Let me run something past you all. My buddy is an incredible mechanic and body guy, I’ve seen the hot rods, restoration work and custom trucks he’s built. Anyway, the other day we were having a conversation about Excursions and how they are a unique vehicle, people loved them, especially RVers because of their capability and capacity. I always thought it’s achilles’ heel was the engine options. The 5.4 was wholly inadequate, the v10 got it done but wasn’t awesome, and the 6.0’had the power but was prone to some very expensive problems.
ENTER the new Ford 7.3 gasser specifically engineered for the superduty. With its old school cam in block design it would easily fit in an Excursion. The south west has an abundance of high mileage rust free Excursions in great shape. Take one of those high mileage excursions and drop in a 7.3 crate motor. Put a Katzkin leather package in it. Compound and polish the paint. New shocks and tires. Maybe a new aftermarket stereo with XM radio and all the technology options built in. Freshen up the truck, make it clean and crisp. I think people would be willing to pay a good dollar Vogt that truck, especially the RVers. What do you guys think? I’m trying to get him to build a few. He’s not sure he can make any money on them

 

Just a few bullet points in my head, if I were to spend some dough on a "new" Excursion.

The 7.3 gasser would be cool, but the bigger selling point to me would be the transmission. I'm not fond of the limitations of a 4-speed. I wouldn't mind a rebuilt 6.8 with the Banks treatment and a tune mated to a 5- or 6-speed auto.

He'll want to tackle the big points of NVH, like Dynamat, body mounts, and bushings. He'll need to lift the body anyway for the motor swap, so that's an easy while-you're-there. A heavier duty hitch would also be a good one while the body's up. Maybe even consider a 05+ suspension swap, since they seem to ride smoother, and open the door to newer OEM wheels without issues.

Katzkin would be a nice touch. Alpine Halo HU would be a winner. And, for me at leasr, do something about that awful faux wood. It screams 1998.

As for the body, the 2016 front clip is easy. Where he'd really turn some heads is if he grafted the sides of a 2016 bed in so the wheel arches match.

 

I think as Excursions get a bit rarer over time, the idea will work. Look at how desirable Ford Broncos are in the marketplace. Now with that kinda markup, he’ll make some $$.

 

I like the idea, but like Jack said...it is much deeper than an engine swap. Transmission, transfer case, custom length driveshafts, newer ('05-'10) axles required (IMO) on a 4x4 build, body mounts, frame repaint...lots of stuff to consider.

 

It would be expensive, not just the man hours but killing a couple of "donors" to pull it all together...

 

Fingers crossed, not too many. Just for the Excursion-exclusive things. A lot could be pulled from SD trucks.

 

You'll need:

1. 99-04 Excursion for the body and frame
2. 99-16 for the axles, suspension, front clip, interior parts, dash, etc.
3. 7.3 motor donor or crate engine and harness
4. Custom work and harnesses to mate up engine and transmission that were never installed in any of the donors...

I'm sure it's possible at least on a one-off basis. I would probably talk to the guy in Oklahoma or wherever that built all the updated Ex's for years...

 

You forgot the beer!

 

The beer required for that project would blow the budget for sure!

 

$85-90k would be a start...

 

...for the beer, but what about the rest of the truck?

 

I know that’s right!!!

 

On a serious note, would Painless (or a similar company) be able to fabricate the harnesses? Or is this a from-scratch ordeal?

This concept has piqued my interest, mainly because it's kind of like my long term plans for my own Excursion.

 

They don't do custom one off's as far as I know. If there is enough demand they'll make a kit. You may call them, if Ford has a crate motor program that doesn't include a harness Painless or other outfits may be working on it...

 

That's just crazy talk right there! The mighty V-10 might not have the power or torque of a warmed over PSD but in my opinion (based on my personal EXperience) the V-10 (at least mine, for me) is pretty awesome.
It has pulled our heavy campers (9500lb TH & 12,000lb TT) for over 45K miles without ANY drama with only minimal maintenance, oil changes, oil, air and fuel filters and a trans flush and fresh plugs and boots. Never once in my 10 years of ownership have I wished it was a different engine, I'm a very satisfied 6.8 owner.
However I do like the new gasser 7.3 mated with the 10 speed auto trans, if they would build the F-450 pickup with that engine I would have one on order already.
I think the folks that are willing to drop the serious cash that a modernized EX build would demand would be more interested in the diesel option and the gobs of power and torque that come with it, they don't NEED that power (like 99% of modern PSD owners) but they WANT it and it helps justify the high price of said vehicles better.
But yeah, if I was looking to stay in the big wagon long term that 7.3/10 speed combo sure would be nice and I'm pretty low tech so I don't even need all of the bells and whistles of the modern trucks, I could be happy with my Plain Jane XLT with a drivetrain transplant. IF I was staying with this big wagon, but I think my next truck will have the hitch IN the bed.