Best track-focused performance upgrades for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

sooo, after years of tracking, Ive found Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid works well. Vorshlag Camber Plates are probably worth it—theyll save tire shoulders from wearing out too fast. gl!

yo, just found this thread. honestly, i've spent the last decade chasing lap times in heavy GM sedans, and the market for the Blackwing has really exploded lately. i remember when we just threw on some generic pads and hoped for the best, but these cars are basically spaceships on wheels now. the physics dont lie tho—stopping 4,100lbs over and over is the real challenge. For your situation, i've looked at the data and here is what I recommend for reliability: 1. Brakes: Everyone loves the usual suspects, but in my experience, Pagid RST 3 Racing Brake Pads are highkey the way to go if you want serious bite. Compared to the G-LOCs or Ferodos mentioned earlier, Pagids handle the heat soak of a heavy chassis way better over a full 20-minute session without the pedal getting mushy. 2. Fluid: If you want to try something besides the SRF everyone uses, Motul RBF 700 Factory Line Racing Brake Fluid is the current industry standard for dry boiling points. It's literally everywhere now and easier to find at trackside shops. 3. Tires: Ngl, skip the Cup 2s for this car. The market shifted and Nankang CR-S High Performance Tires are the new kings for heavy-hitting sedans. They dont get greasy nearly as fast as the Michelins once they get hot. 4. Cooling: You gotta look at the diff. I'd suggest looking into a Tapout Tuning Differential Cooler Kit if you're gonna do long stints in summer. Over the years, the biggest lesson I learned is that the Blackwing is a thermal management puzzle. If you solve the heat, the pace follows. GL!

So basically the consensus is that heat is the enemy for such a heavy chassis. Previous replies hit the nail on the head with the fluid and plates, but i've been looking at it from a safety-first perspective... cuz if the car or the driver isn't stable, your laps wont be consistent. Comparing two reliability paths:
Option A: Better thermal management with Apex VS-5RS 19x10 ET20 Forged Wheels. These are way lighter than OEM and the open-spoke design literally helps the rotors breathe better to avoid fade.
Option B: Driver stability with the Schroth Racing QuickFit Pro Harness. Honestly, I'd prioritize Option B. If you're sliding around in those bucket seats, you're gonna use the steering wheel for leverage, which is super dangerous and kills your precision. Also, if you want a different fluid than the Castrol mentioned, Motul RBF 660 Racing Brake Fluid has a high 617°F boiling point and works well. I'm still kinda new to this, but focusing on cooling and seating feels like the best way to stay safe... gl!

I'd actually suggest a different approach—skip the Cup 2s for now cuz I had issues with them heat-cycling out way too fast on this heavy chassis. Honestly, stick with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S until ur pace is consistent, then maybe try Ferodo DS1.11 Brake Pads for better reliability. Safety first, right? gl

I am absolutely thrilled to see another enthusiast pushing the Blackwing to its limits on the circuit! To get those consistent laps youre looking for, you really gotta be ready for the unexpected journey. It actually reminds me of an extensive track-day project I undertook with my brother-in-law that turned into a complete logistical nightmare... Our attempt at a methodical weekend preparation resulted in the following sequence:

• We spent about fourteen hours searching for a single specialized fastener that went missing in the grass
• The custom components we were so excited about ended up being delivered to a completely different state
• We ultimately spent the majority of the track session spectating from the sidelines while eating lukewarm hot dogs It was truly a fantastic learning experience in its own chaotic way! Honestly, looking back at those moments of total frustration makes me appreciate the community and the process so much more. Seeing youre getting ready for the track is just amazing to watch.

I'd suggest G-LOC R16 Track Brake Pads. theyre highkey cheaper than competitors and handle the Blackwing's 4,123lb curb weight amazing without fading. Seriously great value for track reliability tho!

If youre doing the work yourself, you really gotta look at rear stability under heavy braking. The factory rubber bushings in the rear toe links deflect way too much under load, which makes the car feel kinda squirmy at high speeds. I've been digging into the specs on the BMR Suspension Rear Toe Rods with Rod Ends. Pros: zero deflection and much more predictable turn-in. Cons: you're gonna deal with more NVH on the street since there's no rubber dampening. Another solid DIY move is upgrading the lines while youre doing the fluid. Stock rubber lines expand when things get hot. A set of Goodridge Phantom Series Stainless Steel Brake Lines gives a way firmer pedal feel. It makes modulating the brakes into corners much more consistent compared to the factory setup. It's a direct bolt-on and honestly fairly cheap for the performance gain. For data, the Garmin Catalyst Driving Performance Optimizer is basically the move if you want to see exactly where you're losing time. Pros: real-time audio coaching and easy-to-read data. Cons: its a bit pricey and adds clutter to the dash. Worth it if you want to see where the chassis is actually hitting its limit tho.