I'm going to say this for anybody that just trying out a Northstar V8 do not and I repeat do not use ARP head studs they will fail use the proper head stud kit from Northstar performance that is the only way to go.
I don't know where you can find one for around 8k but I just found one for 11k but it was not for me,but it was well worth the money in fact it was a bargain
This car is spectacular. It was before the bankruptcy and GM really spared no expense. The interior was subcontracted out to a German company Dräxlmaier, that did Maybacks. The interior is the best interior at GM by a big margin. The seats and appointments are comfortable. The car is a joy to drive, it isn't a track car it is a touring car and nice to take on trips. The drivetrain is reliable and much different experience than the LS that I enjoy.
I did not know about the interior subcontractors. And I agree it is indeed a touring car. So far everyone who has given their opinion on this video either has owned one or currently does. It is great to see all the knowledge shared around this car.
I own this car for 7 years. Hands down, the best value for luxury and power balanced in an executive class car. Very impressive vehicle. I honestly like the Northstar in this car and the xlr v far better than the LSA and LS6 in CTS. the powerline is so smooth. You will be at 120mph and not blink. Transmission is a amazing too. I'm at 132000 miles on an 06 and nothing has broken on this car. Underrated gem of a vehicle.
I had 2 CTS-Vs & recently bought a STS-V its a few pounds heavier but a much better looking car inside & outside , im a senior citizen & i bought the car for street & freeway combat & its above average taking out the competition all gas no brakes.
@@ModstarzOfficial They only made around 2,500 of them so they aren't plentiful sadly. Good news is the market doesn't know what they are yet so you can find them on the cheap. There will come a day when that changes I bet...
I own this car for 6 years and love it. The only issue is finding parts and they are expensive. The headlight assmbley is 1500 if you can find one. The taillights can run about the same
That is good to know. There are a good amount of STSV owners who comment something similar. I would like to know from the owners experience what common parts need to be replaced other than what was mentioned in the video and form a community for the owners so more affordable solutions can be made.
I have an 07, stage 1 tc fab kit with there ported 85mm throttle body. I love the car. One of the best lookong interirors and plently of power on tap to have fun with. Bug down side is parts are hard to come by and when something does brake it gets pricly but its worth it. I do daily drive mine and best daily i have ever owned.
I get that,other than tc Fab and north star motor sports I do not know anywhere else to get parts from in the aftermarket. On the plus side, you are saying what the other owners are saying here about the fun drive experience as well. I do appreciate how consistent the feedback is on this car. If there was more support for the STS-V do you think more people would try to get them? Do you think the value of the cars would go up? And if there was another place for parts what would be a fair price point (compared to OEM) ?
@@ModstarzOfficial I think if they got more popular the price would deffantly go up but as far as more aftermarket support probably not. There were only like 2500 made in a 4 year time span and who knows how many are actually surviving. I see them becoming a collectors item for sure like the XLR-V. I'm finding there is a decent amount of aftermarket support for everything but the engine itself is lacking. If it does end as a collectors item I would be cool with that.
I have an 08 sts-v raven black with the tc fab crank pin kit injectors cold air intake stainless headers injectors and heat exchanger from tc fab 👌 she is a beast absolutely love it.
@@ghostgang3720 I just asked my local performance shop if they could get me a single piece driveshaft built, all metal, get rid of that stupid rubber piece and they said they definitely can. Will update in this comment section when I get that done.
This is an awesome video!! Thank you. Being that I am the furthest from knowledgeable about cars…I have a 2005 regular STS Northstar that died 2-1/2yrs ago…its been sitting up but realllllly would like to bring it back to life. Can you recommend what I need to do to get started? The motor is shot but I’m not exactly sure to what degree. I’d like to go back with the northstar (I know, I know…terrible motor and all that). I’ll gladly take any helpful advice that anyone’s will to offer. Thank you.
