Thread: welp thinking of buying my fiance a gtp

What did she do to deserve this? Seems like a harsh punishment without knowing her offense.

offer 6

I only disliske the northstar 4.6 in it. They sound great with exhaust but its still got the northstar problems.

If it's got a warranty, then have at it.

It is a good engine, but I think it has gotten a bad wrap. I had a 05 STS RWD Northstar, and it was definitely potent. But when things go wrong, they are pricey.

Northstar a good engine.....

First time I've heard that lol

The Northstar was the most technologically advance engine that GM had ever produced. The Pre-2000 were known for HG issues, but with the addition of inserts to the block that was pretty much taken care of. And when they revised the engine for RWD in 2004 the HG issue became pretty much non-existant.

I think one of the biggest faults was the marketing of the Northstar. In general they had a pretty robust bottom end, but the engine was only offered in higher end luxury vehicles, which appealed more to those that wanted a comfortable ride rather than something to tinker with. Had GM used the Northstar in something more tuner friendly, such as a Camaro, or a Grand Prix, I think there may have been more after market support. Take a look at some of the projects by CHR Fab, those engines can make some power. The Northstar used in the STS-V was actually the same block as the standard STS, but debored to 4.4L from 4.6L to increase the cylinder wall thickness to support the supercharger boost. And that one made 469hp. At the time was the most powerful production sedan by GM, until the new Gen CTS-V came out, and that only made

Granted putting the engine in something other than a high end sedan may not have been feasible as it was an expensive engine to manufacture. But an all aluminum block with cast in palce cast iron cylinders, dual over head cams, and the ability to run for 50 ish miles with no coolant is pretty impressive.

Having owned the STS with the Northstar, I have no complaints other than the lack of after market and DIY ease. And when I would ask about how to do something the most common response was "Take it to the dealer", as most owners were not into doing their own work. Overall It was a pretty quick car for weighing 4500lbs, had a great tone, and overall was a pretty good block.

Are the northstar's still multi-displacement? should be pretty good mpg