Okay, we all heard about the earth-shattering thunderblows by the 5.4l Triton, 5.3l Vortec, 5.9l Magnum, and to some extent the 4.7l iForce on each other. But lets face it, not all of us full size owners have V-8's. When guys with V-8's spout their V-8 facts and figures, us smaller-displacement, piston-handicapped V-6ers can't really relate other than have something to dream for the future. So let us debate which light duty engine is the best. Will a V-6 F-150 be a match for the V-6 Silverado/Sierra, Ram or Tundra?

Leo dC

Power to the V-6ers!!!

 

I think the 4.2L easily outclasses the Chrysler and Toyota V6s, but is fairly evenly matched for the GM Vortec V6. The Vortec, I think, has the edge on the Ford, though. We have a higher horsepower rating, but they've got 5 more ft/lbs of torque and it's developed at a lower rpm than the Ford; 260 ft/lbs@2850 rpm versus our 255 ft/lbs@3250 rpm. I noticed the 4.2L offered in the Econoline has its peak torque at 2850 rpm; Ford needs to do this for the pickup since it's SUPPOSED to be a vehicle for towing/hauling. Maybe a different cam.

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'98 F150 XL Regular Cab, LWB, 4.2L V6, 5 Spd, 3.55 LS, Rhino Lining, factory heavy duty suspension, K&N filter, Oxford White minus the two tone garbage. BIG TIME FoMoCo p/u fan, not some fair weather hammerhead.

 

Oh yeah, the 4.9L/300 c.i.d. was considered a worthy sibling to its 8 cylinder counterparts, but now there's a friggin' class war over "I've got a V8" and "It's just a six cylinder" crap. What in the hell's the deal there?

 

Are you saying that the V-6 F-150 can handle a V-6 T-100? Or is the T-100 light enough to offset the engine? I know the Ram's V-6 is too weak for the chassis. The Ram is really heavy as it is. I just wish that the 4.2l V-6 has power on demand. That is the only real limiting power on hauling, light towing and everyday cruising (any higher towing definitely needs a V-8) cause you have a power delay. Once it builds up and lets go, it can surely haul ***, you just have to wait patiently for it.

Leo dC

 

I think the 4.2L can more than handle the T-100. Sixes have always been slow revving, they'll pull just fine, they just won't fly. Years and years ago, all you had available in big trucks were sixes.

 

IMHO Chevys 4.3 out torques the 4.2
But in the 4.2's defence, I had one and it was, well, slow. But when I loaded the crap out of it, it handled it quite well. Not much more downshifting. Still slow, but not much slower carrying a heavy load.

[This message has been edited by GEARS (edited 02-05-2000).]

 

You need to actually READ the previous posts, it was pointed out the GM Vortec V6 has a slightly higher torque rating and peaks at lower rpms than the Ford 4.2L. That would be called a FACT, not an opinion.

 

Fordman
I DID read them and I have driven both.

 

Geez Ford man...cut the guy a break!

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

I was pointing out something, babe. GEARS said in his opinion, the Vortec V6 had more torque than the 4.2L. It had already been ascertained that the Vortec is rated slightly higher in torque than the 4.2L and at lower rpms than the 4.2L. That was already established. FACT, not opinion. Trying to avoid redundancy.

 

As long as we are all friends here....

Hey..what's up with the 'babe' comments you include in your posts?

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99



[This message has been edited by Dustoff (edited 02-05-2000).]

 

Maybe I can help a bit here. I traded a 98 Chevy 4.3 in when I ordered the 99 4.2 Ford. I've got to say that the 4.3 had the game as for low end but that only lasted until approx 4000r's. The 4.2 while a bit of a rag on low end, pulls better at mid range and follows until you let off. As for side by side action, I'll let you know as a friend has a 98 GMC with the 4.3 and he's agreed to stage a little event with me. Loser buys the refreshments!. More to follow...
I dumped the Chevy as the dealer could not fix things to my satisfaction and advised me that I was a bit too fussy. After they unscrewed me from the ceiling, I ordered a new Ford and have been quite happy. This is my 7th F-150.....
Rick..

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"99" F-150 4x2,ext, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.

 

Id like to know about the "babe" comment also. Dustoff doesnt act "feminin".



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Fast46Triton ®

1999 Fast46triton Edition® Ford F150 XLT Supercab, Shortbed, 4x2, 4 wheel disc brakes/4 wheel Anti-Lock Brakes, Cloth Seats, Amazon green, 16" All season tires, Soft Tonneau Cover, CD Player, 4.6 liter Triton V8, 3:55 ls, towing package, 4 speed auto, K&N Airfilter

 

I'm confident in my masculinity, "babe" doesn't bother me. The increase in torque will certainly be negated if you don't have proper gearing. I drove a '99 Silverado awhile back that was equipped similar to my pickup. I have no idea what the transmission gear ratios were, but it had a 5 speed and a 3.42:1 locking rear end, couldn't pull as well as mine. I've used a lot of Chevrolet 1/2 tons at work with the 4.3L V6, and I have two uncles, who are as rabid Chevrolet/GMC fans as my Dad and I are Ford fans, and their 1/2 ton motor of choice is the 4.3L, so can certainly attest to Chevrolet having a slight edge in torque and pulling power over the 4.2L Ford. If Ford would put a different cam in the pickup version of this motor, it would help a lot. Guess they're afraid it might cut into the sales of their more expensive 8 cylinder models.

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'98 F150 XL Regular Cab, LWB, 4.2L V6, 5 Spd, 3.55 LS, Rhino Lining, factory heavy duty suspension, K&N filter, Oxford White minus the two tone garbage. BIG TIME FoMoCo p/u fan, not some fair weather hammerhead.

 

Chevy V6 manual can out tow a Ford V6 manual.
What is really sad is a 4cyl Ranger can out tow a V6 manual F150.
Even my 1.6L 4cyl Honda minivan can out tow a V6 F150.
Ford REALLY needs to think about a stronger manual tranny.
I would LOVE to have a manual on my 5.4L.
Does Ford think just because we opt for manual we should have to give up SO much towing capacity?
Interestingly enough though the V6 manual actually performs pretty well.

[This message has been edited by 54regcab (edited 02-05-2000).]