Topic Sponsor

4.6 or 5.4

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 14, 2010 | 03:43 PM
  #1  
T Warn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default 4.6 or 5.4

I have a 1997 F150 Flareside 4x4 ext. cab with a 4.6 in it and its about time to either swap for larger engine or rebuild for performance. My question is it better to try to swap my 4.6 for a 5.4 or just rebuild and put performance parts in my old 4.6? And if going to 5.4 any electrical changes? Thanks for any opinions
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #2  
James_G's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by T Warn
I have a 1997 F150 Flareside 4x4 ext. cab with a 4.6 in it and its about time to either swap for larger engine or rebuild for performance. My question is it better to try to swap my 4.6 for a 5.4 or just rebuild and put performance parts in my old 4.6? And if going to 5.4 any electrical changes? Thanks for any opinions
I like my 5.0 302.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong. But I thought there wasn't any power gain from a 5.4 351 over the 5.0 302.

Minus the fact that you'll be getting worse gas mileage with the 5.4
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2010 | 09:18 PM
  #3  
mad4002's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Default

if you change over to a 5.4 will you bolt on aftermarket parts or leave it stock??

but basically if you are going to do the same things to both motors the 5.4 will put out more power just because of the displacement difference

but if i was you and going to rebuild a engine with performance in mind whichever engine you pick

ported PI heads $1400
set of cams $450-550
and a programer with custom tunes available $400+

then the next step would be
bigger injectors
throttle body
headers with full exhaust

i plan on doing all of the above with a 5.4 swap on my 04 heritage 4x4 along with a lightning lower intake/intercooler and a aftermarket supercharger and i hope to get to around 450-500rwhp

Last edited by mad4002; Jun 14, 2010 at 09:22 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:05 AM
  #4  
gone postal's Avatar
5 Year Member
Supporting Member

Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 25,669
Likes: 437
From: Central NY
Default

Originally Posted by James_G
I like my 5.0 302.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong. But I thought there wasn't any power gain from a 5.4 351 over the 5.0 302.

Minus the fact that you'll be getting worse gas mileage with the 5.4
You're comparing apples to oranges. The 5.0 (302) windsor OHV engine is not the same animal as the 4.6 the OP is referring to. The 351 you are talking about is a 5.8L, and it had considerably more torque than the 302.

Were I doing an engine swap on an older truck, and I had the time, I'd find a 4.6, upgrade the cams/heads and call it a day. To change over to a 5.4 is more than a quick swap.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2010 | 03:59 PM
  #5  
T Warn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by James_G
I like my 5.0 302.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong. But I thought there wasn't any power gain from a 5.4 351 over the 5.0 302.

Minus the fact that you'll be getting worse gas mileage with the 5.4
Thanks for your input definetely will consider as one of my options.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2010 | 04:01 PM
  #6  
T Warn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by mad4002
if you change over to a 5.4 will you bolt on aftermarket parts or leave it stock??

but basically if you are going to do the same things to both motors the 5.4 will put out more power just because of the displacement difference

but if i was you and going to rebuild a engine with performance in mind whichever engine you pick

ported PI heads $1400
set of cams $450-550
and a programer with custom tunes available $400+

then the next step would be
bigger injectors
throttle body
headers with full exhaust

i plan on doing all of the above with a 5.4 swap on my 04 heritage 4x4 along with a lightning lower intake/intercooler and a aftermarket supercharger and i hope to get to around 450-500rwhp
Thanks for your input definetely will consider as one of my options.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2010 | 04:05 PM
  #7  
T Warn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by gone postal
You're comparing apples to oranges. The 5.0 (302) windsor OHV engine is not the same animal as the 4.6 the OP is referring to. The 351 you are talking about is a 5.8L, and it had considerably more torque than the 302.

Were I doing an engine swap on an older truck, and I had the time, I'd find a 4.6, upgrade the cams/heads and call it a day. To change over to a 5.4 is more than a quick swap.

Thanks for your input definetely will consider as one of my options. May stay with4.6 just like you said new heads, cam throttle body and injectors.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2010 | 01:07 AM
  #8  
TheJMC's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 11
From: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
Default

Swap the 4.6 to a 5.4 and be done with it. Check notes in my sig for tips.

.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:22 AM.