Hello,

Been lurking for a while and it seems that a few people think that the 4.6 V8 is a little underpowered. I got my eyes on an '05 XL SuperCab 4.6. I'd like to be able to pass people on the freeway when needed. Other than that, all I'd be hauling is 2 dirt bikes and/or a pop-up camper.

Anyone have a 4.6 and think it's too whimpy for you. Let me know before I make a mistake. Let me know what your hauling in them too.

Much Thanks,

Ted

 

Well I just pulled a 18 ft Searay boat today with my 05 Scab with 4.6 and had no problems with passing anyone or pulling up a few hills.

 

depends on your definition of underpowered.

Some drivers want the truck to be as fast as a car. Others just see it as a truck and just want enough power to move their gear/trailer etc.

Me? I opted for the 5.4 because I do a lot of high-speed highway and have a very heavy foot.

 

I haven't driven an '04+ with the 4.2 or 4.6 yet. Just seems to me that that's a lot of truck for the smaller engines to haul around. I'd opt for the 5.4 if you can.

 

I don't think its that bad.

I have the 4.6 and big tires, and tow 2 dirt bikes quite often.

It does have the power to pull away from people on the highway, however its not the mother of all V8's.

Mine works just fine.

 

I have the 5.4 and i feel slow as a pig....i wouldn't even consider the little motor

 

I passed a guy on a winding country road the other day with my 4.6L. I floored it because I wanted to get around him in a hurry. When I pulled back in, I was going 110 mph.

Don't listen to the Richard Petty wannabees, the 4.6L has plenty of guts.


John

 

thanks for the comments. I don't often find an occasion to go over 80mph, but i need something to pull away from some of these sorry-*** drivers we got out here in socal.

I'd probably end up getting an exhaust, intake, and programmer (if they even have any for the 05s yet.)

 

Is your truck stock? do have a tunner?

 

4.6 will get the job done but not out to win any awards besides a good, long lasting, quality motor. Test drive both. I would stick with the 5.4.

 

The price difference is so little I just opted for the 5.4L
I didnt want a measly $500 to stop me from getting the biggest gas engine available. The gas mileage is about the same and the price difference didnt justify me NOT to get the 5.4L

 

The Lariat now has the option to get the 4.6 for 05 ?

 

Im sorry. I got confused. I checked the prices when I was looking at getting an XLT.

 

kelmvor
Must hate everyone here because I've never seen a positive reply from him. My 4.6 has pleased me quite well. Its done everything I've asked from it without problems. Of course I'm not spending most of my time here waiting to bash or degrade someone unlike kelmvor! I went with the best truck for the price I wanted to spend. This is my 3rd F150 and before those I had purchased 2 F100s I'm 42 yrs old and I like my transportation clean, quiet and reliable. If I felt I would have needed more power I would have went with the larger engine, Bear in mind my first vehicle was a 69 Mustang with 428CJ with factory Drag pack. Second was a 1970 429 SCJ Cobra Torino. So I have been around awhile. Years ago I could turn wrenches with the best of them. These days if you don't have a computer your pretty much lost. My favorite all time ride was my 67 Shelby. I purchased it at the then low price of 3500 bucks and was t-boned while sitting at a stop sign about 6 months later. If I only knew then what I know now! Enjoy what you have and don't spend money on what you will not use. If you plan to need more HP then opt for the 5.4 because its much stouter and there are more tuners willing to assist you. If you don't need it that often then the 4.6 will serve you well

 

great post^^

hes right, the 4.6 isnt underpowered. it may not be fast enough for u, but it has absolutely NO problems doing what it was designed to do. now dont get me wrong, im caught up in the ever escalating HP wars as much as anyone else, but 230 HP is STILL an impressive number cinsidering how far we've come in automobiles. if u feel like u want to go fast, then get the 5.4. but if u are just looking for a truck that will do what a tuck is supposed to do, the 4.6 will be just fine. it IS a v8 after all