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Northstar in a Reatta


Bushwack

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Oh, how I really don't want to criticize this car, it is an impressive effort no doubt. A couple of subjective observations: I like the rocker panel and bumper mod's for the most part. The power train transplant is clearly very well done. But, it appears the full CRT functionality has not been quite integrated. Looking at the summary screen in the one picture provided, it reads 99.9 mpg AVG fuel economy. This is not a readout that could be had under any normal circumstance, and tells me the CRTC is not getting the data it needs to correctly calculate the avg fuel economy. If the auction didn't claim all original functionality was retained, it would not be a point of argument.

I also see an added "A/C" button next to the fog lamp switch below the tape deck. This is clearly not stock, and tells me there must be some issue with integrating the new A/C system with the CRT controls as well. Otherwise, the "AUTO" button on the screen would be used without the need for this new hard-button. While it was added in a way that it looks close to stock, it isn't so is another point of contention with regard to what is claimed in the rather lengthy description.

Finally, while I will again cede the job was well done and is truly impressive, I don't much care for the Northstar. Yes, it makes a lot of HP for the size/weight. It is also prone to be a maintenance hassle, with leaking half case seal, head gasket warp and other issues being common enough for me to never consider the N* in any car I own. As I've stated here many times before, if not for the N*, I'd probably be driving a 1999-02 Eldorado instead of a Reatta. The unacceptably high rate of major repairs with the N* caused me to rule out the Eldorado, which may have been one of the best decisions I ever made.

And the price? Well, for the work done it is probably not out of line. The question is why do all that work (and spend all that money) only to try and unload it at a price that it almost certainly can never fetch. Just another case of cars being a poor investment. Personally, I doubt it will get anywhere near the BIN but will be interested to see.

KDirk

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I knew it could be done, but how much of the dianostics did they loose? The only reason I have not went to a v8 (not a 4.5/4.9; one they are week engines, two i could do it and keep everything working) is I do not want to loose any part of the crt operation.

At 59k I could build 3 or 4 of them. hmmmmm

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Must admit to being biased but I really like 6s, they are much easier to tune properly since the pulses do not overlap. best for power is the L67. Unfortunately the engine bay would make it difficult to fit a 60 degree V6 because there are some mass-produced American ones (DOHC 3.6l 305 hp 87 PON) that would make a lot of sense.

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Guest Reattanan

You must read your Reatta newsletters over and over. Yes, this car was pictured in an early 2008 Reatta newsletter. I thought there was more but not able to locate.

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You must read your Reatta newsletters over and over. Yes, this car was pictured in an early 2008 Reatta newsletter. I thought there was more but not able to locate.

I went back to the Bugles for 2008 and there is photo and a few words about this car in the December 2008 Bugle. This magazine had lots of info about the Reattas' and for our new members this is a copy you should keep with your car. I dont know how many are still available but Carole Madsen with Reatta apparel had a few copies and Barney Eaton also had a few copies. Better get them while you still can

Chuck Kerls

booreatta@cox.net

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