Here is a slight twist: I have a 2000 Reg Cab 4.6 5 speed, my business partner has a 2002 CC 4.6 auto. 0-60 his wins hands down as he has PI and auto ( 5 speed doesn't like to shift very fast), cruising down the highway with some hills mine is better as the tranny doesn't have to hunt it just motors up.

 

I had a '98 with the 4.6, and my '02 has a 5.4. As far as running around empty, either one will be good. I hauled 1600 lbs. pretty regularly in my 98, and the motor didn't have any trouble with it. The most I towed with it was a four wheeler trailer with 2 wheelers on it, guessing total weight around 1800 lbs. It pulled it fine, on long hills it would downshift, but I suspect 17" tires and 3.55 gears have more to do with it than anything. I've hauled about 2500 lbs. in the bed of my 02 and towed about 5500 lbs. with it, and it pulls that weight very well. You said you were into stock car racing and snowmobiling, the 4.6 would do just fine pulling a few snowmobiles, but pulling a stock car I would maybe go with the 5.4. The 4.6 would do it, just not as well, and would get worse mileage than the 5.4. Empty, I got 16-17 with the 4.6, and 15-16 with the 5.4, towing the wheelers I would get 13-14 with the 4.6, and 15-16 with the 5.4, it didn't have to work as hard.

 

thanks guys i think i will be going with a 5.4 as i like power and from what ive hear are a lot better when towing large loads.

 

Most of the ladies around here have the 4.6 for running to the store and haul the kids and stuff but most of the men have the 5.4 for hauling. I think the 4.6 is mostly meant for ladies and uh men that don't do manly things.

vanman250

 

Alotta 4.6 junk talk going on, Vanman I don't know how you figure the 4.6 cant do "manly" things, mines been good in mud and sand, and was a Log company's truck before I got it. So you just keep that van in the slow lane so my 4.6 can blow by it.

 

Keep in mind for towing your gears will really matter. I have an Expedition with the 5.4 and 3.73 gears and it tows our 5000 lb travel trailer no prob (110 k/ph when our daughter is screaming ), and a 5.4 F150 with 3.55 gears at work. The F150 had to downshift more pulling my 3000 lb work boat then my Expedition does with the travel trailer, so as I said, for towing the gears will make a huge difference.

 

The logging company must have had that truck around for his secretary to drive when he sent her for coffee.
Just kidding the 4.6 is a good motor I like the power of the 5.4 when towing. Oh and I don't have a van I have an F150.

vanman250

 

Yea, youre right though the 4.6 aint a stump puller but its been good for me for what I do.

 

What's a better package? 2000 F150 4X4 Scab (71000 mi - 5.4 L - 5 speed) or 2001 F150 4X4 Scab (69000 mi - 5.4 L - auto)? Both are about in the same price range and both in very good condition.

 

The 5.4L didn't have a 5-speed in a F150. I would go with the 01. The auto tranny is much stronger than the 5-speed in these trucks.

 

actually, the 4.6 liter is an awesome engine. i believe it could pull # for # what the 5.4 will, with the right gearing. maybe not as fast, probably be a little more effort, but there's a lot of heart in that engine!!! seems as though most trucks on the road rarely get used for a "truck" so the 5.4 is often a bit of ego boost, or compensation for whats lacking elsewhere... . they're both great engines, and quite often the 4.6 will be just fine for normal everyday use

 

ohh that explains why they put the 5.4 in a superduty not the 4.6...ok ok..

 

GIVE ME A BREAK.... a Super duty with a 5.4l is worse off than a F-150 with a 4.6l as far as seat of the pants feel. That extra 1500 lbs or what ever is really going to soak up any extra power the 5.4L has.

My vote is go with the 5.4L its has better power and it gets about the same milage, and you wont be askin yourself later "should i have gotten the bigger motor". I like my 4.6l, especially with my mods, it gets around pretty damn good. But i would still rather have the 5.4l hands down just cause i like to get on the throttle.

Towing wise the 4.6l is as good as any other motor in its class, better IMO but it is not in the same class as the 5.4. Plain and simple.

 

lol the 4.6 is a fine motor...and i agree with u about the 5.4 being in the superduty being weak..but as said before on these forums, it does a fine job pushing snow, hauling its 2500lb payload in the bed, pulling less than 5k. and i dont do that everyday! so its my a perfect match..could i have gotten away with a f150? sure..but i wanted a superduty.

to stay on subject, the 5.4 is jsut extra security just like the 6.8 is. the 4.6 will do all that u ask, and is a very good, long lasting motor. whichever u choose you will be happy!

 

I have a 2002 F-150 supercrew with the 4.6L, Its an everyday driver.I put an aftermarket intake and an exhaust,which helped alot! I also haul and pull small loads. If I was going to do it again I would go with the 5.4. THE only problem I have is that it burns oil,about 2-3 quarts between oil changes,don't know why maybe someone here knows.