So today, my friend an I were changing the oil in 4 cars and in conversation a couple of questions came up that we didn't know the answer to.

1) Where did GM came up with Northstar?

2) Have there ever been any other GM engines that had a name that was more recognizable than say the displacement?

rpo's are the only thing i know thats recognizable. L79, L78, LS6

The 'LS' names have widespread recognition, but those are a code rather than a marketing name.

Other than that, you would have to go back in history to find well-known names... and some there are nicknames rather than official, such as 'Nailhead'. The general 'Rocket V-8' comes readily to mind. Not sure how much 'Blue Flame Six' was pushed. Nothing else springing to mind at 6AM but there have to be others...

Iron Duke

I know there is the Ecotec also.

Vortec

LT-1

I don't know if it was ever officially marketed as such, but there was also the Shortstar.

I think the "star" thing was a theme they were going for back in the early 90s. They has Northstar, OnStar, and the mostly forgotten, GuideStar.

Though not an engine, the name HydroMatic is till in use.

Pontiac SD

But a lot of their engines were numbers as well

for Chrysler how can we foget hemi

Mouse

Rat

Stovebolt

None official, of course, but common names none the less.

It's was not just the engine, but it was the whole Northstar System which included the powertrain/chassis/braking/steering system that was developed by Cadillac.

It's was not just the engine, but it was the whole Northstar System which included the powertrain/chassis/braking/steering system that was developed by Cadillac.

But where did it come from? Did somebody just randomly make it up?

I believe 'Quad4' is fairly recognizable in less than favorable way.

Quad4 is a name.

Quad4 is a name.

Yes?

I just read what I typed and it makes very little sense.