Thank you and you are welcome 🙏🏾. First things first, run diagnostics if you can get power to the car. After that check the motor to see what happened. From what you can remember, where there any symptoms or unusual noises or behaviors before the motor went out or did it happen abruptly?
@@ModstarzOfficial thanks for replying! Straight up! as I remember it there was some sort of a leak and I also remember it stopped being able to crank/turn over. I know I’ve changed the coil packs and several other things but it’s been so long ago that I don’t remember all that I’ve done. It’s been sitting up so long and definitely doesn’t have power.
@@RetrobeeJordans The good news is you remember what happened and where to start. After that I would definitely look into NorthStar performance for components. @VelleonRoth77 as you can see from the pinned comment recommends using NorthStar Performance head studs over ARP head studs. In addition to that replacement gaskets and seals and fuel system components (fuel filter and fuel pump). And of course transmission fluid.
None that I could find. I wonder if the ctsv down pipes would be a direct fit or if they could be welded in? Same with the cosmetic style diffuser. Otherwise it would be custom. Even if some welding or trimming of parts to make it a clean fit I think it would be worth a shot.
Very cool . I believe the CTS-V of that era has an LS motor in it as well. Something definitely worth looking into . Any LS for that matter truck or car based LS. Keep me posted can’t wait to see the build.
Test drove one of these and thought for the most part is was a pretty cool car! Some cost cutting in the interior and drivetrain kept me from buying one !
That is understandable. The good news is time has passed and these have gotten cheaper and there is good aftermarket support. And now of days there are other cars (Cadillac included) that may have something you would want.
Funny when I test drove one, I thought the opposite... Dräxlmaier the Maybach coachbuilder did a fantastic job on the interior for me. The appointments from the door treatment to the seats are suburb. The bespoke NS with the SC are nicely mated together, smooth high revving. It drive much more like an AMG than a CTS-V.
@@ModstarzOfficial Great call on displacement. It also has the wizardry you typically see from AMG such as VVT, 4 VPC, etc. All the high tech wizardry also limited the aftermarket side as well, I'm good with that though. The hardest thing to find on the car is the airfilter, lol... Totally impossible to find one anywhere.
I found 2 or 3 before making this video. Yes they were higher mile cars but they looked good. I think whoever had them either didn’t know what they were or knew they wouldn’t get more for the miles but who knows. But they are out there clean titles too. Let me know what you find
@@ModstarzOfficial There is one local to me with 41k miles for $16.5k, but its black and I can't stand black cars. I'm really tempted though, as my current weird Caddy is getting up there in miles (XTS V Sport). Its a step down in power, as with a few simple mods and a good 93 tune my current car is making over 450awhp. That being said, I like the older interior (and climate controls with REAL buttons!) better and the V8 sound is so much better than the blah noises from a 3.6TT V6.
@@arc00ta I can't hurt to check the car out see what needs to be done mechanically and test drive it. If you are still interested in the car after that, see how much it would be to get it painted or wrapped. Depending on where you go and the size of the car it may cost the same. As far as paint quotes go for the work that I have seen so far is Maaco. You can get an estimate through their website and they have shops across the country. Check it out when you can and let me know what you find.
can anyone speak to difficulty with finding and purchasing parts? I'm looking at one in Maryland that's been garage kept with 52k miles for $20,000... hell of a deal for a V motor, imo
That is a good deal. I guess it would depend on parts but the places that I can think of for sure are Northstar Performance as well as eBay and Amazon for GM OEM Parts. The same goes for transmission parts too in addition to gearstar, rpm transmission the drive shaft shop just to name a few.
Sadly e85 isn't supported on this platform. But all those mods with meth injection with net you just under 500 wheel. Then the driveshaft will not like you. Speaking from previous experience...
@@Darthjammer224 first off love your YT handle and yes you’d be correct. As I mentioned in the video the horsepower and torque numbers are to the crank. I apologize if the title was misleading. The mods mentioned would lead to up 500 wheel horsepower.
