[Rambo]

Hey guys,

A while back I saw a black Seville STS pass me and I instantly fell in love with it's looks. I later found out that they became available with the 4.6 Northstar motor in 1993 and after seeing that it's making close to 300 hp and tq I am definately interested in one. I would like to hear from a few of you before I get serious about saving up for one. Can anyone tell me what a stock 1993 STS will get in the 1/4 miles, 0-60, and top speed. How fast can a bolt-on (exhaust, intake, pulley, etc) STS be made? I am also curious of reliability. I heard from someone that they can get real expensive if they break and and it can be a hassle to get it fixed, but I guess thats what can be expected from a big V8 Sedan. Also, how much would one of these cars cost? I've been to a few different websites such as: www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com, and have gotten completely different prices. Also, if there is anything I should know before getting too serious please let tell me.

Thanks a lot!

 

[jonrodman]

Hey guys,

A while back I saw a black Seville STS pass me and I instantly fell in love with it's looks. I later found out that they became available with the 4.6 Northstar motor in 1993 and after seeing that it's making close to 300 hp and tq I am definately interested in one. I would like to hear from a few of you before I get serious about saving up for one. Can anyone tell me what a stock 1993 STS will get in the 1/4 miles, 0-60, and top speed. How fast can a bolt-on (exhaust, intake, pulley, etc) STS be made? I am also curious of reliability. I heard from someone that they can get real expensive if they break and and it can be a hassle to get it fixed, but I guess thats what can be expected from a big V8 Sedan. Also, how much would one of these cars cost? I've been to a few different websites such as: www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com, and have gotten completely different prices. Also, if there is anything I should know before getting too serious please let tell me.

Thanks a lot!

They are all excellent cars. They can be an expensive or inexpensive to repair as you want them to be. The few parts they need are usually availble used and cheap. I like the 96 and up STS because they made several improvements to the interior. In 1998 the STS was improved even more.

Prices are all over the board. It depends on condition, and miles. I recently purchased 96 STS with 132000 miles for $4200. I spend some time at Ebay and autotrader.com. There are several other sites as well. Used car dealers can get them from the wholesale auctions. My local dealer will not sell inexpensive cars. If he takes a high mileage car in on trade, he sends it off to a wholesale auction.

There are two different computers in the STS. There is a sticker on the drivers door which indicates which tires the car should have. If the car requires H rated tires then it is probably computer speedlimited to 130 mph. If it describes the V or Z speed rating then the car is probably good for 150 mph.

Other than that it is personal preference. There are chrome rims, heated seats, power moon roof, heated mirrors, 12 Disc CD player, Navigation, and what ever options and colors you prefer.

I have never timed mine, but apparently it is not uncommon for a stock STS to 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The quarter mile time is also quick. You can find it somewhere in this forum.

I might note that the handling and cornering is exceptional - especially at high speed. The STS utilizes the Magnetic ride control which is difficult to describe, but it works great.

Good Luck,
Jon

 

[Rambo]

They are all excellent cars. They can be an expensive or inexpensive to repair as you want them to be. The few parts they need are usually availble used and cheap. I like the 96 and up STS because they made several improvements to the interior. In 1998 the STS was improved even more.

Prices are all over the board. It depends on condition, and miles. I recently purchased 96 STS with 132000 miles for $4200. I spend some time at Ebay and autotrader.com. There are several other sites as well. Used car dealers can get them from the wholesale auctions. My local dealer will not sell inexpensive cars. If he takes a high mileage car in on trade, he sends it off to a wholesale auction.

There are two different computers in the STS. There is a sticker on the drivers door which indicates which tires the car should have. If the car requires H rated tires then it is probably computer speedlimited to 130 mph. If it describes the V or Z speed rating then the car is probably good for 150 mph.

Other than that it is personal preference. There are chrome rims, heated seats, power moon roof, heated mirrors, 12 Disc CD player, Navigation, and what ever options and colors you prefer.

