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In a world where performance is often associated with sleek sports cars or guttural muscle cars, John Hancock’s 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon defies convention. This stealthy powerhouse shatters expectations, proving that speed and practicality can coexist in perfect harmony. With its blend of family-friendly practicality and supercar-like performance. Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon is a bit of a sleeper car — mostly unassuming on the outside, yet a beast underneath.
While the wheel and tire setup is a bit of giveaway, the vibes are still that of a family based daily driver.
From Dream to Reality
Hancock’s journey with this car began over five years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having admired the CTS-V Wagon since its inception, Hancock knew this was the car he had to own. For him, it wasn’t just about buying a car but about acquiring a dream. “I wanted one since they came out, and it’s way better than any sport wagon from Europe, or ever,” he recalls.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in aviation maintenance, Hancock was always around machinery. “I grew up in an aviation maintenance family business, so I was always working on something or taking it apart to see how it worked,” he explains. This background naturally fed into his passion for cars, and over time, what started as a hobby evolved into a full-blown passion.
John’s dreams were not wasted with this build.
Before acquiring the CTS-V Wagon, Hancock had an extensive automotive history. His garage has housed a diverse array of vehicles, from a 1971 Volkswagen Camper to a 2010 Corvette ZR1. However, none of these vehicles have captured his heart quite like the CTS-V Wagon, which he describes as “very unsuspecting.” He adds, “No one thinks a wagon, especially a Cadillac wagon, would be fast or a manual.”
Building the Beast
When Hancock purchased his 2013 CTS-V Wagon, it was a blank canvas with immense potential. Over the next five years, he transformed it into the monster it is today, investing countless hours and resources into the build. The result is a meticulously crafted machine that can hold its own against much more exotic and expensive cars.
The heart of the beast is a Dart LS Next block, replacing the original 6.2-liter LSA engine. The original displacement of 376 cubic inches was increased to 427 cubic inches, thanks to a bore and stroke combination of 4.125 inches each. Thompson Motorsports, out of Nevada, Texas, put this beast of an engine together for Hancock. With 860 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque, there’s no doubt they knew what they were doing.
Despite being far from stock, a look under the hood still leaves you guessing.
Inside the engine, the rotating assembly is top-tier. With a K1 Technologies 4340 forged-steel crankshaft, the pistons are forged aluminum from Diamond Pistons, built to withstand the high horsepower and boost Hancock will be pushing. The connecting rods are Manley 4340 H-beam rods, ensuring durability under extreme conditions.
One of the standout features of the engine is the custom Cam Motion camshaft. With a hydraulic profile and impressive specifications — 233/249 degrees of duration at .050 inch, .630/.600 inch of lift, and a 120-degree LSA — this camshaft provides a perfect balance of chop and drivability.
The top end of the engine is equally impressive. Hancock opted for Mast Motorsports 255cc cylinder heads, built from billet aluminum for strength and airflow. The valvetrain features stock rocker arms with a trunnion upgrade, giving Hancock confidence in the reliability and performance of his setup.
Breathing Easy
A Nick Williams 102mm throttle body, paired with a Green Filter air filter, ensures that the engine breathes as freely as possible. Fueling this beast is a set of 1700cc injectors, supported by a DSX Tuning auxiliary fuel kit and a stock regulator with 60 psi. Together, these components ensure the engine has all the fuel it needs to make power.
Who knew a distribution block could be so photographic.
Power is nothing without a transmission to relay it to the rear, and Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon is equipped to handle all the horsepower and torque that his 427 produces. The transmission is a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual. Hancock installed a Monster triple-disk clutch and a Monster steel flywheel.
The driveshaft is the stock aluminum unit, which has proven more than capable of handling the power. Creative Steel’s adjustable rear upper and lower control arms ensure power is delivered efficiently to the wheels while maintaining optimal suspension geometry.
Handling Like a Dream
Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon is not just a straight-line performer — it’s also built to handle. The suspension setup features Eibach springs, which lower the car and provide a firmer ride without sacrificing comfort. The shocks and sway bars are stock, but the overall setup strikes a balance between performance and streetability.
Lowered to perfection without sacrificing practicality.
When it comes to stopping power, the CTS-V Wagon is equipped with stock Cadillac brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers clamp down on large rotors, while the rear features four-piston calipers. While the brake setup remains stock, it’s more than capable of bringing the car to a halt from high speeds, thanks to the inherent performance of the CTS-V’s braking system.
A Sticky Situation
To put all that power to the ground, Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon rolls on Weld S77 wheels — 20×9-inches in the front and 17×10-inches in the rear. The choice of wheels not only adds a touch of aggressive style to the car but also provides a weight-saving benefit over the factory setup.
This wheel-and-tire combination was a match made in heaven for this wagon.
The tire setup is equally performance-oriented. Hancock opted for 265/35-20 Bridgestone RE980 tires, which offer a good balance of grip and comfort for street use. In the rear, the car runs on 275/50-17 M&H Racemaster drag radials, designed to maximize traction during high-powered launches. This combination helps the CTS-V Wagon hook up effectively, whether on the street or at the track.
Luxury Meets Performance
On the outside, Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon retains its original Black Diamond Tricoat paint, which is in perfect condition. Subtle modifications like the Weapon X carbon fiber splitter and rocker blades help enhance the car’s stealthy appearance.
There is plenty of room to load the family up for a Sunday "gapplejuice" run.
Inside, the car features a luxurious black Alcantara and leather interior. The upholstery remains stock, providing a comfortable and refined environment for both daily driving and long road trips. The only significant interior modifications are the addition of Aeroforce gauges and an Innovate Motorsports dual wideband gauge.
Track-Ready Performance
With all of the modifications and upgrades, Hancock’s Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a serious performer. It has recorded a best quarter-mile time of 10.66 seconds at 131 MPH, with a blistering 1.5-second 60-foot time. These numbers are impressive for any car, let alone a wagon that has a factory curb weight of 4,396 pounds.
Track performance was clearly not sacrificed to keep the practicality of owning a wagon.
But what really sets this car apart is how it drives. Despite the immense power, Hancock describes the car as being incredibly well-balanced and manageable. “The car drives and handles surprisingly well for a wagon,” he says. “It’s very stable at high speeds, and the power delivery is smooth and predictable.”
A Lifetime of Racing
Hancock’s experience as a driver and mechanic plays a significant role in how he approaches racing. “I’ve been around racing my entire life,” he explains. “I grew up watching it, and I couldn’t wait to get a car of my own to race. I’ve raced everything I could with wheels as a kid growing up.” This deep-rooted passion is evident in how he drives and maintains his CTS-V Wagon, always striving for perfection and improvement.
As Hancock reflects on his journey with the car, he sums it up perfectly: “Too much to even count, but well worth every second of the five years I’ve owned her and worked on her.” This is not just a car; it’s a labor of love, a testament to what happens when you combine skill, determination, and a relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
John Hancock’s 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, knowledge, and dedication. It’s a car that defies expectations, blending practicality with extreme performance in a way that few other vehicles can. Whether it’s on the street or at the track, Hancock’s CTS-V Wagon is a force to be reckoned with — a true sleeper that surprises and delights everyone who encounters it.
