V6 or 4.8V8
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 162
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From: Cleveland
V6 or 4.8V8
I'm selling my 1995 F150 and looking at F150's of the 2000-2003 vintage. There are two comparable trucks for sale nearby, one with the V6 and the other with the 4.8V8.
We used to have a 1999 Expedition that had the 4.8 V8. It was a disappointment - a real lack of power, and the transmission was always hunting. I'm a pretty laid back driver, don't race and rarely haul any heavy loads. Both the trucks I'm looking at have the 5 speed manual, so I'm hoping for a better experience than what we had with the Expy.
Gas mileage with the Expy was a dismal 13 mpg or less. (My F150 with the 4.9 gets 13-15).
So I guess I'm leaning towards the truck with the V6, but I've read that this engine isn't so hot either. Does it at least get marginally better mileage than the 4.8V8?
We used to have a 1999 Expedition that had the 4.8 V8. It was a disappointment - a real lack of power, and the transmission was always hunting. I'm a pretty laid back driver, don't race and rarely haul any heavy loads. Both the trucks I'm looking at have the 5 speed manual, so I'm hoping for a better experience than what we had with the Expy.
Gas mileage with the Expy was a dismal 13 mpg or less. (My F150 with the 4.9 gets 13-15).
So I guess I'm leaning towards the truck with the V6, but I've read that this engine isn't so hot either. Does it at least get marginally better mileage than the 4.8V8?
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: San Marcos, Texas
I have a 4.2L v6 99 F150 XL 5spd
I live 220 miles(more or less) from my parents, when I drive home I use only about a 1/2 a tank (12 gallons). So with all the math done that's about 18mpg. I drive around 75-80mph all highway with cruise control on. Works well for me! Compared to my girlfriend's Xterra that takes a whole tank to get to my parent's house from here!
Not very powerful, but like you, I don't race, or haul anything. Depends if you want power or gas mileage (I'd choose gas mileage with the current state of gasoline)
I live 220 miles(more or less) from my parents, when I drive home I use only about a 1/2 a tank (12 gallons). So with all the math done that's about 18mpg. I drive around 75-80mph all highway with cruise control on. Works well for me! Compared to my girlfriend's Xterra that takes a whole tank to get to my parent's house from here!
Not very powerful, but like you, I don't race, or haul anything. Depends if you want power or gas mileage (I'd choose gas mileage with the current state of gasoline)
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Olathe
If you weren't happy with 4.6L V8 then the V6 is a step in the wrong direction for you it would seem. Now if you are willing to dump some money into the engine you could get the 4.6 to perform well.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Keep looking. The difference in price for a 5.4 truck is nill and the difference in mileage is also. I have a 4.6 truck and like you said it is lacking in power and gets 13 mpg on a good day. The 5.4 will do no worse and probably better on the highway. By the way, my truck has 3.55s and it gets that kind of mileage, on the highway too....
Why spend money getting a 4.6 to make power? Mustang performance parts put the power band in the wrong place for a truck, parts are out there don't get me wrong, but the price to get one to perform is way more than you will spend just to get a 5.4.....
Why spend money getting a 4.6 to make power? Mustang performance parts put the power band in the wrong place for a truck, parts are out there don't get me wrong, but the price to get one to perform is way more than you will spend just to get a 5.4.....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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As mentioned before, find a 5.4...you won't regret it. I get 13mpg on a normal day and 17-18 on the highway. You said that you don't haul heavy loads, but to put it into perspective, my 5.4 hauls a 5x12 trailer loaded with 2 four-wheelers and my bed full of camping gear at 65 mph with no problem, and I have the 3.55 gears.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
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I agree! I test drove a 99 4.6 F150 I wanted bad and it felt way way to slugish to do what I wanted (farm work and DD) I really wanted it, but it wouldn't even spin a tire on wet pavement. Now my 00 5.4 does everything I could ever ask, and I can almost spin all 4 tire when I lock it in on pavement. Did I mention its got 260,*** miles? The 4.6 had 124,***
I'd really just keep looking.
I'd really just keep looking.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
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From: Union, Washington
I must have a "one off" 4.6 F150 because mine has been averaging 18.5 mpg and is peppy as hell but then I was used to a 4.0 V6 Ranger with a 3.55 rearend.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 162
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From: Cleveland
So I test drove a truck today with the 4.2 V6 and the 5 speed - and I liked it. It's a step up in power from the trusting 4.9l in my 95. Too bad the rest of the truck was in such bad shape. The power steering squealed, the tranny felt worn, the interior was tired, and the entire body was about to explode with rust once I looked underneath.
Sigh. I need to find a southern truck.
Sigh. I need to find a southern truck.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 91
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From: Fort Wayne
I just bought a '03 xcab heritage 4x4 w/4.6 on saturday. Currently have a '99 xcab 4x2 w/4.2. Both are autos. Best I've ever gotten out of the 4.2 is 18 hwy, and I only get 10 pulling my popup and boat. I got 19.375 w/cruise set @ 70 on the way home(200 miles across Ohio) from buying the '03.
I did a little research before buying the '03. From what I found, Ford in its infinate wisdom, didn't put the PI heads & intake on the 4.6(for the f150) till '01! So if you are shopping '01 or older, that would be something to consider. I would definately shop for the PI headed 4.6. If you are used to a 4.9, skip the 4.2, you will definately be disappointed(especially towing). I have never heard of anyone getting more than 15 or 16 hwy with a 5.4...
Advice is worth just what you pay for it, take it for what you will....
I did a little research before buying the '03. From what I found, Ford in its infinate wisdom, didn't put the PI heads & intake on the 4.6(for the f150) till '01! So if you are shopping '01 or older, that would be something to consider. I would definately shop for the PI headed 4.6. If you are used to a 4.9, skip the 4.2, you will definately be disappointed(especially towing). I have never heard of anyone getting more than 15 or 16 hwy with a 5.4...
Advice is worth just what you pay for it, take it for what you will....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 381
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From: Ga.
20mpg
A took a 2000 mile trip to KC and back to southern Ga (near Tallahassee )averaged 20mpg. 18 was the worst and 21.9 the best. It's a 2001 ext cab, 4.6, auto, 2wd, ran about 70mph the entire trip using the cruse. Worse part of MPG was between Atlanta and Chatanooga in the smokies. I have had this truck since 2002 or 2003 cant remember for sure. Only has 59,000 on it and plan on keeping it for a long time.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 91
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From: Fort Wayne
"PI" = Performance Improved
First iteration of heads on the mod motors were junk. They went to the PI heads on the 4.6 for the mustang and the 5.4 for the Fseries in 99. Was good for +35hp on the 4.6 in the mustang.
First iteration of heads on the mod motors were junk. They went to the PI heads on the 4.6 for the mustang and the 5.4 for the Fseries in 99. Was good for +35hp on the 4.6 in the mustang.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: SE Texas
ALL of the power gains from the "PI" heads was from the revised camshafts and the better flowing intake manifold.
JL