I have never timed mine, but apparently it is not uncommon for a stock STS to 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The quarter mile time is also quick. You can find it somewhere in this forum.

I might note that the handling and cornering is exceptional - especially at high speed. The STS utilizes the Magnetic ride control which is difficult to describe, but it works great.

Good Luck,
Jon

Thanks a lot for your reply Jon

What do you mean when you say there are two different computers in the STS? I don't understand. I also have to say that I saw a few pics of the interior in some 93's on ebay, and I can't imagine how they could improve upon it. Granted pictures aren't always the best source, but it looked like it was very well layed out and functional.

But anyways, if there is anything else anybody else has to offer please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[jonrodman]

Thanks a lot for your reply Jon

What do you mean when you say there are two different computers in the STS? I don't understand. I also have to say that I saw a few pics of the interior in some 93's on ebay, and I can't imagine how they could improve upon it. Granted pictures aren't always the best source, but it looked like it was very well layed out and functional.

But anyways, if there is anything else anybody else has to offer please let me know.

Thanks!

Hi Rambo,
As far as the computer issue, I purchased an STS thinking they would all do 150 mph. As it turns out mine is probable speed limited to 130mph. The sticker on the drivers door of mine indicates it specifies tires with a speed rating of H. That is 130 mph. Apparently if the car specifies H rated tires, the computer will be programmed to limit the speed to 130 mph. I have not been over 120 mph, and probably won't, but was slightly dissapointed to be limited. I have not seen any specific documentation that this is the case, but have read it somewhere - probably on this forum.

Also, repairs I have had so far are AC/Heater blower motor, oil level sensor, and a wheel bearing. I purchased it used and knew it had had a very poor treatment recently. I think it had been stolen and was later recovered and sold at auction. I am very happy with it. It is the fastest best handling car I have ever owned. People don't always think of Cadillac when they think of performance.

Cadillac was the first manufacturer to build a production V-16 back in the early 1900s. They built the first production V-8 with over 500 cubic inches during the 1970s. Cadillac has always had some of the most innovative cars available.

Some others on this site have mentioned head gasket problems, but I suspect that it is not very common. I suspect that most of the people visiting this site are visiting because they have had repair issues. I had a 1989 Eldorado a few years ago and did not have any problems with it. It was a great car.

The best bet is if you like the STS, visit your local Cadillac dealer and take one for a drive. After that you will know what to do.

Jon
96 STS

 

[ShadowLvr400]

Figure late 90's Mustang GT for quickness. High 14's, low 15's on the 1/4 mile. 14.73 bone stock on my Eldo, with the lower horse, taller geared motor. The STS would probably be a bit quicker on the 1/4 mile.

 

[Rambo]

Thank you all for the helpful replies. Reading around on this forum has just made me want/need an STS more, so hopefully it will happen sometime within the next few months.

Thanks

 

[Realtor1]

Hey guys,

A while back I saw a black Seville STS pass me and I instantly fell in love with it's looks. I later found out that they became available with the 4.6 Northstar motor in 1993 and after seeing that it's making close to 300 hp and tq I am definately interested in one. I would like to hear from a few of you before I get serious about saving up for one. Can anyone tell me what a stock 1993 STS will get in the 1/4 miles, 0-60, and top speed. How fast can a bolt-on (exhaust, intake, pulley, etc) STS be made? I am also curious of reliability. I heard from someone that they can get real expensive if they break and and it can be a hassle to get it fixed, but I guess thats what can be expected from a big V8 Sedan. Also, how much would one of these cars cost? I've been to a few different websites such as: www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com, and have gotten completely different prices. Also, if there is anything I should know before getting too serious please let tell me.

Thanks a lot!

Rambo,

They are very addicting cars for sure. My .02 cents on it is save up and buy one. You will NOT be dissapointed. Read some of the older posts in here about vehicle maintinence...from what I understand VERY critical on these cars if you want them to last.

