Has anyone had any experience with a Vortech supercharged 5.4 Excursion? What kind of tow vehicle would it make? Would it handle 7500# trailer? Is 5.4 transmission, brakes, and rear axle the same as a V10? Springs the same? Thanks. David.

 

I do not. I have seen several though.

As for a tow vehicle...it would make a very expensive to operate tow vehicle.

Sure...Even a stock one would.

Yes. Everything is the same.

Welcome to FTE!

 

Thanks very much for the reply Ken. The reason I ask is that it seems like low mileage 5.4 Excursions are pretty cheap around here and I wanted something other than a diesel. My wife drives only about 10 to 12,000 miles a year (All Highway), so operating expense would not be a big concern to us. What I tow is a 20' Haulmark with my Cobra or 69 Cougar and with spares, etc. this weighs 7500 to 8200 pounds (Close estimate). I am now using a F150 Supercrew. A heavier truck would be better in my book. Wife wants an Excursion. I think tow capacity for 5.4 Excursion is only 6200# but that is probably due to lack of power? A Vortech or ATI supercharger with intercooler should take care of that. Any more ideas or suggestions?

 

I would look for a V10 instead of juicing up a 5.4. The mileage difference will be close and you can run it on 87 instead of 93 (due to the supercharger as I understand). Then, if you really have the itch, put a SC on the 6.8. VROOOOOMMMMM. I think you will like the stock capabilities of the V10. It will likely be cheaper to operate than a SC'd V8.

As for the drivetrain, I've heard that Super Duty 5.4's and 6.8's have some differences. If I remember correctly, the 5.4 has smaller parts somewhere along the line. Maybe in the rear differential. I can't recall offhand.

Good luck.

 

Remember,

Centrifugal superchargers like Vortech build boost at an exponential rate. They don't build up at a linear rate like a roots style blower. They provide no help at low rpm and gradually provide more boost as rpm increases. Maximum boost is achieved only at max rpm.

Not ideal for a tow vehicle but it would work I guess.

 

Yes, I stand corrected. I was thinking of the V10's tow ratings. It is not really power, it has more to do with the GCWR. Your 2WD (??) SC can tow up to 7900# with the same engine and a "lesser" transmission.


I have not heard of any difference in parts between the two engines (in the drivetrain).

 

Um... yes I have

A two-row radiator in place of the standard one-row model
The V10 model got a lower stall-ratio torque converter (2:1 vs 2.2:1)
The torque converter clutch in V10-equipped AT is bigger than the 5.4L
V10s have a 3-pinion rear differential in place of the standard 2-pinion. Now that's the trucks...I imagine the same stands true for the Excursion.

Sorry, RSTX.

 

No problem. I did not know any specifics, just that there are some differences. I'm glad you outlined them. I would also assume that the Excursions are the same as the Super Duties. For towing, the V10 should be a better choice.

 

Thanks, guys. I really thought a V10 would be a better tow truck but I was just looking at all options and ideas.

 

arnt the front spring rates different as well?..but i guess that wouldnt matter anyways.. sorry i was just trying to think of differences.

 

Correct me if Im wrong here, just a side note on the SC. If youre looking at an '02+ Excursion with a 5.4L theres not alot of options as far as SC goes. Who knows in the near future though. But with the 6.8 you have Paxton, Powerdyne, Whipple, and Im sure a few more Ford based SC companies.

 

Not sure about other Excursions, but my 04 with a 5.4 4x4 tag says it is rated to tow 8900lbs....

As for the more power, very limited in here in California, I am thinking more Turbo versus supercharger....

I have In 02 Ex with a 7.3 that I bought for towing purposes,but for daily driving, my 5.4 is way better in the comfort department.

Each has their pluses and minuses, mpg hovers at 8, but I am also lofted and drive very hard....

 

The 5.4L transmission has fewer clutch plates than the 6.8L transmission.

 

I tow my toy hauler with my 5.4, 3.73 van without issues. Well, it's slow and burns a lot of gas. I lock it in 3rd. Van is lighter than an Ex but I think the 5.4 Exes come with 4.10 gears.
I actually prefer using the van vs the Excursion. Which is good since I sold the Excursion last week.

They'll all be a slug compared to the Cummins Bus of Awesome

 

@Richard Castillo this guy turbocharged a 5.4 Super Duty.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-see-this.html