I was looking through the Haynes manual I lifted form the local library and noticed some very interesting things about our beloved Triton engines. I thought maybe you guys would like to comment on some of these interesting tidbits!

The Triton engines are what they call interference engines. The tolerances are so tight, if the timing chain breaks your talking some serious engine damage.

While we are talking about timing chains. Did you know that the timing chain tensioner is hydraulicaly operated? Very cool engineering!

The Haynes manual specifies three diferent pistons for the 4.6 and 5.4 motors (the 4.6 and 5.4 have the exact same bore - the 5.4 has a longer stroke.) I think it went red, blue and green. Not sure but it was color coded. Does anybody know why? My guess is it is Ford's attempt at the piston slap problem. According to the manual, the tightest clearance on the piston made it .0001 larger than the bore. If that doesn't cure the slap I don't know what will

I think Ford as come up with some pretty amazing engineering for these engines. Anybody agree? Disagree?

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.

 

Ford indeed took a step in the right direction with these engines, and it only took about 25 years after the introduction of the famed SOHC 427 too!

Chevy and Dodge will be forced to offer current overhead cam technology, even if it means they have to do it kicking and screaming.

I want the DUAL overhead cam engine offered in the Lincoln Navigator, tuned slightly more for torque however. I'd like to see at about 350 lbs./ft. and still get the 300 hp they have now....if they can still get most of the torque available at low rpm. The current 5.4 is very, very good, but Ford can do better!

The Ford/Cosworth Formula 1 V8 of a few years ago was the fastest revving V8 in the world, 14 or 15 thousand RMP, I can't remember for sure. Ford has the technology to give us whatever we want, maybe the DOHC i-Force in the Toyota Tundra will be just the kick in the pants they need at FoMoCo.

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2000 F-150 4x4 SuperCab XLT, 5.4 liter Triton V8 - Windsor, 4R70W automatic, Sterling 9.75" w/3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, CD, keyless entry, Amazon Green / Silver.

77 Bronco, 64 Falcon

 

I agree about the 32 valve, dual overhead cam Navigator motor. Sounds impressive!

I did however "race" one last night from a green light. He was a young kid, had is girlfriend (cute I might add ) in the passenger seat. I jumped him off the line and he couldn't catch me until 65+ About 70 I let off and he went by but I would have thought more out of that engine than what I saw.

Does anybody know how much a Navigator weights? Maybe somebody from the Navigator/Expedition thread would be kind enough to grace us with their presence?


[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 11-18-1999).]

 

kkirt1,
The Expedition curb weight is 4850.

(maybe the girlfriend had a big rearend)

 

Butt that's not nice!

 

Kkirk1

I am somewhat suspscious of your findings that lead you to believe that a piston that is .0001 larger than the bore it is to reciprocate inside of could even in our wildest imagination be possible.

Even if you got it backwards, What I understand about thermal growth rate from different metals prohibits this kind of clearance.(0001) Could it have read, The piston to cylinder wall clearance is a mere .001?

 

kkirt, you sure the navigator was a 32v, because that is an option. They get the regular 5.4 standard.

 

Another interesting thing is the horsepower to cubic inch ratio and how Ford manages to still keep these engines reliable.

AKULA

 

From Carpoint:
For the Lincoln Navigator. Notice the 2 cc diff between the two.

5.4L V8 5.4L V8



Horsepower 300 @ 5000 RPM 300 @ 5000 RPM


Torque (lb-ft) 355 @ 2750 RPM 355 @ 2750 RPM


Displacement (cc) 5408 5410


Turbo/Supercharger No No


Bore X Stroke (in.) 3.55 X 4.16 3.55 X 4.16


Compression Ratio 9.5 9.5


Fuel Type Gas Gas


Fuel System SEFI SEFI

 

You may be right about the "standard" 5.4 for the Navigator - she didn't look like she was carrying a wide load to me. If you know what I mean

As far as the piston clearances, I don't know. I'm just quoting what is in the Haynes manual (page 2C-2, 2C-3.) I double checked it just to make sure but here is exactly the specs, as listed in Haynes!

Cylinder Bore:
Diameter, 4.6L and 5.4L ...3.554
Piston Diameter
Coded red 1 ... 3.5529 to 3.5537 inches
Coded blue 2... 3.5534 to 3.5542 inches
coded yellow 3... 3.5539 to 3.5547 inches

So you are right, the "coded yellow 3" piston is theoritically only .0007 inches larger than the bore Really, I was only poking fun at Ford and its search for the Holy Grial (read as cure to piston slap).

FYI: According to Haynes the piston to bore clearances are .0005 to .0010 inches and .0002 to .0010 inch (4.6 and 5.4 respectively.)

 

kkirt1, the weight listed on the registration of a '98 Navigator is 5429 lbs.