Go for the 4.6L....its a great, strong, smooth, tested, realiable and inexpensive motor to run.

It's a stronger engine than a lot of people on this board give it credit for. Sure it's the smaller V8, but big things come in small packages!!!!!

4.6L...why do you think they are still making this engine!!

Either way Triton motors are very well built and provide great power for any situation.

 

Karl,

I've read all the responses, now I'll add my .02 worth. I've actually owned both.
I had a 97 F150 SC/SB 4x4 4.6 Automatic 3.55 LS and I had got 14-17.5. Anything over 17 was tough even highway. Pulling my 2 place covered snowmobile trailer I got 10-14. Had the truck for 80000 miles

My 2000 is basically the same truck, but with the 5.4. I get better milage with the 5.4. I'm never under 16 with daily driving, yesterday it figured 17. I've got 19 a couple time highway, and always over 18...last trip north was 18.7.

The milage is no different in the 2, maybe better with the 5.4. Power and torque are better with the 5.4, and resale is better.
It really comes down to if you want to spend the extra $800 for the 5.4....there really is no tradeoff that I can see. The 5.4 is better all the way around except that it costs a few more $$$$ up front.

fwiw

-jeff b.



------------------
2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.

 

Interesting point on the mileage . . .

My buddy sells Ford trucks and has had both engines in his demos. He told me that there is a noticeable drop in mileage from the 4.6 to the 5.4. Alot of that could be due to winter conditions when it gets very cold and there is lots of snow on the ground though.

 

Hey farmboy....don't be comparing the '97 motors to the 2000/2001. I to have owned both the old and new motors....they are not the same. Transmissions have even bettered them selves over the last 3 or 4 years.

I do agree with you that the 5.4L is a bit bigger on the HP and torque specs...but do not compare a '97 4.6L to a 2000/2001 5.4L

2000/2001 4.6L trucks rock much harder than the older ones without a doubt!

Happy Trucking To All!

 

Gentlemen:

Extremely interesting reading!!! I decided to get the 5.4--still.

My later comment was driving two admittdly different rigs--expedition v. F150. I noted in seveal posters signatures the specs of their rides: The expedition seems to come with a different rear end ratio than the truck. Correct me if I am wrong on that. This could account for the difference in performance I noted.

Yes, I have taken the resale into account--out here the 5.4 adds $1,000 to the resale on a '99 with 30,000 miles on it!! Not bad for an $800 option.

Interesting notes about gas mileage, too, though that really isnt a factor in my decision since they are virtually identical in epa estimates. And if I was truly concerned about it I would buy a yugo!

thinking about the explorer, which I nearly bought in the spring: Cost about the same as the truck, gas mileage not a lot higher, really nice rig, smaller (may be an advantage in off-road and parking lot manuvers) but not as flexible as the truck.

Desicions, descisions.

--karl

 

Cougerguy,

The milage for both trucks drops 1-2 mpg in the winter due to oxy fuel and just plain cold weather. Even then my 5.4 is better.


2001....my 2000 is not a "bit" more hp and torque there is a "LOT" more hp and torque.
Even with the 2001 increase in the 4.6 it will not be a match as far as power. Look at the torque curves. The 5.4 makes all the power way low where you need it. Seat of the pants is way more than numbers and the 5.4 feels way more powerful than my 97 4.6, my dads 99 4.6 and the new one in a friends truck.


It's a cost issue. If you can afford the $800 it's a win/win. You even get the larger rear end with the 5.4. If you are a-plan then the cost is $600......

--jeff b.

 

4.6L vs 5.4L = .8L not a whole lot of difference from what I can see....HA!

Triton Rules!!

 

if you fiance for 4 to 5 years we are talking less than $20 per month. gas milage, what, maybe 1 mpg better. i think that rather than use the approach should i upgrade to a 5.4 it should be why should i settle for a 4.6.
does anybody with a 5.4 wish they would have gotten a 4.6? not me.
btw, my truck was sluggish until it got a few miles on it.

 

if you finance for 4 to 5 years we are talking less than $20 per month. gas milage, what, maybe 1 mpg better. i think that rather than use the approach should i upgrade to a 5.4 it should be why should i settle for a 4.6.
does anybody with a 5.4 wish they would have gotten a 4.6? not me.
btw, my truck was sluggish until it got a few miles on it.

 

I agree, while the 4.6 owners like the engine, I've yet to hear any 5.4 owners say they would rather have the 4.6L.