Seems to be OK for General Motors

[RCSignals]

The biggest criticism from magazine reviewers of the MM has been supposed "Low" torque. 318lb-ft@4300 rpm isn't enough, they say.

General Motors has announced they will be adapting the Cadillac Northstar 4.6L DOHC engine to their upcoming RWD platform cars.

There is a 3/4 page tribute to this in Jan '03 issue of Hot Rod magazine.
Seems there is much they have to do to the block to strengthen it, and they will be adapting vvt.
Engine output is reported as being 315hp @ 6,400 rpm, and a whopping 310 lb-ft at 4,400rpm!

Just another double standard!

[JohnnyB]

Hot Rod magazine featured the MM in November 2001. They wrote that the MM engine makes "more than 300 hp at 5,750 rpm and 310 plus lb-ft ot 4,250 rpm..."

Those figures come at much less rpm than the Northstar.... go figure

[LincMercLover]

How much do the Caddy's weigh now?:confused:

[RancorKeeper]

Actually, a lot of GM guys aren't big fans of the Northstar engine because it's an OHC design. Many prefer the "old technology" of the Gen III LS1/LS6 & Vortec motors. The 4.6L in the DeVille makes 300hp - 295tq & the DeVille weighs in at about 3900lbs, more with certain option groups. Fairly impressive cars, but they're not cheap.

[LCpl Retired]

I looked at the devilles to buy. I used to rent cars frequently for work, frequently enough to get GMs and or Town Cars whenever possible. When I was looking for a new car I made a point of getting de villes a few times. They really are an impressive car. Fast and pretty agile for their size. I am not a big fan of front wheel drive so that was a major obstacle. With 300hp torque steer is still an issue, especially on hard downshifts. Still I gave them a fair shot. As they were a rental it is a good time to reaaly stretch them out and see how they hold up under "accelerated wear". After a few days of this the caddys would really start feeling loose. Trannys, shafts and motor mounts would start to exhibit lots of give. Great rental..but wouldn't buy one.

TCs and GMs would exhibit no changes or issues under the identical circumstances in my little "tests"