2001 V8 Engine Choices

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Apr 5, 2001 | 08:57 AM

mark ellis

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2001 V8 Engine Choices

I am seriously looking to buy a 2000 or 2001 extended cab, step-side, F-150. I am not certain whether I should choose the 4.6 or 5.4 V8. The most towing I will do will be about 1200 lbs for my motorcycle and trailer. I want power, torque, and acceleration. Does the 4.6 perform similarly to the 5.4 when not hauling? Is the 5.4 targeted for those who do heavy hauling? I want the power of the 5.4, but if I can get the same perfomance with the 4.6 and get better gas milage, that would be ideal. Which is a better engine in regards to performance and reliability?

Apr 5, 2001 | 11:55 AM

autolite

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2001 V8 Engine Choices

I own a 2000 ext. cab f150 2wd with the 4.6. I couldn't be happier with the power, reliablity and track record of this engine. 5.4's in the past have had problems with piston slap and headgasket leaks. Ford has rectified this problem in 2000. I have heard that some people with four wheel drives are a little disappointed with the power. My opinion is you get a 3:55 or 3:73 gear ratio instead of a 3:08 you will be very happy. I just calculated my gas milage last tank and got 16 mpg with mostly city driving.

Apr 5, 2001 | 09:55 PM

blacklightningf150

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From: Wilsonville Canada

2001 V8 Engine Choices

Hey,

I have a 2000 F150 Extended Cab 4x4 Sport, with the 5.4L in it and its a real good motor, lots of power and fuel economy is not bad but not good at 16 to 18 mpg and the truck is stock, i drove the 4.6L in the same truck and didnt like how the engine sounded under take off sounded like it was workin to push the truck along so i went with the larger engine and glad i did

2000 F150 Extended Cab 4x4 Sport, all black
Head light covers
Tail light covers
"FordmotorSports" Sticker in rear window
Stereo upgrade soon need some "thump"

Apr 30, 2001 | 09:40 AM

predator1

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2001 V8 Engine Choices

i went with the 5.4l just because i figured a v-8 is a fuel guzzler anyway and might as well get the biggest. haven't taken a trip yet and not broken in yet and i get 13.2 mpg city driving so maybe the smaller v-8 is better for you. have plenty of power on mine tho for any kind of hauling.
milage is worst for me with 4x4.

2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab XLT 5.4L V8
139"WB 4sp auto 3.55 rear lim slip
trailer towing group- off road group

mods:
airaid fipk
superchip(flip)
roll-n-lock tonneau

Apr 30, 2001 | 11:12 PM

pepper32

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Joined: Oct 1999

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From: fairbanks alaska

2001 V8 Engine Choices

I just traded in my '98 with 4.6 for a '00 with 5.4. Only 65 miles on new pickup so the jury is still out on fuel mileage. My 4.6 Romeo had a passenger side headgasket leak at 13500 miles. The 5.4 is alot quiter and has more punch though. I like it alot.

May 1, 2001 | 07:36 AM

JMC

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2001 V8 Engine Choices

MArk,

I have had 2 new style F-150s now. Both were 4x4 Supercabs with the 4.6 and 5 speed manual. The 4.6 is a good engine but it doesn't develope the power of the 5.4. And to make matters worse the peak torque is at 3250 rpm verses 2300 for the 5.4. I couldn't get the manual with the 5.4 so I opted for the 4.6 with add ons.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

00 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd 3.55LSD
Warn XD9000i, skid plates, Draw tite class III,
Rancho RSX Reflex shocks, MAC 8.8 Axle Girdle
BFG 285/75 R16 MTs,
Borla Cat Back, Headman Headers,
Custom air intake system with modified
air box, Ported Throttle body,
Shortened MAF sensor tower,
K&N air filter,
Superchips

May 3, 2001 | 09:32 AM

scorpio71

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2001 V8 Engine Choices

I have a 97 std cab 4x4 with the 4.6. The engine is awesome offroad. Lots of pulling power. I get avg of 18-19mpg on highway. My only complaint is the highway power and acceleration. It seems like it works too hard going up hills and is weak when passing. I put dual exhaust on mine and I think it hurt the power though. The 4.6 seems to have alot more power in a 2wd truck(probably due to the gearing) I think the power problem with the 4.6 is related more to the transmission than the engine. I had a 96 mustang GT with teh 4.6 and it had loads of power.(of course it was a higher performance engine)The 4.6 will pull your cycle trailer fine. You can always get the 4.6 and put a $250.00 chip/$40.00 K&N filter/$100.00 underdrive pulleys and get more power and better shifts. This is cheaper than upgrading to the 5.4 and you will still have the better milage.

Scorpio71
1997 F150 4x4 4.6/Auto