I am considering buying a 2001 F150 4x4 with a 4.6L V8. I recently bought a 2001 F150 4x4 with a 5.4 L V8 for my son. Friends have told me to pass on the 4.6 L V8. They say it is less efficient and lacks sufficient power. I want a reliable engine that does not bankrupt me due to fuel burn. I will use for casual driving on weekends, some light off road use and light towing (small 15' whaler & trailer, small 5x8 cargo trailer). I really want to customize it with my son and show off at car shows, etc. Do I need to pass on this one and stick with the 5.4 L? It is a step side in average to good condition with a lift and about 130K miles. Any advise will be welcomed. I am new to the forum and will be happy if I am steered to previous threads, etc. Thanks!

 

ill just tell you this... i personally have had a great experience with my 97 f-150 4.6L. the engine has 200,000 plus miles on it and i havent had any major problems... just change the oil often... as far as towing, i still tow a 30 foot camper in the summer.. its a little to much for that old engine but it still does great as long as i dont go up a steep hill... i can cruise at 60 with no problem.. obviously you will save a little gas with the 4.6 as well... its a very durable engine if taken care of.. best of luck to you!

 

Thanks for the quick reply! I feel better already about the 4.6 L.

 

welcome... others will say 5.4 others will say 4.6... its a preference... both are great engines..its just that my 97 4.6 has been bullet proof so far, great engine.. i know of many 5.4's with the same mileage too.. good luck

 

My 4.6 has 204,000+ miles and still runs strong as an ox. No major problems either. I love that little motor and wouldnt trade it for nothin.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Since you have a 5.4L to compare to I'll say test drive the 4.6L and see what you think. It doesn't sound like you necessarily need a 5.4L for what you listed.

 

The 4.6L is out of state so I can not test drive it. A friend will do it if I am interested but he is biased to Chevys. I like your suggestion so I may try to find something around here to test drive for comparison. Frankly, I love the input from enthusiasts because car guys are passionate but honest if they are serious about giving good advice. I think the 4.6L will be plenty for my needs. My concern was that the truck would be underpowered and prone to engine failure. I want to enjoy tinkering, not rebuilding. Costs is an issue too. Thanks for the helpful advice.

 

My opinion (and yes we all have them). If you plan on keeping the truck and fixing it up and playing, I would opt for the 5.4L. I have driven both (my stepson has the 4.6 and I have the 5.4) We both get about the same mileage with the same mods. But I can tell a difference in the power. The diffrence in torque w/ a lifted truck (probably oversized tires) and 4x4 will make a huge difference. I don't think you will notice any real difference in gas mileage between the two overall.
In the long run - you will be glad you got the 5.4.

4.6L 5.4L
Horsepower/rpm 220 @ 4500 260 @ 4500
Torque/rpm 290 @ 3250 350 @ 2500

 

From what you describe, the 4.6 should be sufficient.
I have the 4.6 and I'm really getting to like it most of the time.
My old truck had a 7.5, so I'm going through power withdrawl....

I have a 3K LB camper and the 4.6 tows it just fine.
Do I wish it had more power....sure.
Am I dissapointed with the performance of the 4.6? No. Considering that it's only 280 some cubic inches, I'm actually impressed with the power it does have.

I get 13mpg around town, and 16-17 highway. Towing the camper drags it down to single digits since that little V8 is working pretty hard.....

I wouldn't worry about either engine as far as reliability is concerned.
I don't know of any issues with the 4.6 off the top of my head, but the 5.4 has had spark plug issues on certain years and with some of the 3V heads.