Category Archives: CTS

Datalogging Dinner, and inital impressions

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Dinner Run

Dinner Run Click to Enlarge

Got the RaceLogic PerformanceBox in the mail today.  Not really a good time for a real acceleration run, but I got it setup in the Cadillac CTS.  Out of the box a registration code from the RaceLogic website has to be entered into the Performancebox to enable all features.  That done, I left the unit on and went to pickup dinner.  The unit records to an SD card if available, and the RaceLogic folks were kind enough to toss in a 2G SD card in exchange for taking an online survey on the purchase.  I grabbed the dinner sack, the SD card out of the Performancebox, and plugged the latter in to my PC so I could play with the data file while I ate.

RaceLogic Performancebox

RaceLogic Performancebox (stock image)

Not much fun acceleration or g-force data in traffic, but it was very easy to save off a google earth datafile from the datalogged, and to load the file up in google earth.  This resulted in a nice map plot with my dinner route.  Then I saved off the google earth result as an image (jpg) file and loaded it here.  Fun.

The route varied somewhat in altitude, but we are around 500ft above sea level.  Looks like 6 or 7 GPS satellites were visible at different times during the trip.  The unit acts as a continuous digital speedometer.  Nothing to hit or push to start a data run, as it is logging data continuously.  Just stop to 0 mph, then accelerate to the desired test velocity.  You get an instant readout of summary info on the gadget while in the car, and a detailed data file to analyze back on the PC.

Cadillac CTS-V Front and Rear Swaybars

Cadillac CTS-V Front and Rear Swaybars

Because the unit is a continuous data logger, I am hopeful that it will be an easy tool to baseline lateral acceleration as I upgrade the suspension on my 2005 Cadillac CTS with components from the 2005 Cadillac CTS-V.

Tuned Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan sets a new fast time

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TexasJim and I got together today to re-test his 2006 Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan.  TexasJim has had it tuned with EFILive.

Texas Jim's 06 DTS and Bruce's 05 CTS

Texas Jim's 06 DTS and Bruce's 05 CTS

We used a Race Technology AP-22 performance meter (other AP-22 Tests) for the acceleration testing, a CruiseCam headrest camera mount and Kodak C875 Digital Camera for the chase-car video and photos.

AP-22 in the DTS

AP-22 in the DTS

Here was the previous test, with only the best run captured in detail.

Previous Test Best Run

Speed
Seconds
10 0.86
20 1.76
30 2.83
40 3.83
50 5.00
60 6.68
70 8.36

The other recorded run from Test 1 was 0-60 in 7.2 sec.  Using 4,330 lbs, the AP-22 calculated hp at the wheels on run 2 of 238hp, and run 3 of 241hp.  Average whp = 239 whp; 239/0.8 = 299 net hp.

TexasJim's 2006 DTS Performance Sedan

TexasJim's 2006 DTS Performance Sedan

And here are today’s results:

Test 2 Run 2 (Best Run)
Speed Seconds
10 0.89
20 1.70
30 2.84
40 3.86
50 5.06
60 6.55
70 8.25
80 10.18
90 12.53
271 whp / 80% = 339 net hp
Test 2 Run 3
Speed Seconds
10 0.88
20 1.80
30 2.87
40 3.92
50 5.16
60 6.67
70 8.44
80 10.48
90 13.00
269 whp / 0.8 = 336 net hp
Test 2 Run 4
Speed Seconds
10 0.9
20 1.81
30 2.88
40 3.90
50 5.15
60 6.66
70 8.38
80 10.37
90 12.79
263 whp / 0.8  = 328.7 net hp

Conclusion: TexasJim’s DTS previously ran 0-60 in 6.68-7.2 seconds. For the 2nd test (today) it ran 0-60 in 6.55 sec – 6.67 sec. This appears to be an improvement in 0-60 time on average.   Measured wheel horsepower increased from 239 whp average to 268 whp average, or 29 whp.  Having the DTS performance tuned yields positive results.

Caddyinfo Forum discussion thread here.

Cadillac DTS and Cadillac CTS Rear-view

Cadillac DTS and Cadillac CTS Rear-view

CTS upgrade to CTS-V suspension

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Okay, after some initial confusion, a set of 2005 Cadillac CTS-V front and rear sway bars and bushings should soon be on the way to await installation on my 2005 CTS.

Cadillac CTS-V Front and Rear Swaybars

Cadillac CTS-V Front and Rear Swaybars

To review, my CTS has the 3.6L engine, but the base FE1 suspension.  The CTS comes with 3 suspension variants, FE1, FE2 Lux, or FE3 Sport.  The CTS-V comes with the FE4 V-series suspension.  The difference between the various suspensions are variations and combinations of springs, shocks, and sway bars.  The sway bars perhaps have the greatest influence on handling.  So for my first step I am going to swap to the CTS-V sway bars and then test.

So, I need to be working now on developing a good way to test the base FE1 suspension.  I am thinking a video test to show how the car looks from outside while cornering, to show lean angle, and a G-meter test to show absolute G’s attainable with each setup.  Stay tuned, or reply with advice!