I'm sure you guys have talked about this a lot, but i couldn't find any threads on it. I'm looking for an F150 (97 or newer), and am not sure if I should get a V6 or spend the extra money and get the 4.6. I'm on a tight budget, so I don't want to get the 4.6 if the 4.2 will be ok. I don't plan on doing any towing, so my main concern is gas mileage and durability. I heard that the 4.2 doesn't get significantly better gas mileage. What do you guys think? Thanks

 

I would get the 4.6

The differences I have seen in MPG are negligible. There are several threads in here about MPG.

 

Well stang it's hard to say. All of the engines seem to get roughly the same mpg. I'd stay away from a '97 or early '98 V-6(bad timing cover gasket); however late '98+ are fine engines. I have one and it has always treated me well. The 4.6 and 5.4 V-8s are good power plants, but they can have their issues as well (pinging in the 4.6, plug launch in 5.4). If mpg is really the goal look at the axle code as well. The tallest standard rear gear is a 3.08, which I also have on my truck. Add to that the fact that I have 2 wheel drive and not 4X4, and my mpg is about 17mpg. Not too bad for a truck.

 

I would get the 4.6 again. It's been almost boring
in it's dependability, and the power is there when needed. If the mileage is nearly no difference, then I would pick the 4.6 hands down. Just me though ,,,,98

 

I'm with 98'. If you can fit the 4.6 in to your budget I would go for it. I thought about buying a V6, but knew in the long run I would never be happy with it, so I waited till I could get what I wanted, and I don't regret the wait... I don't do a lot of hauling or towing, but I've got a beefy 5'X10' utility trailer with a gate, and never have a problem... and BTW, you just never get the exhaust sound right unless you have a V8...

and as for MPG, I get 17+ with mostly city driving... that's a 4.6 auto, with 3.55's... it's gone up slightly with mods, but nothing worth mentioning... although, I just got my pullies on last night, so I don't know about that yet...

 

I personally think the 4.6L is the most dependable bulletproof engine you can get out of any truck.

I originally wanted the 5.4L but I got a great deal on the 4.6L and I think I am happier that I got the 4.6L.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think i'll hold out for a 4.6...

 

4.6 Is the way to go.

 

Maybe test drive a 4.2 V6 with a 5spd stick? You get lower cost of v6, acceleration of the small v8, and a lot more fun to drive.

Scott D

 

That is true, the V6 5-speed will have more horsepower to the rear wheels then the 4.6 V8 auto.

However, you will be able to tow more with the auto 4.6. If you don't tow, or don't tow over 3,000 lbs to 3,500 lbs then the V6 is a good dependable motor.

If your only looking for 97 or 98 then stay FAR away from the V6...

 

i'm not sure about the assertion that all of the motors get the same mileage. my 4.2 gets 19 mpg tank after tank. so it's not a one-off bad fill. and it's a 4X4. (5 speed) i sincerely doubt that many 5.4s are getting that kind of mileage on a repeatable basis. the 4.6 could be close in mileage since the horsepower difference is not that large.

 

I've seen quite a few people with the 4.6 get anywhere from 16 all the way to 22 MPG.

Same with the 5.4...some people seem to get pretty high numbers, some really low.

 

I had a 97 Xtra Cab V-6 2WD with auto and 3:08 gears. That engine has surprisingly good power. I assumed I was going to see way better gas mileage. I owned it for 2 years and on my best days I could manage 16 MPG.

I now own an Xtra Cab 2WD 5.4 with auto and 3:73 gears.

Instead of my power coming on at 2300 RPM and higher (the V-6), my power comes on from idle on. It has gobs more overall driveability. I can tow more than I can ever want to. And I took my first 2000 mile trip in it and managed 18.2 MPG. To say I am thrilled is accurate. That mileage was bone stock. I have no added underdrive pulleys and a chip and will soon do an intake and e-fans. More power is already present from stock and I have yet to do a mileage check but there is no reason to think I won't see better mileage now.

I'm not knocking te V-6. It is the little engine that can. But the difference between the 2 are signifigant.

 

yes, if you tow anything over 3,000 pounds or that pushes a lot of air, the 4.2 is too light. it easily handles any weighy in the bed however.

 

well, I've only had to fill my truck with gas two times (its that new) and I got just a tad over 16 mpg. Thats with a teen drivin plus i had just got it, so i was spinnin the tires and that stuff all the time (had to test it!)

Anyway, My grandpa has a 97 eclb with the v6 auto, and ,no offense to anyone, its gutless(to me).

So If the v6 only gets 16ish mpg, Id wait for the 4.6 just for the added power if I wre you.

Good luck!