The V2 Cadillac CTS-V is one of the mightiest Sport Sedans ever built – it held the title for Fastest Production Sedan around the Nurburgring for good reason, with 556hp on tap under the hood in the second gen CTS-V, it’s a hell of a ride. That said, some of the details of the production car are a little more leisure-world than World Challenge, so with a few choice mods, your CTS-V can be the supercar you know it can be. As they say, life is too short to stay stock.
In this article we’ll be covering the 4 Best Mods for the CTS-V in simple terms both beginners and veterans alike can understand.
#1 Wheels
The simple addition of a set of new wheels can really change the look and feel of virtually every car, the CTS-V is no exception. A set of wheels can give your car an aggressive, mean look or a subtle, understated kind of vibe. There’s a whole world of wheels for CTS-V out there to suit your style.
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Hankook Ventus V12 Tires & Eibach Springs
One of the most popular choices on the market is from Forgestar Wheels, a manufacturer of lightweight and strong wheels produced using a Rotary-Forging process to strengthen the wheels.
ModBargains’ Co-Founder/CEO Mike Brown runs a set of CF10s on his personal CTS-V – he’s had the same set for a few years now in spite of the terrible roads around here, a testament to the strength of these wheels. Forgestar CF10 Wheels for Cadillac CTS-V are a handsome slightly concave 10-spoke wheel that really engenders that V-Motorsport kind of feel.
Here’s what Mike had to say:
“The Forgestar CF10 is one of my favorite wheels of all time. I have received so many compliments on these wheels. I have these wheels on my own personal car and absolutely love the way they make my car look. Once I took the boring stock wheels off my car and replaced them with the Forgestar CF10’s, my car had a completely different personality. It was suddenly aggressive, but clean. It was just downright impressive. If you’re thinking about these wheels, just do it, I promise you that you will love them on your own car just like I love them on mine!”
– Mike Brown, Co-Founder & CEO
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Hankook Ventus V12 Tires & Eibach Springs
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Hankook Ventus V12 Tires & Eibach Springs
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires & Eibach Springs
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×12 Silver / Nitto Invo 275/30-20 / 345/25-20 Tires on Eibach Springs for CTS-V
CF10s really give the CTS-V’s sharp lines a lot more character. 
Forgestar F14 Bronze Burst 19×9 ET38 SC / 19×11 ET56 DC /Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Michelin PSS 255/40-19 / Mickey Thompson 305/35-19 Rear
Let’s say the CF10 isn’t your thing. There are other great options like Forgestar F14 Wheels for Cadillac CTS-V, seen here on a CTS-V Wagon in Bronze Burst.
Forgestar F14 Bronze Burst 19×9 ET38 SC / 19×11 ET56 DC /Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Michelin PSS 255/40-19 / Mickey Thompson 305/35-19 Rear
Forgestar F14 Bronze Burst 19×9 ET38 SC / 19×11 ET56 DC /Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Michelin PSS 255/40-19 / Mickey Thompson 305/35-19 Rear
The F14 is available in concave, semi concave and super deep concave to suit your style and fitment.
Forgestar CF5 19×9.5 / 19×11 Gloss Gunmetal
If you’re into a 5-spoke look, check out the Forgestar CF5. Like we said, these wheels are strong – you can see them in use both on road race and drag strips nation wide.
Forgestar CF5 19×9.5 / 19×11 Gloss Gunmetal
The 5-spoke wheel profile really suits the CTS-V coupes.
That’s not to say that Forgestar wheels are the only thing out there, there are a few other choices for you in fitments that will work with a V.
VMR V710 Matte Black 19×8.5 Wheels
VMR Wheels has an option for the 5-Lug V2 CTS-V as well, VMR V710 Wheels, available in Hyper Silver and Matte Black in CTS-V Fitments.
Avant Garde M510 Matte Black 20×8.5 / 20×10
Avant Garde Wheels also offers a few fitments for CTS-V Wheels as well.
Avant Garde M310 19×8.5 / 19×8.5 Dolphin Gray
Avant Garde‘s popular M310 is another great choice and works well with the lines of the car, whether that’s coupe, sedan or wagon.
Whatever your style, we invite you to talk to our Mod Experts to see what options are out there for your V – give us a call at 714-582-3330 or chat live at ModBargains.com – and of course, you can always come in.
#2 SUSPENSION
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires & Eibach Springs
Once you’ve got a set of killer wheels, the next step is to give the CTS-V a drop. The simplest and most straightforward way to do that is with a set of Eibach Pro-Kit Springs for Cadillac CTS-V. These work with the factory Magnetic Ride Control system and do lower the car a good bit.
Here’s a look at a set of the Eibach Pro-Kit Springs for CTS-V once installed.
Forgestar CF10 20×9.5 / 20×10.5 Semi-Gloss Black with Hankook Ventus V12 Tires & Eibach Springs
Mike Brown:
“After upgrading the wheels on my car from 19″ to 20”, it was evident that I needed to reduce the fender gap on my car to make it look better.
