4.6 liter. is it enough?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
4.6 liter. is it enough?
I am looking at a 99 150 with a 4.6 liter. Ive heard that they aren't enough power. I plan on towing and working it hard, but my grandpas similar truck seems 2 do fine (its not a 4x4 though). It has 2 be better than my 302 with 3.31 gearing rite? would it be worth it 2 find a 5.4. is upgrading these motors cheap/ easy?
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Well ill tell you 4.6 is a good motor just need to put money in it to do what you need to with it. It be cheaper and easier to just get a 5.4. That was my first choice but could find one so got a 4.6 but i love it now. Great little motor
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I would go with the 5.4. By the time you purchase bolt on mod's and programmer for the 4.6 for minimal gains you will have spent more on the 4.6 than the 5.4. they are both good motors so i'd go with what is out there and go from there.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
The 4.6L is a great small V8. It's reliable,fuel efficient,tows well if you keep it in the powerband,and will last forever with proper maintenance.
The best thing to do is gear it right if you're gonna tow with it. I used to run a 3.73 gear in my old '98 model, and towed a 30' travel trailer with a 6500lb GVWR all over the place. Never had a single issue with it. Just lock out OD,and go.
I got a look at it last weekend- that truck has 265K miles on it now, is running great, and my dad is still driving it all over the place.
JL
The best thing to do is gear it right if you're gonna tow with it. I used to run a 3.73 gear in my old '98 model, and towed a 30' travel trailer with a 6500lb GVWR all over the place. Never had a single issue with it. Just lock out OD,and go.
I got a look at it last weekend- that truck has 265K miles on it now, is running great, and my dad is still driving it all over the place.
JL
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
You don't indicate what size/weight trailer you are towing.
If you know your going to be towing - I would find a 5.4L. The torque is considerably more and at a lower RPM.
4.6L 290 @ 3250
5.4L 350 @ 2500
That is going to be a big difference in fuel economy and drivability towing a 5000 lb trailer.
There are plenty of good used trucks out there. Just keep looking. You will find the one you want at the price you want.
If you know your going to be towing - I would find a 5.4L. The torque is considerably more and at a lower RPM.
4.6L 290 @ 3250
5.4L 350 @ 2500
That is going to be a big difference in fuel economy and drivability towing a 5000 lb trailer.
There are plenty of good used trucks out there. Just keep looking. You will find the one you want at the price you want.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: north shore, minnesota
and to compare the 5.0 makes torque down low, the 4.6 makes it up high and not the best for towing heavy loads. I tow my 16' boat and a 2 place snowmobile trailer with no problems. Anything heavier than that I'd go 5.4.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
gearing is critical if you plan on towing with a 4.6 or any motor for that matter. If you went with 5.4 you won't have the doubt in your mind. Then again if you want to pull anything without a doubt getta PS and consider it done.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 7
From: Not as far west as I want
I like my 4.6. It is a great engine. I have no problem towing... Keeping it in the power band goes a long way.
The 5.4 also is a good engine.
The 5.4 also is a good engine.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 1
From: Cullman Alabama
I towed a big Bass boat and a 20' Cargo trailer with household goods with my 4.6 and had no problem.
You can gear down a Mouse so he can pull a Freight train! You only pull the trailer once in awhile, go with the small 4.6. If your pulling the trailer every day, go with the 5.4.
The Transmission is going to be more of a problem than the engine choice.
You can gear down a Mouse so he can pull a Freight train! You only pull the trailer once in awhile, go with the small 4.6. If your pulling the trailer every day, go with the 5.4.
The Transmission is going to be more of a problem than the engine choice.
