All -
Getting ready to purchase my next truck (an '04 FX4 w/5.4L engine). I'm trying to understand the changes that have happened to the engine since the last 5.4L that I owned (a '97 F150 XLT). Well, guess that's not technically true, as I've owned an '02 Lightning also, but...

Anyway - always loved my '97, but always seemed underpowered to me. I know there's a pretty big HP/TQ difference between the years, so what's the difference besides the 3v heads and throttle-by-wire? Will I notice only a small difference in day-to-day driving, or is it pretty significant?

I had also thought the brakes on the '97 were a bit small for it's application - and although this is an engine forum, if anyone knows the answer to that one too, I'd appreciate it

Thanks!

 

Well, you get more HP with the '04s, but they are also a good bit heavier (I believe around 500 lbs on average?)

Im not sure on all the details but it should be faster than your '97, by how much I dont know, as that can vary alot on what packages you had on the trucks.

As for the brakes, I don't believe the size of the brakes changed, but they did move the 4-wheel disc brakes at some point.

 

The throttle isn't quite as responsive on the stock ones(that can be fixed with a super tuner) Also, they're kind of finicky about aftermarket intakes and exhaust. If you plan on doing those mods, do your homework. I had a muffler shop do a single in dual out, and lost some power between 2500 and 3000 rpms. I average about 16 mpg. Mine is 2wd with 3.55 gears...Kevin

 

Yeah, this truck isn't for modding, much past a chip. I've got a Mustang that's plenty modded and loud

Just really wondering if the entire power band had been improved, or if it was simply peak HP/TQ I guess. That'd be my main concern.

Thanks for the great feedback so far!

 

I've got the 2004 F150 Xlt with the 5.4L 3 valve engine. Puts out 300 HP. I ordered mine with the 3:73 rear axle because I tow a 5th wheel. The box I believe is 2 to 4 inches deeper than previous models. They've added 6 inches to the extended cab which probably contibutes to the added weight. Great truck

 

Hey, thanks for the great replies. Here's some feedback, as today I took delivery of a used '04 with 3k miles on it (still smells new

I don't notice a nite and day performance difference between my '97 5.4 and the '04 5.4. There is difference, but it is not drastic. Overall, I'm happy with the factory performance of the 5.4.

The brakes (I know, this is an engine related forum) are MUCH improved over my '97. Dunno what changed from year to year, but I am tremendously happy with that improvement.

Overall, extremely happy with the quality of the truck, and it's list of features (a fully tricked out FX4). Glad to be back in a F150!

Thanks again for the replies!

 

I think your main difference as far as braking is concerned is that they moved to 4-wheel disc brakes (I dont know wich year, but I would guess '99)