Born on a Shortstar: Flat Fender Jeep With a 3.5L GM V6
If you’re like me, you love to do things differently, and that is especially true when it comes to modifying your Jeeps or classic Willys. You also know that the go-to engine swap for off-roading is a V8. That may be too typical for you, but what else can you do? Well, you may want to take a look at Four Wheeler’s Project DJ-3A, better known as “WHATCHAMAWHOOZIT” by Christian Hazel, their brand manager. His ’53 is powered by a Shortstar.
So, your first question is: “What the hell is a Shortstar?” It’s the same engine that was used in the 1999 to 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigues, and the 2001-2002 Auroras. Its engine code is LX5 but the name is based on the Northstar V8 engine (but if you were an engineer that built it, you called it the “Short North”).
Now, it wasn’t just a Northstar that was cut down to a 90-degree V6 ala the 4.3L from GM; instead it was a brand new block punched out to 211.9-cu in or 3.5-liters. It’s also unique for being the only other V6 engine in GM’s lineup to use DOHC (using chains instead of belts to drive the cams). The other three were the 60-degree Twin Dual Cam, the HFV6 (High Feature V6 and a 60-degree V), and an Opel designed V6 that used 54-degree V.
While it produces 215-horsepower, it punches out with a 234-lb ft of torque at 4400 RPM. That’s thanks to its DOHC design, 3.52-inch bore, 3.6-inch stroke, and 9.3:1 compression ratio. It’s also the first engine to use coil-on-plug ignition from GM. All of these features made it one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 1999 and 2000, but when Oldsmobile bit the dust so did the Shortstar.
What makes Hazel’s build even more special is the fact that it is actually one of only three DJ prototypes built on a CJ-3B blank chassis. The DJ didn’t officially begin production until 1955.
Here is the current buildout of the DJ-3A:
Engine: GM 3.5L DOHC LX5 “Shortstar”
Transmission: SM420
T-case: Dana 300
Axles: Currie Ford 9-inch (front and rear)
Suspension: Factory YJ spring-over (front); 4.5-inch Rubicon Express YJ spring-under (rear)
Wheels: 15×10 American Racing; OMF beadlock
Tires: 35×13.50R15 BFG Krawler T/A KX
Other: 5.38 gears, Detroit Locker, 35-spline shafts (front); spool, 35-spline shafts, True Hi9 centersection (rear); 32-spline T-case output shafts; Centerforce Dual Friction clutch; Wilwood remote-reservoir brakes; Wilwood four-piston calipers (front), GM ½-ton calipers (rear); Colorado Customs billet steering wheel; Mastercraft seats; 15-gallon fuel cell; Ramsey Pro 9500 winch; Optima Blue Top battery; Powermaster onboard welder; 5lb Power Tank; fully boxed frame