alot of people bash the 4.6 for just being a motor that doesn't have enough anything to do anything except move the truck thus the 5.4 seems to be the choice with the 97-03 models. what about the 5.0 from the previous generation of trucks? especially for towing which one would you choose. the 4.6 has better numbers but i'm not sure when that low end torque hits its peak. i just want some thoughts cause my friend and i have a little disagreement between ourselves and i need some other input.

 

In my opinion the 4.6L is a better engine than the 5.0L.
The 5.0L was a good, dependable engine but the 4.6L is better.
The 4.6L is better because it is an overhead cam engine. More power, better milage, better durability. Overhead cams are better for power and milage because they dont have the as much "stuff" in the valvetrain (much shorter pushrods). Due to the fact that there is less stuff there is less weight in the valvetrain. The reason for better durability is also due to less stuff moving around. The fewer moving parts you have, the better your durability will be.
The 4.6L makes more power with the same milage as the 5.0L.
Im sure there are a lot of purists out there who would much rathar have a good ole fashioned pushrod V8, even if the OHC 4.6L is a better overall engine. To them all I can say is that you cant argue with physics. Less valvetrain weight = more power and better milage.
Octane

 

Hey guys, I'm not bashing or anything but for a 92 the 5.0 makes 185hp@3800 and 270tq@2400. For 96 its 200hp but not sure on the tq., for a 97 4.6 its 220hp@4750 265tq@4000.

Curtis

 

4.6 is 220 hp and 295 torque. I have had both and prefer the 4.6 over the 5.0. I currently have a 99 with the 4.2 V6 that is 205 hp and 250 torque and it out pulls the 5.0 I had.

 

I still prefer the 260hp and 350lb/ft of torque on my 5.4L. My 88 Stang is rated 225hp and 300lb/ft of torque. And it will pull from 1000rpm in 4th gear with no problem.
They are both good engines with different technolgies.