DTM-_-

Hello all, I'm new to the forums here and just had a few questions. I'm considering getting an 04-05 CTS V, with the LS6. Having only owned a tiburon and a 335i, i'm not too keen on the LS motors, or what kind of maintnence they need. The one's i find have around 70-110,000 miles. What are some things that will need to be replaced? Is there any problems specificley associated with the V after a certain mileage? Should there be any thing to expect in upcomming miles?

Thanks guys

raven154

iTrader: (14)

Motor and trans mount, diff bushing, driveshaft carrier bearing, shifter bushings. Those are the major ones that make the car not much fun to drive. Everything else is actually pretty solid.

There are a few recalls for fuel pump and brake lines. Make sure those are done or get done.

mild83

This in a nutshell.

Depending on your budget, I'd look for a car that has these all done on them. I hated spending money on mods that I can't really see, ha.

hefftone

There are some more informative threads in the past couple of months...I just don't feel like finding it for you or repeating it.
We should sticky it....but I already have the car so....I can only give so much of a ****....ya know!?!

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

Indeed. I never posted a thread asking for info. Usually "[insert car here] common problems" gets the job 80% done. I had diff bushing and GForce axle on order before I even took delivery of my car.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Being a GM product, around 120k you'll need to start replacing a lot of parts that don't help you go faster. For some this is opportune for upgrades.

Alternator, radiator, water pump, bushing, shocks, spark plugs, fluids, plastic interior parts... the list can stack up pretty quickly.

As far as the engine is concerned, replacing valve springs are the only thing I would really suggest above 100k. This is pretty simple in our cars. Remove coils, remove valve covers, remove rockers, use spring compressor tool to compress spring pairs, remove retainers, cap & springs, re-install in reverse order.

Most catastrophic engine failures have come from spring failures dropping a valve into the cylinder. A fresh set of springs every 100k or so is cheap insurance even on a stock engine.

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

^^^ You forgot about a method for holding the valve in place. I use the TDC method.

Becker

iTrader: (4)

Agreed. Tdc was the fastest for me as well. Pen magnet for the locks.

rand49er

You need a culture change.

Most of the suggestions above are in regard to non-motor items, with the exception of valve springs. Those other cars you've owned require major stuff to be done at 100k ... not so with LS engines.

vmapper

iTrader: (8)

Yep, that is the way I always change springs. Why drag out a compressor when a screwdriver or straw in the plug finds the piston.. valve just lays on it.

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

Main downside is you have to drop the radiator to get a socket on the crank bolt (especially with ALRADCO), but not the end of the world.