D.K

iTrader: (1)

Today I stepped up my search for a CTS-V by checking out one in person. I have to admit that coming from a V8 S4, I thought I'd be losing out on a few niceties by making the change...I couldn't have been more wrong! I can definitely see this change happening, and soon!

On my test drive, I noticed an issue with the clutch pedal. Is there supposed to be an audible/feelable click coming from the pedal? It occurs with almost every press. The throw of the pedal is smooth, but once you get about half way...**click**. Aside from the click, everything else with the clutch seemed flawless.
Everything else about the car seemed great. No clunking from the diff, no whining, motor mounts seemed to be in good condition. Aside from the higher mileage, it could easily pass for a car with 20K on the clock. Of course I had a professional driver take the car on a closed course to check the butt dyno ratings...butt dyno confirmed that all 400 horses are still there. Slight wheelhop in 1st, but nothing serious. Butter smooth on the shift to 2nd. I...err...the professional driver never pushed hard it after 2nd gear.
I've read the FAQ on what to look for when looking to buy a CTS-V and I've tried to check for anything I could possibly find, but for those of you who own one, is there anything else you would recommend checking for?

Also, how to you put the car in competitive driving mode? I need to know for the maiden voyage home!

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

get an 06 or 07, or an 04-05 with the latest and newest gen 4 diff

D.K

iTrader: (1)

Is there anyway to check to see if it has the upgraded diff just by looking? I'm looking at 04-05s only.

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

someone knows the parts numbers for it around here

rand49er

Is it possible the clutch pedal was catching on a wire harness under the dash?

There are some subtle external differences in the various diff versions, but I have never committed them to memory ... maybe someone else can help.

Good luck!

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

Never heard the clicking sound that the OP is referring to.

D.K

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies! I have an appointment to see it again next weekend. I'll see if I can get under the dash to check things out. Hopefully the clicking is something minor.
As for the diff, it seems tight. I didn't notice any clunking at all. Maybe I'll get lucky and its already been upgraded...wishful thinking!

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

does it whine?

D.K

iTrader: (1)

Nope. I didn't hear any whining. Everything was smooth and quiet. I never got it over 60-65 mph though...not sure if that would make a difference.

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

that's a plus then..... get those axles so you dont wheel hop ur car

meatyCTS-V

65.5 MPH is where you would have heard the whining...

Just kidding

I may attribute that clutch noise to maybe the switch underneath. Might just need a small shot of lithium grease or something similar? It may be getting hung up inside, or possibly worn out?

It's always best to take a look at things twice. Bring a friend, two sets of eyes notice more problems than one

-meaty

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

I have a click sometimes with the clutch pedal but never had a problem. As for the diff do a search. There are vertical lines on the rear of the diff, the two to the far right, if they go ALL the way to the top of the diff above the one horizontal line it is an updated diff.

HeavyH20

I think there are two "good" differentials. The updated one that comes on the 06/07 and the 2008 version that supersedes them all with the reworked pinion. I have the 06/07 on my 2005.

aurora40

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't pass on a car just because it had the older diff. But it's a good idea to check just to know what you are getting.

D.K

iTrader: (1)

Awesome! Thanks for the info guys! Hopefully that clicking will just be something minor. The clutch felt great otherwise...honestly better than the pedal feel in my Audi. Funny thing is I had a friend with me. Once he got thrown back in the seat, he was no good at spotting problems.
I'll see what I can find out on the diff as well. Maybe I'll take my rhino ramps with me to get a quick looksee. I think I'm going to check out a second CTS-V later today just to have another reference point.

adanieljohnson1

iTrader: (1)

Good hunting bro... make sure to also check the nav unit and the CD changer... you'll want to make sure it all works or you'll be dishing out a cool grand just to replace it since they dont/won't fix it if its jacked...

mhhamrhead

iTrader: (4)

X2. Not saying the diff isn't weak, but there are plenty of '04/'05 owners that are still running the original unit. Plenty that grenaded them as well. Guess it all depends on how you drive the car.

HeavyH20

That is true about the differentials. There have been many that have gone through multiple differentials, old or updated versions while others have been happy with their supposedly flawed version for 100,000 miles. I know I replaced mine for peace of mind, not out of necessity, while I was under the car putting in the gForce axles, pinion bushing, diff brace and control arms. Figured if I was doing all that work I might as well get the stronger version under there.

vmapper

iTrader: (8)

Differential part numbers:

1st Gen--- 10361308 (04 and Some 05)
2nd Gen--- 10368780 (05 and very few 06)
3rd Gen--- 15793756 (06-07)
4th Gen --- 25873498 current replacement & supersedes all others.