Carl Tasca Cadillac Escalade-V Tuning (2026 Full Build Breakdown)

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Carl Tasca Cadillac Escalade-V Tuning

1. Who Is Carl Tasca & Why This Build Matters

The Tasca Racing Legacy

Carl Tasca Cadillac Escalade-V Tuning: When you hear the name Carl Tasca, you’re not just talking about a dealership owner — you’re talking about American performance royalty. The Tasca family is deeply rooted in motorsports history, especially in NHRA drag racing and high-performance Ford programs like the Cobra Jet Mustangs. For decades, the Tasca name has been associated with speed, credibility, and serious horsepower.

So when Carl Tasca buys a vehicle, enthusiasts pay attention.

And when he buys a brand-new 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V with only 8 miles on the odometer and immediately sends it to a performance tuner… you know something big is coming.


From Cobra Jets to Cadillac Performance

Carl Tasca Cadillac Escalade-V Tuning: Carl Tasca is best known in Ford performance circles. So seeing him step into a Cadillac Escalade-V might surprise some fans. But the Escalade-V isn’t your typical luxury SUV — it’s already a factory monster powered by the supercharged LT4 6.2L V8, the same engine family found in the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1.

For someone with a drag racing background, the Escalade-V represents the ultimate sleeper platform: massive size, luxury interior, and supercharged performance from the factory.


Why the Escalade-V Was the Perfect Platform

The Escalade-V is unique because:

  • It already makes 682 horsepower from the factory

  • It uses a proven LT4 supercharged platform

  • It has strong aftermarket support

  • It’s heavy — meaning massive torque gains make a dramatic difference

Carl didn’t just want a fast SUV. He wanted a refined, daily-drivable 900+ horsepower luxury machine.


2. Stock 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V Performance Specs

Factory LT4 Supercharged 6.2L V8

Under the hood sits Cadillac’s beast:

  • 6.2L Supercharged LT4 V8

  • 10-speed automatic transmission

  • Magnetic Ride Control

  • AWD system

This engine is already highly tunable and well understood by performance shops.


Stock Horsepower & Dyno Numbers

Factory ratings:

  • 682 hp

  • 653 lb-ft torque

On the dyno, this translates to approximately:

  • 551 rear-wheel horsepower (rwhp)

That’s impressive for a full-size luxury SUV weighing over 6,000 pounds.


Why the Escalade-V Responds So Well to Tuning

The LT4 engine thrives on airflow improvements and fueling upgrades. Add:

  • Camshaft upgrades

  • Ported superchargers

  • Headers

And power jumps significantly without sacrificing reliability — if tuned correctly.


3. Late Model Racecraft (LMR) Stage 4 Performance Package

Why LMR Was Chosen

Carl Tasca sent the Escalade-V to Late Model Racecraft (LMR) — one of the most respected performance shops in the U.S., known for building 1,000+ hp street cars with factory-level refinement.

LMR specializes in:

  • GM LT platform tuning

  • Supercharger upgrades

  • High-horsepower street builds


Stage 4 Build Overview

LMR installed their Full Stage 4 Performance Package, designed to extract maximum safe power from the LT4 platform while maintaining daily driveability.

This wasn’t a wild race-only build. The goal was:

  • Loud when desired

  • Quiet when cruising

  • Reliable

  • Clean install


Dyno-Confirmed 775 RWHP Results

After tuning:

  • 775 rear-wheel horsepower

  • Estimated 900+ crank horsepower

That’s an increase of over 220+ rwhp from stock.

And yes — dyno confirmed.

The full build process is documented on LMR’s YouTube channel in the video:

“2025 Escalade V Gets 900+ Horsepower! | LMR Stage 4 Performance Build”


4. Full Modification List & Technical Breakdown

Engine & Airflow Upgrades

LMR performed serious airflow enhancements:

  • New stealth cam kit (quiet idle when exhaust valves closed)

  • Long-tube headers

  • Ported supercharger

  • Larger throttle body

  • Cold-air intake

  • Upgraded spark plugs & wires

  • Cleanly routed valve cover breather system

The stealth cam is particularly interesting. It keeps the SUV civilized during normal driving — no choppy, obnoxious idle unless you open it up.


Fuel System & Reliability Improvements

More power requires more fuel. LMR added:

  • Upgraded in-tank fuel pump

  • Calibration adjustments for safe AFR

  • Supporting fuel system enhancements

This ensures reliability at high boost levels.


Transmission Tuning & Driveability

The 10-speed transmission was:

  • Reprogrammed

  • Shift points raised

  • Torque management adjusted

This allows the drivetrain to handle 775 rwhp without hesitation.


Exterior Protection: PPF, Ceramic & Paint Correction

Performance wasn’t the only focus.

The Escalade-V received:

  • Full paint correction

  • Ceramic coating

  • Paint protection film (PPF)

Because what’s the point of 900+ hp if your paint gets rock-chipped on the highway?


5. Performance Results: From Luxury SUV to 900+ HP Monster

Stock vs Tuned Comparison

Specification Stock LMR Stage 4
Rear-Wheel HP 551 rwhp 775 rwhp
Crank HP (est.) 682 hp 900+ hp
Torque 653 lb-ft Massive increase

The gains are dramatic — especially in mid-range torque.


Street Manners vs Track Potential

Despite the massive power jump:

  • Idle remains smooth (stealth cam)

  • Drivability remains OEM-like

  • Comfort and luxury unchanged

This is not a stripped race truck — it’s a luxury rocket ship.


How Fast Is It Really?

Estimated performance:

  • 0-60 mph: Low 3-second range

  • Quarter mile: Potentially mid-10s with traction

For a full-size SUV, that’s insane.


6. Is This the Ultimate Street Escalade-V?

Daily Driving With 900+ HP

Carl Tasca’s goal was clear:

Fun when you want it.
Calm when you need it.

The build achieves both.


Cost Estimate of a Stage 4 Build

While exact numbers vary, expect:

This is a serious investment.


Why This Build Stands Out in 2026

There are many Escalade-V builds — but few:

  • Dyno-confirmed at 775 rwhp

  • Professionally tuned by LMR

  • Backed by a racing legend like Carl Tasca

  • Balanced for street use

This isn’t just a horsepower chase — it’s a complete performance philosophy.


Conclusion

The Carl Tasca Cadillac Escalade-V tuning build is one of the most impressive street-focused SUV builds of 2026. Starting with an already powerful 682 hp platform, Late Model Racecraft transformed it into a 900+ horsepower luxury monster while keeping daily drivability intact.

It’s proof that performance and refinement can coexist — even in a full-size Cadillac SUV.


FAQs

1. How much horsepower does Carl Tasca’s Escalade-V make?

775 rear-wheel horsepower, estimated 900+ crank horsepower.

2. Who built the Escalade-V?

Late Model Racecraft (LMR).

3. What engine does the Escalade-V use?

A supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8.

4. Is it still street-drivable?

Yes — the stealth cam keeps it civilized.

5. Where can I watch the build?

On LMR’s official YouTube channel.

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