why dont they run DOHC's in our trucks
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
A brand new 351 engine from Ford runs about $2500 for long block. 460 engine can't be much more. Ford never really tapped the full potential of these two engines before they went to the modular engines. Had Ford used a Sportsman block and decent aftermarket heads on a 351 they could have gotten much better performance and longevity out of that engine that would have been as good or better than any modular engine in a truck for much less money. It would have been better than anything GM made in a 1/2 ton pickup. The only thing really lacking on the 460 was a good set of cylinder heads. That motor was the best gas engine Ford ever put into a truck. Unfortunately, Ford is still paying for some of the decisions of Jaques Nasser.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 3
From: La Vergne, TN
true story. that's the biggest problem. a DOHC motor has next to no torque compared to SOHC motors. plus way more things could go wrong. to many moving parts. I wish they'd just go back 100% to pushrod motors.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 3
From: La Vergne, TN
wow your signature doesn't lie does it? JK lol. but if you hang around long enough you'll end up knowing more than some of your local mechanics. well idk bout that far but you'll know enough to keep your truck running like brand new.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 3
From: La Vergne, TN
but why would you rather modular motor over pushrod motors? the pushrods are much much easier to work on. parts are SOOOO much cheaper.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
I think that if Ford used the same engine management strategy on a push rod motor that's used on the current modular engines, it would do just as well down low if not better. In my truck, I want all of the power to be in the lower rpm ranges. I'm not going to want to push it much past 3500 rpm working it hard. If I get good torque and power numbers at the lower rpm range, I'll also get better fuel efficiency. Don't forget, the power band wasn't all that great on the earlier mod motored trucks. And the push rod engines will take up less space under the hood and be much easier to repair and service, thus making ownership a little less expensive.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, Wyoming
the GT500 motor is a $15,000 option. The Cobra 4v is a $12,000 option
you can buy a brand new 5.4 for about $5,000...there is alot of money involved in a 4v motor. Especially when you start bumping the displacement.
money is what makes the world go round. A 4v 5.4 would sell in the F-150, but not enough to recoup the R&D and other supply factors.
everything boils down to a #'s game, and Ford has done the figures.
you can buy a brand new 5.4 for about $5,000...there is alot of money involved in a 4v motor. Especially when you start bumping the displacement.
money is what makes the world go round. A 4v 5.4 would sell in the F-150, but not enough to recoup the R&D and other supply factors.
everything boils down to a #'s game, and Ford has done the figures.
but how much more r&d would be needed, a new electronic system and a upgraded trans? what else? I would think it would be cost effective but maybe not.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
I think that if Ford used the same engine management strategy on a push rod motor that's used on the current modular engines, it would do just as well down low if not better. In my truck, I want all of the power to be in the lower rpm ranges. I'm not going to want to push it much past 3500 rpm working it hard. If I get good torque and power numbers at the lower rpm range, I'll also get better fuel efficiency. Don't forget, the power band wasn't all that great on the earlier mod motored trucks. And the push rod engines will take up less space under the hood and be much easier to repair and service, thus making ownership a little less expensive.
The modular engines are designed to turn higher RPMs. Why don't you want to use a motor in its powerband? The pushrod motors may take up less space under the hood, but what is going to make the cost of ownership less? They are not hard to work on as is.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
They used EEC-V on the 97-03 F series also and they weren't very good either. They weren't as fuel efficient as the trucks they replaced or the trucks that replaced them and had no low end torque. The Navigator made it's torque way past 3500 RPM. Put the strategies that are used in the 04 and newer mod motor trucks with a push rod engine and it'll do fine for less money. With a more rigid block and good cylinder heads and the right hydraulic roller cam that old 351 had a lot left in it in terms of performance and longevity. And it would be cheaper to build for Ford and cheaper to own for us, the consumers. And it'll do anything that a mod motor will.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
The SBF was 40 years old when they canned it. You can only milk a design for so long before it is time to get rid of them. They used EEC V on the 302 in the Explorers and they weren't as wonderful as you claim they would be.
The modular engines are designed to turn higher RPMs. Why don't you want to use a motor in its powerband? The pushrod motors may take up less space under the hood, but what is going to make the cost of ownership less? They are not hard to work on as is.
The modular engines are designed to turn higher RPMs. Why don't you want to use a motor in its powerband? The pushrod motors may take up less space under the hood, but what is going to make the cost of ownership less? They are not hard to work on as is.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
They used EEC-V on the 97-03 F series also and they weren't very good either. They weren't as fuel efficient as the trucks they replaced or the trucks that replaced them and had no low end torque. The Navigator made it's torque way past 3500 RPM. Put the strategies that are used in the 04 and newer mod motor trucks with a push rod engine and it'll do fine for less money. With a more rigid block and good cylinder heads and the right hydraulic roller cam that old 351 had a lot left in it in terms of performance and longevity. And it would be cheaper to build for Ford and cheaper to own for us, the consumers. And it'll do anything that a mod motor will.