I've seen tons of stuff on the new 3 valve 5.4 liter motor and it sounds great, but I think we all know the weak link in the F-150 engine lineup is the 4.6 liter. I've owned a '97 4.6 liter, a '99 5.4 liter, and now a 2002 4.6 - all regular cab, short box, automatic, 4x4's with ORP and 3.55 LS rears. The 5.4 was a rocket ship compared to the 4.6's.

Is anybody at Ford playing with a 3 valve 4.6 or anything else to help it out? I'm getting tired of getting smoked by 4.8 liter Chevys!

 

Hi2

Im curious...why did you got back to the 4.6L?

I havent seen anything on a new 4.6L. Ford has figured out how to tweek that engine alittle over the yrs.

They have the 3V 5.4L for 04 model...also lost alot with set backs on the small diesel for the F150...on back burner now? Also set backs on other models. So i think the current 4.6L gonna be around for awhile. JMO!

Gonna have to mod. your 4.6L. I know what you mean.

Good luck...OT

 

I went back to the 4.6 because the 5.4 was killing me on gas. I put on around 23,000 miles a year and the 4.6 is worth 2 MPG. Do the math and you'll see. Boy, I do miss the power though!

 

2 stroke

You should think about some basic mods. They will solve both your problems -- power and economy.

I added AF1, Superchip, Borla, underdrive pulleys, electric fans, and ignition upgrade to my 98 4.6 manual. I have plenty of power and increased fuel economy by 4 mpg (15 to 19)..... Of course it's easy to burn some extra fuel since the power is now there.

 

Hey Peddler,
What Ignition upgrade did you use? Did you notice a power or mileage increase specifically from that installation. Let me know.

Thanks!

 

Peddler1000

I'd add all of those wonderful goodies (Christmas is coming you know), but I'd end up voiding my warranty. My original post was wondering about Ford actually doing something for us. Out of the whole 1/2 ton engine lineup (4.2, 4.6, 5.4), the 4.6 is by far the weakest motor when compared to the competition from GM. Besides, the last upgrade to the 5.4 (remember PI heads?) eventually rattled down to the 4.6 as I recall.

 

Sorry, you can't have it all. Power, fuel economy, and a big heavy truck just don't go together without costing more money. If you are getting smoked by Chevy 4.8L's, maybe you need a Lightning and not a 4x4ORP truck. I have honestly stoplight raced one other pickup with my 99 5.4L 4x4ORP, a Chevy with unknown eengine. Two lanes mearged on a freeway entrance ramp. I won. Big deal. If I didn't, I could have easily gotten in behind him. Racing a 4x4 truck seems silly to me. I drive fast, but rarely do I need to redline any gear. I have plenty of torque to get around quickly in city traffic and cruise at 80-90mph on the weekend trips while pulling light trailers.

If the motor is not enough for you (which you should have figured out on a test drive after owning a 5.4L), then aftermarket or replaement is the only way to improve. Intake, exhaust and a chip will do wonders from what I hear. Intake and exhaust will not void the warranty, and the chip is reversable if you need to take it in for service.

Aaron

 

APT,

You're missing my point. Yes, I too owned a '99 ORP with a 5.4 and it was a great truck. My friend's 5.3 liter Chevy with similar equipment towed just as good as mine - and regularly got 2-3 MPG better mileage doing it! Heck, he's getting about the same mileage with his 5.3 as my 4.6 - which can't even stay near him.

Don't get me wrong, I don't drag race my 4x4. If I did I would have bought a Lightning. My beef is around day to day driving and hauling boats. The GM motors - particularly the 4.8 - get better mileage AND tow better. The 5.3 Chevy and the 5.4 Ford are a much closer match - with the Ford getting the nod for towing.

 

Simmons351w

I upgraded as I thought the maintenance schedule and my redneck brain called for service. First I put in Denso Irridium plugs (32K), then Accel Super Stock wires (which fit great -- 35k). Finally installed MSD coil packs at about 40k.

I can't give you specific fuel economy numbers, but bone stock was 14.5 - 15 mpg. Now 19 mpg is a given for me. The last time my wife drove the truck for a week, mileage was for sure 20 mpg. The biggest single improvement came after heavy stock fan came off and two Derale electric fans went on. That was for sure 1 mpg and maybe 1.25 mpg every day.

 

APT

You sure are right when you say: "you can't have it all". My wife got me brought right back to reality when I mentioned 'Lightning' to her. She let me know that the only Lightning likely to be on our property was lightning coming out of the sky, not out of Ford Motor Company!

By the way, I get to the Detroit area almost weekly. I believe that Detroit and suburbs area just may be the pick-up truck capital of these United States -- 275 and 696 -- there are dozens of trucks showing off every time I'm there!

 

2-stroked, I understand your point, but I doubt the Chevy tows just as well as your 5.4L did. I'm not saying it won't do it, but everyone I heard that has towed with both says the Ford doesn't downshift as often. Given similar equipment and gear ratios (which is not possible), the Chevy does get better mileage unloaded. Loaded, the Chevy is working harder and I bet it takes a bigger hit in mileage. The 4.8 may tow better and get better fuel mileage than the 4.6L Ford. I have no experience with either.

I realize everyone is trying to get the most out of their trucks, but people buying sticker priced $30-40k F-150's are not exactly poor. If they can afford the truck (and all kinds of accessories), a couple miles per gallon makes the difference of a couple hundred dollars a year which is nothing compared to their incomes. Gas is still very cheap as a percentage of people's income in the US.

Peddler, there are a lot of pickups in Detroit Metro Area. Considering 90% of new vehicle sales are domestic, and about 50% are trucks, no wonder. About 80% of the local population gets one of the three discounts (I get two!) too. The whole southeast Michigan area is fairly populated, so many people like to go "Up North" to northern parts of the state on weekends to get away. They all need to haul their camping gear, boats, jet skis, ATV's, snowmobiles, cabin supplies, etc and they need vehicle that can do it. Tourism is huge in our state, despite not having many well known national attractions.

Aaron

 

Sorry to hear that the 4.6L is weak! I know of a 1997 F-150 with 4.6L that has over 200,000 miles on it. This vehicle has the orginal starter, water pump, battery & all major components (including rear end & trans.).

Vehicle has had 2 tune-ups & serves faithfully every day. This 4.6L also has had cold start-up knock since 37,000 miles.