Tell your pops to go for the 5.4. I have a '97 Supercab 4x4 with a 4.6 and there's times when I feel I could use the extra power. For getting to work and back, cruising around, and playing in the dirt, it's fine. But when I tow a car trailer behind (combined weight of 5,000 lbs.), I could use the extra torque of the 5.4. I guess it all depends on how much hauling *a$$* he plans on doing.

 

If I understand correctly a gross estimate with an auto tranny is a 25% power loss through the drive train.

If the 4.6 is running 231 HP and the 4.2 is running around 200HP then these should be the *rough* estimates for rear-wheel HP:

4.6= 57 1/2 HP= Rear wheel 173.5 HP

4.2= 50 HP= Rear wheel 150 HP


Is this safe to say without the confirmation of a dyno. program?

I'm just curious.

Thanks!

 

Why not get a Super Duty with a 6.8 or the 6.0? No problem with power there.

Even though I have the 4.6, I would also reccoment the 5.4 for that particular application. My truck has plenty of power (at a price) but it rarely has to carry anything and will never tow anything. The 5.4 has good hp and the torque necessary to make a truck do what a truck has to do.

I would also say that you would see similar gas mileage with either engine. The 4.6 will be working pretty hard in a heavy truck, sucking about as much gas as the 5.4 would be taking it easy.

Good luck!