bmzero

I'm looking to buy a CTS-V soon. I went and drove a '06 today, but the price difference between the '06-'07 and the '04-'05 is enough to make me look into the LS6 engine cars. I am slightly familiar with the differences in the two power plants, but I don't see the big reason for such a large price difference.

Also, are there any differences other than the engine between the two cars?


thanks,
.b

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

The 06-07 have a slightly better rear that will still break if driven a little too frisky.
The 06-07 have radio controls on the steering wheel.
The 06-07 have a slightly revised trans compared to the 04-05's.

bmzero

Thanks for the quick reply.

What is the weak link for the rear end in the '04-'05? Easily upgradable to something more sturdy?

I tried to read up on the specs before posting the question. I didn't see any difference in the transmissions. Do you know what is different?


Thanks again,
.b

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

I think the ratio's are a little different internally.

The weak link is the housing. I don't think I've ever read of anyone breaking an axle, just the housing. There are multiple option for upgrading but the only documented fix so far is the madman reak for $7500.

Hendrix is a near site sponsor and have made some axles that work in the gto world and should help us out alot.

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/index.html

Click on review/model comparison
Then click on Comparison Chart of CTS-V Model years

bmzero

I was reading up on the madman fix. Sounds nice, but pricey.

Ah, I didn't see the comparison link. Thanks.

I don't anticipate being overly harsh on the car, so the weaker rear end might hold up fine.

I just don't want to dump an extra $7k or so into the car just for the LS2. Is that a popular view, or do most people here prefer the later model years?

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

It's all in personnel pref. I bought an 04 because I got a good deal on it. All the 1st generations will treat you the same. If you buy the ls6 model you can knock the ls2 guys for having a truck motor and if you buy an ls2 model you can bash the ls6 guys for having a weaker rear.

My only advice is to get the fastest color. BLACK.

bmzero

Yeah, blk/blk is what I'm looking for.

Thanks for the noob information. That's exactly what I needed to hear.

I think I'll look for an '04-'05 and pocket the difference in price.

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

I have to keep converting them to the "chosen" motor. lol

archerandsons

iTrader: (17)

04/05 ftw!

bmzero

Wow, I had no idea this was going to be such a heated debate, but I should have known.

I really appreciate all of the info. All points seem to be valid.

bmzero

According to Manheim (big auction company), there is quite a bit of difference in the "worth" of these cars. I don't really know if the engine/suspension differences in model years mentioned here are worth the difference in price to me.

Here is what Manheim says right now:


What do you guys think?

skydiver

????????

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

I can't believe no one here mentioned warranties.

A lot of the '06s and definitiely '07s have factory warranty let of them. This makes the car more valuable. Take that plus the fact that pretty much any newer year for a car model is going to get a couple grand more, it kind of makes sense.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

Mike do you have any actual data to back that up about the FG2s?

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

When you beat the 11.85 silver will be the fastest color. Untill then black is the champ.

skydiver

You mean That is all it'd take for you to think black isn't king?
If thats all it'll take then as soon as I get it back from Epp, consider it done

jerrad

iTrader: (5)

If I knew all it took was a little challenge I would have done that many moons ago. Black will still look fastestbest IMO but if you can knock off a 11.84 then silver will be the new champ.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

umm...what color is wait4me's V1? He's got 800+ rwhp and if it is black, he's our only chance...