4.6 liter questions
#31
03-01-2008, 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by YoGeorge
Interesting, thanks. Hey, I'm in Grosse Pointe Farms and ride with the Wolverine Bike (bicycle) Club which is heavily based around Royal Oak--my son is a Cat 2 racer for their elite team and trains at 12 and Woodward (which is where all 4 of our parents are buried as well), used to work (pension desk job) in Southfield until I retired 6/30/07....
And I used to play with carbs a lot--used to rebuild Quadrajets (along with Holleys and others), file metering rods, play with light distributor springs, pull off vacuum advance. Ran at the old Detroit and Motor City Dragways and would do some "testing" (well a lot of testing) on Gratiot Ave as an Eastsider.
One followup Q (and I will research some more)--will the regular gas tune make enough of a low and mid-throttle difference that it'd be worth it? Just paid $85 to fill the sucker up yesterday, and would *not* enjoy the extra 10-20 cents per gallon for the van. (I've had lots of premium fuel cars like my '91 BMW 318is which is still my summer toy car and don't mind paying the bucks with a 14 gallon tank.)
When I *really* nail the throttle, the van runs just fine for my needs, but it's just *so* flat in the middle compared to my 350 Savana (or any of my old muscle cars, Corvettes, etc--even my '71 Olds 98 with a 455). I suspect I'd be happier with a 5.4, but as it is, this is probably my last V8 vehicle. Kicking up the shift points would probably help--Ford kicks the auto trans into 2nd gear at 5 mph....
Thanks,
George
And I used to play with carbs a lot--used to rebuild Quadrajets (along with Holleys and others), file metering rods, play with light distributor springs, pull off vacuum advance. Ran at the old Detroit and Motor City Dragways and would do some "testing" (well a lot of testing) on Gratiot Ave as an Eastsider.
One followup Q (and I will research some more)--will the regular gas tune make enough of a low and mid-throttle difference that it'd be worth it? Just paid $85 to fill the sucker up yesterday, and would *not* enjoy the extra 10-20 cents per gallon for the van. (I've had lots of premium fuel cars like my '91 BMW 318is which is still my summer toy car and don't mind paying the bucks with a 14 gallon tank.)
When I *really* nail the throttle, the van runs just fine for my needs, but it's just *so* flat in the middle compared to my 350 Savana (or any of my old muscle cars, Corvettes, etc--even my '71 Olds 98 with a 455). I suspect I'd be happier with a 5.4, but as it is, this is probably my last V8 vehicle. Kicking up the shift points would probably help--Ford kicks the auto trans into 2nd gear at 5 mph....
Thanks,
George
I can't believe you filed a metering rod with all the combinations available. I used to doll them up with a super stock calibration if someone wanted more pizazz.
#32
03-02-2008, 06:55 AM
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#33
03-02-2008, 07:35 AM
Thanks, Kaboom...
I'm starting to get it; appreciate the info.
I'm a tiny bit confused--if the seller puts in 3 tunes, does the user still get to manipulate stuff just a bit (I believe that's what you're saying). If I have the reg gas tune, for instance, and get a tank of particularly low octane, can I kick back the timing? Or if I put on bigger tires/wheels for the winter, can I change speedo calibration quickly and change back in the spring? It's clear that I can switch to a premium gas tune whenever I want to fill up with that.
I've been building my own computers since 1991 or so, so I'm sure I can figure one of these boxes out. But, I don't know if a 4.6 liter E150 would be a fun vehicle to play with. Actually I know it's not.
My son's bud (and maybe I should talk to him or ask him for a ride) has been downloading WRX tuning setups off the Internet, and with parameters like turbo boost, has a lot more leeway. He'll call my son to go for a test drive with him to check out a new tune...again, he's run a bonafide 13.2 with his tuning thing (and like 20 lbs of boost or something stupid), huge exhaust, and 4wd traction. Amazing.
Thanks again,
George
I'm a tiny bit confused--if the seller puts in 3 tunes, does the user still get to manipulate stuff just a bit (I believe that's what you're saying). If I have the reg gas tune, for instance, and get a tank of particularly low octane, can I kick back the timing? Or if I put on bigger tires/wheels for the winter, can I change speedo calibration quickly and change back in the spring? It's clear that I can switch to a premium gas tune whenever I want to fill up with that.
I've been building my own computers since 1991 or so, so I'm sure I can figure one of these boxes out. But, I don't know if a 4.6 liter E150 would be a fun vehicle to play with. Actually I know it's not.
My son's bud (and maybe I should talk to him or ask him for a ride) has been downloading WRX tuning setups off the Internet, and with parameters like turbo boost, has a lot more leeway. He'll call my son to go for a test drive with him to check out a new tune...again, he's run a bonafide 13.2 with his tuning thing (and like 20 lbs of boost or something stupid), huge exhaust, and 4wd traction. Amazing.
Thanks again,
George
#34
03-02-2008, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by YoGeorge
I'm starting to get it; appreciate the info.
I'm a tiny bit confused--if the seller puts in 3 tunes, does the user still get to manipulate stuff just a bit (I believe that's what you're saying). If I have the reg gas tune, for instance, and get a tank of particularly low octane, can I kick back the timing? Or if I put on bigger tires/wheels for the winter, can I change speedo calibration quickly and change back in the spring? It's clear that I can switch to a premium gas tune whenever I want to fill up with that.
