size result in a low enough cruise RPM. Plus it will all be a kick in the pants for whom drives it, and a kick in the groin for whomever challenges it!
Go beyond the "bolt-on".
The aurora's ran a 4.0l. The trans does you no good as it is VERY bulky and tight j-body angine bays severely limit the size of trans you can use.
If you have a good welder (110v hobby welder definitely wont do for this)know how to use it and good knowledge on structural aspects of how cars are built then go i say go for it. The is plenty of structural work to be done, as the engine doesnt physically fit in a stock sozed engine bay- too far to the right and the front. Mounts and subframe are needed from scratch. Stanalone is a must as stock wiring really doesnt like seeing no transmission inputs. Megasquirt would be easy on that as it has the old DIS system.
By no means will i discourage you but before you drop money/start cutting double check into all the parts and mods you will need to make this feasible and safe.
gotta go now, but any questions just ask.
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Now with northstar V8, IRS, 20's n 22's
