When buying a full-size sport/utility, most people look for stump-pulling power for hauling. Ford's really full-size 7.3L Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel Excursion delivers the kind of grunt (505 lb-ft of torque) that satisfies most. But for owners who want the next level of sheer thrust in a civilized package, a close look at Gale Banks Engineering's PowerPack is enough to get the salivary glands working overtime.
Airflow management is the key to Banks' approach to making bushels of power. From carefully shaping the induction system to the high-throughput air-to-air intercooler and fitting the custom electronic engine-management module, the PowerPack system looks and feels like it was done at the factory. Power increases are impressive; Banks claims a 91-hp and 200-lb-ft increase with the PowerPack. Test-track figures bear out its claim. A stock '02 Excursion with the 7.3L Power Stroke turbodiesel recorded a 0-60-mph time of 10.79, while the quarter-mile numbers were 17.60 at 77.10. Our '02 Excursion with the Banks PowerPack did the 0-60-mph run in 9.26 sec and the quarter mile in 16.83 at 79.64. It takes serious guts to haul a 7688-lb vehicle to those velocities. Though the 4-in. Banks Dynaflow exhaust system doesn't sound like stock, it works with the rest of the PowerPack to effectively dispel exhaust gases, as well as make sounds to die for. With a redline of 3400 rpm, overwhelming pull was evident just off idle. The four-speed automatic transmission handled gear-changing duties with aplomb. This is the most sorted tuner vehicle we've seen--the changes are transparent. Workmanship and functionality are top-shelf; without the exterior graphics, you wouldn't know this had a thermonuclear powerplant underhood.
Banks will tailor an installation to fit needs and budget. Four levels of enhancements are available with prices ranging $795-$3298. If you really need the power, this is one option you must investigate. Gale Banks Engineering; 800/GET-POWER; www.bankspower.com. TT