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Cadillac Escalade

1000 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2012 at 1:51 PM

You are in the Cadillac Escalade Forum.

What is this discussion about? Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Cadillac Escalade ESV, SUV

Messages Page 70 of 101

#682 of 1000 This is my first Cadillac by cobragmike

Dec 02, 2003 (6:29 am)

I was considering the new Nissan Armada (bit too much road noise, questionable interior quality and not a big fan of the front end styling, nice drivetrain, powerful engine and 5 speed tranny). I've owned Expeditions before and like the looks and handling of the new 03+, but want more power from the 5.4L. I think there will be some good competition from Infinity QX56 and maybe the new Durango w/Hemi. I have been mostly a Ford guy, (98 Mustang cobra, 3 F150's currently 02 King Ranch supercrew 4x4, 2 Taurus's for sales work, and a 99 EB Expy) Currently, own the KR F150, and an 02 Lincoln LS w/V8. All have been very good, reliable vehicles. But, when shopping for a new SUV, I needed 3 row seating, AWD, Trailer towing (for boat), power, and luxury good looks. After all the searching/test driving, I pulled the trigger on a pre-owned 2002 Escalade AWD w/moonroof, Green Envy on the outside.
 
This is my first Cadillac, and is the only vehicle I see that justifies the price with luxury and performance. Load leveling and road sensing suspension, Stability control, back up sensors, tunable and powerful engine and transmission. Everyone thinks it is a beautiful SUV. (could not resist adding 20" wheels with 285/50R20 Eagle GTII's). Granted, it may not have the fit and finish of an Audi/VW, or the smooth drivetrain of a Lexus. But, being GM based it is infinitly tuneable from the aftermarket. Interior, exterior, suspension, brakes, superchargers, intakes, exhaust's, all come in so many flavors, it is easy to make improvments as the mileage and maintenace require.
 
Side note: I have been seeing about 15 mpg city, 15.5 mpg combined and 17mpg highway.

#683 of 1000 Tunable? by paisan

Dec 02, 2003 (1:53 pm)

So are you hitting the road courses with it? I love how people hot-rod up their TRUCKS, yet drive them on 55-70mph roads... Go figure.
 
-mike
 
PS: The "Hemi" is only a marketing term, most engines other than pushrods are "hemispherical heads"

#684 of 1000 Yes, Tuneable! by cobragmike

Dec 02, 2003 (2:13 pm)

You are correct about trying to convert an SUV into a autocross-racer, being a waste of time. I'm talking about, modifying to meet your needs. More power and stonger suspensions for towing. More power better controlled suspension and brakes to handle larger loads, people and equipment. And, if nothing else, better street performance. All are part of the driving satisfaction equation, at least for me. When you have an aerodnamic brick on wheels, cruising at 80 mph, with heavy crosswinds, any improvement to vehicle performance is a plus. Just my $.02

#685 of 1000 by paisan

Dec 02, 2003 (2:27 pm)

I see, you do know that no matter what you do to the brakes, motor or suspension, you can't increase the GVWR rating on it? It's a common misconception that putting more power or bigger springs or bigger brakes will increase the towing capacity. IIRC the chassis itself (wheelbase, axle ratings) is what dictates the GVWR. (and I wasn't attacking you personally, just making a generalization about people who soup-up SUVs then do 60mph on the highway with em)
 
-mike

#686 of 1000 Hemi? by cobragmike

Dec 02, 2003 (2:36 pm)

Yes, it may be a marketing term, but it also represents a history of performance V8 engines. I someone mentions a Hemi in reference to a modern day truck or SUV, it is understood to be the 5.7L V8 with HEMI written all over it, and the vehicle. 330-345HP and 360-380 Ft-lbs is nothing to sneeze at.
 
I'm not knocking the Trooper with my comments. I used to have a 99 loaded with everything except sun roof. It is a very capable machine on and off road. Modest V6 with low geared differential (4.3) if memory is correct, and tranny performance button engaged, helped it get around just fine. Hated the suspension, great for off-road but very tippy on the highway,and around town. My solution, replaced all the shocks with Edalbrock IAS, and installed larger sway bars w/polyeurothane bushings. Also, switched out the torshon bars for stonger ones. Road much better. Not much to do with performance, except K&N filter. Great buy used, I got killed when I traded it in.

#687 of 1000 GVWR point taken. by cobragmike

Dec 02, 2003 (2:44 pm)

GVWR is not a problem. Physics can be. Luckily for me, my vehicles are up to the task for hauling and towing, even when stock. That dosn't mean I can't find ways to improve ride and performance characteristics. In other words, I'm not trying to tow a 27' boat with a Honda CRV. You get the picture : )

#688 of 1000 Gotcha by paisan

Dec 02, 2003 (2:50 pm)

You are probably not the ones that that is pointed at. Heck, I'm probably going to be going with a Duramax 2500HD as my next truck, since I like the Isuzu duribility and need the milage associated with a diesel for my towing milage (10K+ a year towing 5000lbs)
 
-mike
 
PS: I did similar upgrades on my trooper as well bushings, lift, tires, t-bars etc. Mostly for offroading.

#689 of 1000 Cadillac by mark156

Dec 02, 2003 (9:28 pm)

Nvbanker, I looked at the SRX SUV and was surprised at how cheap the dash looked. The third seat is nice but the interior looks like a "lower" end car.
 
The Escalade ESV is a nice SUV. I like the look of the extended chassis. If I spring for a larger SUV, the Escalade is what I would want after looking at what is offered for all manufactures.
 
Mark

#690 of 1000 Mark by nvbanker

Dec 03, 2003 (3:41 pm)

The only other SUV that attracts me is the LX -470, which looks marginally better inside than the Escalade, IMO, but can't match the outside. Feels good though. The Navigator got my business because of the folding rear seat and IRS. But the Caddy is second on my list. Lexus is third. I looked at the Rover, but it's really for off road, IMO. And way too small.

#691 of 1000 by paisan

Dec 03, 2003 (3:56 pm)

mmm LX470
 
Yum Yum!
 
-mike

Messages Page 70 of 101

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