I'm going to say this for anybody that just trying out a Northstar V8 do not and I repeat do not use ARP head studs they will fail use the proper head stud kit from Northstar performance that is the only way to go.
Good man thank you 🙏🏾 👍🏾. Your comment has been pinned.
I don't know where you can find one for around 8k but I just found one for 11k but it was not for me,but it was well worth the money in fact it was a bargain
@@robqcmccullum8797I’m about to buy one for 5000$ all depends where you
Live
im about to cop one for 4 grand hopefully soon
Depends how clean they are also
This car is spectacular. It was before the bankruptcy and GM really spared no expense. The interior was subcontracted out to a German company Dräxlmaier, that did Maybacks. The interior is the best interior at GM by a big margin. The seats and appointments are comfortable. The car is a joy to drive, it isn't a track car it is a touring car and nice to take on trips. The drivetrain is reliable and much different experience than the LS that I enjoy.
I did not know about the interior subcontractors. And I agree it is indeed a touring car. So far everyone who has given their opinion on this video either has owned one or currently does. It is great to see all the knowledge shared around this car.
I own this car for 7 years. Hands down, the best value for luxury and power balanced in an executive class car. Very impressive vehicle. I honestly like the Northstar in this car and the xlr v far better than the LSA and LS6 in CTS. the powerline is so smooth. You will be at 120mph and not blink. Transmission is a amazing too. I'm at 132000 miles on an 06 and nothing has broken on this car.
Underrated gem of a vehicle.
@@DETACON2005 That’s is awesome and I could not agree more! Seems like it probably gave the AMG Kompressor a run for it’s money.
I had 2 CTS-Vs & recently bought a STS-V its a few pounds heavier but a much better looking car inside & outside , im a senior citizen & i bought the car for street & freeway combat & its above average taking out the competition all gas no brakes.
@@martinkobert361 That is really cool. Is there anything done to the caddy?
I'd get one. I think there unique and cool. Even better is there is aftermarket support. Porting blowers and upgrading Rotors. Sounds amazing to me
@jplperformance9073 Agreed 110%
@@ModstarzOfficial They only made around 2,500 of them so they aren't plentiful sadly. Good news is the market doesn't know what they are yet so you can find them on the cheap. There will come a day when that changes I bet...
@@km3481 I can see that. If or when they do, I think they will go up at the same time as the XLR and XLR -V (video on that coming soon).
Their great slept on cars...i used mine as a daily for 2 years. In the process of of a L99 swap
That’s going to be fun
I own this car for 6 years and love it. The only issue is finding parts and they are expensive.
The headlight assmbley is 1500 if you can find one. The taillights can run about the same
That is good to know. There are a good amount of STSV owners who comment something similar. I would like to know from the owners experience what common parts need to be replaced other than what was mentioned in the video and form a community for the owners so more affordable solutions can be made.
I just swapped my fuel pump, over $1k for that alone
Do they have the head gasket problems like the 4.6 northstar
@silentbutdeadly3466 no
@@silentbutdeadly3466 not true. I have two vehicles with the 2nd gen RWD Northstar. A 2007 srx v8 and the sts v. Both these cars are bulletproof
I have an 07, stage 1 tc fab kit with there ported 85mm throttle body. I love the car. One of the best lookong interirors and plently of power on tap to have fun with. Bug down side is parts are hard to come by and when something does brake it gets pricly but its worth it. I do daily drive mine and best daily i have ever owned.
I get that,other than tc Fab and north star motor sports I do not know anywhere else to get parts from in the aftermarket. On the plus side, you are saying what the other owners are saying here about the fun drive experience as well. I do appreciate how consistent the feedback is on this car. If there was more support for the STS-V do you think more people would try to get them? Do you think the value of the cars would go up? And if there was another place for parts what would be a fair price point (compared to OEM) ?
