Hi I'm curious what would get better gas milege a 4.6 or a 4.2?

Please reply back thanks

 

Not going to be much difference.

 

It's more dependent on transmission, axle ratio, 4x4 or 4x2, driving habits, and size/weight of the truck.

 

Both are 4x4 5 speed transmissions and 3.55 gears

 

Body style and bed? Years? Same height and tire sizes?

 

Both years 97 both super cab both 16" rims

 

Consider how you will mostly use the truck.
Power between them may be the deciding factor.
Fuel mileage is only attained under the best driving conditions for each.
The rest of the time you may wish for the better power of the two.
Good luck.

 

Well I'll be using the truck in the winter time. Cold weather and using it in rain. The rest of the year I'll be riding my motorcycle.

 

If they are 97's, get the 4.6. The 97 and early 98 4.2's had major gasket issues leading to hydrolock. Gas mileage should be very similar.

 

If that's the use, forget about gas mileage between the two.
You need the performance of the v8 over the v6.

 

This is the best advice here. Power isn't much difference, but the 4.6 will give you a little extra. Gas mileage is about the same if all things are equal.

 

+1 on 4.6L. no savings to be had on the 4.2L, mileage wise. 4.6L will have better resale value when its time to upgrade or scrap.

 

they've both said it all

 

most 2wd 4.2s end up in the junkyard/scrapyard after something major happens to them. The resell value isn't there.

 

I have a 1998 f150 4.6 with 3.55 gears that's heavily modded for better fuel economy and am very happy with it. There are lots of things you can do to improve fuel economy I would defiantly opt for the 4.6 and add an efan kit from troyer performance and you will be very happy throw in a programmer and you could see as much as a 2.5mpg fuel economy. I myself have a K&N air intake and am happy with it but a lot of people on here opt for a gotts mod . The last time I posted my MPGS on here a lot of people basically got pissed off so I'm not going to do it again but get the 4.6 stick with those 3 mods and you will get above what the truck is rated at and gain some power as well.


Here is a link to show the stock mpgs for those trucks.


http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSear...WD&srchtyp=ymm