which engine is best?
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which engine is best?
I'm shopping for a 2006 or 2007 gas F150 and wonder about members experiences with the 4.6 and 5.4 engines. My last two Fords were 7.3 diesels - I haven't had a gas pickup for 20 years!
I will pull a 2-horse trailer occasionally (5,000 lbs?) but mainly it will be used as a run-about.
I will pull a 2-horse trailer occasionally (5,000 lbs?) but mainly it will be used as a run-about.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 379
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From: Minneapolis, Mn
Motors
I don't think there's a 'best' (they both have strengths), maybe a best for a particular situation but not in general. First off, I have a 97 4.6 and an 07 5.4, so I can speak some to this. 97 has been rock solid for 10 years, only motor issue was 2 plug wires had gone bad in those 10 years. That one has been rock-solid, very dependable with good fuel mileage. The 07 I've only had a few months, for about 4k miles since I bought it. I have not had any issues with the truck since I bought it except the radio and the drivers window switch. On average it gets 1-2 mpg less than the 97 but it's bigger and has 4.10 gears instead of 3.55's in the 97.
If it was me and I had the choice of only the 2 engines and towed, I'd go with the 5.4. Depending on trailer weight, probably 3.73 or 4.10 rearend gearing. I'd also suggest getting one with the tow package for the tranny cooler, if nothing else. Depending on how much you tow, might be worth looking into a F250 with the V10 (I don't tow so this is best left to others)
My 2 cents
Paul
If it was me and I had the choice of only the 2 engines and towed, I'd go with the 5.4. Depending on trailer weight, probably 3.73 or 4.10 rearend gearing. I'd also suggest getting one with the tow package for the tranny cooler, if nothing else. Depending on how much you tow, might be worth looking into a F250 with the V10 (I don't tow so this is best left to others)
My 2 cents
Paul
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From: Ontario, Canada
Its 5.4L all the way. IMO, both engines are underpowered for such a large truck, but the 5.4L is the least underpowered of the two. The gas mileage is virtually identical between the two....and its hardly worth the torque loss going with the smaller 4.6L
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Thanks for the input. Most seem to be 5.4s, so that will likely be my "choice."
Some offerings have an "off road" package. I don't need skid plates, but could use a limited slip rear diff for muddy parking areas (usually just fields). Is it worth searching our FX4 Off Road in the specs?
Some offerings have an "off road" package. I don't need skid plates, but could use a limited slip rear diff for muddy parking areas (usually just fields). Is it worth searching our FX4 Off Road in the specs?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 172
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From: Claremore OK
I have the 5.4 - buddy of mine has the 4.6.
They don't get much different MPG's unless you tow.
His runs around town fine, but hook ANYTHING to the back and his MPG's suffer significantly. Also it's pretty underpowered for anything heavy.
I pull a 21 ft boat without any effort. Heaviest pull was a loaded flatbed with scrap iron that weighed out at 9000lbs! I don't think he could have done that.
I work my truck pretty hard and have zero complaints!
They don't get much different MPG's unless you tow.
His runs around town fine, but hook ANYTHING to the back and his MPG's suffer significantly. Also it's pretty underpowered for anything heavy.
I pull a 21 ft boat without any effort. Heaviest pull was a loaded flatbed with scrap iron that weighed out at 9000lbs! I don't think he could have done that.
I work my truck pretty hard and have zero complaints!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 866
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From: Michigan
I got the 5.4 with the fx4 package. I dont need the skid plates either but I liked the interior on them. I liked the center shifter instead of on the column. Also I would recommend getting a programer with some custom tunes. I got an SCT and it woke my truck up alot. Might not be the fastest thing out there but it moves pretty quick and it helps alot on towing. I towed a 21 foot boat on the 91 octane tow setting and it towed awsome. Might wana check that out too. I also had to tow my sister jeep grand cherokee on a dolly from North Carolina to Michigan going through the mountains I managed 12-13 mpg. So I would recommend the 5.4 and a programmer.
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An aftermarket chip sounds like a reasonable thought. My priorities are torque and fuel cost, so I'd like to stay with 87 octane. I race for fun; don't need to do it on the street. 
Thanks for all the great input!
Thanks for all the great input!
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 866
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From: Michigan
Ya I know what you mean on fuel cost. I wanted all 87 octane tunes but Mike from 5 star tunning that hooked me up with the SCT said he recommends 87 economy for driving around and 91 tow cause you would notice it alot more than 87 but 87 does help he said and 91 performance just for fun. I dont run 91 to much cause gas prices were up there and now they are coming down so I might do it again. Let me tell you if you like to race for fun I recommend Mikes 91 performance tune. I love that setting. My one buddy was like my dad had a truck like yours and it was a dog. Im like lets go for a spin. He said holy crap what I do to it. I told him its a programmer on 91 performance. He said he wished his dad had that in his truck.
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I race karts, not trucks, though that would be fun, too. Probably easier on the body than pulling 2 Gs in a kart!
Chips sound like a good solution. I'll look into them when I settle on THE truck.
Thanks, Still Smokin, for your expertise.
Chips sound like a good solution. I'll look into them when I settle on THE truck.
Thanks, Still Smokin, for your expertise.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 866
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From: Michigan
I forget the exact price. I wana say it was 375ish. Mike from 5startuning.com could help you with the exact price. He is also a member here. Im not sure if they have a tune designed for torque. It might be considered there tow tune not sure though. Im sure if you goto 5startuning.com you can find the dyno numbers from his truck. He has the same truck as us and programmed it. I can look more into it if you want or you can shoot him an email. I might not be able to look till late tonight unless it rains and get out of work early.