Speed-Loving Couple Boosts 2017 Cadillac CTS-V to 1,400 Horsepower
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The stock 2017 Cadillac CTS-V packs an LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 capable of 640 horses. Most traditional Caddy buyers would be satisfied with that power—the most offered by a Cadillac model when it was introduced.
However, Joseph and Stephanie Kahn of Fresno, Calif.—the owners of this outrageous CTS-V—are not your typical Caddy drivers. Soon after buying the 2017 CTS-V, they shipped the car to Georgia’s Vengeance Racing - opens in new window or tab., which bumped the grunt to 1,400 horsepower.
The Kahns are now making room in their garage for more high-speed projects. The 1,400-hp 2017 CTS-V was recently offered for sale on eBay with just 16,000 miles on the odometer.
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Errands and Racing
The Kahns bought the 2017 Caddy because Stephanie wanted a vehicle that was easier to maneuver than the full-size Cadillac Escalade ESV - opens in new window or tab. she was driving. The Escalade, enhanced by a Whipple supercharger - opens in new window or tab., was her daily ride at the time. Meanwhile, Joseph had speed on his mind. He was driving a Procharged Corvette C7 Z06 - opens in new window or tab., so he was accustomed to massive power.
The couple set their sights on the 2017 CTS-V, which combined an opulent interior, easy parking, and a supercharged V-8. The Kahns bought the car with 4,000 miles on the clock. The immediately started modifying it and have since added another 12,000 miles of spirited use.
Joseph said:
After owning many modified vehicles, the most impressive thing about this CTS-V to me is that it still drives, handles, and sounds like a factory Cadillac—until you get into the throttle. At that point, the car is a rush. But thanks to the longer wheelbase and traction management, it never gets out of control.
Controllable Power
Vengeance Racing of Cummings, Ga., specializes in turnkey late model performance upgrades for Camaros, Corvettes, and the Cadillac CTS-V. The couple was thrilled with how Vengeance added power and set things up for long-distance driving.
Joseph explained how the car’s fuel system—utilizing an aftermarket ECU - opens in new window or tab., turbos, and a torque converter - opens in new window or tab.—has two distinct driving modes.
Joseph said:
The car has two different fuel systems, meaning it has a total of 16 injectors. It operates on the original high-pressure direct fuel injection system until a fuel regulator sees a certain amount of boost pressure. That’s when the port injection system kicks in. It’s that secondary fuel system that makes sure the car’s air-to-fuel ratio stay within the perfect range to make big power safely.
The setup also allows the car to shine on the track. “Stephanie and I love racing the car,” said Joseph. He took the vehicle to Sacramento Raceway and the Shift-S3ctor track in Coalinga, Calif.
In Sacramento, Joseph set a time of 8.6 seconds for a quart-mile run, reaching a top speed of 163 miles per hour. In Coalinga, he broke 200 mph in a half-mile run.
The Never-Ending Quest for Speed
After these performances, the Kahns kept experimenting. They installed a new engine, transmission, and a new twin-turbo system. According to Joseph, that makes this 2017 CTS-V one of only two third-generation twin-turbo CTS-Vs ever made.
For good measure, the car has DMH exhaust cutouts—to relieve pressure build-up on the higher boost maps. The CTS-V has five different horsepower levels. The cutouts also transform the car’s exhaust note, raising the decibels way higher than a factory model.
The list of enhancements is long. But here are a few highlights:
- A late-model LT4 long block tuned to Vengeance Racing specs—via a Crawford Racing port injection, Twin Comp air-cooled turbos, an air-to-water intercooler - opens in new window or tab., and a large EMP Stewart fuel pump.
- Pro EFI ECM with electronic traction management providing five dial-adjustable power boost maps
- 8-speed 8L90 Pure Drivetrain Solutions transmission
- A BMR suspension - opens in new window or tab. with heavy-duty performance control arms, panhard bars, shock tower braces and k-members
The car is also equipped with a performance data recorder so that you can capture and analyze performance and safety.
Read this: A Performance Data Recorder Adds Racing Analytics to Your Car - opens in new window or tab..
The Kahns are happy to share the dyno report and $130,000 in receipts, verifying its 1,400 horsepower.
At the same time, a gentle ride in the 2017 CTS-V reveals that the car has all the factory-supplied luxury options, including a sunroof—everything you would expect from a comfy Cadillac highway cruiser.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.