Anyone installed non-OE engine parts?

[PushHard]

Hi,
I've got a quick question thos those, who have got experience in engine rebuilds. I have got a 2004 Bonneville (4.6 L Northstar V8). With time and age, its engine has worn out, which I pretty much understand, as it's got around 400K... Anyways, it started to consume more oil, and finally knocked. That's why now it's in the shop waiting for the engine rebuilt.
Wanted to ask you folks, if anyone has got experience with non-OE engine parts? Because the major concern I've got is about the camshafts... Has anyone tried any out? What are your guys impressions? Or I would better go and buy these from the dealer? But frankly speaking, dealership's prices for these things are way high for me, so I was wondering maybe that's okay to get the new aftermarket cams with warranty instead?

Any help is appreciated!!!

[harofreak00]

Wait wait, you have a GXP with 400k miles? Got pics?

Why not just drop in a used 100k motor for $700? A rebuild on a Northstar has got to break the bank. Is it really worth it on a 400k body?

[jradke61]

Yeah, I'd like to see pics of the odometer. Has to be the only N* in existence with that kind of mileage.
I'd count your blessings and call it good. Why push your luck and stick that kind of money in one of the worse, most problematic motors in GM history. How much has that motor cost you already? Drop a brand new Supercharged 3.8 drive train in her if you want to keep running an old car. Be cheaper and far more reliable.
Seriously, I doubt anyone here has rebuilt a N* to answer your questions. I could be wrong tho.

[sseilmnop]

The 2004 and 2005 North stars are not the worse, most problematic motors in GM history. Maybe the 1999 and older N*, but the 2004 are a different.

As far as rebuilding a north star I would swap in a used motor 2004 or 2005. We don't rebuild the great supercharged L67 either, we just get junk yard motors when they go bad.

Didn't expect to get the North Star hate on the bonneville forum. I own both and actually like both.

[redfury]

Rebuild it, stud the block, get aftermarket cams...go beat up a set of front tires and enjoy your car for another 400k.
I hear about the Northstars biggest problem being the head bolts which lead to head gasket and head warp problems, but once you stud the block and put in good gaskets and heads, what's really wrong with it?

I mean, I've got a 4.0 Ford with 4 timing chains and it's known to have a weakness in the timing chain guides ( cassettes ). We love the truck and would replace/repair/rebuild the motor if the rest of the truck was in good enough shape to justify it.

If you love it, keep it running...put a million miles on that sucker!

[96 SSEi]

sorry, cant help with parts info, but, with 400k, you definitely got your money's worth from her

[jradke61]

OK, maybe exaggerated a bit on the worst motor in gm history...by just a little.
Edited Cuz you're not asking if it's worth it.

[PushHard]

You know, I did not even think of getting the engine swapped... I just asked what needs to be replaced and got the list, so just wanted to check in the non-oe engine parts are fine for the basic rebuild. Sure, will ask my son get a couple of pictures for the forum guys as the normal camera on my cell won't take pix, only the selfie camera works. I will give it a try, anyways, as I already ordered the camshafts for it (https://www.carid.com/engine-camshafts/). As I thought, got 2 aftermarket ones.
And you know, in general, I like my old good Bonneville, so I'd be happy to restore it and make 400K more on it...
Will let you guys know how it goes, folks.

[jradke61]

And you know, in general, I like my old good Bonneville, so I'd be happy to restore it and make 400K more on it...
Will let you guys know how it goes, folks.

Won't really have a choice but run it in to the ground. It's a $2000 car at best no matter how much you put into it.
All that's going to matter is the 400,000+ miles on the odometer.
Another 400,000 miles? You're kidding right?

Bought the wheels off a guy with an 05GXP. Custom paint, wheels, interior spotless. 180,000 miles. Was asking $6500 for it for months til I laughed and told him why it wasn't selling. Text me a month ago he dropped it to $4000. Still no takers. Not even a call.
Meanwhile my 05 SLE sold for my asking price of $3950 in 9 hours. Same demographics on Craigslist. Got over 20 calls after.
Draw your own conclusions.