Which engine will you get more miles out of: the 4.6 or the 5.4?

I will be buying a Screw later this year and I have been doing my research. And it seems to me that the only benefit you get with the 4.6 is approximately 5% better mileage.

I don't plan on doing much towing now, but I expect to keep this truck until it dies, so I might be towing later on.

Hepcat

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Proud owner of 1965 Mustang Coupe: with 289, dual exhaust, shift kit

 

2wd or 4wd?

Since in the screw you cannot get a manual, you should get the 5.4 in the 4wd. 4.6 has a manual in about every other configuration. Otherwise, the 4.6 would be fine in the 2wd unless you are really hauling a load.

 

The 5.4 has more hp than the 4.6, so it will not have to work as hard to move the Screw. Now keeping that in mind, you could safely make the assumption that the 5.4 would last longer...but that's if you don't run the engine hard. If you plan to keep it floored all the time, then both would likely last about the same.
I have the 4.6 and really wish I had gotten the 5.4. Hearing all the guys who have one bragging all the time about the power. I wish I was one of them, because if they hadn't wanted you to use the full range of the throttle, the engineers would have installed a throttle stop at 3/4 full.
Just my $.015 (can't afford the whole $.02) lol

 

Thanx for the replies so far.

I would be buying a 2wd with either the 4.6 or 5.4.

I don't have a lead foot very often so I would not be running either very hard and I plan on using a synthetic oil after the first change.

I have been told elsewhere that the longer stroke in the 5.4 may make it more durable.

Hepcat

 

Well, either engine would be a good choice. So long as you don't need to be racing everyone in sight, and aren't trailering heavy loads on a regular basis, the 4.6 works just fine. 121,000 and still no trips to the mechanic for anything other than regular maintinence on the engine! Plenty of folks with good things to say about 4.6 durability on the board - I'm only one of them. I won't knock the 5.4 though, its a good engine too. Just can't vouch for it on personal experience! Good luck in your decision.

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!

 

 

Trucks are made to haul heavy loads. My worktruck a 93 F-150 with 3/4 ton springs hauls heavy materials day in and day out. It has 200,000 miles on it. Since I started at job all I had to get done is a raditor replaced had a very tiny leak nothing major. I haul between 400to 1500 pounds day in and day out. Disregard gophers answer. Trucks are trucks not cars

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2001 F-150 5.4L trition,
Regular cab with 8' bed
XLT with Black Clearcoat
4x4 3.55 limited slip
factory cab steps
class III tow package
Factory ordered: 12/5
recieved: 2/22

Current Mods: Ford Plastic bedliner, Bug Deflector II

 

I have a SuperCrew XLT 4x4 Gen 4.6L and tow a sh-t "load" of stuff around including a 4300lbs snowmobile and sport bike trailer...Never had a problem with power, never had a problem with reliability, lots of great fuel mileage and a ton of fun.

The 4.6L gives you a big bang for the buck than most 5.4L owners give it credit for!

Love this engine!!

 

If you don't care about being the first from stop light to stop light, the 4.6L is a great engine. I keep telling people it's probably one of the most bulletproof engines built today.

It won't tow as much or do 0-60 faster than the 5.4L, BUT the 4.6L engine is cheaper to buy and cheaper to run.

My advice is to try truck like you want to buy with the 4.6L engine and see if you like it. Don't compare it to the 5.4L because as far as performance goes, there's no question that the 5.4L is better.

I had the 4.6L engine and loved it. I now have the 5.4L engine and love that too, but it hasn't been as trouble free as the 4.6L was. I was plagued with a rough idle problem that took several tries to fix. Even had the engine light come on once that was related to the rough idle.

Truthfully, I'd be just as happy with the 4.6L engine in my 4x4 SC. Less performance would be offset by lower costs.

If you're planning on towing, check the rating for the 4.6L very closely to see if it will tow the weight you're anticipating. You may want to go with the larger engine if you're really serious about this. You may also want the larger engine if you're planning on getting taller tires. If not, the 4.6L should be fine if you have a satisfactory test drive.

Don't get it with a 3.08 rear end. You'll be happier with the 3.55 or 3.73 if available. The 3.08 is great for driving on freeways, but around town, you won't be happy with the smaller engine.

