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The first-generation Cadillac CTS-V (2004–2007) packed a genuine Corvette-derived V8 — the LS6 (2004–2005, 400 hp) and LS2 (2006–2007, 400 hp) — into a luxury sport sedan chassis. While GM's engineers did an admirable job fitting a 5.7L or 6.0L V8 into the CTS engine bay, the factory airbox was designed with NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) standards more appropriate for a Cadillac than a Corvette. The result: a restrictive, heavily baffled intake that muffles the very thing that makes the CTS-V special — the sound of a 400-horsepower pushrod V8 breathing at full throttle.
This Flashark intake replaces the restrictive factory assembly with a 6061 aluminum intake pipe and a high-flow reusable cotton cone filter, separated from the exhaust manifold by a formed steel heat shield. On a stock LS6/LS2, expect 5–12 WHP with the most noticeable improvements being throttle response and the transformation of the engine note from muted luxury-car silence to the deep, resonant induction growl these engines are famous for. The LS architecture responds well to intake upgrades — not because the factory design is bad, but because GM prioritized cabin quiet over engine breathing.
Installation takes 45–75 minutes using basic hand tools. The kit uses factory mounting points and the OEM MAF sensor housing, requiring no cutting, drilling, or permanent modification. For CTS-V owners who want their car to sound like the Corvette engine it actually has, this is the most cost-effective starting point.
Key Features
6061 aluminum intake pipe — mandrel-bent for smooth internal airflow with no crush-bent restrictions; polished finish provides a clean, factory-plus appearance in the engine bay
High-flow reusable cotton cone filter — dual-layer pleated cotton gauze with filter captures contaminants while flowing significantly more air than the factory paper panel filter; washable and reusable — service every 15,000–20,000 miles
Direct bolt-on design — uses OEM MAF sensor housing and factory mounting points; no cutting, drilling, or permanent modification to the vehicle
Compatible with LS6 and LS2 — designed for the OEM MAF-style intake layout shared by both the 2004–2005 LS6 and 2006–2007 LS2 CTS-V platforms
Improved throttle response — the larger-diameter, straight-path intake tube eliminates the factory airbox's multi-chamber baffling that creates airflow hesitation at tip-in
Authentic LS V8 induction sound — the open-element filter and rigid aluminum pipe produce the deep, resonant intake growl these pushrod V8S are legendary for; quiet at cruise, authoritative under throttle
Complete kit — includes intake pipe, cone filter, heat shield, silicone couplers, stainless steel hose clamps, and all required mounting hardware
Specifications
Brand: Flashark
SKU: FLIS25077
Compatible Vehicles: 2004–2007 Cadillac CTS-V (LS6 5.7L & LS2 6.0L V8)
Pipe Material: 6061 aluminum
Pipe Diameter: 4 inches (101mm)
Pipe Wall Thickness: 1.5mm
Filter Type: Dry filter
Filter Color: Red
Heat Shield Material: Formed steel
Coupler Material: 3-ply reinforced silicone
Clamp Type: Stainless steel worm-gear hose clamps
Installation Difficulty: no cutting, drilling, or permanent modification
Installation Time: 45–75 minutes
Weight: Approximately 5 lbs
Package Includes
1 × Polished 6061 aluminum mandrel-bent intake pipe (3.5" / 89mm diameter, approximate)
1 × Red dual-layer oiled cotton gauze cone air filter (washable & reusable)
1 × Formed steel heat shield (black powder-coated)
2 × 3-ply reinforced silicone couplers (black)
4 × Stainless steel worm-gear hose clamps
All required mounting hardware (bolts, washers, nuts, brackets)
Installation instructions (print)
| Years | Make | Model | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | Cadillac | CTS-V | LS6 5.7L V8 | Gen 1 CTS-V — direct bolt-on |
| 2006–2007 | Cadillac | CTS-V | LS2 6.0L V8 | Gen 1 CTS-V — direct bolt-on |
Q1: What's the difference between the 2004-2005 and 2006-2007 CTS-V engines?
A: The 2004–2005 CTS-V uses the LS6 5.7L V8 (400 hp / 395 lb-ft), borrowed from the C5 Corvette Z06. The 2006–2007 CTS-V uses the LS2 6.0L V8 (400 hp / 395 lb-ft), shared with the base C6 Corvette. Despite the displacement difference, the factory intake layout, MAF sensor position, and throttle body orientation are nearly identical. This intake kit fits both engines without modification.
Q2: Will this fit my regular Cadillac CTS? I have the 3.6L V6.
A: No. This kit is designed exclusively for the CTS-V performance model. The standard CTS (2.8L, 3.2L, 3.6L V6) has a completely different engine bay layout, throttle body diameter, MAF sensor housing, and intake routing. Attempting to install this on a non-V CTS will result in the pipe not aligning with the throttle body or MAF, and the couplers being the wrong size.
Q3: How much horsepower will this add to my CTS-V?
A: On a stock LS6 or LS2 CTS-V, expect 5–12 WHP with improved throttle response being the more noticeable gain. The factory CTS-V airbox is reasonably well-designed for airflow — its primary limitation is noise suppression, not flow restriction. The real-world driving improvement is a sharper throttle response off-idle and a significantly better induction sound. Claims of 14+ HP on a completely stock engine assume ideal dyno conditions and should be treated as best-case. On a car with headers and a tune, the intake becomes more valuable as part of the complete breathing package.
