V1 CTS-V Shopping! For high horsepower potential, should I hold out for an LS2 car?
10-30-2013, 03:15 PM
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V1 CTS-V Shopping! For high horsepower potential, should I hold out for an LS2 car? I'm finally at a point where I can buy the car I've been dreaming about since they were released in 2004. I've done as much reading as I can find on the power potential of the LS6 vs the LS2, head options, cost of modification, etc. but I'm still on the fence. I already know I'm going to be modifying this car, with an end goal of somewhere around 500rwhp. I'm leaning toward going the Maggie S/C route with an intake, cam, and full exhaust, which I believe would get me close. The main advantage I can see of the LS2 is the head options, but if I'm going with the S/C and I don't *have* to mess with the heads for my goals, I won't.
It's going to be much, much more difficult finding a low mileage CTS-V if I'm limiting myself to 06-07.
What do you guys think?
It's going to be much, much more difficult finding a low mileage CTS-V if I'm limiting myself to 06-07.
What do you guys think?
10-30-2013, 03:18 PM
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I know my LS2 car goes up for sale and comes back down again often(keep falling in love with the car)
but I already have her to 400 with headers and a baby cam(should do well with boost).
I held out for a LS2 when I picked the car. Didnt mind the cost and that the warranty was still in effect for a year after I bought it.
My one thing to remember for you would be the rear end if you plan on racing it. If I were planning on launching my car I would quickly start saving for a 8.8 kit.
but I already have her to 400 with headers and a baby cam(should do well with boost).
I held out for a LS2 when I picked the car. Didnt mind the cost and that the warranty was still in effect for a year after I bought it.
My one thing to remember for you would be the rear end if you plan on racing it. If I were planning on launching my car I would quickly start saving for a 8.8 kit.
10-30-2013, 03:27 PM
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I'm finally at a point where I can buy the car I've been dreaming about since they were released in 2004. I've done as much reading as I can find on the power potential of the LS6 vs the LS2, head options, cost of modification, etc. but I'm still on the fence. I already know I'm going to be modifying this car, with an end goal of somewhere around 500rwhp. I'm leaning toward going the Maggie S/C route with an intake, cam, and full exhaust, which I believe would get me close. The main advantage I can see of the LS2 is the head options, but if I'm going with the S/C and I don't *have* to mess with the heads for my goals, I won't.
It's going to be much, much more difficult finding a low mileage CTS-V if I'm limiting myself to 06-07.
What do you guys think?
It's going to be much, much more difficult finding a low mileage CTS-V if I'm limiting myself to 06-07.
What do you guys think?
Buy the cheapest one you find, build a 408, swap in an 8.8, and sell old stuff.
500 to the wheels no boost, no broken diff.
10-30-2013, 03:44 PM
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I'm definitely aware of the rear end issues, hoping to find one with a 4th gen diff. As much as I love drag racing, I've come to terms with the fact that excessive launches will break the rear end, and I'll have to deal with that or abstain. Even then, with that much horsepower, I'm sure I'll have to eventually regardless.
As for what I'm looking for, I'm willing to spend up to $20k and I'm patient. I've seen some very low mileage cars on the market for that price (around 35k). When it comes to $20k for a 35k mile car or $16k for a 90k mile car, I'd rather spend the extra $4k.
As for what I'm looking for, I'm willing to spend up to $20k and I'm patient. I've seen some very low mileage cars on the market for that price (around 35k). When it comes to $20k for a 35k mile car or $16k for a 90k mile car, I'd rather spend the extra $4k.
10-30-2013, 03:50 PM
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mine is 23k. 57k miles as of this month. cam kooks 2 sets of wheels and a gen 4 diff. Diff bushing and block. Lots of other little stuff. Like AMSOIL in the diff and trans. Spare ls7 clutch kit(clutch/flywheel/pressure plate/slave cyl). So yes its more. But I have parts.
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10-30-2013, 07:11 PM
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I would hold out, except for the right price range and mileage. If you find one that is at a good price, and the car is in good shape, I would pull the trigger.
