In the world of high-performance sedans, few names carry as much weight as the Cadillac CTS-V. But for one passionate car enthusiast from Texas, the factory-built power just wasn’t enough. He wanted more — and then even more than that. What started as a routine performance upgrade turned into a full-blown horsepower obsession. Here’s the full story of how one man transformed his 2016 Cadillac CTS-V into a street-legal track monster with help from a Texas-based tuning shop.

A Fast Car From the Start

The Cadillac CTS-V already comes from the factory with jaw-dropping performance. Built at General Motors’ Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan, this beast of a sedan rolled off the line in 2016 with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine under the hood. That engine, known as the LT4, originally produced 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque — impressive numbers by any standard.

With those specs, the CTS-V could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 203 mph. But in the world of performance tuning, there’s always someone who wants to push the limits further. That’s where Mr. Adams comes in.

Meet Mr. Adams and His Quest for More Power

Mr. Adams, the proud owner of a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V with just 30,000 miles on the odometer, had enjoyed his car’s factory performance for long enough. Wanting a serious boost, he drove straight to Late Model Racecraft (LMR) in Houston, Texas — a tuning shop known for transforming fast cars into absolute monsters.

Initially, he asked for LMR’s 800-horsepower performance package. But before the work was finished, he changed his mind and requested an even bigger upgrade. The team at LMR didn’t hesitate. They moved straight to their 850-horsepower package — and then took things even further.

Inside the Build: How to Turn a CTS-V Into a Monster

To make that power jump, LMR had to perform major surgery under the hood. The team removed the engine and fitted it with a range of high-performance parts:

• Cold-air intake system
• Upgraded pulleys
• Performance headers
• New spark plugs and wires
• Custom exhaust system
• ECU tune for optimized performance
• Relocated coil packs for a cleaner engine bay look

Mr. Adams didn’t just want more power — he also wanted the engine bay to be a showpiece. When he called the shop during the build, he told the LMR team, “Make it look good!” The result? A polished, sleek, and ultra-clean engine bay that looks like it belongs in a custom show car.

The Final Result: Power Meets Comfort

When the work was done, Mr. Adams’ CTS-V came back to life with a completely new attitude. It now combines Cadillac’s signature comfort and luxury with earth-shaking power. The upgraded exhaust includes high-flow catalytic converters, which help keep the car surprisingly quiet at idle. But once the gas pedal hits the floor, it roars like a lion, letting everyone in the neighborhood know exactly when Mr. Adams pulls into the driveway.

The best part? The car still behaves like a normal sedan in everyday driving. The suspension, transmission, and road manners remain civil, making it just as suitable for a family drive as for a drag strip showdown. And yes, the upgraded CTS-V now runs on E85 fuel, adding flexibility and more performance potential.

What’s Next? Even More Power Is on the Table

Even after all these upgrades, there’s still room to grow. If Mr. Adams comes back for yet another round of mods, LMR has more tricks up their sleeve. They could:

• Port the supercharger for better airflow
• Upgrade the mechanical fuel pump and injectors for even more fuel delivery
• Install sticky Toyo tires in the rear to help handle the brutal power on launch

Until then, Mr. Adams would be wise to keep the traction control turned on — unless he wants to turn his tires into smoke at every stoplight.

Why This Build Matters

This story is more than just a tale of horsepower. It reflects the passion and dedication many car owners have for their vehicles. The CTS-V was already a powerhouse from the factory, but with help from Late Model Racecraft, it became something truly special — a car that delivers spine-tingling performance without sacrificing comfort or reliability.

For performance enthusiasts and Cadillac lovers alike, Mr. Adams’ CTS-V build is a perfect example of what’s possible when you blend factory engineering with aftermarket innovation.

Final Thoughts

If you own a high-performance car and you’ve ever wondered, “Could it be even better?” — this story is proof that the answer is yes. Whether it’s subtle upgrades or full-on engine surgery, tuning shops like LMR give owners the power to unlock the full potential of their vehicles.

Stay tuned for more automotive transformations and performance stories just like this one. If Mr. Adams comes back for another round, we’ll be the first to let you know what his CTS-V becomes next. One thing is certain: in the hands of true enthusiasts, even a Cadillac can roar like a race car.

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