New Member - Questions
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New Member - Questions
Great forum. I bought an 04 base 5.4 4x4 in 2008 when gas was $4 a gallon with 270,000 miles for $6,500 as a spare vehicle to tow my boat and use as an occasional hauler. It got used more than I expected. "Hank" now has 320,000 miles on its original engine and transmission and I just got back from a 6,000 mile trip with a 28 foot travel trailer. Hank is a tank.
I actually looked for a replacement tow SUV and considered the Expedition EL and some others, but none felt as solid towing as the Excursion. So I want to put some money into Hank to pay him back for the 2 years of service.
My instinct is to do three things - add adjustable shocks, add a supercharger to improve towing performance, and install leather seat covers. What are the opinions on installing a supercharger for towing and of other recommended mods? I do plan to keep it for a few years since it doesn't look like I'll be able to replace it.
I actually looked for a replacement tow SUV and considered the Expedition EL and some others, but none felt as solid towing as the Excursion. So I want to put some money into Hank to pay him back for the 2 years of service.
My instinct is to do three things - add adjustable shocks, add a supercharger to improve towing performance, and install leather seat covers. What are the opinions on installing a supercharger for towing and of other recommended mods? I do plan to keep it for a few years since it doesn't look like I'll be able to replace it.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
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From: Florida
First off...WELCOME to FTE!!!
My opinion and $0.02 so take it for what you paid.
The 4R100 with 320,000 miles with the added power of a blower...well...you may well be looking to add a new tranny to the mix too...was that in the budget?
Also...I looked into blowing my V10 for a very brief moment but realized quickly that from then on I would have to run 91+ octane all the time (at least the shop I was talking to told me that)...I wasn't into spending $5K for the blower and then having to spend $0.30+ for each gallon I drove...for that differential in added fuel costs I may as well drive a diesel for the added fuel costs!
Seriously...for the amount of miles you have on your beast...I personally think added power will mean at least a new stronger tranny...NOW...if that is something you want...well...
I would suggest then just looking for a lower mileage V10 with 4.30's and calling it a day...but again that is only my $0.02.
Joe.
My opinion and $0.02 so take it for what you paid.
The 4R100 with 320,000 miles with the added power of a blower...well...you may well be looking to add a new tranny to the mix too...was that in the budget?
Also...I looked into blowing my V10 for a very brief moment but realized quickly that from then on I would have to run 91+ octane all the time (at least the shop I was talking to told me that)...I wasn't into spending $5K for the blower and then having to spend $0.30+ for each gallon I drove...for that differential in added fuel costs I may as well drive a diesel for the added fuel costs!
Seriously...for the amount of miles you have on your beast...I personally think added power will mean at least a new stronger tranny...NOW...if that is something you want...well...
I would suggest then just looking for a lower mileage V10 with 4.30's and calling it a day...but again that is only my $0.02.
Joe.
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Good points, and thanks for the response. And also good to see another hemi guy with an excursion.
I've been getting between 8 and 9 MPG with the 5.4 while towing, so I imagine I won't lose much with a V10 since I mainly use the rig to tow. The transmission seems surprisingly solid given the miles, but it was a wide load escort vehicle in Texas in its former life so it didn't get stressed.
I agree that the premium fuel might be a deal breaker. Although even at an extra 20 cents a gallon, if I run 1,000 gallons through a year that's $200 and a lot less than an engine transplant. The transmission issue might be more serious, but replacements don't seem to be too expensive around here. I suppose it might be best to keep my eyes open for a V10/tranny replacement from a wrecked truck.
I've been getting between 8 and 9 MPG with the 5.4 while towing, so I imagine I won't lose much with a V10 since I mainly use the rig to tow. The transmission seems surprisingly solid given the miles, but it was a wide load escort vehicle in Texas in its former life so it didn't get stressed.
I agree that the premium fuel might be a deal breaker. Although even at an extra 20 cents a gallon, if I run 1,000 gallons through a year that's $200 and a lot less than an engine transplant. The transmission issue might be more serious, but replacements don't seem to be too expensive around here. I suppose it might be best to keep my eyes open for a V10/tranny replacement from a wrecked truck.
First off...WELCOME to FTE!!!
My opinion and $0.02 so take it for what you paid.
The 4R100 with 320,000 miles with the added power of a blower...well...you may well be looking to add a new tranny to the mix too...was that in the budget?
Also...I looked into blowing my V10 for a very brief moment but realized quickly that from then on I would have to run 91+ octane all the time (at least the shop I was talking to told me that)...I wasn't into spending $5K for the blower and then having to spend $0.30+ for each gallon I drove...for that differential in added fuel costs I may as well drive a diesel for the added fuel costs!
Seriously...for the amount of miles you have on your beast...I personally think added power will mean at least a new stronger tranny...NOW...if that is something you want...well...
I would suggest then just looking for a lower mileage V10 with 4.30's and calling it a day...but again that is only my $0.02.
Joe.
My opinion and $0.02 so take it for what you paid.
The 4R100 with 320,000 miles with the added power of a blower...well...you may well be looking to add a new tranny to the mix too...was that in the budget?
Also...I looked into blowing my V10 for a very brief moment but realized quickly that from then on I would have to run 91+ octane all the time (at least the shop I was talking to told me that)...I wasn't into spending $5K for the blower and then having to spend $0.30+ for each gallon I drove...for that differential in added fuel costs I may as well drive a diesel for the added fuel costs!
Seriously...for the amount of miles you have on your beast...I personally think added power will mean at least a new stronger tranny...NOW...if that is something you want...well...
I would suggest then just looking for a lower mileage V10 with 4.30's and calling it a day...but again that is only my $0.02.
Joe.
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