Even if your not in any rush it could take awhile before one appears for sale in/around your market that hit all of your marks.
Even if your not in any rush it could take awhile before one appears for sale in/around your market that hit all of your marks.
10-30-2013, 07:24 PM
#10
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Hold out for a V2.
They're already down to $40k ish depending.
Figure $15-18k for a V1... you're already halfway there.
$10k on mods to get up to 500ish whp... you're now 3/4 of the way to a V2.
Smaller pulley and larger heat exchanger on the v2 with a tune... 500whp V1 is lights in the rearview no problemo.
They're already down to $40k ish depending.
Figure $15-18k for a V1... you're already halfway there.
$10k on mods to get up to 500ish whp... you're now 3/4 of the way to a V2.
Smaller pulley and larger heat exchanger on the v2 with a tune... 500whp V1 is lights in the rearview no problemo.
10-30-2013, 08:25 PM
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I just bought a LS6 V1 with 130K miles...no regrets, price was right and you can't tell it has that many miles at all...miles don't scare me if its been taken care of
10-30-2013, 11:00 PM
#14
Save some cash and get whatever year is the best deal mileage/price wise. For 500rwhp the ls6 vs ls2 debate is pointless they will both be ridiculously close with the same mods. Just remember everything is expensive, maggie, REAR, clutch etc. You'll have 10k wrapped up in those 3 in no time at all. Then add a cam and long tubes and your in another 3k.
10-31-2013, 07:52 AM
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From the sounds of things I"ve read I dont have any of the "weird" issues people have...no leaking trunk, no weird windshield wiper ****....everything works exactly as it should the doors still shut like its new....I'll gladly drive it over 200K miles
10-31-2013, 11:42 AM
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Hold out for a V2.
They're already down to $40k ish depending.
Figure $15-18k for a V1... you're already halfway there.
$10k on mods to get up to 500ish whp... you're now 3/4 of the way to a V2.
Smaller pulley and larger heat exchanger on the v2 with a tune... 500whp V1 is lights in the rearview no problemo.
They're already down to $40k ish depending.
Figure $15-18k for a V1... you're already halfway there.
$10k on mods to get up to 500ish whp... you're now 3/4 of the way to a V2.
Smaller pulley and larger heat exchanger on the v2 with a tune... 500whp V1 is lights in the rearview no problemo.
If I'm not shooting for the 500rwhp goal it doesn't really matter which engine I get (and even if I was, it sounds like it's almost a wash). This will open up many more options for me as far as cars available on the market. I'll then set a budget for some best-bang-for-the-buck mods, exhaust, tune, and enjoy the car while saving for a V2.
I really appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
10-31-2013, 07:43 PM
#17
TECH Enthusiast
You know, you're absolutely right. The V2's are out of my budget right now, but I'm pretty sure that'll change in the next year or two, and the prices will continue to fall.
If I'm not shooting for the 500rwhp goal it doesn't really matter which engine I get (and even if I was, it sounds like it's almost a wash). This will open up many more options for me as far as cars available on the market. I'll then set a budget for some best-bang-for-the-buck mods, exhaust, tune, and enjoy the car while saving for a V2.
I really appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
If I'm not shooting for the 500rwhp goal it doesn't really matter which engine I get (and even if I was, it sounds like it's almost a wash). This will open up many more options for me as far as cars available on the market. I'll then set a budget for some best-bang-for-the-buck mods, exhaust, tune, and enjoy the car while saving for a V2.
I really appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
Also... we've had a couple E55 Benz's go for around $15k in this area lately with 40-60k miles on 'em
11-01-2013, 09:33 AM
#19
It is a great deal!!!! Between the procharger, intake, rear end, and radiator....I want to buy that car!
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/4156606189.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/4156606189.html
11-01-2013, 09:36 AM
#20
Save some cash and get whatever year is the best deal mileage/price wise. For 500rwhp the ls6 vs ls2 debate is pointless they will both be ridiculously close with the same mods. Just remember everything is expensive, maggie, REAR, clutch etc. You'll have 10k wrapped up in those 3 in no time at all. Then add a cam and long tubes and your in another 3k.