4.6 vs 5.4..........
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4.6 vs 5.4..........
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!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Sean,
No BS - spend the money for that 5.4L.
You'd be lucky to get an exrtra 2 miles per gallon better on the 4.6 than the 5.4L. Remember, that 4.6 is going to have to work harder to move the truck than the 5.4L. In reality, most guys are seeing very little difference in mileage between the 2 engines.
The new 3-valve 5.4L is one very nice torquey engine. I owned a 4.6 for many years and although it was a great running engine, I always thought of it as only "adequate" at best in the power department. Within a year after buying the 4.6 I wished I had more power. Get the 5.4 and you'll be very satisfied, not to mention that your resale will be much better should you ever decide to sell/trade-in.
Get the 5.4L.
CMOS
No BS - spend the money for that 5.4L.
You'd be lucky to get an exrtra 2 miles per gallon better on the 4.6 than the 5.4L. Remember, that 4.6 is going to have to work harder to move the truck than the 5.4L. In reality, most guys are seeing very little difference in mileage between the 2 engines.
The new 3-valve 5.4L is one very nice torquey engine. I owned a 4.6 for many years and although it was a great running engine, I always thought of it as only "adequate" at best in the power department. Within a year after buying the 4.6 I wished I had more power. Get the 5.4 and you'll be very satisfied, not to mention that your resale will be much better should you ever decide to sell/trade-in.
Get the 5.4L.
CMOS
Last edited by CMOS; Mar 26, 2006 at 06:25 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Originally Posted by CMOS
Sean,
No BS - spend the money for that 5.4L.
The new 3-valve 5.4L is one very nice torquey engine. Get the 5.4 and you'll be very satisfied, not to mention that your resale will be much better should you ever decide to sell/trade-in.
Get the 5.4L.
CMOS
No BS - spend the money for that 5.4L.
The new 3-valve 5.4L is one very nice torquey engine. Get the 5.4 and you'll be very satisfied, not to mention that your resale will be much better should you ever decide to sell/trade-in.
Get the 5.4L.
CMOS
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
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Originally Posted by exiled
I agree. I think in the long run the 5.4 will make you more happy, and serve you better.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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Originally Posted by exiled
I agree. I think in the long run the 5.4 will make you more happy, and serve you better.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
The extra mula for the 5.4L is a very wise investment, even if you don't need the extra ponies, at this moment. You never know when you might want to upgrade trailers.
The 5.4L comes with a heavier duty tranny and rearend as well.
The 5.4L comes with a heavier duty tranny and rearend as well.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2
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4.6 is just fine
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.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
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From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by superrangerman2002
The 5.4L comes with a heavier duty tranny and rearend as well.
THAT is a huge point to make. The 5.4 comes with the 4R75E tranny and a larger ring & pinion set.
CMOS
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
The 4.6 is a solid and proven engine, but the 5.4 is just as durable. The 4.6 is only a 2v engine, the 5.4 is 3v,is far more powerful, and has a far stronger transmission. The fuel mileage difference is very small, especially towing mileage( 4.6 must work harder than the 5.4). In this case of engine size and fuel economy and efficiency, the 5.4 is the wiser choice.Good luck with what ever one you choose.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Oxford, CT
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.
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Senior User
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Also, the Darkstone is available in the STX and doesn't seem to be an option on anything else.
I had my dealer do a search and it seems that its only available on the STX and one other model, but I'm not sure which one. King Ranch maybe?
I had my dealer do a search and it seems that its only available on the STX and one other model, but I'm not sure which one. King Ranch maybe?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 147
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Go for the 5.4! There is a guy I know who went for the 4.6 and says he made a big mistake. It just doesn't have the torque. Also, with the gas mileage there is little or no difference between the two. Aftermarket wheels are the way to go. The stock wheels are not impressive. Ther are no power windows, locks and mirrors; no power windows in the rear; no electronic 4WD, floor is black vinyl and not carpeted with the STX. If you like the FX4 grille, new take offs can be had on eBay for $30. If you're going to spend the money for a new truck, you might as well spend a little more and not settle for the STX which is just a cheaper version with less power and options.
Last edited by powerman88; Mar 26, 2006 at 10:49 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 137
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From: Phoenix USA
I had a 4.6 in my last truck and got the 5.4 this time. I'm never going back! Scads of torque now that the 4.6 didn't have and the same mileage. I even had a FIPK and Cat Back on the 4.6 and this one will still eat its lunch bone stock. The only thing I have done to the 5.4 is install a Magnaflow 5x8x18 muffler so I could hear it a little bit.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Sean,
I thought that you were after a truck that you could plow with and had some serious payload?
You can't even get the payload package with a 4.6L under the hood. Payload for the truck you are looking at is something like #1500 lbs.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/20...rd_f150_1.html
I thought that you were after a truck that you could plow with and had some serious payload?
You can't even get the payload package with a 4.6L under the hood. Payload for the truck you are looking at is something like #1500 lbs.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/20...rd_f150_1.html
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Mar 27, 2006 at 08:42 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Oxford, CT
Originally Posted by powerman88
Go for the 5.4! There is a guy I know who went for the 4.6 and says he made a big mistake. It just doesn't have the torque. Also, with the gas mileage there is little or no difference between the two. Aftermarket wheels are the way to go. The stock wheels are not impressive. Ther are no power windows, locks and mirrors; no power windows in the rear; no electronic 4WD, floor is black vinyl and not carpeted with the STX. If you like the FX4 grille, new take offs can be had on eBay for $30. If you're going to spend the money for a new truck, you might as well spend a little more and not settle for the STX which is just a cheaper version with less power and options.