what are the best F-150 motors between 97 and 2002? And which ones do i want to avoid? i have read that the 4.2s arent all that great but the 5.4s are prob the best.........let me know....thanks

Jimi

 

97-98 5.4 I would avoid since they have the nonPI heads. 99 up have the PI heads that perform much better

 

Is the power improvement quite a bit in the 99 5.4's?

 

the 1999 - 2003 5.4L 330ci Triton V8, 260 h/p 350lbs torque

 

thanks

 

Vs the 97-98 230 HP numbers

 

but what about reliabiltiy

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward's_10_Best_Engines

 

HI!... I'd stay away from the "99" 5.4L's. They are known, the best for head gasket leaks due to FORD let a ton of "99" blocks go out of the factory with out of spec deck clearances.

 

I think the 97 5.4L is the best, but that is what I have with 216,000 miles on it. I would bet that it will make it to 300,000 without any problems. It still has the factory water pump and hoses on it. The only thing I have had to change in the engine compartment besides plugs and air filter (K&N) and serpentine belt is the alternator......

 

I would tend to agree. The only thing I have done to mine in 185,000 miles is replace the spark plugs once, alternator (I jump off equipment every day), and the air filter.

 

I guess the 5.4s a pretty d@mn good motor

 

I like the 98 5.4L - 200,000 miles , no leaks,- doesn't burn oil - great compression!! New plugs COP's and type 3 injectors last spring and I swear the motor runs better than it did when it was new.