considering a 5.4

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Nov 2, 2005 | 01:34 PM

Bad2ThBone78

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From: Myersville, Maryland

considering a 5.4

I am planning to order a 2006 F-350 this month and I am considering the 5.4L. I do not know anything about this engine however I plan to test drive a truck with one this week. If you would, share your comments about the 5.4, your likes or dislikes. I am trying to decide between the 5.4 and the V-10. Thanks - chris

Nov 2, 2005 | 02:10 PM

bryyce62

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,857

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From: Northern CA

I have an '03 F250 CC 4X4 with a 5.4. I've had to do a couple of little things to get it to where I'm happy enough with it. I got it with the wrong rear end (3.73) but I don't load it too much. I had an '01 F150 SC with the 5.4 that I was very happy with the power, but it was overall too small for my needs, so I bought a F250 with the same drivetrain. The F250 didn't respond with the 5.4 like I thought, but wadda ya gonna do? After some dual pipes and a K & N FIPK, it freed it up enough to where I'm satisfied with it. And I can get 18 mpg on the freeway if I keep my foot out of it.

If I had it to do over again, I'd either get the same truck with lower rearend or if $5100 was no object I'd get the PSD.
That's just me...

gw

Nov 2, 2005 | 02:16 PM

bryyce62

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,857

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From: Northern CA

It just occurred to me that I have the "old" 5.4L. It probably doesn't apply to your question. My bad....

b62

Nov 2, 2005 | 04:24 PM

ford390gashog

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Brentwood,CA

the entire modular engine family is very durable and will last a easy 250k. the new engine has vvt 300 hp and 365 ft pounds torque. the v10 is a nice upgrade if you need it.

Nov 2, 2005 | 05:01 PM

dkstuck

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 621

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From: near pittsburgh pa

I like my 5.4 05 250. I tow a car trailer on weekends 70 mile round trip, drive 3 mile to work. It fits my needs. If I towed long hauls and put alot of miles on, I would go diesel.
I am not the fastest truck, it pulls along at highway speed, gas mileage be better. I only hace 1800 miles on now, so have not come up with excact mpg. I hear all kind of mpg on all 3 engines and come to know people lie, depending on if they like it or not. Not Everybody tells mpg stories but most who shout it at.

Test drive see what you think, gas mileage, is it a real big issue? Thet all take fuel and if you pencil it out, fuel mileage does vary annuaul cost as much as you think.
I am happy with the 5.4 and runs great for me. I do my racing on the track, no matter what, somebody will have a faster truck!

Nov 2, 2005 | 05:09 PM

BLK94F150

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: None of your business

The 5.4 is a great engine. But in an F350, I'd say go with the V10. Especially if it's anything bigger than a standard cab/bed. In my F150 with the 2valve 5.4 and 3:55 gears, I want more power. It's probably because of the crappy gearing.

But anyway, the V10 is the way to go. 365HP and somewhere in the neighborhood of 460ft/lb of torque. It's only a $600 option and most people that have 5.4s and V10s in thier Superdutys claim a 1-2MPG difference.

Not to mention that the V10 is smooth as butter. I forget where it is, but they use the 6.8 V10 on big generators without vibration isolators.

Mike

Nov 3, 2005 | 07:57 AM

Bad2ThBone78

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 87

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From: Myersville, Maryland

Thanks for the great info, it will be a reg cab with a manual. I'm thinking about going for a 4.10 rear instead of the 3.73. I had a 4.10 in my 97' f250 and really like it. thanks again for the great input