It just looked off, awkward, & not aggressive with the stock ride height. The fender gap just looked huge, and it made the car look bad. I considered a few different options but wanted a moderate drop.”
“I chose the Eibach Pro-Kit springs for my personal car (CTS-V) because the lowering amount was what I was looking for. Furthermore, Eibach has an extensive background in motorsports and very actively supports the automotive enthusiast community that we serve here.
After installing the Eibach springs on my CTS-V, I was very happy with my decision. The springs lowered the car, made it look great, and the ride quality is excellent! No bouncy feeling, and my girlfriend didn’t even notice any difference in the ride quality! I highly recommend Eibach Pro-Kit springs to all of my customers!
– Mike Brown, Co-Founder & CEO
Here’s the rear view on another car. Eibach Pro-Kit Springs are a good option but aren’t the only thing for your CTS-V Suspension.
This KPE Adjustable Coilover Conversion for CTS-V converts the Magnetic Ride Control system of your CTS-V to a fully adjustable coilover and more importantly, allows you to also retain your Magnetic Ride Control System. This coilover conversion will allow you to adjust the suspension from 0.5″-3.5″, making this conversion ideal for both street and track use, as it allows you to adjust the car to suit either. If you want to adjustably lower your CTS-V, this is the way to do it.
However you choose to do it, giving your V a drop will make it both look and handle better. If you have questions, feel free to ask our Mod Experts– just give us a call at 714-582-3330 or chat live at ModBargains.com
#3 Pipe Up Grandpa! Wake up that V8 with an Exhaust
Cadillac still has something of an image problem to work on, to keep with their luxury car persona, the factory CTS-V exhaust is a little less than satisfying. Get rid of the grandpa grumble and get some V8 RUMBLE with a proper upgraded exhaust system.
The Stainless Works Dual Turbo Exhaust System for Cadillac CTS-V is one of the most popular systems on the market, as it seems to be the number one choice among enthusiasts – including Co-Founder CEO Mike Brown.
Mike Brown runs the Stainless Works Exhaust system for CTS-V himself, giving the car the musclecar growl you expect from a beefy V8 yet with enough restraint not to make drone a major problem. It does drone somewhat, but it’s a good compromise of sound and performance.
We’re not kidding about the popularity either, See for yourself…
The Stainless Works Dual Turbo Exhaust System for Cadillac CTS-V is also available in stealth black.
And here’s one more Stainless Works Dual Turbo Exhaust System for Cadillac CTS-V with black chrome tips to round out the group.
This CTS-V Wagon is rocking a Stainless Works Dual Turbo Exhaust System for Cadillac CTS-V as well.
One of the other options we’ve seen that will be louder than heck for the CTS-V Coupe is the CTS-V Exhaust from GT Haus Meisterschaft.
Featuring Meisterschaft’s signature volume, this is one system that’s sure to wake the neighbors.
OR SCREW IT, DON’T HAVE AN EXHAUST AT ALL! The custom addition of cutouts like seen above lets you hear the sweet song of that angry supercharged V8 without hassling with mufflers, but this is kind of a crude option and by no means smog/sound legal.
For maximum effect, combine your new exhaust with the addition of an upgraded Air Intake for CTS-V.
BONUS! INTAKE
There aren’t a lot of intakes for Cadillac CTS-V on the market, but that’s OK! The one that is available is incredibly potent.
The KPE Cold Air Intake for Cadillac CTS-V is good for an astonishing 24whp gain and the heat shield design blends in perfectly with the engine cover for horsepower that looks as good as it feels, and with a freer flowing intake you’ll also hear a lot more of that glorious supercharger whine.
#4 Don’t Forget The Details – Stand Out With EXTERIOR Mods
When it comes to the CTS-V Exterior, there’s a few options out there that let you differentiate your V from the crowd. From the brakes to things like carbon fiber front splitters and spoilers, don’t overlook the details that give your car a complete look.
A carbon fiber front splitter is a great way to stand apart.
A roof spoiler like this one also lends a more european character.
A Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler for CTS-V can really alter the look of your car.
This KPE carbon fiber front splitter for Cadillac CTS-V adds a tasteful hint of aggression.
Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser Trim is another great way to add race-inspired character.
Your brakes are another great way to stand out.
Whether it’s custom painted…
The little things can really give your CTS-V the look it deserves. Life’s too short to stay stock.
Want to mod your Cadillac or want to know what CTS-V mods are out there and what they do? Talk to our team of Mod Experts – like Cofounder Mike himself who drives a CTS-V, or heck, you can even talk to by calling us at 714-582-3330 or chat live on ModBargains.com to get expert advice on your build or schedule your install today.
Need something installed? Our shop, Mod Auto, offers full service installations – if it’s aftermarket and bolt on, odds are we can install it for you. Call 714-582-3330 or CLICK HERE to Use Our Online Appointment Scheduling System
Story & Photos Nicholas Gregson