Ford 5.4 vs 4.6

[Chaz7R]

I recently traded in my 2003 f-150 FX4 with the 5.4 V8 in on a 2008 f-150 4x4 but it only has the 4.6 V8. After putting a few thousand miles on it I am really starting to miss my 5.4. I havent towed anything with it yet. Do you think it will be a huge dissapointment when i hook up my boat this spring? (18ft monterrey open bow) The ramps on my favorite lake are kinda steep and slippery. Worst thing is i only gained about 1 mpg with the smaller engine lol 16.5 vs 15.5. Im thinking about adding an cold air intake and a magnaflow cat back in the spring.

 

[642mx]

Re: Ford 5.4 vs 4.6

Actually, the 5.4L is a disappointment too compared to the new 5.0L and ecoboost... but anyways, your gonna hate the 4.6L if you pull anything heavy.

The cold air intakes usually decreases gas mileage, or at least that's been the case with all the vehicles I've owned. They do increase the bottom end grunt which may help with the boat. And as with most exhaust systems, all they really do well is increase the sound. My Tundra (5.7L) actually lost a little bit of bottom end power with the Gibson cat-back that on it.... but it seems like it pulls a little harder on top.

If your wanting to increase the gas mileage on the 4.6L, use street tires like a Firestone Destination LE. These are good for 1 to 2 mpg better than a tire such as a BFG All Terrian.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Ford 5.4 vs 4.6

We ended up with a few of those 4.6's in our fleet and I was never impressed at all. They would tow but seemed to work really hard and got very poor fuel mileage.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Ford 5.4 vs 4.6

I doubt that your 18 will make a ton of difference. You will know it is back there tho.
I have the 5.4 in my F250 4x4 and its not much, but does the job. My boat and trailer go about 5000 lbs, and I have an 11,000 lbs trailer I haul also. Boy dies it hate that. My old V10 did fine with it.
The cat back will make it sound better, i have the flowmaster and love it. Never really liked the magnaflow sound.
Be happy with you 16.5 MPG. I get about 9.