To address the most egregious aspects of a stock '04 CTS-V with 21k miles and with a $1,500 budget will get you a million different answers. Here's mine among the other 999,999.
1) By all means, do all your fluids especially the clutch.
2) IMHO, the shifter needs to be upgraded either by getting yours reworked by PISNUOFF or if you need a brand name shifter call Luke at Lindsay Cadillac and get a UUC.
3) Since you probably have a Gen 2 diff, you can either protect it by getting a set of axles or by getting a Gen 3 or Gen 4 diff. Either way, that could certainly kill any money you have left unless you find a deal on some gForce axles.
4) If you've managed to retain any long green at all at this point, consider a diff bushing or a lightweight flywheel or a tune. These cost varying amounts of money, but they're next on the list I'd create if it was I faced with you're situation.
That's about it, IMHO. Call us when you can come up with some more $. I'm sure we can "help" you with a too-much-money problem.
I would just start on improving whatever dissatisfies you about the car. If you feel it's lacking in power do headers and a tune, if you think the shifter sucks (I think youre crazy if you think it's good, but some dont mind it) then do either pisnuoff's or aftermarket. If your diff is clunking replace the bushing with creative steel's bushing and rent their tool as well (this is a cheap mod). If you feel the car needs to handle better order a set of Hotchkis sway bars. Tell us what you want to upgrade on the car and we can point you on the right direction.
And as far as maintenance I would flush/change your diff fluid at least, and probably transmission fluid, power steering if it looks burnt, and clutch fluid if it looks gross. Also normal things like check brake pads, tire tread, of course change the oil regularly with a good synthetic.
Question about headers....How much of the stock system can you keep when putting headers on? How much more do you have to buy when buying the headers since they don'y look like they will connect to the factory cats.
You'll have to trim about 10-12" off of the stock system if you're running catted connectors that OBX and Kooks sell. Pacesetters require custom cat configurations.
If you want performance I would do headers and maybe a tune. If it feels fine on power then you can go with more cosmetic mods like wheels, tint, etc. What a great find though, 21k miles!
2. Diff bushing - approx. $100
Eliminates parade clunk and clunk while shifting into 5th gear.
3. LS7 clutch and flywheel - $700
Eliminates shifting clunks, reduces vibration from crappy dual mass flywheel, car accelerates faster, best seat of the pants mod for the money (except nitrous)
5. Ground Control 'coilovers' - $550
Adjustable ride height, improved handling. Spring rates = 600 front, 650 rear.
6. Sway bars - $350
Improved handling, need Z06 front end links if vehicle is lowered.
7. All fluids - $200
Trans - Amsoil synthetic Torque Drive ATF $40, motor oil - Amsoil XL series $50, diff fluid - Amsoil Severe Gear with additive $30, power steering fluid - Redline synthetic $15, brake & clutch fluid - Motul RBF600 $30 (Castrol SRF $80)
8. Motor and trans mounts - $varies
Different brands introduce varying amounts of vibration and noise into the body. It depends on how much you are willing to live with and how often you want to replace them in the future. I personally don't like any noise/vibration so I stick with stock motor mounts and replace them every 2-3 years.
9. Headers/exhaust - $varies ($500-$3000)
You should get a tune to take full advantage of this mod.
11. Cold air intake - $75 to $500
You can build your own 3.5" aluminum intake tube for about $75 in parts. There are several different aftermarket CAI setups, the most expensive being the Lingenfelter for about $400 and you still should build a tube to replace the restrictive plastic one. Some setups come with a new plastic tube (K&N). You should get a tune to take full advantage of this mod.
hes right above you. Click his name and send him a PM
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