I am strongly considering a 2003 EB, but I'm not sure which way to go with the motor. I live in Florida and will buy a 2WD and I don't intend to use it for towing. I also wouldn't mind saving the $500 or whatever. However, I'm concerned that the 4.6 may be a dog. Any thoughts?

 

Since you are not towing and it is not 4WD, get the 4.6. and buy your wife something nice for her birthday. This will make you happy both at home and on the road.

cheers

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Aug-02 AT 07:51 AM (EST)]The HP & Torque output for both engines remain unchanged from the previous year however the Expy has gained considerable weight for the '03 model year. In fact if you check the spec's you may be surprised to find that the new 2WD is as heavy as a compabily optioned 4WD from last year, thats a gain of approx 400 Lbs.

I consider the 5.4L very desirable in the older models and a must have, make or break the deal in the new more portly model. Even considering that you state a antisipated easly life of near sea level flatlands with no towing for a lighter (by approx 400#) 2WD model, I highly recommend you get the 5.4L. You will NEVER regret having gotten the additional 59 Lb. Ft. of torque that is available at a lower RPM.

Athough $500 sounds like alot, when considering a $32k to $45k vehical, it's just a drop in the bucket.

BTW, many Expy and F150 owners gladly spend much, much more then $500 on engine mods like Chips, Cat Back exhaust systems, headers and FIPK and don't get that additional 60 Lb. Ft. of torque for all their extra trouble and expense.

BTW II, as for fuel economy, I say it's not really that much of a factor. Based on 15,000 miles per year and a 2MPG 'penalty', the 5.4L would use approx 115 'extra' gallons of fuel over the course of a year which, at $ 1.30 per gallon eqautes to ONLY about$ 150 more dollars a year. Small price to pay for the hugh improvement in drivablity in my mind.

 

Sorry, I disagree with Petrol. Drive both and try to tell the difference. I'll bet you can't. Ford have "tweeked" the transmissions for MY 2003 to make up for the weight difference so don't let that sway you.

4.6 is PLENTY of motor for your application.

 

I currently own a 97 Expy, 5.4L. I test drove the 4.6 and the 5.4 before ordering to see if I could get away with the 4.6 and save a little money. BTW, I don't tow either. I definitely noticed a difference in the pick up. If $500 is the only difference, I would certainly go with the 5.4 if I were you. I did order the 5.4, which is in and I'm picking it up next week! That's my .02 cents!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Aug-02 AT 08:02 AM (EST)]>Sorry, I disagree with Petrol. Drive both and try to tell
>the difference. I'll bet you can't. Ford have "tweeked"
>the transmissions for MY 2003 to make up for the weight
>difference so don't let that sway you.
>
>4.6 is PLENTY of motor for your application.


There was no 'transmission 'tweeks' made for '03. The only thing Ford did other then work to make both engines run smoother (sorry no more power yet) was make the 3.73 axle ratio standard equipment. Your 'seat-of-the-pants' meter must have been used to compare an early 5.4 with 3.31 or 3.55 axle ratios to your new '03

 

I recently purchased a 2002 XLT 4x4 w/ the 4.6 and I can honestly say it was the wrong choice. The 4.6 feels like its always staining, jumps in and out of overdrive on the highway on slight grades or headwinds, and gets only 13.5 to 15 mpg (light footed). From what I've read, you get pretty much the same mileage w/the 5.4 because it doesn't have to work as hard. GET THE 5.4!

 

Well, yesterday I took the plunge and the winner was the 4.6. I drove both vehicles with 5 passengers and I couldn't really say that the 5.4 was an overly stronger motor (although I imagine with a fuller load that would change). The 4.6 seemed perhaps a little smoother and it's power is certainly adequate for me. I am replacing a '96 Exploder with a 302 so I'm used to having some umph and although it doesn't have the speed I'm used to, again it's much smoother than my sticky throttled Explorer. Already seeing some electrical quirks, however, that I'll discuss in separate threads. Thanks to all for your opinions.

 

We bought an '03 XLT with the 5.4L. We tow a camper in the mountains from time to time. You should be fine with the 4.6L in Florida especially if you aren't towing.