2007 GXP- CTS-V Brakes, E-cutout, Custom Shifter, Front Splitter, and more

[92builtbird]

I wish I documented the changes I've made to my car from the beginning, but I figure I would start now.

I just wanted to share my plans for the GXP this winter. I don't drive it during the Michigan Winters, so its the perfect time to do everything I've been wanting.
I recently did my whole suspension, with new Bilstein HD struts, SSC Lowering Springs, CV Axles, Hubs etc. Back when I did brakes, I got ****ty Rotors from AutoZone and they rusted after my first car wash.
As you can see, the suspension looks beautiful, minus the crappy Rotors:





My original plan was to do the CTS-V swap, so I ordered the Calipers.
Then I got to thinking that I didn't want to add the extra 4lbs of unsprung Rotor weight. (actually more, because the calipers themselves are 2lbs a piece, so 8lbs total)
I already run GT500 Wheels during the summer, so I am adding rotational mass there; I don't want to add on to that any more.
So I retracted my original plan and ordered 12.7 Raybestos Rotors as stock replacements, and I was going to clean up the caliper brackets to make the GXP brakes look better.
(Add new rubber guide pin covers, paint the caliper bracket black, etc).


Well, I received the Brembos in the mail today, and may have had a change of heart:







So basically, I have new hardware and Rotors for the stock GXP Brakes in the mail on the way... And I have CTS-V Brembos sitting on my table now.
One of those items will be returned because they won't work with each other, but I can't make a decision.
With the CTS-V package, I would be theoretically adding 80 lbs to the car. I don't want to make it out like I'm chasing 1/10ths.... But I'm kind of chasing 1/10ths. Sooner or later these things cause you to lose the advantage to cars on the street..


Anyone want to offer their input??

[dsmuts]

The caliper doesn't spin with the wheel so it adds no extra rotational mass

[92builtbird]

The caliper doesn't spin with the wheel so it adds no extra rotational mass

But it does add unsprung weight because it's below the springs.

[REDCRAPGP]

Ctsv > GXP

You know you really want too

[ctracer]

bro its 80 lbs versus amazing brakes.
if you are so concerned about losing races, try and see what you can do with the engine. i know modding a gxp aint cheap, but ya gotta play to play and im sure you know that by now.

[ILoveAudi]

Ctsv > GXP

This. I don't understand how CTS-V brakes are even questionable on doing. You already have them, just do it.

[16MustangVet]

no pm me and sell them LMFAO!!!

[92builtbird]

You guys are pushy!!!

Thanks, you helped me decide.

[FriboRage]

Is there a reason so many people dont paint the bracket with the caliper? That's something I see really often and it seems like wasted real estate that could be colored and make the whole thing nicer and more noticable.

When I get my Fbody kit Im painting the caliper and the bracket unless there's a reason not to.

How much did those CTS-V calipers cost you? Where'd you get em?

[92builtbird]

Here's some other stuff I plan on doing.

Wire up my gauges:



My Mirror mounted Radar Detector has a gold colored bracket, which annoys me, so that's coming off and getting painted


I wrapped those fugly silver plastic door handle inserts in Carbon Fiber:


I plan on disabling the airbag and popping the Steering Wheel covers off and Wrapping them in CF too.


I'm going to add a custom shifter boot too:



A 100 shot is also in the works

[92builtbird]

Is there a reason so many people dont paint the bracket with the caliper? That's something I see really often and it seems like wasted real estate that could be colored and make the whole thing nicer and more noticable.

When I get my Fbody kit Im painting the caliper and the bracket unless there's a reason not to.

How much did those CTS-V calipers cost you? Where'd you get em?

No idea man, those are the first things that I noticed once I got my car. I can't believe more people don't pull them off and shoot them black. (If you plan on painting them Red or whatever color you paint the caliper, it will look bad. It will be way overkill. Stick to Black or Gray)

This is exactly what I ordered, and the cost. Ignore the picture for the first item, it is wrong. This below will get you a Drivers side and Passenger side CTS-V Caliper:

[DirtDog]

Interesting. Why exactly u upgrading brakes even more? Just curious.

Also with a 100 shot do u plan to do Kore transmission mods? Cause you'll need em.

U considering doing any engine mods?

[lsxftw]

I like the upgrades !!! i want to Carbon Fiber wrap a few things too, where did you get yours?

plus ya that tranny is going to hate the 100 shot

[91parkave]

Here my shifter console cleared lights and dic screen wrapped.

[92builtbird]

Interesting. Why exactly u upgrading brakes even more? Just curious.

Also with a 100 shot do u plan to do Kore transmission mods? Cause you'll need em.

U considering doing any engine mods?

Asthetically it's a night and day difference. I have about $3,400 in wheels, tires, and suspension mods, so I figure might as well make it the complete package. Plus I was messing around with a charger like 3 weeks ago and did several 90-10mph stops. I noticed considerably fading after the first couple.

Im only going to spray in 2nd and 3rd gear, along with a window switch to prevent spraying in between shifts. I'll run it until my trans gives up, then pop for a TEP.

[92builtbird]

I like the upgrades !!! i want to Carbon Fiber wrap a few things too, where did you get yours?

plus ya that tranny is going to hate the 100 shot

I got the wrap from pep boys. It's a sticker application, but it looks real. You can also heat it to bend it around corners. When I was done I hit it with a glossy clear coat and was done.

[92builtbird]

I'm returning the GXP fronts anyways.....but I thought Raybestos PN: 580381 Front Caliper are supposed to be cross-drilled???





Dafuq??

[92builtbird]

Went over to my Gpas, because I can spray in his basement. Better alternative than working on this **** in the cold.


Painting the Rear Calipers Silver to match the fronts:



Painted the Rear Caliper Bracked black. Also have new hardware:



New guide bolt boots and pad brackets:



Painted that annoying Gold Radar Detector piece:



My GT500 Wheels sleeping:



I also weighed my Stock Front Calipers and the Caliper Brackets... 10 lbs even. Weighed the CTS-V Calipers.. A hair under 8.5 lbs. I still need to weigh the Rotors, (and the pads, which I assume will be a push) but if the figure I have seen is correct for the GT500 Rotors (2lbs heavier), I will actually only gain .5 lbs of unsprung weight per wheel.

[92builtbird]

I got my rear rotors; I'm pretty impressed with the quality and look:





I also got my bushings today. Ordered 5, in case I **** one up:

[92builtbird]

Well, I got around to putting the rears back together, with the new Rotors, painted Caliper, and Caliper bracket with new hardware.








I threw the monster 14" GT500 Rotor from Brake Performance on the Front. I won't be able to finish the Fronts until my bolts come in; hopefully Tuesday/Wednesday





Took off the stock front lines, and decided to paint the bracket black while I'm waiting for my bolts. (Spraying them black)








And here is my filthy car. It's been sitting for 3 weeks now. I have clear plastic wrap over my stickers in the back, so they don't get dirty while its in the garage for the winter. You can also see my 3rd brake light decal (kind of hard to see)





I'm murdered out all around the car, so the taillights are staying red; tinting them would be overkill. I am thinking about tinting the reverse bar though. Its a very awkward clear piece, I'm sure GP owners would agree on that.




And there's my pop's '67 GTO, which I've been bugging him to restore..