This is one of the best videos I have watched on these cars. Very informative. Great job on this video. I learned more in this video than I have in all my other research.
@@chrisreynolds2410 How many miles? I paid almost $15k in February, with 70k. But I've seen some cherries with 20,000, for $25k. I've seen some 200,000+ miles ones for $7000. Prices are all over, I put mine up on a lift before I bought it, completely untouched and original. Didn't want to deal with somebodies half-assed attempt to hottod it, and have to fix a bunch of stuff like someone learning how to weld under there! It took 3 years to find this one.
It has 133k miles and was owned by a guy that kept all his stuff in tip top shape and he owned a mechanic shop and a transmission shop at 2 separate locations. I was at his home and saw 1st hand how well he cared for all his stuff and recognize it cus I’m the same way. (I have 2017 CT6 with the plastic still on the Infotainment screen) It has headers and x pipe 2 cats and no mufflers it sound like nothing I’ve heard in person on the steeets. I guess if you look up the book value they are worth about $6,500 according to my insurance agent but I’ve seen them for $18,000. The day after I bought mine my buddy found one for $13,000 with 75,000 miles.
Unfortunately, the electronic issues are a thing; time & money spent finding battery drain unless you want to pay $1500+ US for dealership help. Anti-theft corruption so horn & lights going off randomly. Plenty of videos to help you start when it won’t, but finding the reason is a rabbit hole. Facebook groups are a must, like plenty of cars. This is a great video, thanks for the detail.
All it's missing is some kooks headers, weaponX radiator, and a eldebrock water pump that what I have in my V1 and saving up for a Nick Williams throttlebody and a LSXR intake manifold
I just bought a V2 (2010 model year) and it is SO MUCH FUN. I'm getting 12 mpg average and love every second of it, plus it fits the baby seat in the back of it.
How much did you pay for the SRX diff? I've had a CS bushing for 4 year and still haven't installed it because it know it'll be way easier to install it into a SRX diff before swapping it. My factory bushing is destroyed.
I bought one a while back, 4 months or so. The stock shifter sucked, very, very vague. It doesn't seem that anyone really makes one anymore more, but I bought a Hurst for a 2010 and up Camaroa (I didn't know it used a TR6060. I thought they had a T56. But since I took the new Hurst shifter apart and put bronze bushings instead of the plastic ones, I couldn't send it back). I had to make a mounting plate for the shifter, but it works fine. 70,000 original miles, needs motor mounts , trans mounts and a diff bushing.
Thinking about buying one myself either this or a TBSS but it’s a manual v8 car so I kinda want this more. I would like a v2 sedan but their too expensive
Thinking about buying a modded one for 5400. It’s pretty clean in and outside. Little bit a scratches on the back but the overall drive is really nice and gets to 100 in 3rd. Very reasonable if you ask me
100 in 3rd isn't too impressive... my base model rsx makes it to 95 in third and it only has 150hp lol. Now the rsx takes much longer than my V to get there though! lol
@@drufetti510 major difference. I got it on creative steel website. I do recomend the true track upgrade tho I didn't do it and broke the base center section at 500ish wheel. The trutrack is holding 850 strong tho
Will removing the tpms from the tires put the car into competition mode? Or should I replace them? Will it make a difference on how the car drives? I have a 2005 v 80000 miles
I own a 2006 V, i am now saving up for the Creative Steel 8.8, rear Diff. My car is bone stock other than a K&N CAI, and muffler delete. Another thing i don't like is the 1st to 4th shift skip coming off a light. I know you can buy a delete, or have it tuned out, but still a pain in The Ass. But for a 14yr old car i love it and it is a LS Car.
@@bettooramos4139 The stock shifter isn't very good. Motor mounts seem soft, I can feel the engine/trans move around. At 70,000 miles, it doesn't feel new, but it isn't loose either. They're prone to being abused though, check out the underside of any one you're thinking of buying, look for damage and repairs.
Thats the skip shift, there's delete pigtail you just plug in for that, the symbol still shows up but won't lock the gear out...i paid 50 for mines, its on the trans bell housing drivers side
Mine just developed an issue, it kills the battery in 5 miles or so. At first, the battery place tested the battery, said it had a dead cell, i bought a new battery, within 5 miles of charging it and then leaving my house, it wouldn't even unlock the doors. Something is drawing between 11 amps with the engine off, to 29-44 amps when it's running, way too much. I'm messing with it right now, it just started doing this last week, I'll figure it out and get back to you with the results.
