4.6 Adequate power?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I think there is a "replacement for displacement", it's called technology...
Everyone cryed when Ford replaced the potent 302/5.0l in the Mustang with the modular V-8 281/4.6l, until they realized that it made more power and got better gas mileage. I know, they are different engine types and the 4.6 and 5.4 in question here are more similar, but the concept remains true. Hell, look at these little 2.0l 4 cylinder cars that are pushing 300whp, they will argue the displacement theory all day long. I know of a 2.0l Focus running 260whp on all motor, my 1991 GT with 150% more displacement only made that much power with lots of bolt-ons. My father-in-laws '98 Cobra 4.6l mkes about 380Hp, way more than a similarly equipped 5.0l.
Not arguing that the 5.4 makes a lot more power than the 4.6, just pointing out the fact that once the load is rolling, usuable HP is probably pretty close between the two.
Someone mentioned that the 5.4 gets a better tranny... maybe that's a reason why the truck seems to pull better on hills. Gearing can have as much to do with how the power gets to the ground as displacement.
Everyone cryed when Ford replaced the potent 302/5.0l in the Mustang with the modular V-8 281/4.6l, until they realized that it made more power and got better gas mileage. I know, they are different engine types and the 4.6 and 5.4 in question here are more similar, but the concept remains true. Hell, look at these little 2.0l 4 cylinder cars that are pushing 300whp, they will argue the displacement theory all day long. I know of a 2.0l Focus running 260whp on all motor, my 1991 GT with 150% more displacement only made that much power with lots of bolt-ons. My father-in-laws '98 Cobra 4.6l mkes about 380Hp, way more than a similarly equipped 5.0l.
Not arguing that the 5.4 makes a lot more power than the 4.6, just pointing out the fact that once the load is rolling, usuable HP is probably pretty close between the two.
Someone mentioned that the 5.4 gets a better tranny... maybe that's a reason why the truck seems to pull better on hills. Gearing can have as much to do with how the power gets to the ground as displacement.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
You can make a large amount of raw horsepower with technology but it's generally at much higher rpms than you use towing. But you have to remember that the 5.4 has both technology and cubic inches advantages over the 4.6. It has both 3 valves per cylinder as well as variable valve timing which helps a lot at towing. The heavier duty transmission and rear end doesn't help the towing ability-just the durability. With the same gearing, give me the 5.4 in my tow vehicle and I will use less fuel towing than with the 4.6.
I like small engines with high horsepower. I had one of the very early Shelby Chargers with the 2.2 Turbo engine. It was a pig until 3,000 RPMS and then it would snap your neck and create torque steer that wouldn't quit.
I like small engines with high horsepower. I had one of the very early Shelby Chargers with the 2.2 Turbo engine. It was a pig until 3,000 RPMS and then it would snap your neck and create torque steer that wouldn't quit.
Last edited by osbornk; Feb 10, 2006 at 09:09 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Saratoga USA
Torque at relatively low engine speeds gets the load moving. You could stick a 260 HP, 2 liter motor in a truck, and it would be useless. Technology is fine, but low RPM torque in a gasoline motor is more a function of displacement than anything else.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 22
From: Murphysboro, IL
Originally Posted by ggarrahan
Torque at relatively low engine speeds gets the load moving. You could stick a 260 HP, 2 liter motor in a truck, and it would be useless. Technology is fine, but low RPM torque in a gasoline motor is more a function of displacement than anything else.
Long stroke provides your low end torque, not displacement.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
Your 300 is a 4.9 which is a larger engine than the 4.6 Ford, 4.7 Toyota, 4.8 Chevrolet and the 4.7 Dodge. They are all V8s. There is a only a little over 33 cubic inches between your 300 and the 5.4 Ford and 27 between the 5.3 Chevy.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 12
From: Sioux Falls SD
Originally Posted by Rickenbacker620
Howdy,
Called my local Ford dealer and asked about an F-150 XL REG. cab w/ 5.4, auto, A/C, and cruise and he told me that he wanted to help but, his dealership didn't ORDER reg. cab 2WD 5.4 F-150's!
He said that they COULD, but it was an unpopular cinfiguration. To be fair, the man was polite and willing to try when I was ready (it'll be a few more weeks 'til I actually buy). He told me that reg. cab was pretty much just for the V-6! No thanks.
Surely the reg. cab can be found w/ the 5.4..I am interested in Ford, despite the seeming uphill battle I'm fighting in finding one configured my way.
Rickenbacker620
PS: I'll consider a 4.6, too.
Called my local Ford dealer and asked about an F-150 XL REG. cab w/ 5.4, auto, A/C, and cruise and he told me that he wanted to help but, his dealership didn't ORDER reg. cab 2WD 5.4 F-150's!
He said that they COULD, but it was an unpopular cinfiguration. To be fair, the man was polite and willing to try when I was ready (it'll be a few more weeks 'til I actually buy). He told me that reg. cab was pretty much just for the V-6! No thanks.
Surely the reg. cab can be found w/ the 5.4..I am interested in Ford, despite the seeming uphill battle I'm fighting in finding one configured my way.
Rickenbacker620
PS: I'll consider a 4.6, too.
V6 no way?
I had a 99 F150 Supercab with the V6 5speed and 3.08 rear gear. PLenty of power and good MPG to boot. I towed my Star craft Tent camper that weighs 2750# in tow condition all over the country with it.
Brian the mod in the V6 forum has a reg cab 2005 V6 with the auto and is very pleased with it.
Don't count out the V6 till you drive one espescially if you know how to shift!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 22
From: Murphysboro, IL
Originally Posted by osbornk
Your 300 is a 4.9 which is a larger engine than the 4.6 Ford, 4.7 Toyota, 4.8 Chevrolet and the 4.7 Dodge. They are all V8s. There is a only a little over 33 cubic inches between your 300 and the 5.4 Ford and 27 between the 5.3 Chevy.
If I was around town and stop and go I'd rather have my old 300 I-6 over a 5.4 V8. Displacement be darned the low end of a long stroke engine is much better than a shorter stroked engine.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by Birdhunter1
If I was around town and stop and go I'd rather have my old 300 I-6 over a 5.4 V8. Displacement be darned the low end of a long stroke engine is much better than a shorter stroked engine.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati (Clifton)
Originally Posted by Rickenbacker620
Howdy,
Called my local Ford dealer and asked about an F-150 XL REG. cab w/ 5.4, auto, A/C, and cruise and he told me that he wanted to help but, his dealership didn't ORDER reg. cab 2WD 5.4 F-150's!
He said that they COULD, but it was an unpopular cinfiguration. To be fair, the man was polite and willing to try when I was ready (it'll be a few more weeks 'til I actually buy). He told me that reg. cab was pretty much just for the V-6! No thanks.
Surely the reg. cab can be found w/ the 5.4..I am interested in Ford, despite the seeming uphill battle I'm fighting in finding one configured my way.
Called my local Ford dealer and asked about an F-150 XL REG. cab w/ 5.4, auto, A/C, and cruise and he told me that he wanted to help but, his dealership didn't ORDER reg. cab 2WD 5.4 F-150's!
He said that they COULD, but it was an unpopular cinfiguration. To be fair, the man was polite and willing to try when I was ready (it'll be a few more weeks 'til I actually buy). He told me that reg. cab was pretty much just for the V-6! No thanks.
Surely the reg. cab can be found w/ the 5.4..I am interested in Ford, despite the seeming uphill battle I'm fighting in finding one configured my way.
PC
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
