Up Grades
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New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
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From: missouri
Up Grades
I own a 03 EXCURSION 4X4 with the 6.8 V10 it has 103xxx on it. what are the best proformance upgades for it. I really dont tow much please I am open to suggestions.Has anyone used the Banks system? It has dual exhust(silverline)? PLEASE HELP I LOVE THIS GAINT
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
There is no best. I like to setup gears by picking a speed and RPM. I use 60mph and 2000rpms, this is a pretty peppy range but is very nice on the interstate. This ratio gives you under 2700rpm at 70. Tire size weighs heavily as well does overdrive ratio.
I use this calculator Gear Ratio Calculator because it gives a lot of information. You need to change the transmission ratios, tire size and play with the axle ratio. For 35" tires, 4.56 works perfectly for me, I don't believe I would like 4.88 as much.
I use this calculator Gear Ratio Calculator because it gives a lot of information. You need to change the transmission ratios, tire size and play with the axle ratio. For 35" tires, 4.56 works perfectly for me, I don't believe I would like 4.88 as much.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 7
in answer to your question about "up grades", and more performance, I suggest you go faster. A Excursion V-10 with 3.73's will go up grades pretty fast, the faster you press on the gas, the faster it will go. The same holds true for a Excursion V-10 with ANY of the lower rear axle ratios.
Think of rear axle ratios as "leverage". The more leverage you have, the more power you will get at the source of the leverage - however, the less DISTANCE you will travel. Going to a lower (higher numerically) final drive ratio in your differentials will give you the APPEARANCE of more power, at a cost in greater distance travelled by the engine (higher rpm's per given speed).
Here in Arizona we drive up grades, and then when we get to the top of the grade, we have a down grade. Dont go too fast going down grade, because of the greater stopping distance, especialy a problem with heavy vehicles like our Excursions, with their pre mid 1930's suspension systems.
Frankly, I think you have chosen the wrong vehicle if you want to go up grades really fast. Have you thought of selling it and buying a sports car ? They can go REALLY fast up grades.....
Think of rear axle ratios as "leverage". The more leverage you have, the more power you will get at the source of the leverage - however, the less DISTANCE you will travel. Going to a lower (higher numerically) final drive ratio in your differentials will give you the APPEARANCE of more power, at a cost in greater distance travelled by the engine (higher rpm's per given speed).
Here in Arizona we drive up grades, and then when we get to the top of the grade, we have a down grade. Dont go too fast going down grade, because of the greater stopping distance, especialy a problem with heavy vehicles like our Excursions, with their pre mid 1930's suspension systems.
Frankly, I think you have chosen the wrong vehicle if you want to go up grades really fast. Have you thought of selling it and buying a sports car ? They can go REALLY fast up grades.....
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
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If you ask me the best upgrades to start with for these beasts is the K&N Performance Intake Kit..You gain about 10 HP and can increase gas mileage by up to 5MPG. Second I would do a Throttle body spacer which has been shown to add up to 22HP and another 5MPG. These not only add performance but will put more money in your pocket. I would definitely go with an aftermarket exhaust as the Throttle Spacer will get Full potential only with an aftermarket exhaust. Those in my opinion are the best to begin with since you don't tow anyways. You can find all of the items on Ebay for a great price or google the items to find the best price. Hope that helps I already have my throttle spacer in and K&N on the way. Next I will do a performance brake addition. I saw a large brembo kit for my 00 Ex with cross drilled rotors. After that I will change out the suspension to a bag kit with Air Ride. An engine management module is a great addition also.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Having tried that combo lone wolf, please do the k&n kit and drive it for a week before installing the throttle body spacer. It was a terrible combo for me.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,332
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From: Summit, MS
If you ask me the best upgrades to start with for these beasts is the K&N Performance Intake Kit..You gain about 10 HP and can increase gas mileage by up to 5MPG. Second I would do a Throttle body spacer which has been shown to add up to 22HP and another 5MPG. These not only add performance but will put more money in your pocket. I would definitely go with an aftermarket exhaust as the Throttle Spacer will get Full potential only with an aftermarket exhaust. Those in my opinion are the best to begin with since you don't tow anyways. You can find all of the items on Ebay for a great price or google the items to find the best price. Hope that helps I already have my throttle spacer in and K&N on the way. Next I will do a performance brake addition. I saw a large brembo kit for my 00 Ex with cross drilled rotors. After that I will change out the suspension to a bag kit with Air Ride. An engine management module is a great addition also.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
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Yes they do. They are guaranteed to improve HP and MPG. I had this set up on my 05 Dodge Dakota and had it dyno'd. With just the K&N I received 9.3 HP. I was also getting about 2+ more in MPG's. I added the Helix Throttle body spacer and My total Hp gain was a little better than 14 and I was getting a total of about 5MPG extra( I was told the TBS would perform even better with aftermarket exhaust). With both I was getting 30 more miles with a tank than before the add on. All it does is concentrate the Air going into the Intake so it is a beafier amount of air. Also the set up with the throttle brackets give it a better throttle response. I am speaking from my personal experience. Also Helix guarantees the increase and if you don't see it they will refund your $$$$. Win, Win!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 264
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Yes they do. They are guaranteed to improve HP and MPG. I had this set up on my 05 Dodge Dakota and had it dyno'd. With just the K&N I received 9.3 HP. I was also getting about 2+ more in MPG's. I added the Helix Throttle body spacer and My total Hp gain was a little better than 14 and I was getting a total of about 5MPG extra( I was told the TBS would perform even better with aftermarket exhaust). With both I was getting 30 more miles with a tank than before the add on. All it does is concentrate the Air going into the Intake so it is a beafier amount of air. Also the set up with the throttle brackets give it a better throttle response. I am speaking from my personal experience. Also Helix guarantees the increase and if you don't see it they will refund your $$$$. Win, Win!!!!!
TBs are a joke. I personally know three guys who put them on their trucks and noticed absolutely no gains at all. I bet there are a lot more on this forum who would chime in with the same results. You might find a few who will claim to their last breath that they experienced gains with them, but the majority will agree "No Gains". 
Senior User
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I was on one of those who tried it and removed the TB spacer with in a month. I lost a little mileage, about an average of 0.1mpg. It made my intake whistle and the truck a little more sluggish. I used a poweraid which is pretty much the same thing as the helix.