# 2.8 3.1 3.4 V6 **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 6, 2002, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653 "2002-07-06T18:14:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2002, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/1 "2002-07-06T18:14:48Z")
GM has a series of 60 deg V6s used in all of its divisions in FWD, RWD, and even 4WD applications. Using Google, I was trying to find some technical specs about transmissions and bolt patterns…and got ambiguous, unclear answers. Does anyone know if the bolt pattern for these V6s follow the Buick-Olds-Caddy pattern, the Chevy-Pontiac pattern, or some unrelated pattern? Specifically, I am thinking of getting a '96 Pontiac Firebird with a 3.4 and 4 speed auto. I also have access to a Cadillac 4.6 Northstar DOHC V8 in a local junkyard. I know the Northstar and V6 bolt patterns are identical, so they wil bolt up, making me on BAAAD ride. I just want to keep my part numbers straight for technical support. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/2 "2002-07-08T04:58:55Z")
_Anybody?_ ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/3 "2002-07-08T05:42:51Z")
About the only thing I can say is that I know that the Northstar will drop into a Fiero GT without modification - search Pontiac Fiero Northstar for examples. The Fiero GT had a 2.8 V6. Perhaps if you tried looking in a Chilton’s for the appropriate cars you would be able to tell. Or I suppose GM may have an e-mail address for such questions. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/4 "2002-07-08T14:50:50Z")
Compared to decades ago, very few engine swaps are done nowadays. The reason is that electronic control systems are partly vehicle-specific, and it’s possible to get a mismatch that is all but impossible to reconcile. I’d be very leery about expecting it to run properly unless you get some “been there/done that” advice from somone who has achieved a SUCCESSFUL swap of the same type. You might also want to get info on typical problems and repair expenses with the Northstar engine. I’m sorry I have no answers to your particular questions. ---
**Author:** ![Boobka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Boobka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boobka)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/5 "2002-07-08T15:06:51Z")
It can be done [http://www.willburns.com/northstar/](http://www.willburns.com/northstar/) I have read more about this, but I can’t find it at this time. I belive the guy that did the swap said it was cool but not cost effective for the power ration. My suggestion find a used LS1 engine, or do a build up on the LS1 based truck engine. It will be cheaper and you will have more power. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/6 "2002-07-08T20:18:37Z")
Oh, God Yes! That is EXACTLY what I want to see under the hood! I know an LS1 has more power and torque, but you can’t beat the visual impact of those DOHC valve covers! ---
**Author:** ![Boobka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Boobka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boobka)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/7 "2002-07-08T21:08:05Z")
if your gonna do it then you will need to swap the tranny too, in that case you will not need to worry about the bolt pattern you will have to most likely modify the subframe to place new engine mounts ---
**Author:** ![Boobka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Boobka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boobka)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/8 "2002-07-08T21:44:09Z")
ignore last response about tranny, i am at work and was dreaming that cadillac’s are RWD 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Necros](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/necros/32/11086_2.png) [@Necros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Necros)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/9 "2002-07-08T22:33:18Z")
The 2003 Cadillac CTS is rear-wheel drive (not that it uses the Northstar), as have been Fleetwoods for quite a while. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2002, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/10 "2002-07-09T01:46:37Z")
Alright. The Northstar will bolt up to the Camaro’s 4sp auto. The intake manifold must be unbolted and turned around 180 deg to face the air filter. Apparently, the only major components needed to make this swap a reality are custom made headers and motor mounts…both of which are probably available for GM F-bodies, as well as other RWD applications. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2002, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/11 "2002-07-20T17:34:56Z")
Update: Both Camaro and Northstar are gone. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2002, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/12 "2002-07-20T18:43:25Z")
Wha’ hoppen? ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2002, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-8-3-1-3-4-v6/117653/13 "2002-07-20T20:21:45Z")
The Northstar was salvaged for another Caddy, so I had no reason to get the Camaro, so the owner sold it to somebody else.