I've been reading some threads in the SD forums, and have come across a couple of tidbits about the 5.4 actually being stronger (I'm guessing more hp and torque) than the old 7.5 L 460. After some surfing, then only info I came across for the 460 is 240 hp, but no torque ratings. I know the 5.4 2V (in '03) is rated at 260 hp and 300 lb/ft torque (or close to that), and the new 3 valver is rated at 300 hp and 365 lb/ft torque, so I'm curious if my 2003 F150 (with the 5.4) is actually stronger than my 1996 F250 with the 460 I just got a few weeks ago?

 

The 460 for that year has 410 torque I believe. If not that, it would be 390 at the least. So, it has more torque...either way, but less HP by 10.

Pretty even...

 

But no doubt that heavy duty truck is gonna take more abuse than any of these newer F150s.

Adrianspeeder

 

You're not kidding, my F250 rides like a brick, but it'll handle a 30' trailer with 7,500 lbs of lumber a WHOLE lot better than my F150. I completely agree that the suspensions between the two are like night and day, just thought it was interesting that 5.4 was pretty closely matched to the 460 in power numbers.

 

No way, no how. I have towed with both and the 460 is in a completely and totally different class, I don't care what the numbers say. There is simply no replacement for displacement.

 

I agree...the 460 is a better towing/brute force motor. I know that the current 5.4 makes more peak power on a graph, but the area under the curve of the most recent 460 gives it more over all power. Yes indeed there is no replacement for displacement. Also, some free-flowing heads, exhaust, and an updated cam profile will really wake up a 460...assuming you have custom tune done for the new goodies.

On a side note, the factory 460 never was designed to see the high hp/torque figures its displacement is capably of making. You might want to beef up the bottom end and tranny a bit.

Just my two cents,
Mike

 

The 460 pulls harder and will get a heavy load rolling easier because it works at much lower rpm than the 5.4L. Especially in torque-460 has a very flat torque curve. Still no replacement for displacement when it comes to moving weight.

 

That's kinda what I figured, "no replacement for displacement". I can definitely feel the power in the 5.4 in the upper rpm range, then I switch over to the 460, and I can really get moving under 2000rpm. I would love to slap on an exhaust, some headers, and possibly an updated cam, but I'm afraid with 135,000 miles on 'er, something may give (usually directly proportional to the amount it'll cost to fix). I've pulled a few trailers here and there, sometimes I completely forget they're back there. With the 5.4, I could feel the trailer back there at all times.

 

Only 135? Just breakin it in. This older iron was built tough and is pretty forgiving. Also not near the expense of repairing the mod motors.

Adrianspeeder

 

 

I towed with a 460 for 13 years and I can tell you there is not 5.4 that can come close to how it pulled. My V10 stole my heart from the 460.

 

my 7.3L diesel did the same thing..
but as far as a gas motor goes..
460's rule..

...zap!