5.4L 3V - Any Difference?
Thread Starter
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
5.4L 3V - Any Difference?
Hey Guys,
I recently purchased a 2005 F350 4x4 regular cab with the 5.4L 3V engine. I am very happy with the MPG but would like more power from the engine. The warranty just expired on the truck so I am ready to make some upgrades, such as cold air intake (CAI) kit, complete new exhaust system, etc.
As for the CAI kit, I really like the True Flow kit. The company makes a kit for the F150 (Part# 20709) but nothing is listed for the F250/F350. So I contacted the company to see if this part would fit my F350 and was told, "Thank you for your interest in True Flow Intakes and Filters, unfortunately at this time we do not offer the XDi for the F-350 however, we are continuously updating our applications, please continue to check our website, www.trueflow.com for updated applications." by De Anna Martinez, their Regional Sales Manager. I asked her to run my question by their technical team but I have not heard back from her.
As for an exhaust system, I would like to install long tube headers, new high flow cats, and Magnaflow mufflers with the exhaust dumping in front of the right rear tire. This would be a true duel exhaust using 2.5 inch SS pipes. I am aware of only two companies that make long tube headers for the F150, Dynatech and OBX. I contacted Dynatech and was told, "We have not fit these up on a F350. However if you wish to try them I will pay credit you the freight (up to $75) if you send documentation that they work / fit. If they do not, I will credit one way freight to return them." by Greg Fuesler, of Corporate Sales.
In the classified section of this website, Andy Comps has posted Roush supercharger kits for the 2004-2007 F150 for only $2,700.00. I contacted him to see if this kit would fit my truck and he said, "That will not fit your vehicle." Ford-Truck Enthusiasts Classifieds - Roush F-150 supercharger for a 04-06 F-150 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
What are the differences between the 5.4L 3V in the F150 versus the F250/F350? Is this a matter of these companies not taking the time to test their kits/parts on the F250/F350's or are there real differences that require design modifications?
I'm hoping that there is an FTE member that is a seasoned Ford mechanic that knows the specific differences, if any.
Thanks!
I recently purchased a 2005 F350 4x4 regular cab with the 5.4L 3V engine. I am very happy with the MPG but would like more power from the engine. The warranty just expired on the truck so I am ready to make some upgrades, such as cold air intake (CAI) kit, complete new exhaust system, etc.
As for the CAI kit, I really like the True Flow kit. The company makes a kit for the F150 (Part# 20709) but nothing is listed for the F250/F350. So I contacted the company to see if this part would fit my F350 and was told, "Thank you for your interest in True Flow Intakes and Filters, unfortunately at this time we do not offer the XDi for the F-350 however, we are continuously updating our applications, please continue to check our website, www.trueflow.com for updated applications." by De Anna Martinez, their Regional Sales Manager. I asked her to run my question by their technical team but I have not heard back from her.
As for an exhaust system, I would like to install long tube headers, new high flow cats, and Magnaflow mufflers with the exhaust dumping in front of the right rear tire. This would be a true duel exhaust using 2.5 inch SS pipes. I am aware of only two companies that make long tube headers for the F150, Dynatech and OBX. I contacted Dynatech and was told, "We have not fit these up on a F350. However if you wish to try them I will pay credit you the freight (up to $75) if you send documentation that they work / fit. If they do not, I will credit one way freight to return them." by Greg Fuesler, of Corporate Sales.
In the classified section of this website, Andy Comps has posted Roush supercharger kits for the 2004-2007 F150 for only $2,700.00. I contacted him to see if this kit would fit my truck and he said, "That will not fit your vehicle." Ford-Truck Enthusiasts Classifieds - Roush F-150 supercharger for a 04-06 F-150 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds
What are the differences between the 5.4L 3V in the F150 versus the F250/F350? Is this a matter of these companies not taking the time to test their kits/parts on the F250/F350's or are there real differences that require design modifications?
I'm hoping that there is an FTE member that is a seasoned Ford mechanic that knows the specific differences, if any.
Thanks!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The engine is basically the same. The problem is the engine compartment is totally different.
As for the other stuff, save your money. The stock intake is pretty good, plus it is already a cold air intake system. The stock exhaust system is also pretty good. You might want to try a free flowing muffler, but don't waste your money on a cat-back system.
Long tube headers would probably help boost low end torque, but as you have found out you're going to have to get a set custom made.
While I am a huge fan of the 3V 5.4L engine, I will be the first to admit it does have it's limitations. If you crave more power, you should probably be looking at a V-10.
