5.4L and 5300 Vortex

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Aug 24, 2003 | 10:04 PM

dilas

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Tuned

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 498

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From: Santa Fe

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

I just had an opportunity to drive a base Suburban model with 5300 vortex recently. To my surprise, it performed stronger than my 5.4L F150. My 98 5.4L is approaching 60K miles, and it's time for the major service soon. The major service would include things such as all fluids changed on transmission, gears/axles, filters, and etc. The spark plugs is scheduled for 100,000 miles. Assuming the 5.4L is as powerful as the GM's 5300, what attention should I look for to restore the power back in 5.4L during the service? Should I go ahead and have spark plugs replaced at 60,000 instead of 100,000 to improve the performance? I tow a 3000 lb camper regularly during weekends, and I noticed sluggish power driving up slopes.

Aug 25, 2003 | 12:07 AM

Lectrocuted

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 695

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From: Metro Detroit

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

Blasphemy!!!! Don't you know Ford is the best. Just kidding. I'm in the same boat as you are. I'd go ahead and get the plugs changed before they decide to exit themselves (see sparkplog blowout posts). Don't forget the fuel filter.

Aug 25, 2003 | 06:07 AM

aldridgec

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Wake Forest, NC

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

You won't get your 5.4 "back" to the 5.3 Vortec. The vortec has 285 hp while your 5.4 has 230 hp.

Its debateable if the 5.3's power is useable, as its a running motor that will scream to the redline. Whereas the 5.4 has more torque down low.

Good luck on your maintenece items

Aug 25, 2003 | 11:54 AM

kspilkinton

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: South Kitsap County, WA

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

Not to mention the gearing may have been in the Suburban's favor. Deeper gearing makes vehicles feel more responsive with more seat of the pants feel.

Try to clean out the air intake and throttle body.

-Kerry

Aug 26, 2003 | 10:58 AM

B_7700_4X4

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Joined: Jul 2003

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5.4L and 5300 Vortex

You won't get your 5.4 "back" to the 5.3 Vortec. The vortec has 285 hp while your 5.4 has 230 hp.

I thought that the 5.4L had 260HP?

Aug 26, 2003 | 11:28 AM

peterbilt

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Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 111

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From: Austin Tx.

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

B_7700_4X4

The 99s and newer have 260 hp and 350 ft-pds torque. 25 more ft-pds of torque, but 25 less hp than the chevy 5.3.

Pete

Aug 26, 2003 | 08:08 PM

aldridgec

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 3,881

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From: Wake Forest, NC

5.4L and 5300 Vortex

Quote:

Originally posted by B_7700_4X4
You won't get your 5.4 "back" to the 5.3 Vortec. The vortec has 285 hp while your 5.4 has 230 hp.

I thought that the 5.4L had 260HP?

Not in 1998.