Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The Northstar engine is designed to require less maintenance than many
other
DOHC V-8 engines. Engine systems are designed to remind the
driver when service is required. An oil life index indicator monitors
ongoing operating conditions and reminds the driver when
an oil change
is needed. A low coolant warning message keeps track
of the level of this
vital fluid. Direct acting hydraulic tappets provide maintenance free zero
lash operation
of the 32 valves from idle to the 6500 rpm redline. The
camshafts are driven by a
two stage roller chain assembly which is
designed to provide quiet maintenance free operation. Platinum tipped
spark plugs increase the replacement interval to
100,000 miles.
The four valve per cylinder design provides more
efficient engine
breathing which results
in higher power than comparable two valve
engines. The central location
of each spark plug ensures a fast and
complete burning
of the fuel/air mixture. The induction system uses
smooth thermoplastic tubes to channel air into the cylinders. The
smoothness
of the tubes is equivalent to the elaborate port polishing
methods used for race car engines. Careful design using the shape and
length
of the tubes boosts horsepower by using sonic pressure waves
created by the motion
of the inlet valves to increase the amount of air
entering each cylinder.
The Northstar engine
is also designed to be very durable. The aluminum
block has cast-in-place iron cylinder liners for greater wear resistance.
High strength forged steel connecting rods support the free floating \
piston pins
in bronze bushings for superior high speed performance. The
fillits
of the nodular iron crankshaft undergo a high pressure compression
rolling operation to improve their resistance to fatigue.
Quiet operation
is enhanced by the use of special materials and designs.
The front cover of the engine is stamped from laminated steel which
damps
out noise. Special cam cover gasket seals isolate valve train
operation. The
fuel injectors are placed inside the induction system
housing
to eliminate the clicking noise which is common to other fuel
injected engines.
The Northstar engine is designed
to provide years of efficient, reliable,
satisfying operation. We think
it is also just plain fun to drive.
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