Which engine do you think is best

[92exp4x4]

I only own a bunch of 4.0 OHV Explorers and can't complain about them, but I can comment on the 5.0 from other Fords I have had. ( A mustang GT, lincoln mark 7, and 2 fullsize broncos) Its an outstanding engine. It has great power for its physical size and wieght, and the aftermarket supports it nearly as well as the Ch**y 350.

For those who want to know:

The basic Windsor design originated in 1962 as the "Fairlane V8", a 221/260 small block put first into the Fairlane car. About 1964/65 the engine became the 289 which later formed into the 302 in 1968 because of the new emmisions laws. The mandated PCV system and new timing dropped the horsepower, so Ford punched the 289 out to a 302; more to keep the power numbers of the '67 model year. This engine went into about every Ford model since the 60s. I have even seen it used in airport tugs, big forklifts, boats and many other industrial applications.

Total variations that I know of are the 221,255,260,289,302, and 351 ranging from 1962 to 2001. Almost 40 years in production says something!

 

[johnvosh]

I have only owned a Ford 4.0L OHV engine but can say the Chevy 305/350 V8's are some of the best engine's I have used!!!

**and let the flaming start!!**

 

[pickupman6]

Yeah cuz they last about 145-160k miles on average, yeah I don't think so.

 

[johnvosh]

Yeah cuz they last about 145-160k miles on average, yeah I don't think so.

Then I must have been lucky because my '94 Suburban had the 5.7L and had over 450,000 KM's and it was the original power train. My '72 Chevy C-10 had over 400,000 miles on it and only then was it needing a rebuild.

 

[pickupman6]

Must be. I've never gotten anywhere close to that and neither have any of the buds. I can say the 4.3 is pretty darn reliable to bad the rest of the blazer wasn't.

 

[mr cribb]

I voted for the 4.0 OHV only because of the 2 explorers I've owned (4.0 OHV and 4.0 SOHC) My OHV is far more reliable.... Of all the motors listed my ultimate choice would be the 5.0

 

[4rd Xplora]

5.0 and the 4.0 ohv, had both engines and they are equal, dependable and long lasting in my worthless opinion, flipped a coin, 5.0 won.

 

[black96]

How about this...
my 96' 4.0 v6 has 200,000 miles on it and burns no oil, runs smooth and the transmission has never been rebuilt and it shifts smoothly. I've only replaced the radiator, shocks, plugs,wires, serpentine belt and several batteries. I think I got all my value out of this one.
It has never left me stranded.

 

[Dweeberman]

Off of personal experience only, the 4.6L is the most reliable IMO...but i have only had the 4.0 SOHC and the 4.6L. But my preference is off drivability and gas mileage. My 150 got anywhere from 18-24mpg with a few mods installed (catback exhaust, Air Force One Intake, Superchips programmer, JET Module...dyoned @ 317hp & 396lb-ft torque). She ran like a champ with no hiccups. my 4.0 gets horrible gas mileage and luckily i just got my gears changed so i might be able to give a better review on the 4.0 in the near future..as for longevity..hard for me to review on as i have not had either for that long.

 

[NHarris]

Well its time to shove my personal opinion into this. After owning all, but the 4.6L V8 engine I will officially say that my favorite is the 4.0L OHV. I owned a 5.0L from May to December of last year and I loved it...up until it rained. The thing had EGR issues like a son of a b*tch, moisture kept entering the electrical system, cracked exhaust manifold, and a faintly knocking valve train. All in all, the engine itself taking away the rest of the garbage was amazing. Plenty of torque, sounded amazing and could move 31's with ease. That was my favorite rig to tow anything with.
Now my 4.0L OHV has just made it over 200,000 miles and I have not had an issue with it besides blowing a head gasket, which is typical. I do want to rebuild the engine, just because of age and mileage and to throw new rocker arms in.
The 4.0L SOHC is a good engine and produces plenty of horsepower and torque for the age of that design. The timing cassette issue is inevitable for higher mileage motors, but I never experienced that being that my 05 Explorer was sold with 90k and my Ranger has just 11k on it. I struggled with lean codes for 20k miles on it, but that was created by my own stupidity and worsened by taking it to the stealership... Other than that the 4.0L SOHC is second on my list.

To each their own though. Many people have great luck with the 5.0L OHV and I would not discourage anyone on owning one. Nor will I force my opinion upon anyone, but do your research before choosing any Explorer. A lot of the reliability is dependent upon previous owners' care for the vehicle.

Keep on Exploring
-Nate

 

[DieselHilux]

I vote for 4.6!!

I have seen MANY MANY vic's used as taxi cabs with over 300,000 MI on the original engine!!!

Continually adding to an old out dated design (302 & SOHC 4.0) does not make it a good engine.

There is a reason Ford stopped using the 302 and went to the 4.6...........

 

[AP9]

I vote for 4.6!!

I have seen MANY MANY vic's used as taxi cabs with over 300,000 MI on the original engine!!!

Continually adding to an old out dated design (302 & SOHC 4.0) does not make it a good engine.

There is a reason Ford stopped using the 302 and went to the 4.6...........

