Cadillac CTS-V - A familiar sight for some...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/bigmikeca/IMG_0089.jpg

Yep... blew the diff on the 1/4 mile strip... got off the line as well as I could with slipping the clutch and after the 1-2 shift I was done. So... my question being will the new revised diff hold up to 470whp and some hard driving or should I just save up for a Ford kit? I plan on keeping the car for at least another year before moving on to something more "track friendly." For anyone that's local (Glendale, AZ) I'll probably be selling some audio equipment to help fund the repairs haha... anyways I appreciate any and all comments (good or bad).

that sucks...

Do you have another car to DD? the lag time from DSS is what really kills the CS kit. it takes at least 4 weeks for the axles and drive shaft to arrive at your door..

cheapest quickest route would be to get a used diff from someone doing the 8.8 swap or salvage yard

that sucks...

Do you have another car to DD? the lag time from DSS is what really kills the CS kit. it takes at least 4 weeks for the axles and drive shaft to arrive at your door..

cheapest quickest route would be to get a used diff from someone doing the 8.8 swap or salvage yard

Yea it does suck, but I knew the risk... what REALLY sucks is I have yet to get a 1/4 time LOL... I have a ride to work, so no biggie there I just don't want to waste $$ on a revised diff if it won't hold up

If you are going to go with a new car in the next year or so I wouldn't waste the money on a 9" or the 8.8. 4th gen dif on ebay at the moment....http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-07-Cadillac-CTS-V-5-7L-6-0L-LS2-L-OEM-Rear-Differential-Carrier-V-Series-/280882713788?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4165ea14bc&vxp=mtr

If you are going to go with a new car in the next year or so I wouldn't waste the money on a 9" or the 8.8. 4th gen dif on ebay at the moment....http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-07-Cadillac-CTS-V-5-7L-6-0L-LS2-L-OEM-Rear-Differential-Carrier-V-Series-/280882713788?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4165ea14bc&vxp=mtr

Thanks for the link... seems like the smart route to go

Thanks for the link... seems like the smart route to go

Get that diff and avoid the 1/4 mile till you sell the car.

there is a gen 4 over on cadillac forums.
Yooper is his username, it's got a couple hundred miles on it

Yea I just saw that on the caddy forum ... Thanks

I vote for a title change to "A familiar sight for too many"

I vote for a title change to "A familiar sight for too many"

LOL! True story.

I love my 8.8 but if you're going to sell the car soon, save the money and buy a used diff and stay away from the track. None of the stock diffs are 100% bullet proof with the power you're making but the updated version will obviously be much better than the rest.

I would do an upgraded gen 4 diff, and axles at the same time.

Axles and a gen 4 diff will hold up. Well, maybe not stock CV's. I'm still in my stock diff and I've been relentlessly pounding it for 4 years. 1.5 I those with over 500 rwHp and plenty of 1/4 runs.

+2... stock CV's turned to mulch in mine not even launching or racing...lol:burn:

Axles and a gen 4 diff will hold up. Well, maybe not stock CV's. I'm still in my stock diff and I've been relentlessly pounding it for 4 years. 1.5 I those with over 500 rwHp and plenty of 1/4 runs.

I vote for a title change to "A familiar sight for too many"

LOL

LOL! True story.

I love my 8.8 but if you're going to sell the car soon, save the money and buy a used diff and stay away from the track. None of the stock diffs are 100% bullet proof with the power you're making but the updated version will obviously be much better than the rest.

I would do an upgraded gen 4 diff, and axles at the same time.

That's what I was thinking too... since my half shafts are original it would be in my best interest to at least get the staggered setup. Although after crawling underneath yesterday it doesn't look pretty... the diff got kicked sideways the exhaust is the only thing that saved it from flying off the car... the rear CV boot on the drive shaft is ripped and grease sprayed everywhere. Is the boot even replaceable? and even at that how am I sure the drive shaft isn't damaged? The CS kit is looking more worth my while if I'm replacing everything. I'd like to get the 9" kit with that lifetime warranty, but I don't have $7k.

Axles and a gen 4 diff will hold up. Well, maybe not stock CV's. I'm still in my stock diff and I've been relentlessly pounding it for 4 years. 1.5 I those with over 500 rwHp and plenty of 1/4 runs.

