Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Grande Pradera, TX
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
I'm considering trading in my 94 Explorer for an 03 Expedition. I haven't quite decided on the engine size. 4.6L or 5.4L.
Is there a big difference? I know the difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder engines on the Ranger is very evident.
For those that got the 5.4L, are you happy with it? Do you wish you got the 4.6L?
What about those with the 4.6L? Do you find yourself wanting more umph?
During the 9 years that I've owned the Explorer, I towed a boat once and a camper once. Towing is not a concern for me.
Is there a big difference? I know the difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder engines on the Ranger is very evident.
For those that got the 5.4L, are you happy with it? Do you wish you got the 4.6L?
What about those with the 4.6L? Do you find yourself wanting more umph?
During the 9 years that I've owned the Explorer, I towed a boat once and a camper once. Towing is not a concern for me.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: NE JERSEY
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
Go with the 5.4L.
This from an Edmunds.com review.
"The Expedition's standard 4.6-liter V8 makes 232 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the bigger 5.4-liter mill, and you'll be rewarded with 260 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque"
"The 5.4-liter engine still lacks punch, but noise and vibration levels are down there, too, so at least it feels more refined underfoot"
This from an Edmunds.com review.
"The Expedition's standard 4.6-liter V8 makes 232 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the bigger 5.4-liter mill, and you'll be rewarded with 260 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque"
"The 5.4-liter engine still lacks punch, but noise and vibration levels are down there, too, so at least it feels more refined underfoot"
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
Best suggestion is to test drive one of each back to back. This should give you a good indication of what each is capable of. If you don't tow a lot and live in a fairly flat area, the 4.6L should be fine. As important as the engine size, look at the rear-end gear ratio of the truck. Try to find one with a 3.73:1 ratio.
My father has a 4.6L and I have a 5.4L so I have compared both in real life. All I'm convinced of is that I need a supercharged 7L to make me happy.
My father has a 4.6L and I have a 5.4L so I have compared both in real life. All I'm convinced of is that I need a supercharged 7L to make me happy.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
myy 99 4.6 says it makes 240 horsepower and 295 pounds of torque? Not 232 and 291, although what I have read the 5.4 is the same.
Curious
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
Curious
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: NE JERSEY
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
Originally posted by ktmguy70
myy 99 4.6 says it makes 240 horsepower and 295 pounds of torque? Not 232 and 291, although what I have read the 5.4 is the same.
Curious
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
myy 99 4.6 says it makes 240 horsepower and 295 pounds of torque? Not 232 and 291, although what I have read the 5.4 is the same.
Curious
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
4.6L Triton‘ V8 provides 232 hp @ 4750 rpm and 291 lb.-ft. of torque @3450 rpm.
I thought the '99 had 230 HP.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
Originally posted by ktmguy70
Its been known to happen! Once in 88 I think?
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
Its been known to happen! Once in 88 I think?
Ron
99 Expedition XLT
We've all been there.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 439
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From: Burnsville, MN
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
I have a 5.4L and cannot imagine having a smaller motor. The 5.4 is a competent match for the Expedition and will provide a reasonable reserve for towing, passing and carrying full loads.
While the 4.6 is capable of moving the vehicle, you may see it has problems when you hit hills. My 5.4L w/3.55 tends to kick out of OD when traveling up hills at 70 on solo runs. On the other hand I do get pretty good MPG (15-17) out of it.
Just my .02
While the 4.6 is capable of moving the vehicle, you may see it has problems when you hit hills. My 5.4L w/3.55 tends to kick out of OD when traveling up hills at 70 on solo runs. On the other hand I do get pretty good MPG (15-17) out of it.
Just my .02
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 458
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From: Grande Pradera, TX
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
I am leaning towards getting the 5.4L. I just wanted to get other people's opinions first.
A friend of mine got the 4.0L Ranger, which doesn't seem worth it compared to the 3.0L Ranger. The additional liter didn't make a huge difference to justify the lower mileage and noise.
A friend of mine got the 4.0L Ranger, which doesn't seem worth it compared to the 3.0L Ranger. The additional liter didn't make a huge difference to justify the lower mileage and noise.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
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From: Wichita, Kansas
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
If you are buying new, definitely the 5.4L should be your choice. The 5.4L comes with a heavier duty rear end (9" vs. 8.8"). Happy hunting!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Should I get the 4.6L or 5.4L engine on a 2003 Expedition?
the differance in fuel economy (about 1-2 mpg at best) will never make up for 28 less HP and 59 lb ft less torque . . . least not with me. AND a 4.6L owner will need spend plenty in the after market just to get to 5.4L power levels (CAT Back exhaust @ $150-$400, FIPK @ $75 - $ 250, Chip @ $250-$300 that requires premium unl @ $0.10 gallon may come close)
Keep in mind that the Expy gained about 300 lbs in the model change over for '03 so that 4.6L will be moving even more weight then the already heavy '97 - '02 Expy
Get the 5.4L and you won't ever regret not having the extra power that you may find yourself wishing for if you get the 4.6L
Keep in mind that the Expy gained about 300 lbs in the model change over for '03 so that 4.6L will be moving even more weight then the already heavy '97 - '02 Expy
Get the 5.4L and you won't ever regret not having the extra power that you may find yourself wishing for if you get the 4.6L
