The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V comes from the factory rated at 640 supercharged horsepower. That power is capable of propelling the mid-size sedan from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Those numbers are more than adequate for most, but for others, they’re simply a good starting point. For Redline Motorsports’ Howard Tanner, he fits into the latter category, and you can throw us in there, as well.
Knowing direct-injection was coming, Howard jumped out front of the technology and how it applied to making horsepower. “Direct-injection has changed the game,” Howard says. To make sure his shop would be on top of the DI game, he added a 5-gas analyzer and a cylinder pressure sensor as part of the shop’s mission to be highly proficient in GDI calibration. “Understanding exactly what is going on in the combustion chamber is the holy grail to both making power and keeping the engine healthy,” Howard adds.
That understanding has helped the shop with the build of this 2016 CTS-V. Redline has had the car in the shop for a couple weeks now, and even in that short time, Howard and the guys have been busy. Focusing on both the intake and exhaust aspects of the 6.2-liter, LT4 engine, Redline revised the air intake, adding a Katech 103mm throttle body in the process.
Redline Motorsports had the LT4 engine down to the short block, and built it back up using massaged heads, one of its Super Stick cams, and more boost. Redline’s Howard Tanner also tuned the car using E92 to arrive at 771 horsepower at the wheels.
A little further down the horsepower line, a smaller blower pulley, and crank pulley was added to bring the boost up to almost 16-pounds. The heads received a little massaging, along with Brian Tooley Racing valvesprings, and American Racing Headers 2-in primary long-tubes attached to them. To finish it off, Redline added one of its DI Super Stick cams to the mix.
The result is 771 horsepower at the wheels, which roughly converts to around 850 flywheel horsepower. Judging by the Weld Racing wheels and Mickey Thompson ET Street radials out back, Howard and the guys will be testing this Caddy at Palm Beach International Raceway sometime soon.
Michael brings years of automotive writing experience to the table, with his unbridled love for late-model Mustangs and classic American iron seeping through his pores.