BTW, IMHO, both engines are durable so long as they are properly maintained. From what's been posted here, both will go 150k or more miles, but the 4.6L will get there with fewer problems.

[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited 03-26-2001).]

 

I'm not sure what in my post gives you the impression I now drive a car, DaveH, but I can assure you I do not. Perhaps you would like to come with the next time I tow a 2500 lb trailer to Denver and back? Perhaps you would like to come with the next time I go fishing and tow a 16' fishing boat? Maybe when I go in the field for work doing concrete testing or stormwater sampling at god knows what time in the morning back at some god forsaken swamp in the middle of nowhere I'll remember I drive a car apparently. Maybe the next time I go surveying I'll think I drive a car. Maybe the next time it snows a foot I'll think I drive a car. The next time its covered in mud from doing my job somewhere, I'll remeber I drive a car.

I simply stated that the 4.6 will not win any races, nor is it the best choice for hauling heavier loads all the time. For most of us, it is perfectly adequate and reliable. Somehow that gets construed as driving a car. Let me think about that... I'd like anyone to disagree with either of the two points.

So I drive a truck that I keep in good shape, has given me the most trouble free 121,000 miles I've ever driven, and I keep it in great shape. I'm sorry to have offended you manly truck drivers out there... since I apparently drive a car... Geez.. (maybe my last truck will make you happier - an '88 chev half ton reg cab 8' bed with the 4.3 liter V-6. Last I heard - 210,000 and running just fine.)
Drive your truck however you want. I don't care. I won't ever say a thing. I drive a truck. It does what I ask it to and never complains. I enjoy taking care of it the best I can and sharing advice with fellow enthusiasts. That's why we're here. Next time, ask before you comment on something you know nothing about.

[This message has been edited by gopher (edited 03-26-2001).]

 

I've had both. Here is my .02 cents.
Unless you will be towing 5,000 pounds plus
get the 4.6 motor. The 5.4 is a real stump puller down low, top end is so-so. It chugs gas and is noisier in the cabin. The 4.6 makes good power from 1500 to 4000+ and you better watch that tach because it will just keep going, just like my 94 t-bird. Put your foot into it and let it run through the gears, will put a smile on you every time.
Not bad on gas, but runs best with the cheap stuff. Don't worry about feeling like you are missing something without the 5.4. I have it in my new screw because I tow often.
Otherwise I would have ordered a 4.6

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2001 Lariat Screw. Gen.3,
5.4, 4x4, All white w/ gray interior. 4r70w tranny, no problems yet,
wrong radiator, 3.55 gears

 

Maybe I should not be concerned over long-term durability. It seems that many feel both engines can have a long life if maintained well.

Should I be more concerned with long-term cost and reliability? After reading hundreds of posts here I get the impression that the 4.6 is more problem free. Is there any evidence to back this up?

Hepcat

 

WHITENGRAY....I could not agree with you more....you are one of the first 5.4L owners that have given us 4.6L owners any credit.

The 4.6L is the smaller "V8" motor but packs a big punch when required...thanks for being honest and here's to all the great Triton motors that are out there!

This is a great day for all 4.6L owners!

 

4.6 with a 5 speed gets up and moves. I know that I could get a better 0-60 than a 5.4 auto....oh wait...I already have. : )

theone

 

Keep in mind that the 5.4 is not larger. This engine was always a 4.6 modular V-8. It was to be the V-8 for the front drivers (namely the Continental). It was never meant to be a truck engine so the 5.4 should be treated as a secondary thought. Not to discount it, my Dad's 5.4 is Fantastic. I love it. I do wonder though, will the 5.4 die sooner because of its' design? (meaning an afterthought to the 4.6) I've been told that 5.4 is the maximum displacement available on this block (stroked as much as possible, no enough wall thickness to bore out) I could be way off on this one but when we see 10 year old 5.4's, we will know for sure.

Of course the 4.0 OHC in the Ranger is a bored out 2.9 and they run great, so who knows...

Remember, its still a Ford so you cant go wrong on either choice.

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98 Red F150 XLT,
Reg Cab, Short Box
Leer Tonneau
265/70R16 Bridgestone Duelers