LS swap 2002 rodeo ls

You can do it, it’ll be full custom work. You’ll want to swap the trans too

Absolutely there is.

The best way to go about it is to install the engine, electrinics and transmission from a Tahoe.

Another option is the Cadillac NorthStar V8 as it will bolt up to the MUA5 (with correct bellhousing) and 4L30 transmission. Add a Fi-Tech standalone fully tuneable ECM and you have a 436HP V8 with more torque you would ever use.

Welcome to bring your vehicle it to my shop for this repower.

Shawn, the 4L30 won’t last too long hooked up to the v8, will it? Given the issues people have with them in and stock engines

Teddy Frank said:

Shawn, the 4L30 won’t last too long hooked up to the v8, will it?

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The NorthStar V8 is connected to a 4T30 FWD transmission in Buick & Cadillac cars. This conbanation performs very well together however, these cars are not a 5,000Lbs 4x4.
The NorthStar engine in a trooper ideally should be connected to a MUA5, Eaton/Browning, NV2500, 700r4, 6L60 or 80. Taking it easy and avoiding drag racing with 4L30 and you should be fine... But you know that kind of defeats the purpose, right?

Personally I wouldn't trust a 4L30 to last with a lawnmower engine driving it. Always a opition to beef up the 4L30 to handle more power... To a certain point that is. Which transmission is best will depend on driving habbits, intended vehicle use & budget.

Shawn Anthony said:

Always a opition to beef up the 4L30 to handle more power

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What would it take to do, besides a proper rebuild?

cswa said:

What would it take to do, besides a proper rebuild?

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I am not the expert on these transmissions.
All of these that come into my shop are sent out to a 3rd party. The person who rebuilds & "bullet proof" these transmissions has custom bands made along with using stronger parts from a different model transmission.

Shawn Anthony said:

Absolutely there is.

The best way to go about it is to install the engine, electrinics and transmission from a Tahoe.

Another option is the Cadillac NorthStar V8 as it will bolt up to the MUA5 (with correct bellhousing) and 4L30 transmission. Add a Fi-Tech standalone fully tuneable ECM and you have a 436HP V8 with more torque you would ever use.

Welcome to bring your vehicle it to my shop for this repower.

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Ballpark quote for a Northstar on a 5speed swap? Less than 5k?

Do the MUA-5 and AR-5 have the same bolt pattern? I imagine that they do.

Enemigo said:

Do the MUA-5 and AR-5 have the same bolt pattern? I imagine that they do.

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I think so.

Bender said:

Ballpark quote for a Northstar on a 5speed swap? Less than 5k?

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Sh*t if it’s less than $5k I’m putting that on my wishlist!

Teddy Frank said:

Sh*t if it’s less than $5k I’m putting that on my wishlist!

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Well a decent low mileage Northstar is about $700-1100. The rest of the budget is installation and minimal fabrication costs?

Aren't Northstar motors garbage though?

Enemigo said:

Aren't Northstar motors garbage though?

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Not if set up correctly. If you harden them, they are as reliable as anything out there. I’ve seen 800hp twin turbo Northstar sand rails that do 80mph wheelies out at the Killpecker sand dunes!

They really just need proper head bolts and good head gaskets. If it’s a newer babied grandma car with less than 75k, I would just run it stock.

Enemigo said:

Aren't Northstar motors garbage though?

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Referring to performance or reliability/longevity?

Reliability. I have it in my head that they were bad motors, but I can't remember why. I think from like 20 years ago when I worked at a car dealership for a bit.

Thanks Bender. So it's something with known issues, and the issues have known solutions?

Enemigo said:

Reliability. I have it in my head that they were bad motors, but I can't remember why. I think from like 20 years ago when I worked at a car dealership for a bit.

Thanks Bender. So it's something with known issues, and the issues have known solutions?

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absolutely. There are thousands of high mileage northstar cars. It’s no dumber design than the Toyota V8 (fourcam with starter under intake manifold) the Northstar is quite small for its size. Lots of midrange TQ. I may buy a low mile junkyard Northstar and harden it myself. I have access to a hotrod shop here, just need the time and money.

Wow, I don't know which is prettier, the car or the tree! But since I'm on a car forum, I'll go with the car Do you still have your Allante?