I love the 3V 5.4. I've only had this truck for a week but I haven't had it downshift one time. It has tons of power and I can accelerate up hills without it downshifting.

My dad has an 07 FX4 and tows his 27' SportCraft and 36' camper without a problem. I'm not really sure how much the camper weighs but the boat is just shy of 10,000lbs and the truck will pull it 70-75mph down the highway, same with the camper.

I never understood why everyone complained about the 5.4 other than the spark plugs and cam phasers. Sure it's not the fastest thing out there but really how fast do you need to go? If it will go the speed limit without a problem then it's fine. I'd rather have the torque than the HP.

 

I agree, I didn't get the 5.4 to race it and it towed well. However, if you drive some others with similar displacement engines, the difference is night and day. But the new engines will take care of all of that. Let's just hope the fix the horrible trannys.

 

I have had three different F-150's and most guys on here haven't had just one, hell I'd say most have had at least three. There is a reason for that....... BUILT FORD TOUGH. The most attractive attribute of Ford, they weathered the storm (financial crisis) and have come back stronger without any "gubment" funding or my tax dollars.

1.) F-150
2.) Tundra
3.) Sierra
4.) Silverado
5.) Titan
6.) Ram

And the first two are leagues ahead of the rest..... my .02$ and my opinion.

 

Oh, sorry I didn't realize this was in the 09 forum. :o

 

Happens.....

 

What I find most interesting about this thread is the incredible difference of opinions regarding one particular truck and engine as well as various others to which it is compared. It does nothing to settle which is best, but reinforces why you have 5 different brands of full-size trucks (I am grouping Chevy/GMC as one) with such devoted owners who all say their truck is better for x, y, and z reasons.

 

I guess my truck is really underpowered since I have the 4.6 3V and all you guys are complaining that the 5.4 3V is weak.

This is my first Ford truck so I can't comment on the power output of the old engines, but when I was looking for a truck, I did try the competition and can say that the Ford engines are on par with Dodge and GM. The Dodge hemi is stout, but the trans has a big drop between 1st and 2nd gear, so it felt a little dull. With a closer ratio 6 speed the Dodge would be nice....except it is still a Dodge The GM 4.8 and 5.3 felt about the same to me. I tested a 4.8 with a 4 spd auto twice and was not really impressed. Never did drive a Toyota since I didn't like the looks and the local dealers are awfull!

Overall, I'm happy with the 4.6 3V and 6 spd combo (I have a 3.55 rear, so that does help a little off the line), this is not a race truck but will go down the freeway at illegal speeds all day long.

When I feel the need for speed, I'll hop on my sport bike and go for a ride.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head. Comments are right on.

 

After having an in-depth discussion with the Ford Tech rep at SEMA about the 3.5 Eco-Boost twin turbo, I assure those who think it will be a mileage maker in the F-150 will absolutely be dissappointed. This engine was originally intended for a vehicle far lighter. Turbocharged gasoline engines of this displacement pushing a heavy truck will likely see boost "very often" .........not good for mileage or wear and tear. I garantee the mileage will shock you.... unless you drive it like your Grandmother. Physics dictates that torque is required to accelerate.........torque is not free........replacing displacement (5.0-5.4 to a 3.5) with turbocharging may seem like a good idea on paper, but good luck 5 years down the road when your "car" engine starts feeling the strain of moving an F-150......this is a complicated engine, parts will be expensive. Don't be fooled by Horsepower numbers............the fuel burn at it's rated power under full boost is likely staggering. Now if this was a turbo-diesel 3.5 designed initially for use in a truck, different story all together......

 

It is interesting to see all the differing opinions, I have driven all of the newer generation trucks (except the Ram, ugly junk) and it really is interesting how different of a feel they all have. But for me it was a comfort thing knowing what I and my family have had with all of our Fords (F150*4, Ranger, Taurus, Escape*2) solid reliable vehicles, not the best in any category, but above average in all categories.

Can't wait to take those new power trains for a test drive!

 

Interesting fact for you i had a 2007 F-150 Supercab 4X4 5.4,4 speed auto,3.55 Ls axle and now have a 2010 F-150 Supercab 4X4 4.6 3V,6 speed auto,3.73 LS axle.I raced them both and the 2010 was faster ran a 16.257 at 84.89 mph the 2007 ran a 16.653 at 83.23 mph.I'm curious if anyone with a 2010 F-150 Supercab 4X4 with the 5.4 3V,6 speed,3.55 or 3.73 axle have raced there's and what have they run.Just wandering how much faster the 5.4 is with the 6 speed auto over the 4 speed auto.

Thanks Mark.

 

Torque is free compared to HP, espeically when its way down low. What exactly will be stressed? Quads, hammies, will it get shin splints?

Mileage will shock us all right.

 

Ford, Chrysler, and GM all introduced turbocharged gasoline powered vehicles in the 1980's. (Granted, the advances in technology has been impressive since then.) There is a reason they did not stay in the engine options line-up for long. Reliability was poor at best. Turbochargers produce pressure........ pressure produces heat, neither are friendly. Small displacement engines are at a disadvantage; more stress on wrist pins, rods, crank journals....much higher cylinder pressures put stress on head gaskets, all to achieve similar power level to what are readily available in the 5.0 for less money. The longevity of small displacement turbocharged gasoline engines pushing heavy vehicles is unproven at best. Do you want to be the "test mule"?

 

I hate to bring up an old topic but the answer is very simple. Ford limits the maximum rate the Electronic Throttle Body can open at. If you modify the Tune to open the TB as fast as the electric motor is capable you get a huge increase in perceived power.

 

I think its a good engine (not great) with a bad tune (in the engine AND transmission). For 2009-10 owners, there is actually a TSB issued due to bad tranny tune. I'll have to find the TSB number so you can get it fixed under warranty. I read the TSB and it describes my problem exactly... 1-2 shift is too soon and hesitate, gives the feeling that transmission isnot shifting or shifting too soon. I'll find the TSB number if you want it.

I only retuned my tire size when i lifted my truck but I've heard great news about engine tunes on this naturally aspirated 5.4 engine... gains normally only seen on boosted, SC'd engines. I need to research the Gryphon, etc. Kinda backing up Gene K's point.