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  connecting  rods support  the  free floating  piston  pins  in 
bronze  bushings  for superior  high speed  performance.  The fillets 
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. 
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320   
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The power  rack and pinion..stee&g .gstem--h,w, a ,rotaq-  spool  valve  which 
directs  hydraulic  fluid  coming  from  the  power  steering  pump  .to  one side or 
the other 
side of the rack  piston.  The integral  rack.piston  is attached  to the 
rack.  The rack  piston  converts  hydraulic  pressure  to a  linear  force  which 
moves  the  rack4eft  or right. 
The force  is then  transmitted  through  the 
inner  and  outer  tie  rods  to the  steering 
.. knuckles, , which turn the wheels 
If hydraulic  assist  is  not  available,  manual  conirol,  is ‘maintained.  However 
under these,  conditions.  more  steering  effort  is  required. 
4.6 LITER NORTHSTAR ENGINE 
Displacement ............................... .4.6L (279  cu.in.) 
No.  of  Cylinders 
................ 32-valve  DOHC 8 - 90 Degree  V 
Power  (ACC.  to 
SAE 51349) ................ 270 (b,hp) @ 5600  rpm 
Torque  (ACC.  to 
SAE 51349) ............ 300  (lbs. ft.) @? 4000 rpm 
ELDORADO 
...................................... 204 (kW) @ 5600 rprn 
...................................... 407(N*m) @ 4OOOrpm 
ETC 
Power  (ACC.  to SAE 51349) ................ 295’(bhp) @ 6000 rpm 
Torque  (ACC.  to 
SAE 51349) ............ 290  (lbs. ft.) @? 440.0  rpm 
Bore 
........................................ 93mm.(3.66.in.) 
Stroke 
...................................... .84mm  (331in.) 
Compression  Ratio 
.................................... 10.3: 1 
Cylinder  Block ...... Die  Cast  Aluminum  with  Iron Cylinder  Bores 
Cylinder  Heads 
................................. Cast  Aluminum 
Intake  Manifold- 
............ Die Cast  Magnesium / Thermoplastic 
.......................................... Air  Induction  Tubes 
........................................ 220 (kW) @ 6000 rpm 
...................................... 393  (Nom) @ 4400 rpm 
Valve.  System ................... Direct  Acting  Hydraulic  Tappets 
Intake  Valve 
.................................. 33mm (1.29 in.). 
Fkhaust  Valve,. ................................ 29mm (1.14.h.) 
Pktons 
...................................... Cast  Aluminum 
Firing  Order 
.................................. 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8 
Left Bank ........................................... 2-4-6-8 
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