5.4 3v Power
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Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Ford has had drive by wire in different vehicles (most notably the Powerstroke) for many years and it has little impact on throttle response. Axle ratio is a factor, as it cam timing. Throttle sensitity, another factor, is determined not by whether the system is drive by wire or not, but by a table in the ROM.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Belleville USA
Originally posted by 1955ford
Thumbnail quote in feb. edition of motortrend magazine "engine dosen't feel like 300 hp"
Thumbnail quote in feb. edition of motortrend magazine "engine dosen't feel like 300 hp"
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: San Benito, Tx
Originally posted by ck1404
Sounds like a lot of the lack of acceleration is the throttle response. I suspect since this is drive-by-wire technology and since Ford has a hard time getting any of their software right early on - the throttle experience will improve soon. Another reflash thing like the PSD's of late? The car magazines have pretty much tested this new F-150 in most variations. The conclusion is the new 5.4 is a bit slow off the line - yes sluggish is not an uncommon phrase. Maybe at some point it tows better once it reaches a certain rev point although the new Titan just keeps coming on irregardless of towing contests. I think the biggest problem is the old automatic transmission. Ford has a new 5-speed close to ready to go or at least reported to be close. Until that happens, the Nissan Titans of the world will win the quickest truck contests with what is apparently a very nice five-speed automatic backing up a strong engine.
Sounds like a lot of the lack of acceleration is the throttle response. I suspect since this is drive-by-wire technology and since Ford has a hard time getting any of their software right early on - the throttle experience will improve soon. Another reflash thing like the PSD's of late? The car magazines have pretty much tested this new F-150 in most variations. The conclusion is the new 5.4 is a bit slow off the line - yes sluggish is not an uncommon phrase. Maybe at some point it tows better once it reaches a certain rev point although the new Titan just keeps coming on irregardless of towing contests. I think the biggest problem is the old automatic transmission. Ford has a new 5-speed close to ready to go or at least reported to be close. Until that happens, the Nissan Titans of the world will win the quickest truck contests with what is apparently a very nice five-speed automatic backing up a strong engine.
I also think a new five speed with shorter gearing would help the Ford . The Titan offers only one rear end ratio, a 3.35. With the 5 speed auto it's equal to a 4.10 . Ford already uses a five speed in its Ranger pickup and has had it for a couple of years . I just wonder why they didn't develop one for the full size truck since it's their biggest money maker.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Originally posted by webmaster
Ford has had drive by wire in different vehicles (most notably the Powerstroke) for many years and it has little impact on throttle response. Axle ratio is a factor, as it cam timing. Throttle sensitity, another factor, is determined not by whether the system is drive by wire or not, but by a table in the ROM.
Ford has had drive by wire in different vehicles (most notably the Powerstroke) for many years and it has little impact on throttle response. Axle ratio is a factor, as it cam timing. Throttle sensitity, another factor, is determined not by whether the system is drive by wire or not, but by a table in the ROM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Anaheim
I have had my 04 F-150 for 4 months now and it has to be the Biggest Pig I ever drove. I love the looks and the comfert and how quite the truck is but the drive by wire really has to go. Off-road its a Joke. Try to correct a truck sliding sideways with no throttle responce. Hopefully there will be some aftermarket fixes comming down the pipe for these trucks.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: san antonio
it has power !!!!!!
i have just broken the 3000 mark on my 04 lariat!!!!and im having more fun than the first day its going to get faster when i put the colad air intake and the power programmer when it comes out!!!!!and im just loving the looks of other drivers when i pass by......
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1
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From: SoCal
The throttle response is very slow with the drive by wire. I'm betting with the CAN setup they have it can be improved upon with a software upgrade.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Originally posted by aldridgec
Do you mean its that way on a conventional throttle cable vehicle too? Or did you mean that its not simply the fact its wire, its how its setup in the programming to determine the sensitivity. IE, the throttle can be slower in low range to make it easier to modulate with programming.
Do you mean its that way on a conventional throttle cable vehicle too? Or did you mean that its not simply the fact its wire, its how its setup in the programming to determine the sensitivity. IE, the throttle can be slower in low range to make it easier to modulate with programming.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 258
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From: Anaheim
Ken, The problem seems to be that Ford set up the throttle on the 04 for people with the shakes. I hope someone comes out with a fix I can feel the power in there somewhere it just not when you step on the gas. My superduty is way more responsive and its of 40's.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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I have an '04 F150 and I felt the same way at first - seemed sluggish. However, it seems that it is more a function of the transmission. When I accelerate "normally", the transmission will old the engine RPM consistently at about 2100 RPM. The truck will accelerate and shift up through the gears, but the RPM stays fairly constant - so your ears tell you nothing is happening - but it is.
This truck is very different in that is is so smooth that it takes a little getting used to. However, I have had mine for a few weeks now and I love it. The other trucks have some serious catching up to do.
That being said, I'm sure that some fine tuning to the computer will occur and make the truck even better.
This truck is very different in that is is so smooth that it takes a little getting used to. However, I have had mine for a few weeks now and I love it. The other trucks have some serious catching up to do.
That being said, I'm sure that some fine tuning to the computer will occur and make the truck even better.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Anaheim
Yeah dont get me wrong the truck is wonderful. My only complaint is throttle response. i have a 4-door Lariate and its the nices truck I have ever owned. The only thing that bums me out is my 95 Dodge Ram Spanks it in the power realm.