2 Bolt vs 4 bolt Main Caps and Nitrided Stock Crank ... strong? ---

[alwayscode390]

WOW, I just tried to picture that ... the bolts go from the oil pan up to the heads?!

I was definitely thinking of this setup like the SBC.

Can you take the heads off without having to take the engine out of the car ( taking the oil pan off? )

No wonder these engines are so historic ---

[Hog]

IIRC the LT5 architecture was used in the 3.5 V6(Shortstar) and 4.0/4.4sc/4.6 V8 Cadillac/Olds/Shelby engine from 1992-2011.

The V8 Northstar is/was part of GM's "premium V8" engine series. They are extremely durable and make great mid-upper rpm power. 4000-6500rpm is a fun experience, even in the 2 ton plus boats they were installed in. Add 1.1 liters and 100-125 hp to that party and subtract a ton of weight from the vehicle, and your arrive at the rip roaring LT5 experience.

They have a cam drive setup that is superior to the LT5. If GM had relaxed its max engine size by only an inch or 2, Lotus could have designed camshaft sprockets with a greater diameter which would have allowed greater durability over 7500rpm. The smallish LT5 cam sprockets cause greater chain action as compared to larger sprockets.

As it turned out larger sprockets could have fit during the Bowling Green chassis/body mate process where the body comes down over the engine on the line.



Either iteration of the LT5's lower end is usually referred to in terms of being "bulletproof".

peace
Hog

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for that Hog.

I had a 2004 Cadillac DTS with the 4.6 Northstar and loved the engine.

What would be considered the "weak link" of our engines ... that usually cause a sort of engine failure, the head gaskets? ---

[Hog]

Here is an "exploded"view of a MY 95 LT5(actual my90-95). Look at all that lower end BEEF!
CAPWALK, whats that???

The crank is literally sandwiched in the middle, very very stable.



peace
Hog

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by alwayscode390

Thanks for that Hog.

I had a 2004 Cadillac DTS with the 4.6 Northstar and loved the engine.

What would be considered the "weak link" of our engines ... that usually cause a sort of engine failure, the head gaskets? ---

too much spray.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for that pic ... #146 shows the extra bolts in the 4-bolt setup. ---

Originally Posted by Kevin

too much spray.

LOL ... whats considered too much? Sounds like the tune was off if these things can handle 500hp over stock specs ---

[A26B]

A color coded bolt size and comparison between the 90~92 & 93~95 engines.



The nodular iron main ladder cast into the lower crankcase. #1 main area visible here.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by alwayscode390

Thanks for that pic ... #146 shows the extra bolts in the 4-bolt setup. ---



LOL ... whats considered too much? Sounds like the tune was off if these things can handle 500hp over stock specs ---

whatever kurt was pumping into his 415 trying to run down supras.

[Kevin]

that is a great pic jerry.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks Jerry ---