4.6l vs 5.4l performance experience
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
I went through the same dilemma F14 and in the end, I went with the 5.4L, 3.55ls, 4X4 for resale value, towing and off-road use. I recently SuperChipped it, and with using premium gasoline I'm averaging 15 mpg. I've towed a large backhoe w/ 5 passengers on several occasions at 9000' and have been completely impressed with the 5.4L. Good luck!
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'01 Harvest Gold, Lariat SCrew w/ 5.4L, towing & 4X4 packages, 3.55ls, K&N filter, 6CD, Moonie, Slider, Leather Captain's Chairs, Rosewood dash, DuraLiner, Westin Grille w/ Explorer driving lights ...
The Stereo comes next!
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'01 Harvest Gold, Lariat SCrew w/ 5.4L, towing & 4X4 packages, 3.55ls, K&N filter, 6CD, Moonie, Slider, Leather Captain's Chairs, Rosewood dash, DuraLiner, Westin Grille w/ Explorer driving lights ...
The Stereo comes next!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Canada
2001 Supercrew 4x4, 17"x10 spoke rims, towing package and powered by the 4.6L Triton!!!
Towing 2 snowmobiles full of fuel, extra fuel in the box,tools and other misc crap I averaged 15MPG.
If anyone has been through the Rogers Pass (BC,Canada) know's that BIG HILLS and LONG PULLS are a common accurance and the pedal is to the metal.
Trailer = 1400lbs
2 sleds full of fuel = 1200lbs
Extra fuel for the sleds = 150lbs
Tools and misc crap = 150lbs
Approx of Total towing weight was = 3000lbs
To our suurprise we averaged 15.4MPG
My truck only has 7000km on it and I expect the gas mileage to get even better as the miles increase...I was very very pleased with the way the 4.6L performed...there were times that we never even knew that the trailer was behind us.
Considering the size of this truck, size of the tires...the 4.6L is one hell of a performer and very realiable!
Next trip out will be the four place trailer loaded up with the sled head crew...can't wait!
Towing 2 snowmobiles full of fuel, extra fuel in the box,tools and other misc crap I averaged 15MPG.
If anyone has been through the Rogers Pass (BC,Canada) know's that BIG HILLS and LONG PULLS are a common accurance and the pedal is to the metal.
Trailer = 1400lbs
2 sleds full of fuel = 1200lbs
Extra fuel for the sleds = 150lbs
Tools and misc crap = 150lbs
Approx of Total towing weight was = 3000lbs
To our suurprise we averaged 15.4MPG
My truck only has 7000km on it and I expect the gas mileage to get even better as the miles increase...I was very very pleased with the way the 4.6L performed...there were times that we never even knew that the trailer was behind us.
Considering the size of this truck, size of the tires...the 4.6L is one hell of a performer and very realiable!
Next trip out will be the four place trailer loaded up with the sled head crew...can't wait!
Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: White River Junction, VT
F14
I got the 5.4L, because it was the one they had on the lot. Would I do it again, YOU BET. It has some of the best power I have seen, comes in clean and just keeps digging. I have gotten Miles per gallon from 19.4 (Flat stretch of NY Highway) to 9.2 (15 below and letting warm up in the morning, while I got a coffee). Go figure?
If you are going to tow get the 5.4L, it can haul with power to spare, so you can get up that hill that is just around the corner.
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2001 Supercrew, Silver/Blue, 5.4, 4x4, CD Changer, Sliding Rear Window
I got the 5.4L, because it was the one they had on the lot. Would I do it again, YOU BET. It has some of the best power I have seen, comes in clean and just keeps digging. I have gotten Miles per gallon from 19.4 (Flat stretch of NY Highway) to 9.2 (15 below and letting warm up in the morning, while I got a coffee). Go figure?
If you are going to tow get the 5.4L, it can haul with power to spare, so you can get up that hill that is just around the corner.
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2001 Supercrew, Silver/Blue, 5.4, 4x4, CD Changer, Sliding Rear Window
Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City, TN, USA
I spent a lot of time attempting to decide which engine I would get for my Super Crew. My useage is quite varied. Some light hauling, very seldom but occassional heavy towing, lots of hauling around light loads, and a good deal of pure highway driving.
The deciding point for me was that I felt I would never regret getting the 5.4, but I might regret the 4.6. I ended up getting the 5.4 with 3.55 Limited Slip, and towing package, both for practical reasons and resale value.
Performance has been outstanding. When hauling it handles the load easily. Over the road there is just something sweet about having the cruise set on 72mph while turning 1700-1800 rpms. I could not be more pleased with the performance of the 5.4. Overall mileage has not been as bad as I expected. On pure interstate driving it has ranged from 17 to 19 mpg, usually closer to 17.5. Mixed useage is a little harder to guage, but pure intown is pretty bad, usually 13-14mpg. (Heck my wife's Town and Country Minivan only gets 13 in town) Mixed driving usually around 15 or so. I used to get 20mpg or so on the road with my Nissan Pathfinder, but it had to use midgrade or premium gas. Therefore, using regular in my Super Crew I am not spending much if any more for gas than I did in the Pathfinder. Plus, the 5.4 purring at 1800 rpms verus the banging at 2400 or so on the undersized V-6 of the Pathfinder makes the road miles much more bearable.