The only other thing I can say...from experiance is be careful on what you buy...have it checked out...pay the deal or another mechanic you trust..because yes they are pricey to fix.

Listen to the guys in here they know there stuff and are a GREAT help.

Good luck

 

[rickko]

Hey guys,

A while back I saw a black Seville STS pass me and I instantly fell in love with it's looks. ...
QUOTE]

I fell in love with the looks of the STS/SLS while watching some movie years ago.

The scene that did it had a black on black with black tint windows Seville in it. It was in a driveway facing toward the street. The mafiosa guy was about to get in when a blast of machine gun fire whacked him and sadly did a lot of damage to the STS or SLS.

But it was THAT black Seville in that movie that sold me on the look of the Sevilles. Since this movie was made before 1998 it also sold me on the looks of the pre '98 Sevilles as well. I've now owned two of them since seeing the movie. No, I don't remember the name of the movie.

..rickko..
PS. Back in '98 I took my '92 to the strip after putting a Super Chip in it. It performed EXACTLY to the spec in the dealership brochure, 15.4 et in 1/4-mile. I made 3 runs and registered the same time 3 times. I've opted not to run my '97 but I'm sure its pretty close to the same.

 

[Rambo]

Hey guys,

A while back I saw a black Seville STS pass me and I instantly fell in love with it's looks. ...
QUOTE]

I fell in love with the looks of the STS/SLS while watching some movie years ago.

The scene that did it had a black on black with black tint windows Seville in it. It was in a driveway facing toward the street. The mafiosa guy was about to get in when a blast of machine gun fire whacked him and sadly did a lot of damage to the STS or SLS.

But it was THAT black Seville in that movie that sold me on the look of the Sevilles. Since this movie was made before 1998 it also sold me on the looks of the pre '98 Sevilles as well. I've now owned two of them since seeing the movie. No, I don't remember the name of the movie.

..rickko..
PS. Back in '98 I took my '93 to the strip after putting a Super Chip in it. It performed EXACTLY to the spec in the dealership brochure, 15.4 et in 1/4-mile. I made 3 runs and registered the same time 3 times. I've opted not to run my '97 but I'm sure its pretty close to the same.

Hey Rickko,

That 1/4 mile time seems a little low compared to other North* powered cars on the board, is that car heavier than other Cadillacs? Also, how do you like your Seville? Have you had any serious problems with it? Are you happy with the stock power? Anything I should I know? If anyone else cares to chime in please do so.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[rickko]

You mean "slow" right?

After reading your post I realized I had a '92 (non-N*), not a '93 as originally posted.

When I made my passes it was TOTALLY stock except for superchip.

My '92 was a superb car. I only sold it because it turned out I rarely used it.

My '97 has been a 8-ish on a scale up to 10 IMO. Occasionally it flashes messages on the DIC like "Stability reduced, max speed set to 90 mph". Things like that. Normally, if I stop the engine, then turn the key back on those kind of things go away. Once my ABS light came on. A few times my Traction Control light has come on steady. Again, if I get a chance, like at a stoplight, I just turn the key off, then restart the car and those things go away. They happen very seldom though so I don't ever concern myself with them. I chalk it up to a glitch in the sensors or the complex electrical monitoring system as a whole.

I've got every option offered except heated seats and engine. I love them all, especially the sound system with DSP and the 12 disk changer.

I really like the Sevilles in general. And, I'm VERY happy with the power. If I wasn't such a Harley freak (ie. spend all my fun $$$ on Harley's I'd definitely put $$$ in improving the performance on my Seville just for fun, but it runs great the way it is so I'm OK with it).

..rickko..

Hey Rickko,

That 1/4 mile time seems a little low compared to other North* powered cars on the board, is that car heavier than other Cadillacs? Also, how do you like your Seville? Have you had any serious problems with it? Are you happy with the stock power? Anything I should I know? If anyone else cares to chime in please do so.

Thanks,
Kevin