4.6 vs 5.4..........
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Originally Posted by Numbersboy
Unless you do a good deal of hauling & towing, the 4.6 is just fine. I have a 4.6 SCab and I don't have any problems getting on the highway or accelerating. The extra $900 could be better spent on other things.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: va beach
i have the 4.6 and i am fine with it. i was towing a 6X12 trailer full of stuff and i still had plenty of power to tow did i mention i also have the 3.55 gearing so i know that even though i dont have the same torque as the 5.4 it is still plenty of power. just my 2 cents
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by exiled
If the 4.6 is fine for you then good, but you will never get for the $900 that you do for the upgrade to a 5.4. there is no way you can upgrade your tranny, rearend and get the horsepower/ torque out of your 4.6 for $900. you'll lose more than $900 on trade in value, its just not good money.
It's not a debate of which motor will get the job done (well it kinda is) persay, it's more of a question of value or bang for the buck.
There's no doubt in my mind that a 4.6L gets the job done (And I'm not trying to say that the 4.6L folks are dolts either), but a 5.4L with a heavier duty tranny and rearend for $900 is CHEAP folks! That's $300 per upgraded componet. Where can you buy a motor, tranny, and a rearend for $300 a piece?
Toss in increased payload and trailer capacity, more power, and resale value, it's elementary!
Just for a matter of reference, how many 4.6L F150's pull in 18 mpg or better at 65 mph? I get that with my heavy S-crew 4x4 5.4L and 3.73's (I just filled the tank not even 20 mins ago from a 300 mile round trip through eastern SD)(Only mods are a tonneau and a Edge Evolution)
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Mar 27, 2006 at 02:13 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Get the 5.4, it's a no brainer!!
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by AZDesertRat
One big incentive right now is the Free "Tow and Go" package. If you order a 5.4L and the towing package they are both free with the $1245 credit. It makes it hard not to get it.
This board is a great asset.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by is300wrx
I have the STX 4.6 2005. ANd after getting the Edge Power tuner, Flowmaster 40series, K&N air filter, I am definitely happy with the power that I have. Not for nothing, the STX has colored bumpers and the Fx4 grill (IMO it looks better). I say go with the STX and add power if you need to. The option is there, I was perfectly fine without the power mods.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Sean02SD
I made one final comparison today and have opted for the STX scab 4x4 with the 4.6 V8. When driving the two over the same area (hilly) I could see no difference to justify the extra $900 and having to jump up to an XLT when the STX has everything I'm looking for.
The truck has three option which include the sliding window, cruise and the tow package. I also like that the STX comes with the alloy wheels. They are considered an upgrade on the XLT for some reason. (I guess the stock wheels are steel on the XLT?)
Anyways, the 4.6 has more than enough power for me and will easily pull my 5x8 cargo trailer. Another thing I noticed is that the stock 4.6 sounds better than the stock 5.4 which was surprising. Anyone else notice this?
The only mod I'm going to make is a Flowmaster 70 series.
What are everyones thoughts on the 4.6? I know it only gets like 1 or 2 mpgs more than the 5.4 although I've talked to owners of both and most get 14 with the 5.4 and most get 17-18 with the 4.6.
Thanks for any and all input because I haven't closed the deal yet!
The truck has three option which include the sliding window, cruise and the tow package. I also like that the STX comes with the alloy wheels. They are considered an upgrade on the XLT for some reason. (I guess the stock wheels are steel on the XLT?)
Anyways, the 4.6 has more than enough power for me and will easily pull my 5x8 cargo trailer. Another thing I noticed is that the stock 4.6 sounds better than the stock 5.4 which was surprising. Anyone else notice this?
The only mod I'm going to make is a Flowmaster 70 series.
What are everyones thoughts on the 4.6? I know it only gets like 1 or 2 mpgs more than the 5.4 although I've talked to owners of both and most get 14 with the 5.4 and most get 17-18 with the 4.6.
Thanks for any and all input because I haven't closed the deal yet!
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Allentown, PA.
When I bought my first Exp with a 4.6, the salesman tripped over himself telling me no problem pulling a trailer! Well, a very short time later, I traded it for a SCAB with the 5.4 and OMG...wot a power difference! And I still have the people room. I even added some goodies to the 4.6, $1,700 worth, and the 5.4 still beat it stock. And at 2 miles to the gallon less...I'd rather the 5.4 then the 4.6. You need to keep resale and trade in value in mind as well. You could always pre-check the trade value with the larger motor to hedge your bet a bit, too. I think most drivers prefer the larger motor for the raw power for pulling, pushing, and pick up on highway driving. I know I do. Just a thought is all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, CT
Originally Posted by Matt05F-150
Power wise, how much did that help you in a 1/4 mile, I am gettin out ran bad by chevy's, and i have to do something about that!! I agree, I think the STX look way better with the colored bumpers insted of the chrome ones!!!I havnt got a chance to run it on the stage 3 mode, but I tried in stage 2 (towing mode). I started to go and I had to let off towards .22 miles...So for the remainder .03 miles, I just cruised. I ended up with 17.4 for the time. I think I can do much better if I set it on mode 3 and keep it floored the whole time. (I have the flowmaster, K&N filter, tonneau, SCab). I think if I put in e-fan, Volant intake, I should see better times. But it is def NIGHT AND DAY with the Edge. Also, even during regular driving, the truck responds better and the shifting has improved drastically. The best $340 I have spent on the truck. Trust me
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Buy the 5.4L 3V. Like people have already told you. It has more power (+69 more horsepower, and +73 ft lb torque). The 3V engine is more efficient and therefore gets the same or sometimes even better gas mileage as the 4.6L. Plus, you get a beefier transmission, and rear end.
The 4.6L is just adaquite in the power department, you'll enjoy the extra power over the long haul. Resale value is higher for the 5.4L.
The 5.4L developes 80% of its max torque rating at 1000rpm. Very very good low end power.
The 4.6L is just adaquite in the power department, you'll enjoy the extra power over the long haul. Resale value is higher for the 5.4L.
The 5.4L developes 80% of its max torque rating at 1000rpm. Very very good low end power.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, CT
I truly think it comes down to what your main purpose is...if you plan on working this truck and plan on hauling your boat or whatever toy you may have on weekends, then I would say go with the 5.4. If you are like me and just drive the truck on occassion, doing small jobs here and there, then the 4.6 will suit you more.