Oh, I put vinyl wrap on the headlights. I just cut some silver vinyl wrap to match the top of the headlight where it meets the fender. And then I also covered the headlight washers with vinyl too. Gives it a little extra "pop." The fog lights are stock. I just painted the orange with black lens tint. Just some silver vinyl and black paint and that's all it takes!
Another issue with my 3.6. GM in all of their wisdom actually put a bulletin out stating not to allow your fuel to fall below a quarter tank. Otherwise leakage can occur. Another bulletin was due to oil consumption on the 3.6. Stating it is normal for the engine to consume a quart of oil every 500 miles. WTF GM. I love and hate my Caddy. I really want to make her a CTS clone. GM used the wrong size rings on a large number of 3.6 units. Ive already replaced the ECM twice.
That was mentioned, most likely along the lines of the grounding issues that plague these cars. Mine used to always read high. The temp is reading higher than actual, get a grounding kit and redo your grounds and see how that works out for you.
I am in the market for a new daily and I am literally in between an 05 CTSV with only 36,000 miles on it and a 2020 WRX. I really really love to drive like after work I can get in my car and put 500 miles on her in one night I don’t care about the V8 extra gas consumption. I just care about turnkey reliability tbh. Would this be a good daily?
I own a 02 z/28 with the ls1 (and 6 speed). Very similar to the ls7. (Both are 5.7 litre) I average about 20-22 mpg. So id guess these average between 18-20. I can put $20 in and drive pretty much all day easily. But for a 500 mile drive I'd probably have to fill up once during the trip and have maybe less than a half tank left. I was amazed with the mpg. Honestly similar to a Chevy Cruze I used to own. The reliability of the LS is also pretty much unmatched for a gas powered motor. As for the WRX, I've read they have reliability issues with the engine that are pretty much inevitable after a certain mileage. Not sure about the fuel economy.
He kinda gave out the answer. The engines are pretty much bullet proof and the drivetrain is more mediocre. Only thing on the engine Id swap is the harmonic balancer. But there’s not really anything you can do about the rear end unfortunately.
Lol, what I mean is the rear diff on these cars have 3 diff bushings in total. The "front" bushing is the weak link as it's offset. GM should've had two front bushings to match the rear two, so the load would be distributed evenly throughout the diff casing during hard launches/shifts, etc.
@@OctaneSlain - so you meant the front bushing for the rear diff?? I was reading some old forum posts, and it seems the rear diffs were so bad in 2004 and 2005 that the 2006 and 2007's got STS-V diffs. But even those were blowing up. Hope they got it right for the 2nd Gens.
Yes, exactly. They had thicker casting diff cases with the 06-07 but the load distribution remained the same. I attached a link so you can see how poorly the bushing/mounting locations are www.ebay.com/itm/254984555161
Lol the comment above is right only 2 years later. Been looking for months and can’t find a single clean title running ctsv under 100k miles for less than $20k.
Honestly I would never purchase a car that was already modified. I'm not one to own other peoples work. And I use the term "work" very loosely. More like other peoples ghetto rigging.
This is one of the best videos I have watched on these cars. Very informative. Great job on this video. I learned more in this video than I have in all my other research.
in the market and found your video. 1 minute in and i am already a more informed buyer. thanks for sharing, and nice car bro.
All this is helping me diagnose my 2008 CTS I have all these symptoms! Thanks!
Just bought an 07 with a forged 418 stroker and im loving it !
Great video man lots of info! Keep up the hard work
4 years later and this vid is still good! Just looking at an 06 myself and I'm excited!
I just bought one Monday
I got mine last week.
$10,000 2005 CTSV.
@@chrisreynolds2410 How many miles? I paid almost $15k in February, with 70k. But I've seen some cherries with 20,000, for $25k. I've seen some 200,000+ miles ones for $7000. Prices are all over, I put mine up on a lift before I bought it, completely untouched and original. Didn't want to deal with somebodies half-assed attempt to hottod it, and have to fix a bunch of stuff like someone learning how to weld under there! It took 3 years to find this one.
It has 133k miles and was owned by a guy that kept all his stuff in tip top shape and he owned a mechanic shop and a transmission shop at 2 separate locations.
I was at his home and saw 1st hand how well he cared for all his stuff and recognize it cus I’m the same way.
