As the subject says, 4.6L vs 5.4L.
Ok here is the question.
Which engine has available aftermarket updates for more power.
I have driven 2000 E250's with the 5.4, really did not impress me with the power they were lacking.
I am looking at an F-150 V8, manual trans, 4X4. But which engine has the best updates for the money.
Mike C.

 

Doesn't matter in your case. You can't get the 5.4 and a manual on an F-150.

 

You want a manual and a V-8. You are stuck with the 4.6, as the 5.4 is not offered with a manual in the F-150.

 

Both engines have plenty of aftermarket performance upgrades available for them; many fit both engines. Just an idea -- if the 5.4 didn't impress you, why would you want less HP in a 4.6? You may want to consider aftermarket superchargers or a Lightning to begin with.

 

Yep. Looks like a 4.6L manual for you.

max mitchell--
He really doesn't need the Lightning since he wanted 4x4.

But a Lightning would be nice!

 

I did notice that. My response was just a broad answer on how to become impressed with truck performance

 

Thanks guys for all the input. Oh yea. I forgot to mention that I want the truck to be a 4X4. See we do get snow in the winter here in Palmdale California as we are at 2655 FT.
Equipped with an ARB for (both diffs but at least) the rear diff, I can use the truck for off road use which will help me to get in some great camcorder shots. There's lots of places my old 2WD Ranger goes now, but............well, you know the rest.
A FUTURE F-150 OWNER.

 

the 5.4 van you drove could've had higher gears,and it might just be heavier than an f-150,i don't know.but i have a supercab 4x4 with a 5.4 and i love it.i have a 3.55 open differential,you'd deffinitely want to get atleast a 3.55 limited slip.get the lowest gear you can if you want to get the most power to the ground.mine with the 3.55 needs a little more low end

 

Your right. A 3:55 is a good diff, my Ranger has a 3:90 I think. It might be a 4:10. Although the engine is tired, the low rear end still helps. In a 1/2 ton like the F-150, you need at least a 3:73, or a 3:90 if you can get it. Ya I know, on the Freeway the lower rear end will tear up your mileage. If your going to use the vehicle just for freeway driving, it would be better to have the 4 cyl Ranger or just a car.
Either way, an ARB Locker rear end would help even a 2WD for light off roading or in the snow.
Mike C.

 

I have driven the tires off both engines on a f150. Neither engine is very impressive if you are use to lighter cars with strong engines like the stangs, camaros, vettes, turbo imports.

A 4.6 if fine with the 5sp. Just be sure to get the 3.55s, 3.73s are better and if you go larger tires, expect a loss in performance if you do NOT regear.

IF you go with an auto a shift kit makes a world of difference in the way the truck drives and the performance.

Personally, unless you stick a blower on either engine, you are not going to be impressed. They are faster than a 300 I6 of the mid 80s, but nothing to brag about.

With a few light mods like opening up the intake and exhaust, the engine runs a lot better than stock. Use the vehicle for what it is made for, hauling loads or people or towing. If you want something fast, the lightning is your choice or mustang from Ford.

 

Thanks for the reply. Thats the information I was looking for.
In my question about the 4.6 vs 5.4, I mentioned how the E250 van with the 5.4 was not a strong pulling vehicle.
We see the F250 pickups with the 5.4, again they are not "ground pounding, asphalt eating machines" like the old 460 V8's or even a good running 351 V8.
I know there are upgrades that can be installed on the engine, ordering with a 3:73, 3:90 or 4:10 axle will give much better pulling power, adding a shift kit to the auto trans will give more crisp shifts, adding (smog legal, I live in Southern Calif) headers, a (Motorsports) more open air induction and better flowing injectors will give it a strong kick.
I want a 4X4 for off roading and the snow we get in Palmdale (elevation 2655 ft) and I'm sure a 4.6 with a manual trans and the above upgrades will make a real strong machine.
If I were to plan a stronger engine, I would start with the cam, the computer and work out to the induction and exhaust system from there. The truck must be streetable, may turn into a daily, short distance driver, but I want it to be reliable and not something that is used only on weekends.
At work we have E350's with the 6.8 V10. That's a unique engine. It's strong enough that they are equipped with limited slip differentials, but they pull strong and seem to have a good midrange.
Don't know what their mileage is like, and I am not putting down the 4.6 or 5.4 in the comparison with the 6.8. I like the F-150, it will tow or carry more then the Ranger, and the interior is larger then the Ranger.
Mike C.

 

Mike, you have a lot to learn about the modulars.

cams and headers are a waste of time. Remove the intake restrictions, the stock catback, split the Y pipe for duals, install an electric fan and larger TB and MAF. That is about it. You can chip the motor if you want to run premium all the time. You can run Underdrives if you dont mind heavier steering, warmer AC and if you dont use an electric fan warmer running motor. An electric fan is a great mod!

Basically after that, you blow the motor if you want more. I have the 4.6 5sp and it runs well. Does not seem as fast as my modded 4L ranger, but it is. It is larger, that is what I bought it for. If I got an auto, I would get a shift kit, do the above mods and get a 4.6 I dont have a use for the larger motor. After driving both of them, I cannot tell a lot of difference. They both get you moving, but nothing like the mustang.

The 5.4 would be good if you are towing a lot. Otherwise the 4.6 is where I would lean towards personally.

 

Thanks Matt:
Your right about one thing, I do not have much knowledge about modulars. I do not know if there is much HP difference between the two, but since I drive a Manual Trans now, (87 2.9L Ranger)
I want to keep it that way with a V8 and 4X4.
I plan to do some self testing to learn about the 4.6 and 5.4 at work, mostly to build a folder on the electronics for the engines, this way when one fails or has a problem, I'll have the "What-It-Should-Look-Like" example. Unfortunately, all our trucks are automatics.
Mike C.