MaroMan

iTrader: (6)

Im looking at two different cts-vs, one is a 05 with 70k miles and the other is an 07 with 100k miles. Both are about 20k. Are the differences worth the higher miles? If so what are the major ones?

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

04-05 and 06-07 are the differences. 04-05 have shitty diff's and have a 5.7 The 06-07 have a little bit better of a diff and a 6.0 truck motor; which is used to tow the 04's and 05's when their diff's explode. So do you want to be towed or be the tower is the question.

These motors are very well built and there are a few guys that have seen close to 200K if not over

rand49er

Besides wcryan's spin on the differences, there's a difference in the steering wheel controls and the color offerings. If the '05 has an updated diff (many do), then I'd go that way because of the lower miles. <-- That's assuming, of course, all else being equal especially maintenance/condition.

HeavyH20

The big difference, as noted, is the differential. But, I would say that is not really much of an issue. There are plenty of folks with the original diff on their 04/05 and also many folks experiencing multiple failures of the differential of 06/07 models. I think it is more a function of abuse/use than design limits. The Gen 3/4 diffs are a little more stout but not invincible.

07CTS-V

iTrader: (6)

There are very few '07's that have broken differentials. I can't recal anyone that had stock power levels and/or street tires breaking one. I pounded my diff and drove through the wheelhop for two years with over 400 to the tires, for six months with over 500 to the tires and the diff is still holding up fine. I would get the '07 simply for the steering wheel controls. Oh yeah, and for the LS2.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Go with the 05, more then likely it has an upgraded diff and if not I still wouldn't worry. All the differences have been stated though and there aren't many.

aurora40

iTrader: (1)

No offense to anyone, but the '05 sounds pretty overpriced. '05 with 70k, I'd expect to be about $3k less. The '07 not as much, though at 100k it is past the key '07 differentiator, a powertrain warranty.

The miles difference doesn't seem that key, unless you don't plan on driving much. I.e. if you drove the car 50k miles before selling, they will both be >100k by a fair bit, but one will always be the "newer" car. Even though the diff stuff is fairly overblown, it seem that '06-07 cars definitely command more money than a comparable '04-05.

CTSVBiggie

iTrader: (1)

07s also had the GM 10 year 100k mile warranty or whatever. 04-06 did NOT. I have a 06 but it came with a GM platnum extended warranty on it. YAY.

.Houdini.

iTrader: (1)

06/07 also have larger/beefier axles.... and the black centercaps along with the broader torque curve make them faster. There are a lot of ls6 owners that like to hate on the 'torque' motor.... they are just in denial. Hehe

I've seen a lot of 04/05 owners report a few issues with grounds/wiring/strange readings on electronic gauges. In those threads, you don't see 06/07 owners reporting the same. Maybe gm changed some things with the grounds/wiring or maybe 06/07 owners just haven't had those issues yet. Who knows.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Hey Houdini, anytime you wanna line up your ls2 torque monster against a puny little ls6 with no torque let me know ; )

vmapper

iTrader: (8)

Dont forget about the flawed rad for the 04/05.... requires an updated pn rad.

rand49er

'04s and '05s don't have 34 psi on TPS readings. Jumps from 33 to 35.

That was standard.

scatillac

iTrader: (12)

From a modification standpoint, the 07 has a better selection of cylinder heads available due to it's larger bore.

It's also has a better cylinder case (you can use dry sleeves) should you decide to sleeve it out to 4.125 for your 427.

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

can you build a 427 by different stages and keep ur V driveable while doing it?

scatillac

iTrader: (12)

I believe so. The difficulty lies in the head swap

You could do a short block with pistons cut for LS3 heads (15* valve angle) and stick it in the car with your LS6 heads and intake manifold, then do a heads/intake/cam (for the LS3-type stuff) job on it later with minimal down time. This could be done for an initial cost of around $5-5500 is you're careful with your parts sourcing.

Depending on your budget, a clutch/flywheel would best be done at the time of the engine swap, adding only the amount of the parts used, likely in the $450-750 range.

This would spread the cost out and still be quite effective, especially with something like WCCH heads and a FAST LSXR 102/102TB . This would likely be another $4-5000 depending on choice of parts/source.

Cost will be better controlled if you can do a lot of the work yourself.

ChitownLS1

iTrader: (9)

I paid $18,500 for my 04 with 42k on it one year ago. I then added $2300 for a 4 year 60k warranty. I have had 4k in dealer work done. (Diff, engine mounts, sway bar end links and bushings)

bamacaddy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah my 04 keeps a steady 38 PSI in the driver's front.....Still read that when the wheels were off getting tires mounted LOL. I haven't noticed the 34 issue yet tho.

meatyCTS-V

Verified this on my way to work this morning lol

-meaty

kevm14

Wow, no 34? I will have to check when I get home. Hey Meaty, I'm in Sarasota right now! But headed to Tampa tomorrow morning...and no V here. Nevermind. Haha

meatyCTS-V

Oh man, you stalkin me or something? LOL

Vacation or business? And how long ya staying for?

-meaty