DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN the truck is bad azzz., but it is LOUD

After a while the noise will drive you nuts.

Thats a very very short drive!

This is one really good reason to not spend a lot of money in exhaust-related mods. I experienced little or no gain in performance on my first Ex from downpipe/exhaust size changes, and very little drop in EGT. An expensive lesson learned for big $$$ in stainless steel. I wound up gaining a lot of turbo whine (OK by me) and the dreaded exhaust rumble and drone noticeable by the passengers (not OK). The larger downpipe actually decreased my throttle response.
About all you need to do for the exhaust is add a Walker BTM muffler (big truck muffler), and increase the tailpipe size if you feel you must. Good EGT drop and free-flowing for about $100.
As far as engine noise (cackle), there's a ton of mods to the 7.3 to quiet it down. In-tank, pre-pump mod, regulated fuel-rail return, etc.
Get your wallet out. Like offshore, it's addictive.

Thanks for the info, the low speed drone drives me nuts, but once I get going to 50 and above its fine.

I think most of my issues right now are just getting use to the way the truck accelerates compared to a gas vehicle. If I could get more acceleration I would be happy.

I do like it a lot though.

I was thinking the sound deading insulation they sell for vehicles.........whats your thoughts.

Drone is a tough one. Mine isn't bad with the BTM. It was REAL bad with the Banks system I had on my first Ex, the 2000 model. The Excursion Limited had an extensive sound-deadening package right from Ford that was not found on any of the other truck offerings. You may be able to add some acoustic material to the door panels, and possibly a thicker pad under the carpet for the rear pax area where drone is usually the worst. Quieting down the 'cackle' in the engine with some fuel mods is a good thing for perceived noise. Do a search in the Excursion forum at dieselstop.com it's been discussed a lot.
To make that 4-ton monster go like a Mustang, contact Jody at DP Tuner. Although there is an enormous amount of chips and tuners out there, DP has proven to have the best grasp on the 7.3. Their following is huge. All you have to do is tell them how you're going to use the truck, and they'll supply the program. I've tried many others, but DP is by far the best. Don't forget you'll need gauges if you chip it. I like Dipricol Optix- they match the factory gauges exactly.

I hear the Ford Mechanics swear by the DP but everyone else is recommending Edge Tuners.

They say the DP has a program built in for the transmission shifts, while the edge does not. Edge of course has the display....have you tried the edge.

I guess most of the noise that is bothering me is accelerating from stop to about 40-50 mph. Once you get into the right RPM range its quiet.

Ill try some sound deadening stuff first


Thanks again for the help.

Also, there is a trick to quiet some wind noise. I read about it on TheDieselStop. It involves putting clear rubber/silicone hose in the door weatherstripping. I did it to mine and I am happy with the results.

yeah sounds like most of my noise is definetly engine related, looks like they used a gigantic shoe horn to get the engine in that space!!

I picked up my 34 Scarab with twin OMC V8's in Maryland and towed it to Vegas with a beefed up 2001 7.3 2WD Ex. I loved the truck and wanted to buy one really bad. Before I made my purchase I took the boat to a truck scale and had it weighed. Turns out that with 3 V8's and a steel Myco (both added during the build) I was over the max limit for an Ex with 600 lbs. Thinking insurance, and with good suggestions from other board members I went with a GMC Yukon XL with an 8.1 (rated for 12K). I still think the excursion is one heck of a SUV but regardless of what you do to it, it is legally still only an Excursion with a max towing capacity of 11.000 lbs. Just make sure you can legally tow your boat with it before you throw a lot of $$$ in to it. Even with a Cummins and all the kits money can buy, you are still limited by the original weight limitations. Not trying to make you feel bad here or pi$$ on anybodys parade, just want to make sure you stay legal and feel good while you are coming down here to see us. My Scarab 34 SS with triple V8 OMC's and a steel Myco weighed in at 11.600 dry. I customized the trailer to get the 10% tounge weight and towed it from Vegas to Fla without any issues what so ever. To my surprize I also got better mileage with the Yukon than what I did with the Ex (and that was after I added the third motor and changed to the steel trailer from an alu trailer). Food for thought....

Whatever you do, stay safe and stay legal - it is better in the long run!