Northstar V8 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davidmash · #16 05-10-2010, 12:02 PM

Granted it has been quite a while but my dad had a '84 500 SE (short wheel base) euro and as I recall that car was quite fast. I could chirp the tires in 1st and 2nd if I pushed it. I miss that car.

Hatterasguy · #17 05-10-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

However, once up to speed I'd like the say a 560 would whoop most modern V8's; every company is now more attuned to the 0-60 factor than the 60-100 factor like these old autobahn cruisers.

Well thats kind of the point of MB, they are not designed to get you to 60 as fast as possible like a GM car. They are designed to pull well from 60 to their top speed. Thats why the gearing in the rear ends are is so high.

A MB is designed to cruise at pretty much WOT all day long in perfect safety and comfort. A Caddy is not.

Also remember GM hasn't made a V12 powered car in 60 years, so even the top of the line Northstar falls on its face compared to the Bi turbo V12 MB puts in the S. You can really only compare the "cheap" S class to a Caddy, the higher spec models are in a different league.

cmbdiesel · #18 05-10-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I've owned one, and no, you won't find a W126 that will pull like that unless its been breathed on by AMG or some other tuner. That's all that car has, though, straight line acceleration. Put it in a turn and it falls flat on its face.

Loved the STS and never had a problem in the 3000 miles I put on it.

Also, Northstars V8s don't have the piston slap issue. That would be the Vortec V8.

I've also owned one of those motors and it was trouble free as well. Northstars have the head bolts that strip out, causing head problems.

Both suffer from GMs dex-cool lifetime coolant which eats away at seals and causes all kinds of troubles. If people actually changed the fluid at regular intervals there wouldn't be many problems.

You'll find the people that knock these cars the hardest have never owned or driven one. They do have their issues, just as Mercedes and every other brand, but are overall good vehicles.

I really enjoyed my STS as well, put almost 5K on it before I got out. Thing had excellent acceleration, would suck you into the seat like you read about.
Northstar engines also have a bizarre shelf in the block that can accumulate oil and starve the engine of lubrication.
And BTW, I believe the proper term is "Death-cool"

iwrock · #19 05-10-2010, 05:54 PM

A 400E is a great car.

Its a nice sleeper, and great highway cruiser, especially with the mild gearing.

Without knowing the #s for the caddy, i cannot compare them.

I do have to say that an E55 AMG with some light modifications can be wicked fast. Think 10.95 second quarter mile.

Stock E55s pull nice too.

ashedd · #20 05-12-2010, 01:11 PM

No luck finding a V8 locally. But I did find a nice w126 280se. I know it's not a power house but what are every ones thoughts about it? I am guessing it will be faster than any of my diesels and get better gas mileage than a V8. Any thoughts?

pawoSD · #21 05-12-2010, 06:13 PM

I've raced a Northstar Caddy in my sister's 190E before....he did pull away pretty easily, but not "has 200 more HP" easily.....I wasn't that impressed....in a distance race I'm sure the 190E (or most any MB gasser) could take it out at the higher speeds. MB's are able to put the torque to the ground, american cars suck at that.

Oh yeah, and the northstar caddy was probably 2-3 years old, but when he got on it, it shot blue exhaust and smelled terrible. Pretty horrid!

PaulC · #22 05-12-2010, 06:18 PM

Back in '94, I raced a '94 STS with a '93 BMW 740iL. It was definitely a tight race.

pawoSD · #23 05-12-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

Back in '94, I raced a '94 STS with a '93 BMW 740iL. It was definitely a tight race.

Not if there had been any curves or turns during that race.

PaulC · #24 05-12-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Not if there had been any curves or turns during that race.

Part of the race was over an expressway that wove through a small canyon - I was ahead, but in the end, some #&)$)^$ ahead of me in a VW Rabbit slowed me down enough to make it a tie. The race ended on the suburban front lawn of one of the contestants. His Little Missus, at home at the time, was not happy. We ended that night at his basement bar with a little Scotch and some blackjack. The good old days...