Choosing the truck was easy, chosing the engine was not.
Good luck.
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MIKEnTN
2001 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4
Toreador Red with Silver Two Tone, Med. Graphite Int., 5.4 V-8, 3.55 Limited Slip, Class III towing, Skid Plates, 17" Alum Wheels, Sliding Rear Window, Remote Keyless Entry, Rhino Liner.
AWESOME Truck!
[This message has been edited by MikenTennessee (edited 01-24-2001).]
The deciding point for me was that I felt I would never regret getting the 5.4, but I might regret the 4.6. I ended up getting the 5.4 with 3.55 Limited Slip, and towing package, both for practical reasons and resale value.
Performance has been outstanding. When hauling it handles the load easily. Over the road there is just something sweet about having the cruise set on 72mph while turning 1700-1800 rpms. I could not be more pleased with the performance of the 5.4. Overall mileage has not been as bad as I expected. On pure interstate driving it has ranged from 17 to 19 mpg, usually closer to 17.5. Mixed useage is a little harder to guage, but pure intown is pretty bad, usually 13-14mpg. (Heck my wife's Town and Country Minivan only gets 13 in town) Mixed driving usually around 15 or so. I used to get 20mpg or so on the road with my Nissan Pathfinder, but it had to use midgrade or premium gas. Therefore, using regular in my Super Crew I am not spending much if any more for gas than I did in the Pathfinder. Plus, the 5.4 purring at 1800 rpms verus the banging at 2400 or so on the undersized V-6 of the Pathfinder makes the road miles much more bearable.
Choosing the truck was easy, chosing the engine was not.
Good luck.
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MIKEnTN
2001 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4
Toreador Red with Silver Two Tone, Med. Graphite Int., 5.4 V-8, 3.55 Limited Slip, Class III towing, Skid Plates, 17" Alum Wheels, Sliding Rear Window, Remote Keyless Entry, Rhino Liner.
AWESOME Truck!
[This message has been edited by MikenTennessee (edited 01-24-2001).]
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: So. CA
I have a 4.6L 4x4 and a 5.4L 4x4 I get the same or better with the 5.4L. the 5.4L's power comes on so much lower than the 4.6L the 4.6L revs a lot higher so the more rpm = Less MPG, the bigger the motor the less MPG. But towing or hillie roads the 5.4L win's every time. Plus the 4.6L will down shift alot more and you'll be harder on it.
Good Luck !!
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2001 SUPER CREW 4x4 Lariat White
Good Luck !!
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2001 SUPER CREW 4x4 Lariat White
- Graphite Leather captain's chairs
- 5.4L
- Moonroof
- 6CD
- limited slip
- Tow and Off Road package
- Bed Extender
- Infinty speakers
- JBL powered sub
- Bug Guard
- Ford molded mud flaps (rear)
- K&N
- Magnaflow 3"
- Bed mat
- Snug Lid
- CRL Powerlite rear window
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: No. Shore Massachusetts, USA
Check the engine specifications...the 4.6 liter comes in atleast two versions. 220hp and 231hp models. I have driven both, but own the 220hp, which is the model speced on the opening page of this web site and was put into the earliest SCrew production (gen I and II...I think). Newer SCrew production with the 4.6 liter is 231hp.
I also drove the 5.4 liter on a test drive, and noticed the difference, but not much. I was concerned with fuel economy and don't need have heavy duty hauling or plowing so opted for the 4.6, but I'd never consider the 2X4. I only have 2900 miles on the vehicle, but am averaging 15.8 to 16.2 MPG in very cold weather with some long warm-ups. Manual says 87 octane, so I switched to it after using 89 for the first 1500 miles... no change in performance. I don't know if the 5.4 recommends 89 octane or more...it could be a consideration for you.
If you're not hauling, plowing or demand heavy use, the 4.6 is probably satisfactory.
Important note: gear ratios are different between 4x4 and 2x4, my guess is this will effect fuel economy more than 4.6 vs. 5.4
[This message has been edited by MrBill (edited 01-26-2001).]
I also drove the 5.4 liter on a test drive, and noticed the difference, but not much. I was concerned with fuel economy and don't need have heavy duty hauling or plowing so opted for the 4.6, but I'd never consider the 2X4. I only have 2900 miles on the vehicle, but am averaging 15.8 to 16.2 MPG in very cold weather with some long warm-ups. Manual says 87 octane, so I switched to it after using 89 for the first 1500 miles... no change in performance. I don't know if the 5.4 recommends 89 octane or more...it could be a consideration for you.
If you're not hauling, plowing or demand heavy use, the 4.6 is probably satisfactory.
