Can't decide!!! Which v8!?!
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Can't decide!!! Which v8!?!
I'm wanting a single cab, flareside F150. But my problem is, I can't decide between the 4.6 and the 5.4. Because it'd be at least 3-9 years old, I can get either at a decent price (which is what I am looking for).
However, I can't decide! What are the ups and downs of these engines? I heard the 5.4, even though its bigger, gets better gas mileage? But then I've heard the 4.6 has better torque? Whats the myths here, and whats the truth! Help me out guys!
However, I can't decide! What are the ups and downs of these engines? I heard the 5.4, even though its bigger, gets better gas mileage? But then I've heard the 4.6 has better torque? Whats the myths here, and whats the truth! Help me out guys!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
someones been telling you some crazy stuff.
The 4.6 gets better milage
the 5.4 has a lot more tq (they are basically the same engine, but the 5.4 has a long stroke.)
both are very reliable, except for some very rare spark plug ejections... but proper maintainance will take care of that.
The milage difference is minimal between the two according to most on here, some say its a larger difference. But personally I would go with the 5.4 (I did, actually, but i've since sold it.) just because I have a thing for power... haha
but yeah, do it search and you'll most likely come up with the same thing over and over again.
The 4.6 gets better milage
the 5.4 has a lot more tq (they are basically the same engine, but the 5.4 has a long stroke.)
both are very reliable, except for some very rare spark plug ejections... but proper maintainance will take care of that.
The milage difference is minimal between the two according to most on here, some say its a larger difference. But personally I would go with the 5.4 (I did, actually, but i've since sold it.) just because I have a thing for power... haha
but yeah, do it search and you'll most likely come up with the same thing over and over again.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
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I have a 97 4.6. I got it for a good deal. But I drove a 5.4 and its a bit more powerful than my 4.6. Even after I put a cold air intake and 75 mm t-body. Also there is 1 more extra spring in the 5.4 in the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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I'd go with the 5.4L. Some say the 5.4L gets worse gas mileage like 2-3 less, not much. I have the 4.6L on my F150, it's okay, wish I had the 5.4L tho. I get about 13-14mpg but I also have large 33's on it, lost 1-2mpg with them. My neighbor has an 03 F150 5.4L, drove it, yeah, it's got a lot more power. Definitely get the 5.4L if you need power, if you want 2-3mpg better get the 4.6L.
Hope this helps,
Tim
Hope this helps,
Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
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5.4l engines also get the beefier 9.75 inch rearend and a minimal 3.55 gear ratio, but the down side is there isn't any manual transmission as an option. When it comes to mileage the 5.4l will do pretty good if you lay off it and drive the limit, I have recorded between 17-18 mpg on the highway.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gray's Creek, NC
If you get a 4x4 get the 5.4, the 4.6L is definitely underpowered with the added weight. I have a 4.6L and the best I ever got was 18mpg hwy and city driving 10-12, I know 5.4 owners who have gotten the same.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Southern Louisiana
Just for catting around town and moderate hauling the 4.6 liter will work fine for you. I have the exact same truck you are looking for.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
I have a 2000 x-cab w/ 5.4L, I get 14 mixed driving (more tooling around town than anything) never had it on the highway enough to get a good reading. It has good power, I personally wouldn't want to be stuck with less HP if I had to haul anything.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Yeah it all depends on what your doing and whether you get 4x4 a lot of people say the 4.6 is a tad bit underpowered i really dont know the difference i dont think there is a big difference good luck with your decision
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 351
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From: Delaware
Dude, get the 5.4 engine. These trucks are heavy, and even if you don't tow anything, you need the extra torque just to drive normally, in my opinion. Gas mileage is about the same. Depends more on how you drive than anything.
Test drive both, and see what I mean.
Test drive both, and see what I mean.