As for the other stuff, save your money. The stock intake is pretty good, plus it is already a cold air intake system. The stock exhaust system is also pretty good. You might want to try a free flowing muffler, but don't waste your money on a cat-back system.
Long tube headers would probably help boost low end torque, but as you have found out you're going to have to get a set custom made.
While I am a huge fan of the 3V 5.4L engine, I will be the first to admit it does have it's limitations. If you crave more power, you should probably be looking at a V-10.
Thread Starter
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
Looking for a truck with the V10 engine is not an option that I would consider. Although it may be the best "bang for the buck" in terms of extra power for $$$ spent, I like my truck and do not want to give up the better MPG of the 5.4L. In fact, I would still perform the same upgrades if I had the V10 engine.
From what I hear you saying, it's the engine compartment that is different between the F150 and the F250/F350... correct? My specific concerns are the intake manifold (assembly), heads, and exhaust manifolds. I believe that the F150 has a completely different y-pipe design with 4 cats.
From what I hear you saying, it's the engine compartment that is different between the F150 and the F250/F350... correct? My specific concerns are the intake manifold (assembly), heads, and exhaust manifolds. I believe that the F150 has a completely different y-pipe design with 4 cats.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
What gears do you have now? Going with lower gears is one of the easiest ways to gain a little more power, but you may lose some MPGs depending on how fast you like to run on the freeway. Lower gears will help your mileage around town, but if you run fast and get the RPMs up beyond the peak efficiency range it'll hurt you.
Thread Starter
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
What gears do you have now? Going with lower gears is one of the easiest ways to gain a little more power, but you may lose some MPGs depending on how fast you like to run on the freeway. Lower gears will help your mileage around town, but if you run fast and get the RPMs up beyond the peak efficiency range it'll hurt you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
Maybe look into custom tuning to get the low end power increased. I'm not sure how much headrooms the gassers have though, I've only looked at diesel tuning.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 402
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From: Boston
My 08 is getting 10.7 MPG according to the computer.
What about the Superchips and those programmers? Any worthwhile gains as far as HP and MPG?
What about the Superchips and those programmers? Any worthwhile gains as far as HP and MPG?
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 1
From: None of your business
With the gas engines, bolt ons and tuners do little at best. Even with my much lighter F150 (granted it is the 2V), I did not notice any difference with a tuner.
The only noticeable thing that a tuner will do is recalibrate the transmission and decrease the drive by wire lag, which might account for your no torque off idle. But as far as the tranny is concerned, the Torqshift is pretty sweet stock.
As far as MPG goes, forget it. It is a Superduty and it's going to take a lot of gas to move it. The best thing you can do is slow down.
Mike
The only noticeable thing that a tuner will do is recalibrate the transmission and decrease the drive by wire lag, which might account for your no torque off idle. But as far as the tranny is concerned, the Torqshift is pretty sweet stock.
As far as MPG goes, forget it. It is a Superduty and it's going to take a lot of gas to move it. The best thing you can do is slow down.
Mike
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Impressive gains can be had with the 5.4l and 6.8l 3Vs with a 93 octane custom tune. Taking out delay and doing fine tuning to the trans can make the truck come alive. I'd look into an SCT Xcal3 from www.5startuning.com Any bolt ons other than a supercharger are not going to make a huge difference. Gears can make a huge difference but 4:10s arn't bad gearing wise with stock tires.
Thread Starter
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
I just had my truck into the dealership for warranty work. They replaced the cam phasers and gave me the "all clear" on the engine.
Thread Starter
|
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
With the gas engines, bolt ons and tuners do little at best. Even with my much lighter F150 (granted it is the 2V), I did not notice any difference with a tuner.
The only noticeable thing that a tuner will do is recalibrate the transmission and decrease the drive by wire lag, which might account for your no torque off idle. But as far as the tranny is concerned, the Torqshift is pretty sweet stock.
As far as MPG goes, forget it. It is a Superduty and it's going to take a lot of gas to move it. The best thing you can do is slow down.
Mike
The only noticeable thing that a tuner will do is recalibrate the transmission and decrease the drive by wire lag, which might account for your no torque off idle. But as far as the tranny is concerned, the Torqshift is pretty sweet stock.
As far as MPG goes, forget it. It is a Superduty and it's going to take a lot of gas to move it. The best thing you can do is slow down.
Mike
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Odd. I am pretty happy with the way my 5.4L pulls at lower RPM, especially when pulling 8-9000 pounds and accelerating onto a highway (with 3.73 gears, no less).
Do you have stock size tires?
Do you have stock size tires?
Thread Starter
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
Everything is stock on my truck. I did not want to upgrade/change anything until my warranty period expired.