The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is a performance sedan that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for years. Even over a decade after its release, the aftermarket and tuning potential of this vehicle continue to impress. Let’s delve into the journey of one owner pushing the boundaries of their 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, showcasing the incredible power gains achievable through strategic modifications.
Initially, with a focus on simple bolt-ons, this CTS-V demonstrated impressive performance. Running on E85 fuel and stock factory rims paired with MT ET Street drag radials, the car achieved a 10.49-second quarter-mile at 133.6 mph. This was accomplished with minimal modifications, highlighting the robust foundation of the stock LSA engine. The setup included an A6 transmission with a 2.55 upper pulley and 8.6 lower pulley, ID850 injectors, a 4.5″ intake featuring a green filter, a 160 thermostat, a flex fuel sensor, and a ZL1 lid. Remarkably, the exhaust system remained stock, including manifolds and hollowed catalytic converters, and the car retained the stock heat exchanger and cylinder heads, with no porting work performed. Tuned by Formato, this configuration impressively dyno’d at 624 whp and 640 wtq on E70 fuel in hot and humid conditions, acknowledging that track times are the true measure of performance.
Further enhancements took the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V to another level. Significant upgrades included Formato cylinder heads, a BT3 camshaft, a Formato ice tank, a Varimax pump, and comprehensive porting work. Stainless Works headers were also added to improve exhaust flow. This more aggressive setup resulted in a staggering 747 whp and 730 wtq on E85 (actually E72) while still on MT drag radials. Track performance saw a marked improvement, with a best quarter-mile time of 10.08 seconds at 139.5 mph, achieved with a 1.51 60-foot time, experiencing some tire spin on stock 19-inch wheels with MT SS tires. Fueling remained E68 for this run, and notably, no weight reduction was performed, and the driver weighed in at 275 lbs. Consistent with the owner’s approach, the car was run at the track in the same street-legal configuration, without track-specific tuning or even ice in the ice tank.
The relentless pursuit of performance culminated in an impressive 1/8 mile speed of 112.77 mph and a near 140 mph quarter-mile at 139.79 mph. The owner aims to push further, targeting 9-second quarter-mile times on 19-inch wheels and a 140 mph pass. This journey showcases the immense potential locked within the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, demonstrating that with strategic modifications and expert tuning, this platform can deliver exhilarating performance that rivals even modern sports cars. For enthusiasts looking to maximize the performance of their 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, this example serves as an inspiring testament to what’s possible.
