Are the Excursions only built in Kentucky?

[rtm038]

I know the Super Duty trucks are built in Mexico or Kentucky. Are the Excursions only built in Kentucky?

Thanks,
RTM038

[Zachary]

As far as I know the EX is only manufactured at the Kentucky factory which is just east of downtown Louisville. I've got a 2001 ltd 4x2 and the paperwork etc shows this. I live about 10 mins from the plant.

[rtm038]

Thanks for the reply Zach.. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] . How do you like your Ex? I've got my '02 Limited Utl. PSD 4x4 on order. Hopefully I'll get my build date and VIN this week and with any luck I'll have it by 1/14/02.

RTM038

[Zachary]

RTM, I like the Ex very much. Just turned 7600 miles. Made a t-giving trip from Louisville to Philadelphia ie 1500 miles. Averaging 70 mph and getting about 19 mpg. Was a bit loaded down with stuff (no trailer). Did the same trip last year in a 2000 toyota sienna and this was a whole lot better for all 4 of us.

I have not had any (knock on wood!) problems with the Ex. whatsoever!! Musta been a good day at the plant for mak'in trucks. Have only added K&N air filter, bug deflector, and window vent visors. I have decided to stay with the recommended oil filter and oil from Ford. I buy the stuff and then take it to a speedy lube type place and get them to replace it. Don't have to mess with the 4.5 gallons of oil and know with peace of mind that the right oil is going in. Not taking any chances there!! its not worth any $$$. Have thought about adding a chip but still in the research mode. have read enuf horror stories on them. good luck on your Ex!!

[rtm038]

Sounds good Zach! I can't wait till my X gets here. You said you were looking at chips. I have the PPIII on my 2001 F-350 PSD and I've never had one problem since installing it over 10K miles ago. I will be adding one to my 02 X when it arrives. Really adds some nice power, plus increases the mileage a bit.

Thanks again,
Ryan

[Zachary]

Ryan, can you give me some details as to the horsepower and torque increase for the chip you are using? What kinda mileage increase are you seeing with it? What was the price for the chip? Finally, with the addition of the chip did you add gauges to monitor the turbo egt and boost? All the info I've read says you should seriously add these are part of the chip upgrade package to protect the investment. thanks

Zachary

[rtm038]

Hey Zach,
The Hypertech PPIII is not a traditional chip, but actually a reprogrammer. You don't have to remove your original chip to perform the upgrade.
The unit plugs into your ODB (?) port, that is located under the dashboard, and reprograms the "stock" settings for the engine and the transmission (autos only). The programmer will add about 50 HP and just over 100 lb ft of torque to what the engine already puts out.
After installing/reprogramming, I noticed a difference in both power, mpg and overall performance. All of which got better.
I paid just over $300 for the unit and got it from one of this site's sponsor's (Diesel Injection Service) and did the reprogram myself, which was very easy.
I did not add any additional/aftermarket guages because it is not required, due to the fact that you're not adding lot of HP & torque, plus I never tow with this truck.
If you were to purchase a "chip" that gave you more than 50 HP, then I would seriously consider investing in aftermarket guages, which is what I may do when the new X comes in, however I plan to address the suspension/handling issues first, then power & performance.

Good luck,
Ryan

[Zachary]

Ryan, thanks for the info about the PPP3. I ordered one this week and it arrived this afternoon. The installation went per plan!! I can see the difference already with response and acceleration. I paid $340 plus tax thru a local auto parts chain. Going to the manufacturer direct is $435! I'll be tracking the mileage on the next fillup.

Zachary

[rtm038]

Hey Zach. Let me know what you think. I'm planning on installing a PPIII in my 2002 X when it arrives.