@@ModstarzOfficial I think if they got more popular the price would deffantly go up but as far as more aftermarket support probably not. There were only like 2500 made in a 4 year time span and who knows how many are actually surviving. I see them becoming a collectors item for sure like the XLR-V. I'm finding there is a decent amount of aftermarket support for everything but the engine itself is lacking. If it does end as a collectors item I would be cool with that.
@@tbboardhed2 That makes sense. A restomod approach to these would be cool as well. Like promod Camaros, Singer for the 911 or Canepa.
Such a Big AF car😮
But nice looking.
I have an 08 sts-v raven black with the tc fab crank pin kit injectors cold air intake stainless headers injectors and heat exchanger from tc fab 👌 she is a beast absolutely love it.
Awesome !! Hold on to it as long as you can. It is a rare 💎 Daily driver?
Have u upgraded your driveshaft or is it still stock
@@ghostgang3720 I just asked my local performance shop if they could get me a single piece driveshaft built, all metal, get rid of that stupid rubber piece and they said they definitely can. Will update in this comment section when I get that done.
@@jesuschavez2260 ok appreciate it because my car keeps destroying stock shafts and I just can’t seem to find anyone makin custom ones
Another option would be the Jaguar XF-R
Indeed
I have an 06 Raven Black with Tango. I believe it is the only one in Michigan. Oh, I get around 4 MPG at the track.
That sounds like a nice color combo. 4mpg on track is not bad, but how much SMG (Smiles Per Gallon) do you get on track?
This is an awesome video!! Thank you. Being that I am the furthest from knowledgeable about cars…I have a 2005 regular STS Northstar that died 2-1/2yrs ago…its been sitting up but realllllly would like to bring it back to life. Can you recommend what I need to do to get started? The motor is shot but I’m not exactly sure to what degree. I’d like to go back with the northstar (I know, I know…terrible motor and all that). I’ll gladly take any helpful advice that anyone’s will to offer.
Thank you.
Thank you and you are welcome 🙏🏾. First things first, run diagnostics if you can get power to the car. After that check the motor to see what happened. From what you can remember, where there any symptoms or unusual noises or behaviors before the motor went out or did it happen abruptly?
@@ModstarzOfficial thanks for replying! Straight up! as I remember it there was some sort of a leak and I also remember it stopped being able to crank/turn over. I know I’ve changed the coil packs and several other things but it’s been so long ago that I don’t remember all that I’ve done. It’s been sitting up so long and definitely doesn’t have power.
@@RetrobeeJordans The good news is you remember what happened and where to start. After that I would definitely look into NorthStar performance for components. @VelleonRoth77 as you can see from the pinned comment recommends using NorthStar Performance head studs over ARP head studs. In addition to that replacement gaskets and seals and fuel system components (fuel filter and fuel pump). And of course transmission fluid.
Any information on finding aftermarket parts such as down pipes diffusers etc for this car? Cant find any anywhere
None that I could find. I wonder if the ctsv down pipes would be a direct fit or if they could be welded in? Same with the cosmetic style diffuser. Otherwise it would be custom. Even if some welding or trimming of parts to make it a clean fit I think it would be worth a shot.
I have a STS v6 05.And I want to ls swap it in the future with a corvette engine
Very cool . I believe the CTS-V of that era has an LS motor in it as well. Something definitely worth looking into . Any LS for that matter truck or car based LS. Keep me posted can’t wait to see the build.
@@ModstarzOfficial I love my v6 sts is a rare car.I had cts owners telling me wtf how your car has a start button but is a 05 and mine is a 2010
@@Marco213s.mexicanpower Very cool
This car gets 13 MPG…. In the city 🏙️ makes no sense… it’s only a 4.4L V8…. 💀 that’s like a driving a whole Toyota Tundra …
It’s supercharged and that sucks your mpg away
Please take a sip of water 💧
@@LscVip It was allergies but thanks for the reminder. There is a heatwave in my city right now .
