Is the LS9 the LSA SC?

[verbs]

Originally Posted by rheagrimm

With the lower 9 to 1 compression ratio in the new V you should be able to boost the blower from the factory 6-8 pounds to 14 or 15 pounds with a simple pulley change. That should be good for at least 40 to 50 horsepower. Of course you will need a new tune but it is still a lot of bang for the buck and is very simple to do. We used to do that with our Eaton blowers in the Lightning.

Yeah, I don't think so. First of all if you added 8psi via a pulley swap and only got 40-50hp, that wouldn't be worth the risk of adding boost, and tells me the blower isn't very efficient at those boost levels.

Second of all, you can't just add that kind of boost to the Caddy motor because the pistons aren't forged like they are on the ZR-1, and you'll just blow your motor.

[keeksv]

I also heard that the pulley on the supercharger is an integral part of the shaft and can't be changed. This may be GM or Eaton trying to tell us something about the engine in stock form, i.e., it's near the limit of boost safe for the internals. The HP estimate for the '09 V is near what people are getting from the LS6 with Maggie and 2.6" pulley, isn't it?

[Katshot]

Originally Posted by pietroraimondi

You have to remember that the Corvette is "America's Sports Car". The Cadillac CTSV is a "Sports Sedan".

And with that said; comparing the two cars and asking "why so much more durability in the ZR1 versus the CTSV" is comparing apples to oranges.

The ZR1 represents on the sports car (two seater) world stage the finest and most over the top engineering available from GM in the design of this automobile. From it's handbuilt engine with exotic alloy forged internals, to it's hydroformed aluminum chassis, magnesium engine cradle, forged billet aluminum suspension componets, kevlar and carbon fiber body components; the ZR1 at $120k (estimated) represents a true exotic super car at about half the price minimum when compared to the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.

The Cadillac CTSV regardless of those that will track these vehicles and run them hard and put them away wet; the CTSV is targeted to those high performance luxury sedan buyers that would otherwise consider the BMW M5, Mercedes AMG series sedans etc.

The interior craftsmanship of the new CTSV looks to be gorgeous and IMO far superior to what is offered from BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

The LS9 engine in the new CTSV is nothing more than the 6.2 liter LS3 engine with cast internals and an Eaton supercharger that is rated at 550/550.

GM engineering reports that the LS3 engine with it's cast internal rotating assembly is rated at a maximum of 650 HP. So there is probably more HP left on the table that can be added with a tune, headers and exhaust to push the CTSV to probably 600 HP. Anything more than that is going to require a forged rotating assembly.

I would guess for most folks that as soon as they drive the new CTSV; their mods will most likely be limited to a CAI, Headers and a catback exhaust with a hot tune.

The only wild card is how the drive train is going to hold up and I have to believe that GM really got it right this time on the second generation CTSV.

But to answer your question: the ZR1 represents the trickle down effect of what was learned in the C6R racing program and the ZR1 Corvette is a sports car.

The CTSV on the other hand is a high performance luxury sport sedan that is targeted to a completely different demographic IMO.

Remember that Cadillac decided to exit it's presence in the SCCA World Challenge and GM has decided to let Chevrolet with the Corvette and its C6R program run with GM's presence in factory sponsored racing.

VERY well said.
Just because a tiny percentage of 'V' owners will actually want to mod beyond simple bolt-on stuff, doesn't mean GM will engineer the car for it. They already make enough cars that are designed with that level of modding in mind, why take that step with a friggin' Cadillac?
I can hear the engineers now, "who in their right mind that wants a race car, buys a Cadillac?" Understandable I guess. But then, I'll bet there's plenty of H2 owners out there trying to mod their rides for serious off-roading. Go figure.

[HiTechRV]

GM knows some V owners add power. While they do not officially design for that, let's just say margin has been left in the V powertrain design, from end to end. Modders can take advantage of that margin. The VP of GM Powertrain is a car nut and has a whole stable of modified cars.

[NormV]

Keeksv, good point! What will the new out to the rollers? With 19", bigger rubber?


Norm

Originally Posted by keeksv

I also heard that the pulley on the supercharger is an integral part of the shaft and can't be changed. This may be GM or Eaton trying to tell us something about the engine in stock form, i.e., it's near the limit of boost safe for the internals. The HP estimate for the '09 V is near what people are getting from the LS6 with Maggie and 2.6" pulley, isn't it?