D's Hawk

iTrader: (4)

My girlfriend and I are having a baby, so I am getting rid of my 02 Z06 and I want an 05-07 CTS-V. First, are there any differences between these model years? Second, I live in San Antonio, anyone know of any clean low mile V's in the state or surrounding states? I stay on autotrader and Craigslist, just seeing if anyone knows of anything off the radar. Thanks.

Dmax/04V

Biggest difference is 04-05 had the 5.7 liter ls6, and the 06-07 had the ls2 6.0 liter. Powerwise they are identical, the powerband is just slightly shifted. I have owned both and this is the only real difference. Make sure to look for one with a later generation differential, preferably a gen IV diff. Be ready to redo the motor/trans mounts, differential bushing, and maybe some shifter bushings. Don't be alarmed by this just be aware, those parts all together run about $500 if I remember correctly. Another thing alot of people swap out on these cars is the clutch, the oem clutch is a piece of crap. LS7 clutch asemblys are common with this crowd. Figure these things into the price of the car and you should be alright. Once you get these taken care of it's a great car to have and drive, decent highway mileage but still fun in the twisties. City mileage sucks, but mostly because it is way to tempting to get on it and surprise people when a cadillac takes off. Enjoy and I'm sure others will post more info.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

04-LS6, only offered in silver and black, had rear glass antenna (most removed), weakest differential (most replaced)
05-LS6, offered in silver, black, red & stealth grey, another weak differential, but most replaced.
06-LS2, same colors from 05 (red slightly different), updated differential
07-LS2, same colors, but grey turned from stealth to "thunder" grey which is very rare. Steering wheel buttons changed to some stereo controls. Best differential

There are plenty of V's in Texas. I'm sure Neversatisfied might show up to show you some soon.

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

I don't think they're identical in power at all. They're both rated for 400 HP, but the LS2 is much more conducive to significant power gains at cost due to its slightly larger displacement, commonality with the GTO, and bigger intake. With about $6000 invested, I think I'm sitting 10-20 RWHP greater than a similarly outfitted LS6 CTS-V.

Dmax/04V

Granted the power potential is not the same, but baseline they are similar.

spin2nd

iTrader: (2)

The 2006's have the updated stereo controls as well...personally I couldn't live without the 06-07 wheel controls but that's probably just me.

Also, you can visually spot the 04-05 vs the 06-07 cars from the outside by the addition of the small 'GM' badge just behind the front tires above the rocker panels (if a previous owner hasn't pulled them off).

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

So, I think that he should probably do his homework beforehand and figure out what kind of approach he'll likely take to achieve his power goals. For instance, if your end game is a Procharged V, the smaller intake and throttle body on the LS6 really need to be replaced with a FAST intake whereas it's more or less optional on the LS2.

On the other hand, if you're thinking about a TVS2300 setup, it doesn't matter which intake your car comes with, because you'll be replacing it anyway.

D's Hawk

iTrader: (4)

I drive an 07 the other day and definitely want an 06-07. The power felt great and I can have my son's coarsest in the back. I am aware of the rear end problems and would definitely want the most updated one as well. Thanks for the info guys, more is welcome. Hopefully my vette will sell and I will be joining your community soon!!

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Haha, ok if we're going that far the centercaps on the 06-07's are black instead of silver.

racermike68

iTrader: (3)

I think the '06 and up also received transmision upgrades, thicker axles and sunroof became standard... if we're going that far ;-)

punishmentcycle

iTrader: (6)

trans is the same, diff and axles were updated.. everything else was already touched apon

OldRoadDawg

Quick reference chart here:
http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/my-chart.html

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

I heard the '08 never made it into production because the test mule exploded on the dyno. Apparently, the prototype GM Fart Induction Methane Boost system, which vacuumed farts out of the drivers seat and injected them directly into the intake manifold, was never designed to accommodate the bowel loosening feedback effect and inadvertently sucked several hundred CCs of **** into the motor when the cognizant engineer sharted at 5,000 RPM.

Onefast V

iTrader: (3)

don't buy an 06-07 and get stuck with a truck motor!! no!! You need a motor that wasn't built for towing.. . In all seriousness you will probably save more money buying an 05 with a newer gen dif., that would be my recommendation.

.Houdini.

iTrader: (1)

06 up definitely had some trans updates but nothing REAL significant. The larger half shafts, better rear ends, steering wheel radio controls, and the torque band of the ls2 are the reasons I would pick an 06-07 V. I loved my 07 with 4th gen rear. Black centercaps make it go faster too lol.

Having said all that, save your money for a while and get a nice used V2 down the road. Such a better car in every way. Used 09s can be had in the low low 40s now.

Onefast V

iTrader: (3)

Yes but at 2-3 times the cost.. you can get a nice used V1 for $15K. The V1 is definitely not 1/2 or 1/3 the car the V2 is that's for sure.

heavymetals

iTrader: (3)

04 and early 05 will not support XM radio traffic (BFD I know!).

Onefast V

iTrader: (3)

My 05 has the XM traffic button, you sure of this?

heavymetals

iTrader: (3)

04's and early 05's DO NOT SUPPORT XM-radio traffic.

Later 05 models do.

spin2nd

iTrader: (2)

Dangit...forgot about that. This is what I get for being a smartass.