can anyone tell me if the 4.5 and 4.9 have the starter motor located in the vally of the motor like the northstar does where you have to take off the intake to get to it if it goes out. I have worked on northstars and think that is the worst idea. I would like to find a newer model deville but would rather stay around 94 to 95 if the 4.9 is not set up like the 4.6 thanks

 

no the older ones still had the starters bolted underneth.

That said i can change a starter on a northstar quicker than on a 4.9 or 4.5.
That intake is a snap to get off and you don't even have to crawl up under the car.

I'd take a northstar over the older motors any day.