Need an Opinion... 4.6L or 5.4L?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,645
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Originally Posted by Paratrooper
Nobody here is happy with what they currently have and that is why the aftermarket has flourished.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43,535
Likes: 817
From: Joplin MO
It all depends what you are going to be DOING with the truck. If all you need is a standard or extended cab, don't haul heavy loads or tow anything heavy, live where there aren't a lot of hills, and don't need blazing speed, a 4.2 will be plenty. I'm very happy with mine because I knew what I was getting ahead of time. As long as you get a 99 or newer, it will be very reliable, it's easy to maintain, it uses plug wires and easily accessible plugs that don't blow out or seize in the heads, it doesn't have noisy cam phasers, etc. etc. Not only that, you can find a used 4.2 for a lot less than an equivalent V8.
Gas mileage isn't that great, but again, it's a truck and I didn't expect great mileage. I did expect enough power to go just about anywhere as a daily driver and cross country ride without being a rolling roadblock, and it does do this easily. If you are happy with the performance of a small 4 cylinder car with the base engine, you will be happy with the performance of a 4.2 in a F-150.
My point is - everything is relative. If a V6 just doesn't have what you want, then you might as well do the 5.4 in spite of the known and documented maintenance issues. The 4.6 just doesn't have much more ***** than a 4.2 without doing substantial mods - and if you are going to do that, you might as well start with a 5.4.
Gas mileage isn't that great, but again, it's a truck and I didn't expect great mileage. I did expect enough power to go just about anywhere as a daily driver and cross country ride without being a rolling roadblock, and it does do this easily. If you are happy with the performance of a small 4 cylinder car with the base engine, you will be happy with the performance of a 4.2 in a F-150.
My point is - everything is relative. If a V6 just doesn't have what you want, then you might as well do the 5.4 in spite of the known and documented maintenance issues. The 4.6 just doesn't have much more ***** than a 4.2 without doing substantial mods - and if you are going to do that, you might as well start with a 5.4.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I guess the whole point is-Sixshooter wants opinions and just because my opinion doesn't align itself with everyone elses I'm the dummy....
I would not own a 4.6 engine in the new body style as it just doesn't have the onions. In the older body style the 4.6 is adequate and with mods it will do.
I hope that Sixshooter got something out of this, I know I did...
I would not own a 4.6 engine in the new body style as it just doesn't have the onions. In the older body style the 4.6 is adequate and with mods it will do.
I hope that Sixshooter got something out of this, I know I did...
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25,641
Likes: 19
From: MI
Originally Posted by Paratrooper
I guess the whole point is-Sixshooter wants opinions and just because my opinion doesn't align itself with everyone elses I'm the dummy....
I hope that Sixshooter got something out of this, I know I did...
I hope that Sixshooter got something out of this, I know I did...
You refer to Toyota's , Dodge, Chevy, Camaro's, Vipers, Powerstrokes and so on..
So what good are yuh ?
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I'll admit I did get a little side-tracked-trucks are a passionate subject....
As for what good I am-well you could ask some bad-guys that question. I have sent some of them to greet Allah.
I do love my truck though and I enjoy being where many others do as well...
As for what good I am-well you could ask some bad-guys that question. I have sent some of them to greet Allah.
I do love my truck though and I enjoy being where many others do as well...
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by glc
It all depends what you are going to be DOING with the truck. If all you need is a standard or extended cab, don't haul heavy loads or tow anything heavy, live where there aren't a lot of hills, and don't need blazing speed, a 4.2 will be plenty. I'm very happy with mine because I knew what I was getting ahead of time. As long as you get a 99 or newer, it will be very reliable, it's easy to maintain, it uses plug wires and easily accessible plugs that don't blow out or seize in the heads, it doesn't have noisy cam phasers, etc. etc. Not only that, you can find a used 4.2 for a lot less than an equivalent V8.
Gas mileage isn't that great, but again, it's a truck and I didn't expect great mileage. I did expect enough power to go just about anywhere as a daily driver and cross country ride without being a rolling roadblock, and it does do this easily. If you are happy with the performance of a small 4 cylinder car with the base engine, you will be happy with the performance of a 4.2 in a F-150.
My point is - everything is relative. If a V6 just doesn't have what you want, then you might as well do the 5.4 in spite of the known and documented maintenance issues. The 4.6 just doesn't have much more ***** than a 4.2 without doing substantial mods - and if you are going to do that, you might as well start with a 5.4.
Gas mileage isn't that great, but again, it's a truck and I didn't expect great mileage. I did expect enough power to go just about anywhere as a daily driver and cross country ride without being a rolling roadblock, and it does do this easily. If you are happy with the performance of a small 4 cylinder car with the base engine, you will be happy with the performance of a 4.2 in a F-150.
My point is - everything is relative. If a V6 just doesn't have what you want, then you might as well do the 5.4 in spite of the known and documented maintenance issues. The 4.6 just doesn't have much more ***** than a 4.2 without doing substantial mods - and if you are going to do that, you might as well start with a 5.4.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Whitehorse Yukon
Originally Posted by tomclem
If you plan to drive around like Sanford and Son, then 4.2 or 4.6. Otherwise, drive like you mean it and get the 5.4(or better yet, wait for the 6.2 Boss).
) it has plenty of power and i have towed alot with it. no problems at 90,000
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25,641
Likes: 19
From: MI
Originally Posted by KlondikeF150
Or buy the new Tundra and walk all over 5.4's...
KlowndicF150 and Tundra motors have something in common.
Major Internal Problems -------------
U Commie Bastid