(I have 2017 CT6 with the plastic still on the Infotainment screen)
It has headers and x pipe 2 cats and no mufflers it sound like nothing I’ve heard in person on the steeets.
I guess if you look up the book value they are worth about $6,500 according to my insurance agent but I’ve seen them for $18,000.
The day after I bought mine my buddy found one for $13,000 with 75,000 miles.
Love your video dude I was afraid but I think I will buy mines tomorrow!
I might buy one tomorrow as well
Just checking out a 2004 this week. Pretty clean un-altered. thanks for your review and insights.
I have that noise , however the car is a good car, you help me out with that important information
Thanks for the Info Austin!
Unfortunately, the electronic issues are a thing; time & money spent finding battery drain unless you want to pay $1500+ US for dealership help. Anti-theft corruption so horn & lights going off randomly. Plenty of videos to help you start when it won’t, but finding the reason is a rabbit hole. Facebook groups are a must, like plenty of cars. This is a great video, thanks for the detail.
All it's missing is some kooks headers, weaponX radiator, and a eldebrock water pump that what I have in my V1 and saving up for a Nick Williams throttlebody and a LSXR intake manifold
Very good review and info.
Great video. Thanks for all of the information. I’ve been on the fence about selling my c5 for a ctsv
I just bought a V2 (2010 model year) and it is SO MUCH FUN. I'm getting 12 mpg average and love every second of it, plus it fits the baby seat in the back of it.
Great video with good info.
Thanks man.
Going to pick up a v1 this weekend hope the deal works out!
How’d it turn out ? I want one very bad
Very helpful for new owners thank you!
3.91 srx diff and CS bushings! Launching on a drag pack no wheel hop. Dragging on a budget
How much did you pay for the SRX diff? I've had a CS bushing for 4 year and still haven't installed it because it know it'll be way easier to install it into a SRX diff before swapping it. My factory bushing is destroyed.
@@okevolutionviii I found an SRX diff in a junkyard for about $90 and swapped over my LSD
I just bought one yesterday!
How is it going??
I can pretty much agree with everything he says (3/23/2021 6 month owner 5k plus miles)
i had an ls6 V. Frikin awesome, waterpump went out thats it. Sold it like 8 yrs ago. Looking to get another one now lol
shes a beauty
Just bought one yesterday
I bought one a while back, 4 months or so. The stock shifter sucked, very, very vague. It doesn't seem that anyone really makes one anymore more, but I bought a Hurst for a 2010 and up Camaroa (I didn't know it used a TR6060. I thought they had a T56. But since I took the new Hurst shifter apart and put bronze bushings instead of the plastic ones, I couldn't send it back). I had to make a mounting plate for the shifter, but it works fine. 70,000 original miles, needs motor mounts , trans mounts and a diff bushing.
Wish I had bought one of these over my ‘11 Charger R/T sometimes lol
I pick mine up this morning
My grandfather just gifted his 04 to me last week, she's a baby only 44,000 miles and boogies
hello good sir. Can you include links for the parts your suggested for the rear diff? Thanks!
Bout to look at cadi tomorrow
Thinking about buying one myself either this or a TBSS but it’s a manual v8 car so I kinda want this more. I would like a v2 sedan but their too expensive
"they're too expensive"
My dad has the exact same car same color and everything how do you change the words on the opening interface of the car
Thinking about buying a modded one for 5400. It’s pretty clean in and outside. Little bit a scratches on the back but the overall drive is really nice and gets to 100 in 3rd. Very reasonable if you ask me
100 in 3rd isn't too impressive... my base model rsx makes it to 95 in third and it only has 150hp lol. Now the rsx takes much longer than my V to get there though! lol
@@chanceregan2022 Speed in a gear means nothing. Lmao. That's just the gear ratio...
Vgang
✌🏾✌🏾🤜🏿🤛🏾
my brother has a Cammed V1, it has 126k on the body and 6k on the engine it’s in really mint condition just with some clear coat chipping
2004 ls6 140k original miles clean title completely stock very good taken of 10k?
What is that fog light kit. I HATE the orange on mine, especially after I already changed my sidemarkers
I've owned mine for 5 years now and freaking love it. Yes its a money pit but oh well. Ofc the diff was the 1st upgrade
Did you upgrade to a V2 diff?
