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5 Minutes
Overview: From Luxury Family Hauler to High‑Power Monster
Not even Cadillac's V badge was enough for one Escalade‑V owner in Oregon. Mr. Tennison skipped the familiarization period and delivered his factory‑fresh Escalade‑V to Late Model Racecraft (LMR) for a full performance transformation. The result: a luxury SUV that retains its creature comforts while producing power figures that push it firmly into muscle‑car territory.
Stock Specs — What the Escalade‑V Starts With
- Engine: Supercharged 6.2‑liter V8
- Factory output: 682 horsepower and 653 lb‑ft of torque
- Weight: Approximately 6,361 lb
- Performance: 0–60 mph in about 4.4 seconds; quarter mile in roughly 12.74 seconds
- Top speed: Electronically limited to 124 mph
Even straight from the factory, the Escalade‑V is an impressive high‑performance luxury SUV. But for enthusiasts who crave more straight‑line acceleration and an aggressive exhaust note, the stock figures were just the starting point.
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What Late Model Racecraft Did — The Build Highlights
LMR treated this Escalade‑V to their Stage 4 performance package, a comprehensive blend of hardware and software upgrades focused on airflow, valvetrain durability, and drivetrain calibration. Key upgrades included:
- ECM and TCM precision tuning to optimize fuel, ignition and shift strategy
- Porting the factory 2650 supercharger and fitting a massive 103‑mm Nick Williams throttle body with custom elbows
- A custom ground camshaft tailored for the build, plus dual‑valve springs with titanium retainers
- VVT delete, Trunnion‑modified rocker arms and a billet front cover for improved reliability
- High‑volume K‑Tech oil pump for enhanced lubrication under high load
- S&B cold air intake and Cooks headers to free up exhaust and intake flow
- Torque converter recalibration, shift point tuning, and custom cabin venting
Taken together, these changes increase volumetric efficiency and engine robustness while ensuring the transmission and AWD system work in harmony with the extra power.
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Dyno and Real‑World Numbers
When the Escalade‑V arrived at LMR it already produced a healthy 526 rear‑wheel horsepower. After the Stage 4 modifications and final calibration it laid down 784 rwhp and 634 lb‑ft rwtq at the wheels on an all‑wheel‑drive dyno — figures that translate to well over 900 horsepower at the crank/flywheel depending on drivetrain loss assumptions. In short: the Escalade now behaves like a stoplight rocket and delivers shocking midrange thrust.
On the Road: Driving Impressions
With traction control enabled the tuned Escalade‑V launches aggressively but predictably, pinning occupants to their seats like a drag car while keeping electronic safety systems in play. The exhaust barks and the transmission shifts crisply at the ideal rpm points, giving a visceral performance experience. Yet, when the pace eases, the SUV returns to smooth, composed, luxurious daily‑driver behavior — exactly what you want from a high‑performance family vehicle.
Design and Practicality
The build focuses on mechanical and calibration upgrades rather than radical visual changes, so the Escalade retains its flagship luxury presence: expansive cabin, premium materials, advanced infotainment, and rear‑seat comfort. The aftermarket work is largely under the skin, preserving the Escalade’s appeal as a chauffeur‑friendly people mover while adding track‑capable punch.
Market Positioning and Comparisons
Factory‑built performance SUVs from brands like Mercedes‑AMG (GLS63), BMW M (X7 M) and others offer potent OEM packages, but LMR’s Escalade‑V demonstrates the appeal of tuner upgrades: tailored power delivery, unique hardware, and dramatic horsepower gains that many factory models do not reach straight from the showroom. For buyers seeking an exclusive, high‑output Escalade that still functions perfectly as a daily family vehicle, this kind of aftermarket build sits in a niche above typical dealer performance trims.
Specifications — Post‑Build Snapshot
- Estimated peak output: 900+ hp at the crank (784 rwhp / 634 rwtq measured)
- Drive layout: All‑wheel drive (AWD)
- Upgrades: Ported 2650 blower, 103‑mm throttle body, custom cam, VVT delete, upgraded rockers, high‑volume oil pump, intake, headers, valve springs, tune
- Performance focus: Improved 0–60 and midrange acceleration, stronger quarter‑mile potential, reliable high‑RPM operation
Warranty, Reliability and Ownership Considerations
Major performance modifications can affect factory warranty coverage and long‑term reliability, so owners should discuss implications with their dealer and tuner. LMR emphasized high‑quality components and thorough testing; still, buyers should expect increased maintenance requirements and plan accordingly if they intend to push the SUV regularly to its limits.
Final Thoughts
This Escalade‑V build is a compelling example of how a modern luxury SUV can be engineered to serve two masters: weekend dragstrip dominance and everyday family comfort. With careful tuning, robust hardware, and an experienced shop behind the work, a stock Cadillac Escalade‑V can be transformed into a high‑performance, head‑turning street machine without losing its role as a practical family hauler.
All original images, captions, and placements from the source article are retained unchanged.
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