Mike T

Since you mentioned the difference in HP between the 97-98 and the 99-00 (235 vs. 260), I was wondering if you know what did Ford change in the newer 5.4 to get more HP. I am keeping my 98 and not having those extra HP from the factory bothers me a little. I know how to get more HP for my 5.4 but I want to make a base comparison.

Thank you for the insight.

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98 4x4 Lariat SC 5.4L in oxford white two tone. Only modifications, K&N Filtercharger and Stepshield door still protectors. Many more to come.

 

I have a 1997 F150, 5.4, 4X4 with a chip. There is no way my truck will spin the tires, I keep reading these stories about 5.4's spinning the tires and running strong. Mine is a dog. My old 6 cylinder jeep cherokee would leave the Ford in the dirt.

Does anyone have any hints about what could be wrong?

 

TO REDONE

My truck sounds a lot like yours. 1997 F150 Lariot, 5.4, towing pkg, ext cab, automatic, 265 x 17 tires, 355 gears, dual exhaust, K&N filter, new O2 sensors, chip, Helix power tower. I can't break the tires even if I powerstall it. I keep hearing about how well the 5.4 runs. I need help figuring out what the problem is. If anyone has any idea's let me know.

Thanks, FORDYACHT

 

Fordyacht,
The only thing I can suggest is that you might try starting over. Run the old gas out of it, get 93+ octane, real (100%) good gas, disconnect the battery for about 20-30 minutes, reconnect it and go out and run the truck like you mean it. I mean run it hard for a while, stop lights/signs, straight stretches, floor it often but watch out for the man if you know what I mean. Use country roads and non-busy highway times. Winter time is generally not the best time for performance as the gas has cold weather additives that hurt performance. The computer has logic that learns how you drive it and if you "***** foot" it, it will not run as good. I know four guys with 97-99 f150 4x4's (5.4L and 4.6L) and mine will run circles around all of them. Either I got real lucky or this learning curve is what makes the difference.

 

Dear JMTruck,

Great question! I know they changed the intake manifold setup a bit, and my info is that they made changes to the cylinder heads and the camshaft profiles as well. Injector size may well have been increased too, it's commonly done like that, I don't remember off the top of my head. So it's a combination of changes, which is generally how the automakers implement power increases.

There have also been changes on the bottom end of the motor, the late 5.4's have a different piston skirt design that was changed to eliminate the piston slap problems that a few people had in very cold climates. (Though to date no engine has failed as a result of this piston slap to the best of our knowledge, so don't be concerned)

In other words, it's not one or two parts that you could bolt on to your older 5.4 easily and cost-effectively to bump it up to the 260 rating of the 99 & later 5.4's.

As you mentioned, you know how to increase power should you feel the need.

Good luck with your truck,

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

Ford Yacht- I've also got a 97 150,4x4,5.4, auto, 3.55LS Reg cab, long bed XLT everyday driver with 105K miles on it. No modifications, other than driving the hell of it since the day it was new. It runs great, spins the wheels too easily. I've put it on numerous Vortec 350 GM's. I use 89 octane ethanol cause it's cheap. Normally I wouldn't keep a truck this long, but other than 3 sets of front brake pads, tires (just put on the third set of 17" Goodyears) a front wheel bearing and rear U-joints plus routine fluid/filter changes it has been NO trouble. It is driven 80 mph EVERYTIME it leaves the garage. By the way, it only weighed 5020 pounds with toolbox and pintle hitch on it(without occupant).
Your truck would seem to be unusual compared with my experience.