Is the 4.6 overhead cam? Basically whats ya'lls opinion on the V6 vs. the V8? I'll be purchasing a (used)98+ F150 in the next couple of months and I'm not sure which is more practical. What is the gas mileage difference? I imagine the V6 is much easier to overhaul if it comes to that. I'm traditionally a V8 guy, my last truck was am '89 .302..nice truck..relaible. Not much power but a great overall truck. I'd rather have the 4.6 in my new truck, just because, yet I imagine its qiute complicated to strip down and put back together....thanks for any information on the newer V6 vs. the V8
Mike

 

Most will tell you to get the v8 over the v6 unless you plan to use it only as a commuter. The power over and above a v6 is noticeable, but not so great you couldn't get by with the v6. (the only v6 i have driven was an automagic, and i have a 4.6 5speed - which is plenty more get-up-and-go than a auto anything).

As far as tearing them down, well it won't be anything like the good ol 302s, i used to have a 351W and loved being able to work on it. The 4.6 is as easy, or tough to work on as the rest of the motors that ford puts in their trucks. Only main difference you see is the coil packs on the 5.4 make spark plug changes a tad more difficult.



hth
Bambino

 

The 4.6L and 5.4L V8's are single overhead cam engines.
The 4.2L V6 is an overhead valve.

 

I really like the 4.6. Its been in service for nearly 10 years in taxi 's and police squads. No you won't be able to race it but you can do just about anything else with it. Mileage? Don't even talk about it unless you know the axel ratio. The axel is just about as important as the engine for mileage since these engines are relatively close together in overall performance.

Best bet, search these forums and look at how many problems crop up with each of the engine options.

 

I just sold my 4.2 f150 and bought a 4.6 screw .I really like the extra power. the mpg is not that much differant either.Both have 3.55 gears

 

BTW, I'll reissue my motor credo.
"Never buy the smallest motor available in a given vehicle."

 

I have the 4.6 liter 5 Speed in my 97 F-150 supercab 4X4. I wish I had a little bit bigger engines for the truck. It has OK take off but you can never have enough. It really depends on the use. If you are hauling trailers and need the torque get the 8 with appropriate gears, for mileage, get the 6 with the appropriate gears. It is all in the intended use of the vehicle.