Which motor is better 4.6 or 5.4 ? As far as reliability, modifications, and gas milage?

 

Depends, which years are we talking about here? There were some changes made to both engines with in the 97-03 years, non-PI v.s PI heads, etc.

 

They're all good.

 

4.2 V6...haha just playing....im interested in what people say though

 

stock 2001 4.6 with 227k miles on it, shot out one plug and had it fixed about 50k miles ago. it even ran on 7 cylinders for a good 50+ miles.

 

I think the biggest thing to look out for, is making sure the 5.4 and 4.6 has the PI (performance improved) heads. I'm not certain what years they came in to play, 99' - 00'?? Other then that, yea, they're both great engines. The 4.6 was rated one of the top most reliable engines of all time or something. And check out the thread in the V8 section "anyone over 100,000 miles?".... amazing to see some of the miles these guys are racking up on those old V8's.

 

As far as being a daily driver, it is pretty much a wash between the two. they will both get you from point a to point b with about the same mileage and the same reliability. However, if you want a work truck you are better off with a 5.4 because it has loads more torque than the 4.6 and is much better for towing. . . that being said, i pull a 6000lb + tractor quite often (about once a month) and a fully bult derby car with a bed full of tools also quite often. I do this with a 97 (so non pi) 4.6 and have had zero trouble out of it. you just have to know what you are doing and know your limmits. if she wants to go 35 up a hill then you only go 35 up a hill, you take your time and dont thrash it.

 

5.4 hands down

 

5.4 FTW!

220k and still goin strong

 

Nah, I sold my 01 with a 5.4L because it wasn't half the truck my 98 is.

 

I have a 98 with the 4.6. I bought it 5 years ago with 186K. Truck ran fine at that mileage, but I opted to replace the 4.6 with a crate motor (same size, just remanufactured). Since then I have put 30K on the truck and have had zero problems with the engine.

What I don't like is the lack of torque - most of the problem I have is the 3.08 rear gears. Once I change those out, I don't think torque will be much of a problem anymore..

 

Who did you use ?

 

Right, just because you said so and you fail to provide any support to your claim.

Reliability- The 4.6L made Ward's Top 10 Engines of all time list, the 5.4L did not. IIRC, the 4.6L didn't have cam phasing issues, throwing plugs, etc either.
Modifications- The Mustang is the most mod friendly car in the world. And There are 10x more 4.6L made than 5.4Ls
Fuel Eco- Put both at 65 mph and a fuel analysis system on them and see which is pushing less fuel (GPH). I'm willing to bet the 4.6L wins.

4.6L -3
5.4L- 0

You are unconditionally biased.

 

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MMGD

 

I think if any thread was to get some kind of award, it would be that one. Certainly cost me a few key boards, that's for sure.