Important note: gear ratios are different between 4x4 and 2x4, my guess is this will effect fuel economy more than 4.6 vs. 5.4
[This message has been edited by MrBill (edited 01-26-2001).]
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Globe, AZ
I've never had enough power in a vehicle. My 5.4 seems like it takes a while to get up in MPH. When I mash it to pass someone, it doesn't get up and jump.
I just began keeping track of its mileage. I want to see what it is gas vs. propane.
Last week, WITHOUT the tailgate, I only drove in town, stop & go, as well as in the hills twice, through 1' of mud in 4WD, (spinning doughnuts included). The Screw makes great spins! It looks like I got 12.6 MPG.
On a trip to go shopping y-day, I drove under 200 miles on the highway, a lot of it hilly, involving a 4,000ft decent, then a 4,000 ft ascent at 60MPH. It looks like its going to be around 15 MPG.
I need to track the propane and I hope that a FIPK and Ravin exhaust will increase the pep and MPG.
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2001 SuperCrew, Gen. II
**Dealer installed propane conversion. Delivery: Oct. 21
*Silver* XLT 4x4, 5.4L: power driver's seat, captain's chairs, lim. slip, skids, tow pack, cage, moonroof.
Additions:
-16x8" Galaxy Centerlines with 265/75/16 Big O all terrain XT's,
-Waag wheel to wheel nerf bars (black with chrome steps)
-Trenz billet grill
-Sprayed black rubberized undercoating on axles, etc.
-Ford locking gas cap
-Gray Husky liners, front & rear
-Black/chrome pedals
-Gray sprayed-in Inyati bedliner
-tinted windows
-Pioneer stereo/cd controller, Pioneer 12-disc changer, 4-channel Profile amp in parrallel runs 6 1/2" Infinity Kappa's in rear & stocks in front (will replace with components) & 6 1/2" Bazooka subwoofer
On order: 47 piece carbon fiber dash kit, bug deflector.
Future: Ravin exhaust, Airforce 1 FIPK, graphics, cap & rear Altezza lights when they come out
[This message has been edited by Femseadoo (edited 01-27-2001).]
I just began keeping track of its mileage. I want to see what it is gas vs. propane.
Last week, WITHOUT the tailgate, I only drove in town, stop & go, as well as in the hills twice, through 1' of mud in 4WD, (spinning doughnuts included). The Screw makes great spins! It looks like I got 12.6 MPG.
On a trip to go shopping y-day, I drove under 200 miles on the highway, a lot of it hilly, involving a 4,000ft decent, then a 4,000 ft ascent at 60MPH. It looks like its going to be around 15 MPG.
I need to track the propane and I hope that a FIPK and Ravin exhaust will increase the pep and MPG.
------------------
2001 SuperCrew, Gen. II
**Dealer installed propane conversion. Delivery: Oct. 21
*Silver* XLT 4x4, 5.4L: power driver's seat, captain's chairs, lim. slip, skids, tow pack, cage, moonroof.
Additions:
-16x8" Galaxy Centerlines with 265/75/16 Big O all terrain XT's,
-Waag wheel to wheel nerf bars (black with chrome steps)
-Trenz billet grill
-Sprayed black rubberized undercoating on axles, etc.
-Ford locking gas cap
-Gray Husky liners, front & rear
-Black/chrome pedals
-Gray sprayed-in Inyati bedliner
-tinted windows
-Pioneer stereo/cd controller, Pioneer 12-disc changer, 4-channel Profile amp in parrallel runs 6 1/2" Infinity Kappa's in rear & stocks in front (will replace with components) & 6 1/2" Bazooka subwoofer
On order: 47 piece carbon fiber dash kit, bug deflector.
Future: Ravin exhaust, Airforce 1 FIPK, graphics, cap & rear Altezza lights when they come out
[This message has been edited by Femseadoo (edited 01-27-2001).]
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas, CA, USA
Everyone
I got the 4.6 3.55 ls and took the $$$ I would have put into the 5.4 and got a cat-back, chip and K&N. I think it works out to the same hp and tq, with better gas mi. and better driving with the chip. I tow a 6500 lb. boat just fine. I think that if you don't have 6500 lbs. + to tow and you don't need the 5.4 for whatever else you would need ( racing, ego ) the 4.6 with mods is great. I have had several friends with 5.4's say they don't feel any difference between their's and mine.
Greg
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2001 SuperCrew, 4.6, 3.55LS leer shell w/ rack, complete tow and off road pkg. K&N, catback,
I got the 4.6 3.55 ls and took the $$$ I would have put into the 5.4 and got a cat-back, chip and K&N. I think it works out to the same hp and tq, with better gas mi. and better driving with the chip. I tow a 6500 lb. boat just fine. I think that if you don't have 6500 lbs. + to tow and you don't need the 5.4 for whatever else you would need ( racing, ego ) the 4.6 with mods is great. I have had several friends with 5.4's say they don't feel any difference between their's and mine.
Greg
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2001 SuperCrew, 4.6, 3.55LS leer shell w/ rack, complete tow and off road pkg. K&N, catback,