@@drufetti510 no sir. I went with the creative steel 8.8
@@1slow5.32 Big difference from stock diff I bet. Where did you order it from mind me asking?
@@drufetti510 major difference. I got it on creative steel website. I do recomend the true track upgrade tho I didn't do it and broke the base center section at 500ish wheel. The trutrack is holding 850 strong tho
@@1slow5.32 did you replace your rear bushings as well?
I want a 07 ls2. Heard they have a better diff on the 06 07
Did these come with the North Star v8?
Planning on buying one. What you guys think? 🤔
Did you ever buy it?
Will removing the tpms from the tires put the car into competition mode? Or should I replace them? Will it make a difference on how the car drives? I have a 2005 v 80000 miles
if your tpms sensors aren't calibrated right or removed it won't let you go into competitive or disable stability control
Thank you
I own a 2006 V, i am now saving up for the Creative Steel 8.8, rear Diff. My car is bone stock other than a K&N CAI, and muffler delete. Another thing i don't like is the 1st to 4th shift skip coming off a light. I know you can buy a delete, or have it tuned out, but still a pain in The Ass. But for a 14yr old car i love it and it is a LS Car.
is there any problems with the car? I’ve been thinking about buying one
@@bettooramos4139 The stock shifter isn't very good. Motor mounts seem soft, I can feel the engine/trans move around. At 70,000 miles, it doesn't feel new, but it isn't loose either. They're prone to being abused though, check out the underside of any one you're thinking of buying, look for damage and repairs.
Thats the skip shift, there's delete pigtail you just plug in for that, the symbol still shows up but won't lock the gear out...i paid 50 for mines, its on the trans bell housing drivers side
Mine just developed an issue, it kills the battery in 5 miles or so. At first, the battery place tested the battery, said it had a dead cell, i bought a new battery, within 5 miles of charging it and then leaving my house, it wouldn't even unlock the doors. Something is drawing between 11 amps with the engine off, to 29-44 amps when it's running, way too much. I'm messing with it right now, it just started doing this last week, I'll figure it out and get back to you with the results.
Getting one for 13k has 102k miles , cammed, low, headers. Good deal ?
A 2004 model of this is it like worth buying? is it relliable
Hey can you make a video about the rear differential fix? Maybe not how to do it if that’s impossible but like links to the fix you purchased.
Im on my 10th stock diff there is no upgrade other than ths cs 8.8 around 3-5k
What about the 3.91 srx diff?
@@mxkcrm I've broke 3 or 4 serx
@@mxkcrm srx*
@@hoondaily270 What does the CS 8.8 diff entail? Is it a beefed up stocker, or a completely different set up? Because if they can do it, I can do it.
Everyone in the comments in 2023 there are a bunch of options now for aftermarket radios
Do you have a link or name for the swapped head lights, they look amazing, thank you in advance.
Headlights? They're stock. You mean my tail lights?
@@OctaneSlain no the headlights look different , maybe because the fog lights delete. How did you do the fog light delete, was it difficult?
Oh, I put vinyl wrap on the headlights. I just cut some silver vinyl wrap to match the top of the headlight where it meets the fender. And then I also covered the headlight washers with vinyl too. Gives it a little extra "pop." The fog lights are stock. I just painted the orange with black lens tint. Just some silver vinyl and black paint and that's all it takes!
Thank you.
The diff problem also applies to the 3.6L
The worst part is that GM reused that same 3.6 diff on the V8 cars. GM isn't very smart
Another issue with my 3.6. GM in all of their wisdom actually put a bulletin out stating not to allow your fuel to fall below a quarter tank. Otherwise leakage can occur. Another bulletin was due to oil consumption on the 3.6. Stating it is normal for the engine to consume a quart of oil every 500 miles. WTF GM. I love and hate my Caddy. I really want to make her a CTS clone. GM used the wrong size rings on a large number of 3.6 units. Ive already replaced the ECM twice.
What temp do your cooling fans kick in? Mine is about 235.. seems very high..
That was mentioned, most likely along the lines of the grounding issues that plague these cars. Mine used to always read high. The temp is reading higher than actual, get a grounding kit and redo your grounds and see how that works out for you.
I’m just thinking about buying one of these cadillacs? Are they worth buying nowadays? Want answers please!
Yes just make sure it’s not a beat low miles are hard to come across for these years but they are very beautiful cars
Yes, well worth it.
All of my TPS have failed and I still have TC and Competitive Driving Mode still working.
