Ford Excursion - I think I must have one! Comments welcome.

[ddivinia]

And that's all you really need to know. Like you've correctly stated above, early 6L's had issues and with oil prices up, fuel guzzlers are going for far less than at any time in the last 5+ years.

Like you said, keep looking and remembering there's no excuse to overpay in today's economic climate.

People are paying crazy money (IMHO) for 2000-2002 7.3L with almost 200K miles. On Ebay they are selling for almost $15K or so. Seems pretty high to me.

The more I think about it - the V-10 makes sense. Cheaper to buy, and cheaper to fix. It should do everything I need it to do.

D.

 

[Dargo]

I think another thing that you'll be tempted to do is modify the 6L for more power as most Ford owners seem to do. You wonder why anyone would have to do that. Must be they're just not powerful enough, I don't know.

Just don't ever buy the Ford V-8, fine for an F-150, but it's a real pile of crap for a truck that big.

LMAO!! Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of diesel powered pickup trucks. You may want to take a quick peek on Google, or your favorite search engine, and educate yourself on what a big industry it is for GM, Ford and Dodge owners to modify their diesel engines. Some want better fuel economy, some want more durability so they can run them brutally hard and some want them to run and feel like powerful gasoline engines. I can easily tow the maximum amount my truck is rated to pull and I can run side by side with V-8 powered Mustangs if I so desire all the while driving a durable diesel engine that is completely leak free. It's really a cool and amazing industry. You can learn a lot about diesel pickups if you take the time to research them. There are dozens of multi-billion dollar companies that specialize in diesel pickup truck products. You ought to read about it a bit so you are aware of that portion of the truck world.


Finally an OMG; I actually agree with you on one single item when it comes to vehicles, the V-8 offering is too weak for the size and weight of a Ford Excursion.

 

[Dargo]

People are paying crazy money (IMHO) for 2000-2002 7.3L with almost 200K miles. On Ebay they are selling for almost $15K or so. Seems pretty high to me.

The more I think about it - the V-10 makes sense. Cheaper to buy, and cheaper to fix. It should do everything I need it to do.

D.

Yeah, I can't see paying double retail for an Excursion right now. There is no way the market will sustain such a high resale value on them. Granted, some are just trying to get stupid money and will never sell them, but some are indeed selling for far more than I'd be willing to pay.

 

[Builder]

People are paying crazy money (IMHO) for 2000-2002 7.3L with almost 200K miles. On Ebay they are selling for almost $15K or so. Seems pretty high to me.

The more I think about it - the V-10 makes sense. Cheaper to buy, and cheaper to fix. It should do everything I need it to do.

D.

Remember, it's the 7.3L version, that just goes to show you the GP's dislike for the 6L. My bet is they'll pay more for a late 7.3L in similar condition/miles than a early 6L.

You're on the right track with the V-10 Excursion.

 

[Builder]

LMAO!! Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of diesel powered pickup trucks. You may want to take a quick peek on Google, or your favorite search engine, and educate yourself on what a big industry it is for GM, Ford and Dodge owners to modify their diesel engines. Some want better fuel economy, some want more durability so they can run them brutally hard and some want them to run and feel like powerful gasoline engines. I can easily tow the maximum amount my truck is rated to pull and I can run side by side with V-8 powered Mustangs if I so desire all the while driving a durable diesel engine that is completely leak free. It's really a cool and amazing industry. You can learn a lot about diesel pickups if you take the time to research them. There are dozens of multi-billion dollar companies that specialize in diesel pickup truck products. You ought to read about it a bit so you are aware of that portion of the truck world.


Finally an OMG; I actually agree with you on one single item when it comes to vehicles, the V-8 offering is too weak for the size and weight of a Ford Excursion.

On the contrary, I'd bet I've modified my Ford diesel engines & trucks with my own 2 hands more than you have your beloved 6L. In fact, I installed a Hypermax turbo, injectors, HPOP, high rev valve springs, ported & polished heads, fuel pumps, and tuned chips. I've also installed my own BTS transmissions to replace the weak stock Ford transmissions. being a big Ford hotrodder, I'm sure you know Brian at BTS in Arkansas, right? I've also drilled out my own shift kits for improved shift firmness. 2 of my trucks had ATS propane kits and I tried nitrous on another. I sold my truck right about when I was going to start spraying it with the water meth kit from Hypermax. Ron at Hypermax knows me on a first name basis because I did a lot of business with them. I also buy diesel upgrades from them for my DTA466 and mostly work with Jeff at hypermax on that. We're still trying to work around the small plunger & barrel problem on the Robby Bosch pump. Got any ideas on how to economically modify the plungers & barrels on a Robby Bosch pump for more fuel?

Despite your assumptions you make about me, you'll find me quite knowledgeable on modifying the Ford 7.3L diesel, I just don't brag about it like some members here until I have to. lol In fact, here's one of my dyno graphs from a modded 7.3L I used to have that was dynoed at CYNTEX in West Chester PA near where I live. 410 RWHP from a 7.3l is pretty good for #2 fuel only back in '02, especially on a Mustang dyno, but I'm sure you knew Mustang's ran about 10% lower than other dynos.



Here's the truck. You'll notice my F-350 and L-35 Kubota in the backround.



One of my friends Greg has a 7.3L he was able to make 600+ RWHP with on drugs. He was down in the low 12's with his F-350 crewcab 4x4 7.3L. Problem was he kept grenading blocks. I saw the writing on the wall with the 7.3L and along with my kids becoming more demanding of my time and starting a second business, I got out of diesel hotrodding. I have too much older equipment and property to maintain. I don't like doing anything unless I have the time to do it right.

 

[ddivinia]

5.4 was too light for a F-150 let alone an Excursion. 4wd came standard with v-10 I believe.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

I found a 2005 Limited 4wd V-10 with 91K miles for $15K Looks really clean.

D.

 

[Builder]

I found a 2005 Limited 4wd V-10 with 91K miles for $15K Looks really clean.

D.

Nice!

I'd suggest along with your typical investigation of a used vehicle (carfax, etc.) a blackstone oil analysis. Might let you know how much life is left in the mill.

 

[ddivinia]

I got a Autocheck - looks pretty good. Was a fleet vehicle for 15K miles.

Always in Arizona.

Interesting how oil analysis is nothing new, but seems new to cars.

I swore I would never have another black car but this one sure is slick.

D.

 

[Dargo]

You wonder why anyone would have to do that. Must be they're just not powerful enough, I don't know.

But you now contend that "with my own 2 hands" you've modified a diesel pickup. A bit of a contradiction one would say. When dispensing advice it's always best to be consistent, huh?