- The 1999 Northstar had an aluminum block and cylinder heads. It featured a new one-piece manifold design with free-flowing intake tubes to increase its efficiency and breathability. The Northstar used the OBD II self-diagnostic system to detect failures and monitor deterioration of the emissions release system. The engine had a liquid-cooled alternator and Helmholtz resonators to reduce engine noise.
- In case of engine coolant loss, the Northstar had a "limp home" mode. It allowed the engine to run for 50 miles at 50 mph without coolant. Four cylinders were kept running with the other four not firing, but pumping air to keep the motor cool enough to operate without damage.
- The 1999 Cadillac Northstar LD8 engine displaced 278.6 cubic-inches. It used 32 valves. Its bore and stroke was 3.66 inches by 3.31 inches with a compression ratio of 10 to 1. The engine's maximum torque rating was 300 ft-lbs. at 4,000 rpm with 275 horsepower produced at 5,600 rpm.
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