Thanks for the info... good to know it'll hold up

+2... stock CV's turned to mulch in mine not even launching or racing...lol:burn:

LOL

+2... stock CV's turned to mulch in mine not even launching or racing...lol:burn:

Haha...yup

A couple pics... from the front and the side

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/bigmikeca/IMG_0090.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/bigmikeca/IMG_0092.jpg

whats your mods? I see you have 470hp in the thread but what mods to motor? Semi-local shop called Race Proven said 450-460 range with a FAST, Cam, and tune... you should have alot more or similar mods to make that powa in the AZ heat... what wheels you running also...lol

http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp65/autogeek23/tagettingtowed.jpg

happens to the best of us. or all of us.
i know not a CTS but still a gm rear end failing at the track.

Damn you third gen rears!

V1 + fail = 60ft

I have a brand new 4th gen diff and want to go to the track. All I have for mods is a Magnaflow exhaust. Will I be safe at the track? I have a friend with a new 5.0 that wants to go head to head with me.

For a set of bullet proof axles to go with a 4gen your dropping at least 1G+ 4gen is ~$800 so 1,800$.cons still have the pinion lash and weak ass Getrag case vs.. partial CS 8.8 kit + source your own 8.8 diff ~$750.do it all yourself. is still $3300.. i fially pulled the trigger on the latter setup

I have a brand new 4th gen diff and want to go to the track. All I have for mods is a Magnaflow exhaust. Will I be safe at the track? I have a friend with a new 5.0 that wants to go head to head with me.

check 07ctsv post.. you really should upgrade the axles and CVs if you want to take a 4th gen to the 1/4 track or do any launching/1-2 WOT shifts. or this is bound to happen
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/bigmikeca/IMG_0090.jpg
this is the classic CTSV diff failure

weakness list: IMO and reading through the years
1. AL getrag case.. newer the better..
2. inner CV/ stock axls
3. outer CV
4. never heard gears or the carrier itself braking at any power level

whats your mods? I see you have 470hp in the thread but what mods to motor? Semi-local shop called Race Proven said 450-460 range with a FAST, Cam, and tune... you should have alot more or similar mods to make that powa in the AZ heat... what wheels you running also...lol

MP112 with 2.75 upper, 1 7/8" LT high flows with Corsa, Volant... it put down 470 in nice weather... not summer temps. I've got the GM accessory wheels

For a set of bullet proof axles to go with a 4gen your dropping at least 1G+ 4gen is ~$800 so 1,800$.cons still have the pinion lash and weak ass Getrag case vs.. partial CS 8.8 kit + source your own 8.8 diff ~$750.do it all yourself. is still $3300.. i fially pulled the trigger on the latter setup

check 07ctsv post.. you really should upgrade the axles and CVs if you want to take a 4th gen to the 1/4 track or do any launching/1-2 WOT shifts. or this is bound to happen
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/bigmikeca/IMG_0090.jpg
this is the classic CTSV diff failure

weakness list: IMO and reading through the years
1. AL getrag case.. newer the better..
2. inner CV/ stock axls
3. outer CV
4. never heard gears or the carrier itself braking at any power level

I'm leaning towards this route

I wish GM would put out a cast iron 5th gen carrier. I guess our cars are too old for them to care about anymore. Most are out of warranty by now.

that actually isnt the typical break. Ive actually never seen a break like that

Most of them are in a V pattern and are on the side

that actually isnt the typical break. Ive actually never seen a break like that

Most of them are in a V pattern and are on the side

It sounded worse than it looks LOL... of course it's always funny when at least three people came up to me and said "make sure to rub the numbers off your window for warranty"... I'm like dude it's eight years old and I don't buy aftermarket warranties.

"I AM the warranty"

http://www.shadowlocked.com/images/stories/LISTS/buscemi/Donny_The_Big_Lebowski_Buscemi.jpg

That thing destroyed itself. I've seen them break, but never in the places that this one did. Pretty rough looking, and it's the threads like these that keep from taking the V to the track.

Yea the track was well prepped since there was a Mustang event ... So there was no give

I avoid the track for this very reason, well primarily because its my DD and I would be screwed...What wheels are you running?

I've got the GM accessory wheels

you guys must have short memories but that other forum is full of people who never been to the track and had diff failures. People have had more rear end issues on the street then the strip.

