4.2L vs 4.6L Engine...I need advice.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, NC
Just a quick note, my "little" six has pulled by the big boy V-8's after first gear time and time again. However it really boils down to where you want your power: down low (V-8) or mid-to-upper (V-6). My last Ford was a '94 Ranger S/C w/ the 4.0/5-speed and it was tough to beat with any full size (except for one supercharged 454SS that blew my doors off) Ido not tow hardly @ all, so I really do not miss the V-8, when I do I just jump in my '70 Suburban. Hopefully not all of this is jiberish! Thanks, Doc
------------------
1999 F-150 WS 4.2 5-speed, reg. cab, short bed, Sport Grill, Pioneer DEH-P4000 CD, Rockford's 5 1/4 in the corners, Tinted windows, more to come....
------------------
1999 F-150 WS 4.2 5-speed, reg. cab, short bed, Sport Grill, Pioneer DEH-P4000 CD, Rockford's 5 1/4 in the corners, Tinted windows, more to come....
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, NC
Just a quick note, my "little" six has pulled by the big boy V-8's after first gear time and time again. However it really boils down to where you want your power: down low (V-8) or mid-to-upper (V-6). My last Ford was a '94 Ranger S/C w/ the 4.0/5-speed and it was tough to beat with any full size (except for one supercharged 454SS that blew my doors off) I do not tow hardly @ all, so I really do not miss the V-8, when I do I just jump in my '70 Suburban. Hopefully not all of this is jiberish! Thanks, Doc
------------------
1999 F-150 WS 4.2 5-speed, reg. cab, short bed, Sport Grill, Pioneer DEH-P4000 CD, Rockford's 5 1/4 in the corners, Tinted windows, more to come....
------------------
1999 F-150 WS 4.2 5-speed, reg. cab, short bed, Sport Grill, Pioneer DEH-P4000 CD, Rockford's 5 1/4 in the corners, Tinted windows, more to come....
Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Van Horn Texas
All I know is I liked my 99150 suber cab so much with the v-6 I just turnned it in today for an exact replica only with the 5.4 and a year 2000 model. Shame to do that at only 16000 miles,,,But I feel the need for power
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
If you get the manual the V6 should be fine.
If you want auto get the V8.
If you want to haul butt then get the 5.4L
Remember torque is the most important thing as far as pep goes.
------------------
99 XLT 5.4L reg cab
4x2 120" Wheelbase
4 wheel disc brakes/ABS
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador Red/Silver
3.55 gears 255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers w/tweeters mounted flush in the door panels (excellent sound)
Sherwood 35x2 RMS amp for components.
Jensen 50x2 RMS for subs.
2 6.5" Bazooka tubes
Lowering shackles?
If you want auto get the V8.
If you want to haul butt then get the 5.4L
Remember torque is the most important thing as far as pep goes.
------------------
99 XLT 5.4L reg cab
4x2 120" Wheelbase
4 wheel disc brakes/ABS
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador Red/Silver
3.55 gears 255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers w/tweeters mounted flush in the door panels (excellent sound)
Sherwood 35x2 RMS amp for components.
Jensen 50x2 RMS for subs.
2 6.5" Bazooka tubes
Lowering shackles?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: California, USA
Skippy Fellers -
You are the only person who can really answer your own question. Every one of us has a different set of circumstances that will dictate which motor is best. You must evaluate how you will use the truck. Here's some food for thought. I drove both the 4.2 and 4.6 and for me, the 4.6 V8 was my choice. When I drove the V6, I thought the transmission did too much shifting trying to find the best gear. You must realize that this was based on my style of driving and my geographic location. I found the V6 actually to be a little more responsive down low but I hated the fact that the tranny would downshift a gear if I stepped on the gas even a little while on the freeway. Someone said it earlier that there is no substitution for cubic inches - I believe that. If you're going to tow something, I think the V8 is the way to go. The bottom line is for you to make the choice based on what feels good to you. It doesn't matter what the reasons are.
------------------
Black '97, SC with 4.6, 3.55 gears, automatic, 2-4 Belltech drop kit, SnugTop fiberglass lid, 3 chamber Flowmaster muffler, billet bumper grill, fog lights, American Racing 17x8 wheels with 275-60 Goodyear Eagle GT II tires.
You are the only person who can really answer your own question. Every one of us has a different set of circumstances that will dictate which motor is best. You must evaluate how you will use the truck. Here's some food for thought. I drove both the 4.2 and 4.6 and for me, the 4.6 V8 was my choice. When I drove the V6, I thought the transmission did too much shifting trying to find the best gear. You must realize that this was based on my style of driving and my geographic location. I found the V6 actually to be a little more responsive down low but I hated the fact that the tranny would downshift a gear if I stepped on the gas even a little while on the freeway. Someone said it earlier that there is no substitution for cubic inches - I believe that. If you're going to tow something, I think the V8 is the way to go. The bottom line is for you to make the choice based on what feels good to you. It doesn't matter what the reasons are.
------------------
Black '97, SC with 4.6, 3.55 gears, automatic, 2-4 Belltech drop kit, SnugTop fiberglass lid, 3 chamber Flowmaster muffler, billet bumper grill, fog lights, American Racing 17x8 wheels with 275-60 Goodyear Eagle GT II tires.