For many years, there have been debates regarding the best diesel engine/truck combinations. Many of those conversations often end with a Cummins powerplant, and a Ford Super-Duty Chassis beginning in mid-2003 throughout the end of 2010. “Typically, as a customer, your options were to deal with a 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel (PSD) high-pressure oiling system that on its best day was prone to failure,” said HP Tuners Vehicle Engineer, Jonathan Kitchens, “Or a 6.4L PSD that found all-new ways to leave its owners on the side of the road.” Jonathan decided to enter this conversation with a 2003 Ford Excursion, replace the 6.0L PSD, and install a Cummins 6.7L in front of the 5R110W transmission.
As the originator of this idea, Kitchens said it sparked from his desire to upgrade his vehicle after having his own Power Stroke setbacks. Combine that with a personal project, and the vehicle build for the Excursion was set in motion.
The build concept was as such: Overlanding has become a huge market within the off-road industry. The Ford Excursion is considered an excellent choice for this market. It’s a natural fit with its stable platform (Ford 3⁄4-ton Super Duty), and a spacious interior (largest SUV ever produced). This build incorporates a proven off-road suspension, upgraded axles and driveline components, and long-range capacity, all while carrying a passenger load of seven. Kitchens sourced a Cummins 6.7L from JASPER®, and retained all the Cummins factory emissions components (EGR, DOC, DPF, IAT, VGT), and mated it to the Ford 5R110W transmission. All diagnostics are wired through the OBD2 port, where an HP Tuners MPVI2+ can program and scan the engine and transmission. This means consumers can check their engine, and transmission, with the same tool.
JASPER was excited to collaborate, and jumped at the opportunity. Brad Boeglin, New Product Development Group Leader, teamed up with Jonathan, and the HP Tuners sales team, to build a Cummins 6.7L Running Complete for the power train of this Excursion.
“HP Tuners are the experts in electronics/tuning, and is a rapidly growing company that has a high value for customer service,” said Boeglin. “We had a great time collaborating on this project and building the relationship between our two companies. We are looking forward to working with Jonathan, and the team at HP Tuners, in the future.”
Editor’s Note: Additional sponsors of the build alongside JASPER included: Diesel Conversion Specialists, Mishimoto, Hammerhead, FASS Diesel Fuel Systems, GDP, and BD Diesel.
