Oldsmobile Aroura V8

[Urban Legendz]

Hi I am new to the Ultima GTR and I was wondering if I could put in an Oldsmobile Aroura V8. I mean what would I have to do to make it work with the Porsche gearbox? If it would be to much of a hassle then what about a Quadcam LT5??

[jschwartz]

There's someone in Washington or Oregon with an Aurora V8 in an Ultima Can Am. The Aurora is just a smaller displacement version of the Cadillac Northstar. The Jan 03 Issue of Hot Rod Mag has tips on an easy 525HP from the Northstar. I've seen new Northstar V8s complete with wiring Harness and Computer for $3000. (SPeedway Motors was selling a bunch last year). While checking out Hot Rod you can also see my other car featured on page 68. I think the LT5 is too wide to fit an Ultima.

[midblock]

Hey Urban Legendz

I was wondering about this aswell. I have looked at the Arora and olera V8s and I love the idea of a smaller quad cam in the ultima. I would really like to build one of these engines. The problem is, I have not been able to find aftermarket parts for them. If anyone knows a source for heads or at least cams for these quad cam engines please let us know.

P.S. Legendz, my parents have a V8 arura that they only use as a trip car. They live about 45 min away. I could go take some size mesurements for you.

[Miguel]

Midblock, try www.chrfab.com
As jschwartz said, the Aurora is just a smaller displacement version of the Northstar. Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators are the only tuners of this engine that I've heard of. They regrind stock cams to their own specs. The article on them is the one that jschwartz mentioned--Jan 03 "Hot Rod."

[midblock]

Wow thanks Miguel

They even have grinds for turbo aplications sweeeeet. Anybody have dimensions for the engine bay of the GTR. I would like to absolutly shure the engine will fit before I go spend my hard earned cash.

[JCof T.O.]

Is the Aurora engine lighter then the Z06 motor? I was really considering that route. They are cheap and easy to get and in stock trim more then adequate hp for an Ultima. Atleast until I get used to it.

[jschwartz]

My guess is the Aurora is heavier than the ZO6 / LS6. My friend and I unloaded the LS6 from the jeep lifting by hand, pretty light. The LT5 was a bunch heavier than the LT1-LT4 Iron block engine, The quad cams and all the stuff adds weight. Incidently, I weighed my LS6 equipped Ultima GTR last week, 1900 lbs complete.

[JCof T.O.]

Wow really that's pretty light. Anyone know what the vehicle weight comes in less the engine and transmission?

[midblock]

I think you guys are correct, the aurora V8 may weigh slightly more than the LS1, but not much. Remember the LT5 engine was massive. I am looking for smaller displacement and higher revs. I think that typically (correct me if im wrong) OHC engines are capable of more revs than push rods, and that’s what im after. Another benefit is cost, I can get one of these engines for practically nothing at a local junk yard. I am concerned about one thing though. All Northstar engines have cast cranks and, I am not so sure if they will hold up to the power levels the engine will be tuned to.

[bigmack]

midblock said: I am concerned about one thing though. All Northstar engines have cast cranks and, I am not so sure if they will hold up to the power levels the engine will be tuned to.

Check with Crower www.crower.com
They can probably make a custom crankshaft for this engine.
Cheers!
-Mack

[RSchley]

jschwartz, I was kinda looking into the LS6, and I heard you can buy the complete engines from GM minus the ECU (I think)... which route did you take with your LS6, how much hp?