Same exact engine? I wouldn't be surprised if the P71s/Interceptors had some improved components due to the severe service they were expected to be subjected to (frequent WOT, sustained high-speed operation, etc).

 

[DUNE RCR]

302 all the way. Tried and true engine IMO. Mine has 220k+ miles and growing and have a slight ticking from water intrusion recently (almost hydrolocked). I have put this engine through hell since almost 3.5 yrs ago at 137k miles when I bought it. Still running strong doesn't burn oil or leak either. I'm just taking it easy on it now until I get the funds together to tear everything apart and figure out what's wrong.

 

[DieselHilux]

Same exact engine? I wouldn't be surprised if the P71s/Interceptors had some improved components due to the severe service they were expected to be subjected to (frequent WOT, sustained high-speed operation, etc).

They are internally EXACTLY THE SAME!!!

They have an external oil cooler and a bigger alternator and that is it!!

I have personally rebuilt many 4.6's and can tell you all the internal parts between a P71, your grandmas Grand Marquis, and your plumbers E150 are EXACTLY the same...........

 

[mr cribb]

I have driven them all with the exception of the 03 cobra, and the new 5.0.... I will vote for pushrod motor, call me old I don't care.... torque is what moves your vehicle, horsepower spins the motor faster.... now sometimes, the numbers can match and it makes for a wicked ride.... most of what I have seen one number defeats the other.

My biggest hangup is the SOHC timing chain issues.... I think a timing belt would have been better.

I will say that the baddest motor I drove was a modded 4.6 single cam, the thing about killed me though.


taken from rodsknockinhipro.blogspot.com

Ford 5.0 v.s 4.6
Ahh yes the old debate. Which is the better engine a push rod 5.0, or a overhead cam 4.6? Though whichever side you find yourself to be on you should absolutely acknowledge both are great engines, that have both earned much respect. Another thing, both have been replaced, but we won't mention the absolutely dominating successor, which just so happens the be 5.0L. The new 5.0 however happens to be more so similar to the 4.6 in design.

In the 90s no doubt about it the old push rod 5.0 was king. Everyone wanted a Mustang GT, with a nice chrome 5.0 badge on the fender. For their time they were a hard revving, low end torque having monster. Also from the years of 1989-1992 they came with forged internal, making the mighty 5.0 love the abuse. The 5.0 came with a tops of 245 horsepower in the Mustang Cobra. Though the when still known by it's cubic inches of displacement, the "302" was at one time offered with 315 horsepower.

In 1996, ford introduced what would be not so well received for Mustang enthusiast, the overhead cam 4.6. This engine was nothing like what Mustang gurus have come to know and love. To most it lacked the umph that the 5.0 packed. Many also thought it was too small of an engine to be placed in a sports car. Plus many of these people didn't give the Cobra Mustang a chance or the respect it deserved. The 95 Cobra with the 5.0 made 245 horsepower. It could blaze through the quarter mile at a mild 15.3 seconds. The 96 Cobra rocketed through the quarter in 14 seconds flat. It was more than just the additional 60 horsepower that helped it beat the old Cobra. The power band was much stronger. The Cobra was equipped with high revving dual overhead cam engine. Also it was mated to a better transmission. The whole package over was something to be admired at the time. Also the 4.6 had technology on it's side, being a whole new design. The 5.0 was design in the 60's. With time it adapted newer technology. The 4.6 was designed around these new technology. Also it had the advantage of OBDII(that's something I'll have to save for another post!).

As the years went by the 4.6 did what it could to keep up with the competition. In the year 1999 not only did the Mustang get a face lift it also got a heart transplant. The Mustang GT saw a better breathing 4.6. The new 4.6 was flowing numbers people paid thousand to get the old 5.0 to flow. The power output went from 215 in 1998, to 260 in 1999. For the Cobra it increase a little less, from 305 to 315. But, in the year 2003 the Mustang would be better than ever before. The new Cobra hit the showroom floor with a factory rated 390 horsepower. It is popular belief the actual number was more like 425. The new Cobra sported a fine tuned supercharged, dual overhead cam 4.6. It would be the faster produced Mustang ever.

Though the 5.0 had its good years, the 4.6 simply had the advantage of technology, and simply put, design. Not only did the 4.6 have more power per liter, but also it got better MPGs. Also, it matched the 5.0 in reliability. Although, maintenance cost could be a little bit higher due to all the new technology. I will say I do prefer the revs of a 4.6. but I will also say respect the years of shear power brought by the 5.0. Which is better is purely up to preference as they are both great engines

 

[Mike65]

hands down the 5L

I agree, that engine has been around since 1968.

 

[Frank trac]

I'd prefer the Q code 351 Cleveland in my Mustang Mach1 over all of these motors but my SOHC 4.0 in my 05 ST. Has been rock solid with no problems or oil consumption or smoke.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I'm gonna vote 4.0l SOHC just to screw the pole up. Just kidding. What a steaming pile of dog dung that one is.

 

[Machine090767]

Nothing wrong with a 4.0 SOHC.
Mine has given me zero problems.
Guess you got a Monday/Friday one.

 

[chefduane]

209k on my SOHC. Not the POS some think it is. But, I'd still buy a 5.0 if I had me' druthers.