2014+ Cadillac CTS Modifications Part 3: Performance Mods

In this video cover performance mods for the 3rd gen (2014+) Cadillac CTS. Ok... most of the engine stuff relates to the VSport with the twin turbo V6, but a lof of the video applies to all CTS's including the CTS-V.

Modifications:
1. Lowering Springs. Springs and coilovers are available. Coilovers are good for all CTS models I believe. CTS-V lowering springs are proven on the VSport, but not sure how it handles the lighter 2.0 engines. Renick performance sells Swift springs and they are known to be a great performing spring. Weapon X springs are unknown brand but users are happy with them and they are cheaper than the swift springs. The drop looks similar among both. If you really want to go low, you want to get coilovers. However, if you have magride, you will need sensors to spoof the magride system so you don't get error codes. Always check with your retailers to see if they have had customers test on your your model.
Renick Performance-
CKS Coilovers: https://tinyurl.com/y8cnul5q
Swift Springs: https://tinyurl.com/yx2oeusb
WeaponX: https://tinyurl.com/yd7o9mpp

2. Brake upgrade: From my research, all CTS models can upgrade brakes to higher CTS models, including CTS-V or ATS-V.
Stage 1: Rear brembo upgrade from ATS-V or Camaro SS - about $700
Stage 2: Add ATS-V front brake parts - add about $1400
Stage 3: Do CTS-V brakes all around - about $2600

See my document outlining brake parts and FAQ: https://tinyurl.com/yd9xd9uj

Upgrade your normal brakes with better pads. Ceramic pads are great for quiet and no-dust, but if you want something that can handle autox or occasional track abuse - consider Hawk HP Plus pads. For dedicated track use check out HAWK track pads, G-Loc or PFC brakes.

A lot of street users like Powerstop. My brake rotors are Stoptech. Check out my other video on brake upgrades.    • Front Brembo Brake Rotors and Pads | ...  

3. Tires:
My tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE71R. Front: 255/35/19 Rear: 265/35/19 (trying to keep front and rear balanced, but you can go bigger)
Other recommended tires:
Michilen Pilot Sport 4S (summer only) or AS for all season
Continental Extreme Contact DW. I've hit 1.9 60' launches on these tires in run flat form.

4. Sway bars - VSports can take ATS-V sway bars. A believe all CTS's can take a rear ATS-V or CTS-V sway bar (they are the same). The CTS tends to understeer a bit so rear sway bar is all that's necessary, but Renick Performance ATS-V sway bar package has bigger bars over stock PLUS the rear is bigger than the front. The issues with other CTS models is I believe the front sway bars may be a different shape to accomodate the different engines. The 3.6 should be fine, but not sure about the 2.0.

Renick bars: https://tinyurl.com/yctmmb8l
Hard Race ATS-V Sway Bars: https://tinyurl.com/y3q86gbj
Not listed on their site, contact for pricing and ordering

OEM CTS-V/ATS-V sway bar: Order from 404parts.com - Part #84008631

See my other video on installing a rear sway bar:    • Sway Bar Upgrade: Cadillac CTS (3rd Gen)  

5. Alignment: Should be able to get 1.7-1.8 degrees depending on rims and tires. More camber results in less understeer. However your wheels will tuck under the fender and some people don't like how that looks. That's why I run wheel spacers.
Vorshlag Camber Kits - not out yet

6. Exhaust work:
I was running Renick Performance ATS-V downpipes. They required welding to attach to CTS VSport exhaust. Those specific pipes are no longer available. Trifecta had resonated DP's but they were only prototypes and no longer available. This mod is a waste of money in my opinion.

Magnaflow or Gibson mufflers. Corsa or GM Axle back. Some people complain that the Corsa is too loud and some drone, but when you add quad tips the sound is better.
Corsa for 3.6 and VSport: https://amzn.to/3aj5WMR
GM performance for VSport: https://tinyurl.com/ycmmxlpn
My dual resonators: No longer available

My exhaust tips: Search ebay for: Quad exhaust tip 2.5 3.5 for Infiniti Q60 Q70 Q50 M35 M45 FX37 FX45 G25 G37 FX50

7. Intake: This is another expensive mod for little return.
Check out the ZZP intake: https://zzperformance.com/products/zz...
My intake - I don't have a complete how to but I have a video on how to make small modifications to your stock intake:    • ZZP Intake Install | Cadillac CTS VSp...  

8. Trifecta tune: The only tune known to tune the TCU as well. Don't even bother getting a custom tune. I promise, no matter how experienced your local tuner is with crazy amazing cars, it's unlikely they will be able to tune the VSport. If they can, it probably won't be as easy, cheap, and consistent as Trifecta. www.trifectaperformance.com

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