Seeing a go-fast Expedition is not a very common occurrence, and perhaps that is exactly why Whipple chose Ford's large SUV to transform it into a show sensation. A statement-making, head-turning Expedition that is heads and shoulders above every other one on the road seemed like the perfect vehicle to design and showcase its newest blower package for Ford's 2V 5.4L engine. At the conclusion of Whipple's 3-month buildup, the result is one SUV that both soccer moms and CEOs alike will be eyeing with envy. At first glance, the super-clean '03 Eddie Bauer Expedition looks like a first class executive express with its 24x10.5-inch Weld Racing EVO wheels tightly wrapped in BFGoodrich P305/35ZR24 KDW rubber. The stance was been tightened up by dropping the big SUV a total of 2 inches, creating perfect harmony between the big wheels and the Expedition's body.
DuPont finishes provided the classically conservative Benz black and Jag tan pigments that were laid out on the side of the Expedition. The black over tan color scheme was given a nice touch of flair with a band of whipple orange flames licking the hood and body line. Street Scene Cal-Vu sport mirrors replaced the stockers and Street Scene upper and lower speed grilles only hint at what can be found behind them.
The real beauty of the project is the Whipple blower mounted on the SOHC 5.4L Triton V-8 under the hood. In its original form, this engine churned a respectable 260 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, but for a company that sells superchargers, the stock motor was the first thing that needed attention. With the addition of 8 psi from its 2.3L Whipple blower, and an intercooler from a Lightning, the Expedition exhales an inspiring 410 hp and 540 lb-ft of torque through the custom CGS Motorsports exhaust, installed by Pro Custom Mufflers of Fresno, California.
The pilot of the Whipple Expedition experiences both sporty and luxurious overtones. The sporty side includes the smoothed and painted dash complemented by Nu-Image flamed gauges, accented by Trenz billet, flamed pedals. Luxury can be found in the soft matching leather seating surfaces, courtesy of Classic Soft Trim, and a black suede headliner, professionally installed by the folks at Sequoia Upholstry in Clovis, California. Rockford Fosgate provided the occupants with sonic delights that built on the stock head unit and video system with a 10-inch Rockford Fosgate RFT 3101 subwoofer and enclosure, powered by an 800-watt Rockford Fosgate 801s amplifier. MB Quartz 6x8-inch three-way speakers in the stock locations were powered by a separate Rockford Fosgate 801x amplifier.
The Whipple Expedition was an awesome machine that produced real useable power and function which could be enjoyed at any speed by families and executives alike. Dressed to impress in business-casual attire, it looked just as great at the country club as it did racing pesky Escalades with the family in tow. Special thanks go out to PPC Customs of Clovis for putting all of this together in a record amount of time. To find out more about Whipple and its products, check out the website at www.whipplesuperchargers.com.