Q4: Do I need a tune after installing this intake?
A: No. Because this kit retains the factory MAF sensor in its OEM housing and position, the MAF transfer function remains unchanged, and the ECU's fuel trims will adapt within a few drive cycles. However, if you're pairing this intake with long-tube headers or other significant airflow modifications, a tune is recommended to optimize fuel delivery and maximize gains.
Q5: Will this intake trigger a check engine light?
A: It should not trigger a CEL when installed correctly. The most common causes of a post-installation CEL are: (1) a vacuum leak from a loose coupler or clamp, (2) the MAF sensor being installed backward, or (3) unmetered air entering through an improperly sealed connection. Double-check all clamp tightness and MAF orientation before starting the engine.
Q6: Is this a true cold air intake?
A: This is a short ram intake with heat shield. The filter sits in the engine bay rather than being routed into the fender or behind the bumper. The heat shield blocks direct infrared radiation from the exhaust manifold, which helps during low-speed driving and traffic, but it does not provide the ambient-temperature intake air that a true fender-well cold air intake would. The trade-off: simpler installation, zero water ingestion risk, and better induction sound since the filter is closer to the cabin.
Q7: How does the heat shield work on this kit?
A: The formed steel heat shield sits between the air filter and the exhaust manifold, blocking direct radiant heat. At highway speeds, the engine bay is continuously flushed with ambient air through the grille, so the shield's benefit is smaller. In stop-and-go traffic, however, it meaningfully reduces the rate at which the filter heats up from manifold radiation. It is not a substitute for a true cold air intake, but it is a genuine improvement over an unshielded short ram — especially on the CTS-V, where the LS V8 exhaust manifolds run hot.
Q8: Will this intake make my CTS-V louder?
A: Yes — significantly. The factory CTS-V airbox uses multiple resonator chambers and baffles specifically to silence induction noise for Cadillac's luxury NVH standards. Removing it and replacing it with an open-element filter and rigid aluminum pipe transforms the engine note. Under acceleration, you'll hear a deep, resonant induction growl — this is the sound the LS6/LS2 makes in a Corvette, and GM intentionally muted it in the Cadillac. At a steady highway cruise, the intake settles back to near-stock noise levels.
Q9: How often do I need to clean the filter?
A: Service the oiled cotton filter every 15,000–20,000 miles under normal street driving, or every 10,000 miles in dusty conditions. Cleaning process: (1) Remove filter from pipe. (2) Tap gently to dislodge loose debris. (3) Spray with filter-specific cleaning solution — do not use gasoline or solvents. (4) Rinse with low-pressure water from the inside out. (5) Allow to dry completely — 4–6 hours minimum, preferably overnight. (6) Apply a light, even coat of filter oil to each pleat crest — do not over-oil. (7) Let the oil wick for 20 minutes, then blot excess with a paper towel before reinstalling.
Q10: Can I install this with headers and exhaust?
A: Yes. This intake pairs well with long-tube headers and a cat-back exhaust — the LS architecture responds strongly to the full intake-header-exhaust combination. On a car with an intake, headers, and a tune, expect 30–40 WHP total, with the intake improving throttle response and induction sound. The intake does not physically interfere with any header or exhaust installation.
Q11: Is this the same kit as the 2009-2015 CTS-V intake?
A: No. The 2009–2015 CTS-V uses the LSA 6.2L supercharged V8 — a completely different engine with a different intake manifold, throttle body position, and MAF housing. This kit (FLIS25077) is designed specifically for the naturally aspirated LS6 and LS2 engines in the first-generation CTS-V. If you have a 2009+ CTS-V, you need FLIS25001.
Q12: Will this intake improve my gas mileage?
A: In real-world driving, fuel economy changes are negligible. The CTS-V's fuel consumption is dominated by the 5.7L/6.0L displacement, 3,850-lb curb weight, and the driver's right foot. Any theoretical reduction in pumping losses from a freer-flowing intake is too small to measure at the pump. Do not purchase this intake expecting to save money on fuel.
Q13: Can I install this in my garage with basic tools?
A: Yes. Installation requires basic hand tools: 10mm socket and ratchet (factory airbox bolts), flathead screwdriver (factory hose clamps), and Phillips screwdriver (heat shield mounting). The CTS-V engine bay is tighter than a standard CTS due to the V8 packaging, so expect 45–75 minutes rather than the 30 minutes some guides claim. The most time-consuming part is removing the factory airbox lower section, which is bolted to the inner fender in a somewhat awkward position.
Q14: Will this void my warranty?
A: For a 2004–2007 vehicle, the factory warranty has long since expired. However, under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the United States, a dealer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part — they must prove the aftermarket part caused the specific failure. Since these vehicles are well out of warranty, this is not a practical concern.
Q15: What should I check after installation?
A: Before starting the engine: (1) Verify all clamps are tight — a loose clamp is the #1 cause of post-installation issues. (2) Confirm the MAF sensor is fully seated and the connector is clicked in. (3) Check that the intake pipe does not contact any moving parts (accessory belt, cooling fan, or steering shaft — the CTS-V engine bay is tight). (4) Ensure the heat shield isn't rubbing against any wiring harnesses. Start the engine and listen for any whistling or hissing at idle that would indicate a vacuum leak. Take a test drive and enjoy the sound.
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