Has anybody heard any more about Fords new engine and when they might start putting them in the F-150?

 

Don't hold your breath!

 

Thats a Big 10-4 !!! The way Ford is going well never see that thing. I also heard the pushed the new Lighting back another year to 07. But I don't know if thats true or not!

 

Personally I won't buy anything that is a new model, option, or build from Ford ever again. I learned my lesson about this on the 04. Should have kept my 02 with mods. Much better truck with NO issues like I've had from my 04.

 

Thenetguy- I agree with you, I much prefer to buy a car that's almost at the end of it's current iteration, they usually have the bugs worked out. For example, I have a 2003 F150 and a 2001 Camaro SS. No problems with either one! I wouldn't buy the current F150 until '07 or '08. Let someone else test them in the "real world"!

 

Ford, from what I have read is finding out that going to a multi valve engine is not the way to go. GM and Dodge are making better numbers with their pushrod motors. Especially in the trucks. Seems high winding motors are better suited for cars. The 4.6 and 5.4 are undersized for truck use given todays growing demands on pickups. For the car end I see it to be an ok choice but it needs to be brought along with everything else. I like multivalve motors but in a small light weight car where you can keep RPM's up in a usable range. Ford should offer a bigger selection in the trucks simple to suit everyones demands. It does become a cost item but if they plan on keeping up with the competion or pulling away it would be a wise choice.

 

Mick, how can you say that the 5.4 is undersized? It makes over 80% of its torque UNDER 2000 rpm. It's a strong motor at that. The 4.6 in our van has no trouble moving a van full of carpentry tools, AND the trailer loaded with fireplace mantles and tub skirts. It also gets 16mpg loaded or empty (mixed driving, 20 minutes on the freeway, and then puttin around in the housing developments.) These motors will wind way up if you want them to, but they don't have to to make power.

 

I see the hurricane pictures in all kinds of magazines, it says, they will compete with the hemi but, when they first come out I would not buy one because of the first generation motor.

 

The Hurricane IS coming. It's not been pushed back, nor WILL it be pushed back. Ford has already admitted that it needs in on the hotrod wars again. Move over Hemi.

The OHC design can compete. One reason the 5.4 and the 4.6 are as reliable and can put so MANY miles on them is the fact that they are not being squeezed for everything they're worth yet. No way! The Hemi on the other hand...

Ford competes with less cubes. Better emissions, mileage, the works. I have run an 03 Hemi Ram, and there is no way that a 5.4 could get worse gas mileage. You treat it NICE and it is still begging to pull into the nearest gas station. The OHC design also opens the way for all those mods we all dream about. DOHC head swap, pumping up the cam's, etc. And with the new 3-valve head...all the better.

I will grand that the 4.6 is a great car motor, but the 5.4 can hold its own. It's like the 302 war. Everybody says its a worthless truck motor, yet I have one and have hauled with it and it holds its own. Yet everybody says its supposed to stay in the car where it belongs.

And if the Hurricane were coming out just 5 years later or so after I'm out of college and have my career started - I'd get one. I'll step up, I'll just grab the extended warranty and keep my 94 =).

 

The hemi makes 60 HP per liter, the 3v 5.4 makes 55 HP per liter...... the specific output is so close, I doubt it's that meaningful. I've also heard the Hemis are very reliable engines, if somewhat thirsty. If they could just make a better transmission......

Back on topic, IMHO the big reason that the hemi has been really successful is that it's cheap to make, and can be had in a truck for less than 30k. One thing that bugs me about the 5.4 is that I haven't found an '04 or '05 with the 5.4 for less than 32k. They will sell a lot of them if they can do it cost effectively, and I think that, while OHC is great, Dodge and Chevy proved that it isn't necessary for a good truck engine.

 

You can have a 5.4 in a new body style F-150 for less than 25k if you do the options right. Most dealerships just buy the loaded trucks with the 5.4L so generaly it seems as though you can only get a 5.4 if you buy a loaded truck..more money for them. I've seen some XL models extended cab with 5.4 for about 24k. I'm certain you can get an XLT for less than 30!

 

Fords EMDO has finalized the Hurricane. It's slatted to be out in 2008 models and look out "Here Hemi Hemi" a few stats on the motor it is a 16 valve motor, single cam, steel forged crank heat treated ,powder metal rods, four bolt mains with cross ties, spuncast block. Ok OK the power right! Try this on standard version 435 HP,420TQ@4800 RPM there are plans for direct port injection with a turbo on the books. However Ford is looking at the new 3.5 Duratec for the standard V6 version 265-285 HP,250-260TQ. Thats in the dyno room with all the peracitic equipment.

 

Just in time for $5 gas.

Where is a good light duty, wide powerband diesel (think BMW and Mercedes) for the SUV and half ton crowd?

Another gas hog--that's what the world is waiting for.

 

I hope they have the sense to make it a flex-fuel

 

Well lets get this in the open if you are intrested the new Hurricane is slatted to get on the average of 19 MPG that is 17 city and 22 highway. And For flex fuel they are allready out there just have to ask for them or look on your gas cap it will have the icon for flex fuel my F-250 is.