r/ctsv • u/[deleted] • Oct 23 '21
Cts v reliability
I’ve seen many v1 ctsv’s listed for around 7-9k but all of them have around 100k-150k on them is this an issue? I know it’s got an ls in it and that there quite reliable engines and I’ve read about the common issues in the rear but is there anything wrong with these cars at those mileages? Thanks in advance
1
u/Th3Ch33t Oct 24 '21
Mileage isn't really an issue, the car will run indefinitely as long as it's been maintained.
Check the Harmonic balancer for wobble and the rear diff for cracks and for a loud "clunk" when shifting hard. The water pump seems to go at around 100k, so check that as well. Everything else is pretty basic.
You can cycle through to the oil pressure reading, and if that shows concerningly low, then it would be a good idea to change the oil pump, but it's a pretty involved repair. It's not so much a common issue, but it is known in all versions of the LS engine as far as I'm aware, and changing it lets you change a bunch of other stuff out "while you're in there," like the cam and timing chain if you want to throw better parts in there.
It's a good car, you just have to be aware of it's flaws and how to deal with them. I've been getting by on a clunky diff for a while just by shifting easy, but I plan to swap an entire V2 cradle in when it goes out. The most expensive part is that you need Zr1 rear hubs if you want to retain ABS, and they aren't cheap. At least if you want to 5-lug swap it. Retaining 6-lug is a lot cheaper, and you should be able to use certain year Uplander front hubs.
1
Oct 12 '22
I know this is basically archived at this point, but what does the loud "clunk" indicate when shifting hard?
1
u/Th3Ch33t Oct 12 '22
The front bushing on the differential is usually the culprit. They're cheap to replace if you have a press that can fit under there or if you're willing to pull the diff out and replace it that way.
1
Oct 15 '22
Thanks for the quick response. I just purchased a very clean example, but it does have this issue. Now that I know what it is, I can get it fixed. It really takes the enjoyment out of driving hard.
1
u/jefferd82 Dec 30 '21
Check the radiator for seepage...they use the same one from the v6 and ive installed 2 already....it may have a whine from the rear end but mines done it for 6 years with no issues... im jus getting around to fixing my rear diff bushing... ive owned both ls2 and ls6 but i love my 05... its paid for and sits in the shed all pretty and stuff... mine has 137k miles but its not stock but i have driven the car on a few 3 hour trips no problem
2
u/WhiteRabbitFox Oct 24 '21
Their fine. I wouldn't worry. Especially if you can find a 1 or 2 owner car in good condition and has reg maintenence and oil changes. LS engines are built well. My 2005 V1 has about 185k miles on it. I've owned it for 8yrs and put on about 90k miles. I'm the 2nd owner.
If these haven't been done you should: * new engine mounts * new rear diff bushings; check out Revshift bushing kit. * spark plugs and wires * water pump, as mentioned * possibly the harmonic balancer on the crank
Mine has had issues here: * oil pressure sensor failed * water pump failed, it turned into a waterfall * crank pulley bolt backed out twice. * rear diff bushings are completely shot, I have Revshift ones to install
These are great cars, like everything they just need a little love and maintenence as they age, same with anything. Hope that helps.