Looking for any advice concerning choosing between 4.6 and 5.4 engines. What kind of gas mileage difference will it be with 3.55 and auto for a F150 supercab? Once a week I'll tow a 1700 -2000 lawn trailer with equipment but nothing real heavy. Any advice is appreciated.

 

get the 5.4l... you never know when u might want to tow something bigger.....

 

I have the 4.6 ... and I wish I had gone for the 5.4. It wasn't too much more, and in the end, you can haul much more, including yourself. If you're not in a complete money crunch, do yourself a favor and go for it!

 

Get the 5.4l. After having both motors, the 5.4l will scare you the first time you get a ride in it after a 4.6l

 

See my post "Glad I have a 5.4

Ï would say the 5.4 is WAY, WAY more motor.

Period.

 

5.4L is the minimum requirement for me in a full size pickup / SUV.
the 4.6L seems to have better availibility of internal high performance parts (cams, cranks, rods, etc.) but it takes alot of work/$/parts to make up the 57 lb ft of torque more that the 5.4L comes with stock.

Get the bigger motor, you'll never regret it, even at the pump as the 4.6L only gets 1-2 extra MPG at best, and in some applications (heavy loads) worse economy then the 5.4L

 

Having driven a 99 F150 supercab 4x4 4.6L 3.55 auto since new I can say your 2000 lb trailer will not be a problem. I'm now running with LT65/75R16's. The only thing I would do differently if I ordered new again, would be to get a 3.73 rear end for a bit more power. A 5.4L would be "extra icing" if you did not mind using more gas.

If you live in a very hilly area you may want to run with overdrive off.

 

I own a 4.6. Get the 5.4!

 

All depends on what you are looking for. You aren't looking at any big towing needs, so both engines will cut the mustard just fine. Gas mileage difference depends a little on how much you put your foot to it, but in general 1-2 mpg difference would be expected. It doesn't add up much if you don't put a lot of miles on. Based on where I am today and the average gas price I've paid, that would add up to over $1500 extra in gas (spread out over five years).

My take is this: Unless you feel the need to have a good stoplight racer or have heavy towing needs, the 4.6l will do just fine. It all depends on what will make you happy...

 

i looked at the 4.6 when i bought the new truck. i think i drove it a mile, then back to the dealer. my 4.2 5 spd was more "lively".
bought the 5.4 and haven't regretted it yet. drive both and you'll know which one is right for you immediately.

 

I have 01 4.6 4x4 reg cab. The truck gets pretty good gas mileage 17-18 mpg. It seems to have plenty of power, but I don't tow anything heavy either. Aside from a persistent smoking problem I would get a 4.6 again.

 

Seems like the 5.4 is a much more popular choice here. I drove both today and noticed a slight difference between the two. As far as reliability I would assume the 5.4 would be better since it doesn't have to work as hard. I think I am also going to choose a 5.4 since it may have to carry heavy loads once in a while, thanks for the advice guys!

 

I have the 4.6 and have been very happy with it but wouldn't mind having the 5.4 but since I have a reg cab 4x2 with 3.55 gears the 4.6 has done very well for what i use my truck for.

 

If you have to ask get the 5.4. You can always lift your foot off the gas with the 5.4, but when you are floored with the 4.6 there is no more left.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I run in to that problem frequently, there's just not quite enough OOMPH for what I want, and that's acceleration. I'm gonna have to go get a supercharger to get that speed back ... Don't shoot yourself in the foot, spend the extra $750 and get the 5.4!