BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

with the mods?

Looking to invest about $1000 into a little more power and looks. Ideally I would like to add a B&M shifter first, intake/tune or something other than exhaust to get more power. I'm more than happy with the noise it makes now and I'm not looking to get any louder. I need a wheel hop kit or something. I would also like to lower the height just hair to get the rear end down. Other than that I'm pretty happy.

My question is what to look for, what's a waste of money and time, and do this don't do that for your warranties sake.

RangerRob

iTrader: (1)

don't tune until u get headers, just throwing $ away... lowering springs are a good investment, along w sway bars... look into the ground control kit... wheel hop is all in how you drive the car... i'd say hold off on that mod unless u absolutely need it... just get wider rear tires

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

Headers with stock exhaust? I don't really want to get louder.

I was thinking more of Eibach's or something that wouldn't compromise too much ride quality. Sway bars and coil overs might be a bit much. I want more peace of mind in a wheel hop kit maybe.

NoRice

Delrin cradle bushings help, the others tend to stress the dif case in other places than designed so they still break.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

You're not going to get any real power for under $1000 unless it's nitrous.

For $2000 you can get headers & cats, have them installed, and get a tune. I don't know guys, what 25-30 hp out of that?

Don't bother with the intake unless you buy it for the sound only.

Warranties are dependent on the dealership and local GM reps.

If that's all you want to spend, I'd say:

B&M shifter $200
ground control ~$400 (come with what you need to counter the self leveling shocks)
CAGS eliminator $13
tint ~ I have no idea $, but should get you close to the $1k.

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

What about the programmers? Worth anything?

Tint is tomorrow @ $130.

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

Never used one, but from what I've read (I read a lot the past few months), you're better off just getting a real dyno tune from a custom speed shop that knows what they're doing. It won't be much more expensive than a handheld, and likely much better all around.

And it's doesn't seem to be worth it anyway until you make real changes to the way your engine is running (headers, maggie, cam, etc.). Only one time I saw a post of a dyno sheet that was up to 15 so hp gained from a dyno tune on a stock motor.

I think you're better off saving your $$ for a real worthwile power investment. That's what I'm doing now. Now sure if I am taking the easy way (maggie) or the trukk route (n/a) yet. Maggies are sick but trukk's got quite a beast without one. We'll see when the project begins next winter...

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

Well here's what I'm looking for...nothing crazy in performance or handling upgrades. Just some quick and simple mods to sqeeze what I can and there's no tuner shop within miles of me.

Programmer, air box, cags, shifter, springs (more for appearance if possible) and maybe switch to the Magnaflow setup in the future (I hear the sound is still pretty modest).

gauge hp

iTrader: (1)

Personally I think the wheel hop gear is first, sway bars,shifter,ground control, airbox, exhaust,,in that order. Then you are setup for what ever direction you wish to go with the car. Although all that is more than 1k, you can start crossing stuff of your list. That's just my opinion.

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

What **** and boot is that? And will it fit the B&M?

scatillac

iTrader: (12)

I would install the Spectre rear cradle bushings before adding any power. They transmit a bit more noise than the Cadillac factory nylon set bet they really snub the rear end down. I'm going to change the front carrier bushing to a PTFE or Delrin to further the decrease in deflection.

Between the Spectre inserts and the PS2 Michelins, the rear hop issue is negligible. The rear is holding up well behind the current engine, but I'm not a drag racer.

Hold off on any tuning until you can get all your bolt-ons done. You'll save money and your results will be better.

The CTS-V is very sensitive to IAT. Anything you can do to lower the IAT helps tremendously. Most of the heat is external heat absorbed and transmitted by the MAF body, which is where the IAT sensor lives. Some insulating/reflective wrap is very beneficial here.

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

I'm not looking to add much power. I'd like to stabilize the rear better but to be honest I don't plan on hopping it much and I have the extended warranty.

Atlantic Speed as good as any place to use?

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

Programmer, shifter, air box, ...under $800.

Brentman2007

gto ****

here is what i spent so far

200 tint
450 spoiler painted
40 clear lenses
50 led reverse superwhite (from the old cts)
14 led triagle superwhite
140 muffler delete with 4 inch magnaflow tips
300 powdercoat black chrome rims
45 caliper paint and decals
155 Hid fogs (from my old car)
70 blacked out tails
25 eyelids

total cost 1449 so far


I want gc an intake and shifter still but i am done for a little while at least

and here is the result

BEFORE


AFTER

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

Brent - you can't be done before the shifter!!! It's a rule!

NoRice

is that how the smoked marker lights come? how was the install on those and the fogs ?

CTSV_510

iTrader: (1)

The come like this:


The install was pretty easy, just takes some time. I probably spent about:

30 min removing fog housings and sidemarkers from car
45 min removing old lenses from housings (baked in oven) PITA
45 min gluing (plastic epoxy) new lenses onto housings
let dry overnight
30 min replacing fog housings and sidemarkers on car

My before/after fog pics are after the "Smoked Fog lense replacement" here : http://www.lockpicksolutions.com/clear_lenses.html

Seattle CTS-V

The best mod for power is by far a StealthV tune...even on a stock car. At the very least, he gets rid of the torque management, the skip shift, increases throttle response and can electronically "lighten" the flywheel for easier rev-matching.

BacDoc

iTrader: (2)

Can I program it back to stock anytime? Or do I have to send it out again?

Charged_5.3

Where did you buy the spoiler at? Also who did you send your tailights to get them tinted? or did you black them out yourself? Btw your car looks soooo Bad *** man.