I've been building my own computers since 1991 or so, so I'm sure I can figure one of these boxes out. But, I don't know if a 4.6 liter E150 would be a fun vehicle to play with. Actually I know it's not.
My son's bud (and maybe I should talk to him or ask him for a ride) has been downloading WRX tuning setups off the Internet, and with parameters like turbo boost, has a lot more leeway. He'll call my son to go for a test drive with him to check out a new tune...again, he's run a bonafide 13.2 with his tuning thing (and like 20 lbs of boost or something stupid), huge exhaust, and 4wd traction. Amazing.
Thanks again,
George
I'm a tiny bit confused--if the seller puts in 3 tunes, does the user still get to manipulate stuff just a bit (I believe that's what you're saying). If I have the reg gas tune, for instance, and get a tank of particularly low octane, can I kick back the timing? Or if I put on bigger tires/wheels for the winter, can I change speedo calibration quickly and change back in the spring? It's clear that I can switch to a premium gas tune whenever I want to fill up with that.
I've been building my own computers since 1991 or so, so I'm sure I can figure one of these boxes out. But, I don't know if a 4.6 liter E150 would be a fun vehicle to play with. Actually I know it's not.
My son's bud (and maybe I should talk to him or ask him for a ride) has been downloading WRX tuning setups off the Internet, and with parameters like turbo boost, has a lot more leeway. He'll call my son to go for a test drive with him to check out a new tune...again, he's run a bonafide 13.2 with his tuning thing (and like 20 lbs of boost or something stupid), huge exhaust, and 4wd traction. Amazing.
Thanks again,
George
There's leway on the spark if need be. Different engines off the same assembly line have different requirements since the owners have given them different amounts of maintenance. Engine A may not be able to tolerate the same spark curve as engine B. The fine tuning can be used for each engine to get max performance. Now bear in mind any of the parameters you have changed can be put back to stock or modified to work with your particular engine. Say you sell you tuned vehicle. Before giving it to the new owner you take and put the stock tune back in. Since the next vehicle now can be tuned but under a new VIN number you're back to tuning again. Say you sell your 4.6 and the next is a 5.4 just plug n play and go. You can change tires from season to season and recalibrate each time. You also can run out the display to a very accurate read out. Say you want to see A/F out to 3 places just select it. The only drawback is all your read outs will be that display also. You get pulled over for speeding and you can say you were only going 4.372 mph over the limit. My speedo is 1.5mph over actual.
20 lbs. of boost is one heck of a lot. It produces a lot of power but it puts a terrible amount of extra stress on all components. Blown head gaskets and broken rods are just some of the problems.
#35
03-07-2008, 06:53 AM
#36
03-07-2008, 12:35 PM
#37
03-08-2008, 05:22 AM
#38
03-08-2008, 05:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Workvan1
While on the subject, I'm considering a newer E250 van with the 4.6 engine. I'm currently driving one with the 5.4 and positrac. Will I notice any substantial loss while pulling a trailer with three dirtbikes or hauling 700/800lbs of tools? How about better gas milage with the 4.6?
#39
03-23-2008, 02:04 PM
I recently purchased a 97 f150 with the 4.6., 94k miles. The check engine light was on ,bought a code scanner & found o2 sencer bad [ 1 of 4 ]. Replaced it, fun job!! Now light came on again, #3 misfire. working on solution. The 4.6 and 5.4 have two coil systems. One has a coil on top of each sparkplug for short called cops, and no plug wires.The other has 2 coil packs,,one for each side of engine with plug wires running to each plug. [4 coil & 4 wires per side.] Just from reading in these forums it sounds like both engines have a challenge to change spark plugs, especeally rear plugs [no room to work]. Another issue is heater core replacement! sounds like you have to remove intire dash to do it. IF you a doityourself kinda person you can save some money if problems occur, Or you pay at the staelership!
I hope this helps? PS fords like oem parts!
I hope this helps? PS fords like oem parts!
#40
03-23-2008, 09:45 PM
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#41
05-22-2014, 11:31 PM
I bought mine a year and a half ago, bought it from a bad dealer but I knew it needed work, but it still ran and got me down the road, have had to replace intake gasket and a few minor things but with almost 190k it still don't burn oil and goes down the road very well after replacing all ball joints and tierod ends. it is still a fixer upper and I love the performance and dependability, hoping to get another 100k on it.
#42
06-14-2014, 02:44 PM
#43
06-14-2014, 03:37 PM
#44
06-14-2014, 03:57 PM
thank you Johnny for defending the 4.6l. there's no way in hell anyone can make a general statement saying that engine is junk. sure they don't have the power of the 5.4, but it also is down a few cubes. i've got the 4.6 and wouldn't hesitate to get another tomorrow. awesome engine...all heart. i'd definately reccomend it to anyone and everyone.
Today 07:39 PM by Bartramk
I recently installed a 4.6 in my 01 ford. Ever since it's been acting up. I replaced the EGR valve and spark plugs. The computer is showing EGR flow is out of range. It shakes when in normal drive gear but smooths out in passing gear. I've disconnected each coil pack with the truck running and they all seem to be working I love the truck and the power it is supposed to have. But if I can't figure it out I'm going to trade it in on a dodge or Chevy.
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#45
06-14-2014, 07:57 PM
Yea I didn't even look at the date thanks will do for future reference any response to my original post?