Before I started shopping for my 2011 F-150 I gave serious thought to getting a 2009 / 2010 3V 4.6L. I test drove one in late 2009 and it seemed like a great motor (it was a Scab, 3.55 2wd). Suffice it to say I decided to wait, not because there were rumors in the air about new motors but because I wanted to squeeze everything I could out of my car at the time before making such a big investment. Even in 2011 with the new motors available I was still considering getting a slightly used 2010 4.6 3V but as you can see from my signature I held out and went with the 5.0.

Wow I'm glad I did. Its been almost a year since I bought it and have 37000km on it now. Yesterday I got to drive a 2010 4.6L 3V (Crew cab, 3.55 2wd) approximately 30km for work. The difference between the 2 is so clear now that I have driven them both back to back. My 5.0 rev's exceptionally freely compared to the 4.6 and it delivers its greater power much smoother. It also holds 6th gear way better even though mine has a 3.31 and the 4.6 had a 3.55. Also the hydraulic steering on the 2010 felt much more old school then the electronic system on my 2011. I guess my truck has spoiled me .

The experience made me that much happier with my choice and I couldn't help getting a grin on my face at the end of the day when I drove my truck home from work.

I'm not saying that the 4.6 3V is a bad motor but it doesn't compare to the 5.0 in my mind. Figured that was an interesting story to share.

 

Sounds like you made the right decision!

 

Its def not a bad motor, but it doesn't belong in a 5k+ lb full size truck. Congrats with the 5.0 decision, its a beast of a motor.

 

How does the 4.6 not belong in a fullsize. Its a great motor if u dont do heavy towing. In the 90s ford didnt make a gas burner that made the hp of the 4.6 3v. Now people think its weak? Oh, and i own a 5.0. I just know the 4.6 3v is a nice motor

 

I do agree its a nice motor and it did do the job nicely in the F150. I look at it this way, a 4.6 mustang was a great car and a good performer, but a 5.0 mustang is just that much better, same thing with the F150, the 3V 4.6 was good but the 5.0 is better.

 

Compared to the 5.0 (well compared to all 2011+ f150 engines), its a joke. The old 5.4 was bare minimum for me prior to these new engines coming out.

The 4.6 is a good option in a mustang, not a big heavy truck.