Yea, they all have to either be dead or working. Can't have one working and the others not, because it'll confuse the computer and disable TC.
What wheels u have
Might get one for my first!
Just bought one! Got a great deal. 78k miles for 7k I think lol it’s an ‘04
You stole that! Great buy!
Wanna sell it ?
Lies
The 3.2 liter v6 manual CTS standard won't mess up the differential. Plus 28 mpg highway
It’s not even close to the same car.
What’s your point?
A moped doesn’t have dif problems either.
@@chrisreynolds2410 i was talking about the CTS V versus a regular CTS 5 speed manual. Looks the same.
Sounded like you said….
“ The 3.2 liter v6 manual CTS standard won't mess up the differential. Plus 28 mpg highway”
@@chrisreynolds2410 that's the car I'm taking about. It looks the same as the CTS V but way less power. It looks sexy tho. They both do.
@@erniecarrasco9107 No one wants a puny ass v6. We want the V8 V brah
I am in the market for a new daily and I am literally in between an 05 CTSV with only 36,000 miles on it and a 2020 WRX. I really really love to drive like after work I can get in my car and put 500 miles on her in one night I don’t care about the V8 extra gas consumption. I just care about turnkey reliability tbh. Would this be a good daily?
I own a 02 z/28 with the ls1 (and 6 speed). Very similar to the ls7. (Both are 5.7 litre)
I average about 20-22 mpg.
So id guess these average between 18-20. I can put $20 in and drive pretty much all day easily.
But for a 500 mile drive I'd probably have to fill up once during the trip and have maybe less than a half tank left.
I was amazed with the mpg. Honestly similar to a Chevy Cruze I used to own.
The reliability of the LS is also pretty much unmatched for a gas powered motor.
As for the WRX, I've read they have reliability issues with the engine that are pretty much inevitable after a certain mileage. Not sure about the fuel economy.
I just bought a 2005 myself. Anyone having issues with stability control engaging on its own. Any information would be highly appreciated.
Yeah. I've been having a lot of electrical issues lately. Traction control turning on, sunroof opening by itself
I found one for 12k only has 38k original miles
Good deal
@@OctaneSlain I’m going to check it out this weekend. I may become part of the V gang
yeah im just gonna go for a g8
Automatic unless its a gxp.. hefty price tag
Whats the difference from the ctsv and the stsv ?
No LS in the sts
Can’t you just weld the diff?
So how much did you pay for it?
I gave $9k for it
Are they reliable?
He kinda gave out the answer. The engines are pretty much bullet proof and the drivetrain is more mediocre. Only thing on the engine Id swap is the harmonic balancer. But there’s not really anything you can do about the rear end unfortunately.
Would yall recommend a 2006 cts v?
As an owner, yes.
How much do these go for around California?
too much. nothing really out there
Alot of them are used up, they are prolly gonna be getting expensive soon
Good video, but in the "Key Moments" you show "Front Diff Bushing" and say that also. I'm pretty sure it's not a Dodge Power Wagon!
Lol, what I mean is the rear diff on these cars have 3 diff bushings in total. The "front" bushing is the weak link as it's offset. GM should've had two front bushings to match the rear two, so the load would be distributed evenly throughout the diff casing during hard launches/shifts, etc.
@@OctaneSlain - so you meant the front bushing for the rear diff?? I was reading some old forum posts, and it seems the rear diffs were so bad in 2004 and 2005 that the 2006 and 2007's got STS-V diffs. But even those were blowing up. Hope they got it right for the 2nd Gens.
Yes, exactly. They had thicker casting diff cases with the 06-07 but the load distribution remained the same. I attached a link so you can see how poorly the bushing/mounting locations are
www.ebay.com/itm/254984555161
I got to tell you even a CADILLAC 3.6.VVT will hall booty😉
No.
Youre a comedian
He winked lol.
2005 ctsv 75k miles for 15k should i?
I would wait. Thats a tad high. But in 5 years that price will be low asking price I'll bet. Call me out in 5. I'll wait
Lol the comment above is right only 2 years later. Been looking for months and can’t find a single clean title running ctsv under 100k miles for less than $20k.
Honestly I would never purchase a car that was already modified. I'm not one to own other peoples work. And I use the term "work" very loosely. More like other peoples ghetto rigging.
where is the handbrake/parking brake?
Pedal on far left