Tuned Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan sets a new fast time

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

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!

Suspension thoughts

My 2005 CTS 3.6L has the base, or FE1 soft-ride suspension. Since I plan to drive it another year or two, I have decided to explore suspension options to add to the fun.

The factory suspensions are:
FE1 Softride
FE2 Luxury or non-height adjusting Sport
FE3 Sport
FE4 CTS-V
FE4 with FG2 CTS-V with ‘track’ shocks

Also available are Eibach and Hotchkis aftermarket sway bars and springs.

The CTS tends to measure 0.83g on a 200ft skidpad, and I am hoping to get to 0.87g instead.

A key part of this mod will be testing before and after each step mod to determine what effect.
So first I need to define a handy flat 200 ft diameter circular spot, then the method to be used to ensure consistent measurements.

I have my RaceTechnology AP-22 meter which measures Gs. I am studying the new meters and track data packs to see what will make the best test setup.