I know there is Mallet and Werks, I was wondering if there are other companys that offer this conversion as well? I'm leaning towards Werks, but It wont be for a little longer.
Also, any word on rather or not these cars could ever be legal in california?
I have to ask this. Are those planning V8 conversions taken into consideration the differential problems some of the Kappa cars are experiencing? Can you imagine taking it in for warranty work with an LS1 in the engine bay? How can this be addressed?
Very few problems have been reported of the diffs actually failing from power input. Leaking and whine are only incidental to the capability of the transmission of power. One instance of a diff "blowing up" might be related to a previous repair and the possible failure to refill with fluid. The diff is already proven in V6 Caddys, so for security a person could upgrade to teh components in the V8 CTS-V (if they are different)
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When more than one friend wants to ride shotgun
No, I do not work for GM or any subsidiary or supplier.
Very few problems have been reported of the diffs actually failing from power input. Leaking and whine are only incidental to the capability of the transmission of power. One instance of a diff "blowing up" might be related to a previous repair and the possible failure to refill with fluid. The diff is already proven in V6 Caddys, so for security a person could upgrade to teh components in the V8 CTS-V (if they are different)
Very few problems have been reported of the diffs actually failing from power input. Leaking and whine are only incidental to the capability of the transmission of power. One instance of a diff "blowing up" might be related to a previous repair and the possible failure to refill with fluid. The diff is already proven in V6 Caddys, so for security a person could upgrade to teh components in the V8 CTS-V (if they are different)[/quote]
This post was enough to make me register for the forum. I have an '04 CTS-V that has a blower so I'm probably around 550hp at the crank. I'm on my 2nd diff but I know several CTS-V owners who are still stock on their engines that have blown diff's. One guy is even on his 4th.
Ironically there are posts on the CTS-V forum suggesting we should switch to Solstice diffs (I believe one person has actually tried this) to get one that's stronger!!
That being said, there are 3 companies (one US, one Canadian and one in Australia) working on new diffs with Ford 9" internals. The US company has a working unit in a CTS-V but now pricing or kit as yet.
If you are thinking of using one from a CTS-V make sure you get an '06 or later diff. GM changed them in '06 due to the very high number of '04 and '05 failures (the cases are cracking catastrophically)
Here's a link to the best forum on the CTS-V's and there is A LOT of info on the diffs since they seem to be the weakest component/biggest problem on the car.
V8 Archie no longer has anything about Solstice conversions on his site and the old Solstice site he had is no longer functional. He has not posted on this site for a long time, so I am guessing that he no longer does Solstice conversions.
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06 SLY, Sand&Steel, Clear Bra, CAI, TRI-Y long tube headers, high flow CAT, Magnaflow cat back dual exhaust, ECM tune, painted calipers w/decals, large bore throttle body
V8 Archie no longer has anything about Solstice conversions on his site and the old Solstice site he had is no longer functional. He has not posted on this site for a long time, so I am guessing that he no longer does Solstice conversions.
We're still here and still doing the V8 conversions. We have an LS7 in the works right now, its on its way up from down south. Lately we have been hard at work on our 2.4 turbo system, which by the way is turning out great!
I'm still struggling with the CARB here in Ca. So unless you can register in another state I'd be very careful. The struggle is that the ARB states that the manufacturer's emission warranty cannot be voided. That means, whatever you do to the car , it needs to be backed in writing from GM for 8 years / 80k miles. GM won't bite, lawyers said they would have to crash test the car before they would warranty the emissions. The one catch is that the CARB states that this requirement from the ARB is not correct...However, try and get one government agency to change another government agency's policies is taking a very long time. So for all you californians...be careful..and yes my car passes ca smog requirements, and has factory parts for all emissions....but for an LS7 not the 2.4 ecotech.
I'd like to know more about what it takes to make a Ca. legal swap. I just found out about these cars and sometime in the future one of these cars will be in my garage, Ca. legal or not.
I'd like to know more about what it takes to make a Ca. legal swap. I just found out about these cars and sometime in the future one of these cars will be in my garage, Ca. legal or not.
Have Jesse James install the V8, CARB fines Jesse James 250k pay about $5000. in fines and you never have to have it check again.
CARB operates differenmtly from even the other states that have adopted CARB standards. Normal assumptions (which have no standing in CA) would be that if you install a motor and controls that meets or exceeds higher standards than the ones in place when your car was built - should be perfectly legal. For example, instead of crushing that 1977 car that spews contaminants even while parked, inserting a brand new 2007 CARB certified powerplant ought to earn one a medal as well as some tax credits along the line.
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When more than one friend wants to ride shotgun
No, I do not work for GM or any subsidiary or supplier.
Had a Werks LS2 (w/Livernois ported heads and stage II cam) installed about 8 months ago and have had no differential problems. This car puts down 453 hp to the rear wheels, by way of 235/95/19 BFG G-Force T/A KDWs (10 1/2" wide) and the car and drivetrain handle it with no problems. The car only weighs 3040 lbs, so even at this power level, there' not an exceptional strain on the drivetrain. The all aluminum LS2 and T-56 tranny only add about 60 lbs to the car so the f/r weight differential isn't changed too much. I think it's now about 53/47 front to rear. And, it's a blast to drive!!!!
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Mysterious w/everything but On-star + Performance Autowerks LS2 conversion w/Livernoies Stage II cam/StageII heads and UMI Racing 90mm TB w/Delphi 4B ECU, AFX wide band 02 sensor, F.A.S.T. 90mm intake, 13" rotors w/SSBC 3 piston calipers.