Test drove one of these and thought for the most part is was a pretty cool car! Some cost cutting in the interior and drivetrain kept me from buying one !
That is understandable. The good news is time has passed and these have gotten cheaper and there is good aftermarket support. And now of days there are other cars (Cadillac included) that may have something you would want.
Funny when I test drove one, I thought the opposite... Dräxlmaier the Maybach coachbuilder did a fantastic job on the interior for me. The appointments from the door treatment to the seats are suburb. The bespoke NS with the SC are nicely mated together, smooth high revving. It drive much more like an AMG than a CTS-V.
@@km3481 The AMG vs CTSV driving comparison is very well said. Given the displacement compared to an LS motor and overall nature of the car.
@@ModstarzOfficial Great call on displacement. It also has the wizardry you typically see from AMG such as VVT, 4 VPC, etc. All the high tech wizardry also limited the aftermarket side as well, I'm good with that though. The hardest thing to find on the car is the airfilter, lol... Totally impossible to find one anywhere.
@@km3481 The cabin air filter or intake filter?
Dude I have been trying to find a good clean example of this car for a few years
Would you like me to look for you? What is your budget? And what state are you in?
Find me one as well
Get them as low as 8K??? Bahahahaa 1: find one for sale. 2: Goodluck finding one under 25k. If you do, it’s a salvage title and beat to piss.
I found 2 or 3 before making this video. Yes they were higher mile cars but they looked good. I think whoever had them either didn’t know what they were or knew they wouldn’t get more for the miles but who knows. But they are out there clean titles too. Let me know what you find
@@ModstarzOfficial There is one local to me with 41k miles for $16.5k, but its black and I can't stand black cars. I'm really tempted though, as my current weird Caddy is getting up there in miles (XTS V Sport). Its a step down in power, as with a few simple mods and a good 93 tune my current car is making over 450awhp. That being said, I like the older interior (and climate controls with REAL buttons!) better and the V8 sound is so much better than the blah noises from a 3.6TT V6.
@@arc00ta I can't hurt to check the car out see what needs to be done mechanically and test drive it. If you are still interested in the car after that, see how much it would be to get it painted or wrapped. Depending on where you go and the size of the car it may cost the same. As far as paint quotes go for the work that I have seen so far is Maaco. You can get an estimate through their website and they have shops across the country. Check it out when you can and let me know what you find.
can anyone speak to difficulty with finding and purchasing parts? I'm looking at one in Maryland that's been garage kept with 52k miles for $20,000... hell of a deal for a V motor, imo
That is a good deal. I guess it would depend on parts but the places that I can think of for sure are Northstar Performance as well as eBay and Amazon for GM OEM Parts. The same goes for transmission parts too in addition to gearstar, rpm transmission the drive shaft shop just to name a few.
Non Sense, any "real car person" is familiar with the Cadillac line up so they would absolutely know this car, the XLR is more rare than this
@@davidbrown5162 Then I guess in the words of Kendrick Lamar “They not like us” . And I am saving the xlr for another video
Sadly e85 isn't supported on this platform. But all those mods with meth injection with net you just under 500 wheel. Then the driveshaft will not like you. Speaking from previous experience...
Do you think an aluminum driveshaft from a CTSV would work? If not Cryo treatment of the factory driveshaft could help.
@@ModstarzOfficial driveshaft shop one piece. The carrier bearing is an issue. That eliminates the entire issue.
Thank you for your input. That is really good to know.
Can't you make any car E85 swap. I run E85 on my grand prix
@@jplperformance9073 no. The actual fuel system does not support it.
Oof, so it’s like 270-300hp to the wheels
Stock yes
@@ModstarzOfficial more like 360-380 to the wheels stock. 24% drivetrain loss
@@Darthjammer224 first off love your YT handle and yes you’d be correct. As I mentioned in the video the horsepower and torque numbers are to the crank. I apologize if the title was misleading. The mods mentioned would lead to up 500 wheel horsepower.