There’s a difference between making power… and actually putting it to the ground.
A lot of shops throw out big numbers and wild claims, but you don’t really see many of them posting real track times, Dragy runs, or how the setup actually performs under load.
So we figured we’d share ours.
At WMS, we keep it simple. We build it, we test it, and we show it.
We’ve been messing with this platform since early 2023, back when everyone was still trying to figure these trucks out. Along the way we ended up being first on a few things — first to unlock the transmission, first to get these on drag radials, first to run flex fuel, first to implement port injection, and first to break the driveline and help bring upgraded transfer cases and driveshaft solutions to market.
We’ve also had the quickest and fastest Escalade V setups that are actually proven and documented. More than anything, we just share what we learn as we go.
Not for ego. Not for hype.
Just because it’s cool, and when something clicks for us, we know it’ll help someone else too.
That same mindset is what led to my book, Fast Comes Last. It breaks down how modern vehicles actually make and manage power—from torque modeling and ECU strategy to why supporting mods and proper setup matter more than just chasing a number. These aren’t the fastest things out there, but they’re fun, they’re different, and they do something most people don’t expect.
Quick Results
- Stock ESV: 8.6 → 7.5 best (7.6 consistent)
- Short Wheelbase: 7.29–7.30 (street trim)
- Full weight, real-world setup
- Same wheels and tires
Want Your Escalade V to Perform Like This?
If you’re building an Escalade V and want it to perform like this in the real world—not just on paper:
👉 https://wragthmotorsports.com/pages/service-request
What We Did (Real-World Testing)
This whole thing came together last minute.
We had about 20 minutes to get to the track and ended up with roughly a 4-hour window at most, so we kept it simple.
Each truck made 3–4 passes, we grabbed the data we needed, and drove them home.
Only thing I had on me were the Ray-Ban Metas, which shoot in portrait, so we flipped it to landscape and made it work haha.
No trailer. No special prep.
Just real-world testing.
Baseline — Stock Escalade V Performance
Before touching anything, we had a baseline.
White Escalade V (Extended Wheelbase – ESV)
- Race Weight: 6,697 lbs
- Stock Best: 8.6 @ ~82–84 mph (1/8 mile)
Green Escalade V (Short Wheelbase)
- Stock Best: 8.3 (1/8 mile)
Results — WMS 1000 Escalade V
Same truck. Same wheels. Same tires.
White Escalade V (ESV)
- 8.6 → 7.5 best
- Consistent 7.6s
👉 ~1.0 second gain
👉 Full weight
👉 Repeatable performance
Green Escalade V (Short Wheelbase)
- 7.29 – 7.30 (1/8 mile)
- Street trim not record setup, everyday driving tune and wheels fuel etc:
- Street tires
- Leaving at ~3–4 psi
Comparison
| Setup | 1/8 Mile Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock ESV | 8.6 | Full weight |
| WMS 1000 ESV | 7.5 (7.6 consistent) | Same wheels/tires |
| Short Wheelbase | 7.29–7.30 | Street trim |
Where the Performance Comes From
This isn’t just about making power.
It’s about how that power is applied.
Both trucks are trans tuned, which gives us control over how the power comes in:
- How fast the bypass valve opens
- Raising transmission torque limits so the power actually reaches the ground
For context, the YouTube video shows the green Escalade leaving in street trim at around 4 psi. Below is a clip of that same setup in full race trim, leaving at roughly 13 psi—a completely different hit off the line.
Right now, both setups are intentionally conservative:
- Controlled launch
- Reduced drivetrain shock
- No wheel hop
Because at this level…
Things don’t just spin, they break.
The Weak Link — Escalade V Driveline
The biggest limitation on these trucks is the front transfer case.
When it fails:
- Power shifts to the rear
- Helps keep the truck stable
- But increases stress on the rest of the driveline
From there:
- Driveshafts
- Rear differential
- Axles
All become vulnerable.
We’ve been through it—that’s how we learned.
Wheelbase Matters More Than You Think
Extended Wheelbase (ESV)
- More stable
- Easier to apply power
- Leaves harder
👉 Leaves clean at 5–7 psi
Short Wheelbase
- More aggressive hit
- More sensitive to traction
- Does not transfer weight as well as the extended.
👉 Wheel hop around ~5 psi cannot leave with more on a street tire. Stock is ~3psi
With Drag Radials (Shorty Setup)
- Leave at 1500–1750 RPM
- Around 13 psi on launch
Result:
- 60’ drops from ~1.7 → 1.4–1.5
Why?
Drag radials:
- Absorb shock
- Smooth power delivery
- Reduce stress on driveline components
What This Actually Shows
Same platform. Similar power.
Different outcomes based on:
- Wheelbase
- Setup
- Power application
👉 The ESV is easier to use
👉 The shorty is faster when dialed
Final Thoughts
Making power is easy.
Using it correctly is what matters.
That’s the difference between a dyno number and a real build.
Watch the Full Video
Ready to Build Yours?
If you want your Cadillac Escalade V to perform like this—not just look good on paper:
