I just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on the new 4.6L. My dad is looking into a 09 SCREW 4x2 probably a XLT from what he's always bought in the past. I had a 4.6L in a 98 F150 SCAB and loved it. He doesn't tow much but I'm sure he would be happy with the 5.4L. If the new 4.6L is as great as ford says it is as far as fuel mileage ect. I bet he goes that route.

 

You'll see very little fuel economy savings by going with the 4.6, and the 5.4 has far more power for towing. The 5.4 will also have better resale.

 

This is true, I personally love my 08 5.4L FX4, but the pops is a little more practical about vehicles. The resale value will be a good point to bring up to him.

I'm just afraid of him getting a truck nicer than mine and I'll have to pony up and top him, if I do I may end up in devorced.

Has anyone driven one of the new 3V 4.6L, I've heard they aren't to bad?

 

I have the 4.6L 3v - Right at 4500 miles now and loving every mile!

Just got back from my first long haul, Austin, TX to Wichita, KS and Back... 525 miles on 1 tank of gas (20.2mpg). Power is great. I have not used it to pull anything yet... so I cannot speak to that, but the Fuel economy and power have been great!

 

Hey thanks for the insight, what configuration is your truck? XLT, LARAIT,...4x4, 4x2, .....what gear ratio, size wheels, scab, screw,.... just curious.

 

I got 21 MPG going from Houston to Longview in my 09 Screw lariat with 5.4l and 3.73 LS.

 

I have an 09 SCrew XL 4x2 3.55 NLS gears 17" aluminum wheels.

 

Just dropped off a 09 XLT 2wd Screw 5.5' bed with 4.6 3v

I normally despise the 4.6 motor in a truck...but after having that rental for 2 weeks...I'm a convert.


The 4.6 3v is a huge improvement over the old 4.6 2v. I got 15 city MPG and almost 18 MPG mixed while I had it....A/C on 100%

It didn't have the 5.4 grunt, but once you get the 4.6 rev'd up, she does just fine. The 4.6 3v coupled with the new 6-speed tranny is a great combination.


I have to have the biggest motor available personally, but I think 99% of people would be perfectly happy with it.

 

Nope... you'll buy it, think it's OK, and then wonder "what if?"... it's only a few hundred bucks more and a very minor hit on fuel economy.

 

X2 on tvsjr's comment. get the 5.4L.

 

I just bought the 09 SCAB 4.6 3V. 6sp auto. 331 rear gear. Took a trip to Houston TX, from Jackson MS @ 20.3 MPG. The truck rides and drives like a dream, I would HIGHLY recommend it.

 

I bought it, loved it, and never think "what if".

4.6 3 valve is great, great gas mileage, and the best truck I have owned...including a GMC 2500.

 

The choice would be clear for me - the 5.4 engine would be it. If you will only use the truck to drive to work, travel, get groceries, and the occassional bag of dog food, the smaller engine will be fine. But if you are planning to tow something heavy, paying the initial upcharge for the bigger motor is a deal. Fuel economy difference? Too small to make a dent in your wallet.

 

The fuel economy difference is actually pretty significant, several mpg under all conditions. The 4.6 has plenty of grunt; not much less than the 5.4. Check the tow ratings. I drive a different F150 every day--there isn't a configuration that I haven't driven, including all the '10s. If I was going to put my own money into a new F150, it would be a super cab regular bed 2wd STX and have a 4.6 3v with a 3.55 limited slip. I would expect 21+ mpg for the driving I do, and I wouldn't worry about any occasional towing job, since my trailering jobs don't exceed 6,000 lbs. If you don't have a dedicated towing task for your truck, you don't need a 5.4. You might want it, but you don't need it. And you should probably be looking at a Super Duty anyway for regular towing.

 

Well Said mistrtoad!