Forum Discussion
johninedmonton
Mar 01, 2014Explorer
Wes Tausend wrote:
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If it has to be a diesel, then that's it. I think the 6.0L is a nice motor after mods. Some say, "just install a coolant filter on it and it will stop plugging anything more than it already has".
The ARP studs seem like way, way overkill to me, especially at $500. Less costly studs should do the same thing; that is adequately improve the stretchy yield bolts they came with. Afterall, how much torque does one need to crank down the much softer heads? The stingy 4 head-bolt per piston pattern is why they are critical, but if left stock or moderately boosted, any new solid bolt/stud should do the trick.
One may note that Fords older Windsor and Cleveland V-8 gasoline blocks also used only 4 bolts as compared to SB Chevy's 5. The advantage for these Ford gassers was more room for improved ports, but the disadvantage was head-gasket leakage at high boost levels. More than one 4-bolt blower 302 (5.0L) block had copper oringed heads for sealing. Therefore one might expect the 4-bolt 6.0L heads to breathe exceptionally well... except nobody worries about it anymore when they can just turn up the boost. Aha! The charge air entering the cylinder can be cooler however, since less overall boost is required. Very efficient.
If it doesn't have to be a diesel, why not a 2015 Expedition XL with EcoBoost? If the Expy is rated anywhere near the F-150, it will have superior tow numbers (11,400) to the old Excursion (11,000). Maybe not as much mass, but the Excursion has a ton and a half frame under it that never gets fully utilized anyway. Besides, I believe the Expy has built-in OEM towing stability control and better brakes than the old Ex.
Wes
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Hi Wes,
How do you like your v10 excursion? I've considered it instead of the diesel.
I have an expy el now. It's rated at 8,900 lbs. which is lower than a comparable f-150. I expect the new Eco boost wil be about the same. The issue I have with it is that 60mph with my 7,500 lb trailer destroys my fuel economy. Apart from that, it's a good rig.
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