apocalight

Hey all,

New to the forums. Been a long time member of other forums such as Hotrodders.com, Mustangforums, and LS1tech.

Just a bit of background on my automotive history, I currently own an 04 CTS-V. Fun car, but it has its quirks (such as a wear rear end) that make me want to move on to something else.

Additionally, I built up a forged/supercharged Saleen Mustang that is quite fun, but not the most comfortable as a DD.

It wasn't until recently that I began considering the ISF. I remember years ago seeing one run back to back simulated 1/4 drags at SEMA in Las Vegas. Recently, someone over at LS1Tech posted a thread considering getting a V2 CTS-V (the supercharged ones making 550hp). The OP was also considering a ISF. I started reading about them more and was intrigued. I'm a huge fan of the M3, but am a bit disappointed with their MPG. I like that the ISF can still get 24-25mpg.

Anyways, a few questions.

1. It seems that aftermarket performance parts are limited mainly to intake and exhaust stuff. Any good tunes/tuners around? Any good websites to explore?
2. Those of you who do mod, what type of power gains are you seeing?
3. Any quirks on the 08/09 models that I should know about. For instance, the 04/05 CTS-V rear ends are extremely weak and will literally shatter the casing on hard launches. Though I knew about it when buying, I didn't realize how weak they actually were until a few months of reading had passed.
4. Is $40k a reasonable amount to think about when I'm looking to purchase a low mile (20k miles) 08?

Sorry for the long read.

I appreciate all the info, and will continue to search/read through these forums.

Dv8tion388

iTrader: (2)

Pre 09' CTS-V's are garbage.

08' ISF is more affordable than an 09 CTS-V. Better reliability & MPG too.

The interior changes a bit in 09'; little nicer.

Some interior noises, but otherwise no quirks and im over 50k miles.

Keep in mind this engine requires 10qts of oil every oil change(5kmiles).

Engine, trans and rearend an has pushed well over 500whp by some members.

Intake, header and exhaust are the most common of mods. Ported I. Manifolds & nitrous round out the rest. Bolt ons are good for and high 11 sec time slip. Nitrous can get you into or close to 10's.

An ISF in the 20k mile range is going to cost 40+ pretax from a dealer.


~Dv8

CaptAwsm

I came from an STS-V, and wow lexus' fit and finish is 10x better. It just feels much more solid, the poster above mentioned some interior noises.. I havent heard anything out of my '10, especially compared to my Caddy, which made a ton of noises. From the seats to the doors, it just feels solid (best word I can describe it as). The CTS V2s Ive been in, feel similar to my stsV interior quality wise than the F (not driving wise). I just took a 7 hour drive, twice this weekend, and averaged 25+mpgs! I haven't come close to that mileage since I had an acura 10 years ago.

There aren't any tunes because the car can't be tuned apparently, from what Ive read on here.

One of my favorite things about the F is the paddle shifters, kind of a novelty, but I use them every time I am in the car for a quick downshift here or there when I am cruising in full auto mode.

I was in the same boat as you 2 months ago, M3 vs ISF vs CTSV2.. I am very happy with my decision. Initially, I didn't even consider the F, but then the more I looked into it the more I liked it. It doesnt get better for an awesome DD.

ub2slow2

Check out Lexus of Omaha they have my 2009 with 26,000 miles on it that I turned in on lease. Car is loaded and in perfect shape. Never driven in the winter and hardly in rain. It was my summer toy and I had it since brand new. They are asking $43,000 and they bought it out of my lease for $33,900 so you should be able to buy it for $38,000 I would think. Ask for Mike Kraft

apocalight

I only see two on their website. An 08 for 43k and an 09 for 55 with 4k miles.

ub2slow2

yep that's what they have. What are you looking for? I thought you said an 08 with lower miles for around $40,000? Well there is an 08 with fairly low miles there and I am pretty sure you can get it for under $40,000 because I had the lease on it for 3 years and I know they bought it off the lease from Lexus at $33,900. All they had to do to the car is change the oil and possibly new tires but I doubt they did.

They have little investment in this car as it was perfect when I turned it in other than a little chip in the windshield.

apocalight

No you're right, that is what I'm looking for. It's just that in both this thread and another you refer to your previous car as an 09', and that website shows it as an 08' which is why I was confused .

ub2slow2

oh must have been a typo as mine was an 08 but yes they do have an 09 there as well.

Good luck to ya

Juanca

iTrader: (5)

I've been driving my ISF for more than 3 years already, close to 50k miles, and so far I have no interior noises. Get one, you'll enjoy it everyday!