Cadillac Escalade-V Leaves Texas with 750 Rear-Wheel Horsepower After Major Engine Work

A Cadillac Escalade-V owned by Mr. Cantrell started in factory form with numbers few SUVs reach. Built at General Motors’ Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas, the full-size model carries a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 rated at 682 horsepower, equivalent to 691 metric horsepower, and 653 pound-feet of torque, or 885 Newton meters.

Factory figures already place the SUV in rare company. The run from 0 to 60 mph, listed alongside 0 to 97 kph, takes 4.4 seconds. Quarter-mile time stands at 12.74 seconds. Top speed stops at 125 mph, or 193 kph. All of this moves a machine weighing 6,200 pounds, which the source also gives as 2,800 kilograms.

Still, the owner drove seven hours to Texas and handed the Escalade-V over to Late Model Racecraft. The target was clear. More output, while keeping street manners intact.

The shop first measured the SUV on a dyno and recorded 570 rear-wheel horsepower before work began. After the full package, the same vehicle produced 750 rear-wheel horsepower on 93 octane pump gas.

The upgrade package was labeled Stage 4. A ported supercharger entered the build together with a custom inlet. Engineers added a larger throttle body for airflow and installed a custom camshaft package. Cylinder heads also changed. Valve springs and valvetrain followed. American Racing headers joined the list, paired with high-flow cats and an SMB cold air intake.

Electronic tuning formed another part of the process. Engine Control Module tuning and Transmission Control Module tuning revised performance behavior and shift points. The redline moved directly to 6,500 rpm from the stock 5,800 rpm.

The owner also requested a darker appearance. Matte black wrap now covers the exterior. Black Vossen wheels sit under the body, while red brake calipers stay visible through the spokes.

Late Model Racecraft recorded road footage after completion. During filming, passersby reacted with thumbs up. Steven Fereday drove the SUV during one section and used Track Mode. Traction Control stayed off, Stabilitrak stayed on.

Idle sound changed too. The quad exhaust now delivers a chopped note at a standstill, then produces pops and bangs during downshifts. The owner wanted attention when driving through traffic, and the result follows that request closely.

Late Model Racecraft described the final goal in practical terms. Daily use stayed important. Street legality stayed important too. Yet, when throttle opens, this Escalade-V now pulls far harder than before.

2024 Cadillac Escalade-V – Photo Gallery