Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
The 2nd Generation 2009-14 Cadillac CTS-V is one damn badass sedan, but the factory exhaust note is a lot more “Leisureworld” than “Pirelli World Challenge”, which is a shame, because as someone who has heard a CTS-V World Challenge Racecar being driven in anger, the sound that these cars make when opened up sends shivers down the spine, so it’s an utter crime to leave it plugged up as it is stock.
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
That’s why when Co-Founder/CEO Mike Brown picked up a Cadillac CTS-V over three years ago, the stock exhaust system was one of the first things to go, getting rid of the Grandpa tone in favor of muscle-car growl. It’s been several years living with the system, so Mike’s had it in nearly every imaginable driving situation, making it an ideal time to review the exhaust.
Offering a gain of more than 25whp and 26wtq, the Stainless Works Exhaust for Cadillac CTS-V delivers a serious change in power and sound – but what drove Mike to opt for Stainless Works in the first place?
Here’s Mike‘s review of the Stainless Works Exhaust for CTS-V in his own words.
“I chose Stainless Works for my own personal car and am glad I did so! After having it on my 2012 Cadillac CTS-V for nearly three years, I still love the way my car sounds every time I start the engine.”
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
“As soon as that ignition turns, the car comes to life and everyone knows it– because of the way the Stainless Works system makes the car sound.
The initial roar of the exhaust at startup causes anyone within 100 feet to turn around and look at my car, in a “wow that sounded great, what car was that?” kind of way — not the “that sounded like a piece of crap” kind of way that cheaper, non-vehicle-specific-tuned exhaust systems that make people cringe. With Stainless Works, you know you are going to make your car louder while maintaining a clean sound as well.”
“At full throttle, the exhaust sounds amazing, like a true V8. I haven’t heard my car personally at full throttle from the outside very often (since I’m the one mashing down that accelerator pedal inside the car), but I have received HUNDREDS of compliments at car shows, at my shop from customers, and from strangers on the street that heard my car.”
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
“I can’t tell you how many times I have pulled through a fast food drive thru (I know, bad for my health) and the 17 year old kid in the drive through window leans halfway out to get a better listen and says “OMG your car sounds so sick!!”. If my car still had the boring stock exhaust on it, they wouldn’t even notice. Many of them beg me to loop back by them at full throttle so they can hear my car in all its glory, and I’m happy to oblige.”
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
“My car does not drone with the Stainless Works Exhaust. I have never had anyone complain to me about noise inside the car, in fact most of my fellow enthusiasts comment that it’s remarkably smooth and quiet inside the cabin at cruising speeds. This is important to me to have a good interior cabin experience, because I have passengers inside my car on a regular basis and I personally don’t want to get a headache from loud interior cabin sound.”
Forgestar CF10 20×9 / 20×10.5 with Hankook Ventus V12 255/35-20 / 285/30-20 on Eibach Springs
The exhaust tips look great on the back, since they are larger than the stock tips. This gives my car an aggressive appearance from the backside, and all of us car enthusiasts can appreciate a great ass, right? Add in the performance gains from this exhaust system, and you can see why I am very happy I chose Stainless Works for my own personal car, and you should too.”
After three years, Mike’s still just as in love with the sound of this exhaust system as he was the day he bought it, and still looks great – a true testament to its build quality and how easy this system is to live with on a daily driver. Wondering about how the system sounds? Give it a listen in the video clip below.
Upgrading your CTS-V Exhaust will wake up your CTS-V and make driving a more enjoyable experience from the grin-inducing sound to the extra 25 horsepower to the wheels, so why tolerate your bland, disgusting stock exhaust for a second longer?
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 – or ask Co-Founder/CEO Mike himself what he’s done to his CTS-V by calling us at 714-582-3330or chatting live on ModBargains.com to get expert advice on your build or schedule your install today.
Story & Photos by Nicholas Gregson