Some people who will remain nameless here have broken their car everywhere but a drag strip.

And to the OP it seems once people go built rear they never drag their v's and end up selling it not long after. I would go with the gen 4 rear and just wait till you find your never vehicle.

Yep... blew the diff on the 1/4 mile strip... got off the line as well as I could with slipping the clutch and after the 1-2 shift I was done.

Look on the bright side, you MADE IT to the 1-2 shift, I didn't make it past 20 feet lol

that actually isnt the typical break. Ive actually never seen a break like that

Most of them are in a V pattern and are on the side

wcryan, yes you have, silly pants. You seem to not remember the thread I started from my first and only 1/4 mile run lol

http://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-cts-v/1472569-how-blow-your-differential-2004-a.html

That thing destroyed itself. I've seen them break, but never in the places that this one did. Pretty rough looking, and it's the threads like these that keep from taking the V to the track.

Mine did too, it seems to not be that uncommon.

Good luck with the replacement. It's not that hard to do, but just be careful, that front section will fall out on you if you don't pay attention.

Here's a pic of my diff after I removed it:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=355249&stc=1&d=1337655035

-meaty

you guys must have short memories but that other forum is full of people who never been to the track and had diff failures. People have had more rear end issues on the street then the strip.

Some people who will remain nameless here have broken their car everywhere but a drag strip.

And to the OP it seems once people go built rear they never drag their v's and end up selling it not long after. I would go with the gen 4 rear and just wait till you find your never vehicle.

Yea I am still weighing my options...

Look on the bright side, you MADE IT to the 1-2 shift, I didn't make it past 20 feet lol



wcryan, yes you have, silly pants. You seem to not remember the thread I started from my first and only 1/4 mile run lol

http://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-cts-v/1472569-how-blow-your-differential-2004-a.html



Mine did too, it seems to not be that uncommon.

Good luck with the replacement. It's not that hard to do, but just be careful, that front section will fall out on you if you don't pay attention.

Here's a pic of my diff after I removed it:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=355249&stc=1&d=1337655035

-meaty

LOL yes I did make it off the line... and holy shit @ the picture

If you are going to go with a new car in the next year or so I wouldn't waste the money on a 9" or the 8.8. 4th gen dif on ebay at the moment....http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-07-Cadillac-CTS-V-5-7L-6-0L-LS2-L-OEM-Rear-Differential-Carrier-V-Series-/280882713788?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4165ea14bc&vxp=mtr

I love it how salvage yards don't list the mileage when I guarantee you they know it!

^ so they can get top dollar

Id go back every week to see if it's sold. I bet they will give you a good price eventually

I have a friend with a new 5.0 that wants to go head to head with me.

Why would you want to go head to head with a new 5.0? Unless you are a professional drag racer and he has cerebral palsy and has never raced...you wont have a chance.

Well I've decided on going with the Creative Steel kit with an iron case and 3.90 gears... I'll be placing the order soon. I can't see myself driving like a nancy or not going back to the track in this car while I own it and I think it will help me when I go to sell it later on... I'll have a better chance of getting my asking price with a stout drivetrain.

Why would you want to go head to head with a new 5.0? Unless you are a professional drag racer and he has cerebral palsy and has never raced...you wont have a chance.

Agreed...and nothing worse that blowing your rear when you were going to lose anyway. Those cars are quick.

I'd def race a new5.0, esp since I have a chance of winning. Come on now, it took FORD how long to build something that was competitive based on a platform that is 7 years old!

My best friend has a 2012 5.0 and from a 2nd gear 30mph roll (Fuck doing digs with this rear end) to the top of third I was about a car length in front. They are quick, don't get me wrong, but they aren't OMGWTFBBQ quick.

^ agreed

I'd def race a new5.0, esp since I have a chance of winning. Come on now, it took FORD how long to build something that was competitive based on a platform that is 7 years old!
i think the 5.0 is competitive with any 2+2 platform GM builds today. The Blown cobra never really had much of a match from GM.

Just finished installing the kit and I can't compliment enough on the quality and customer service of Creative Steel... I had a few issues that were quickly resolved... phone calls and emails were quickly returned. Minimal clunking and very little gear noise from the rear end... much better than what I was putting up with before. Hope to have a time slip when the weather cools off...

pictures and a video!

I'll try to get a video in this weekend haha