Which One is Best Performer?

[BroncoWinchester]

This is my first post, so please bear with me....

Have opportunity to buy either a 2003 V-6 or a V-8 Explorer.
Presently have a 1996 Isuzu Trooper whose seats are too small and has as much power as a skateboard. Is really a tough, excellent logging road/offroad truck. Am at age I appreciate the hip room more than angle of approach!

Most driving is 50/50 town/highway. Want to be able to take a highway grade from Boise to Idhao City without having to downshift into third to make it up the elevation. Also want enough grunt to tow a 20 foot travel trailer, four wheel on washed out goat trails and horse power to pass on highway.

My impression is that I need AT LEAST 250 hp and 250 ftlbs torque for the weight of the Explorer. Have heard/read gas mileage sucks on either engine and performance is marginal. Who knows?

Any advice on which engine would suit me best and perhaps can be most easily modified to get to a real AT LEAST the 250/250 mark?

Thanks

 

[lynchy wa]

Mate go the V8, with a simple 2 1/2" catback exhaust system, air intake and James Henson sct x3 tuner you'll be laughing. Those modifications will run you about $750.00.

G'day and welcome too

 

[MillerTimeX17]

Go with the v8. You wont be very impressed with the towing power of the v6. The 4.6 has more than enough power to tow a 20ft trailer plus it has balls on the highway. If i could go back and purchase my EX again I would definitely make sure it had the v8.

 

[43]

yeah, the v6 comes with 210hp and like 250~ish torque i think, v8 is like 240 hp and 280 lb-ft, with 5k lbs towing with the 3.55 and class 2, and 7200 with the 3.73 and class 3 hitch. sorry if a few numbers are a little off, this is off the top of my head.

 

[BroncoWinchester]

Thanks guys for your prompt responses.

In looking at engines, was wondering if I should wait and buy a 2006 with the 300hp V-8.

Problem I have is that it looks so pretty so get dirty and scratched!

WDYT?

 

[lynchy wa]

Personal choice now mate. I think the 2006 will also have better fuel economy, so that could be a factor? When did the 6 speed auto come out? Decisions, decisions!

 

[armysoldier30263]

go with the v8. You wont be very impressed with the towing power of the v6. The 4.6 has more than enough power to tow a 20ft trailer plus it has balls on the highway. If i could go back and purchase my ex again i would definitely make sure it had the v8.

x2

 

[n.gardner]

x2

x3
shoulda got the 4.6

 

[Curtis]

I held out for a 4.6 and very glad I did
MPG is not much less than a V6
Plus if every time you filled up if someone asked for "For $10 more this week I'll give V8 power and torque" you'd do it

Now if only mine was 2wd so I could roast those tires every now and then I'd be all set

 

[Limited02]

I've got the V8 with two mods and it moves nicely(Henson tune and exhaust)

I drove a V6 not long ago and it seemed to have very good lowend, but fell on it's face after winding out. Mine has decent lowend, but starts to pull hard as it moves through the power band. I vote V8, but either motor with the basic performance mods(CAI, tune, exhaust) will be more than enough unless you like running at the strip like I do

Here is a vid I made of mine running through the gears(tune & exhaust)-

At the strip(ran a best of 15.1 in the 1/4)-

 

[joachimf]

Best performer Explorer? '02 4.0 V6 M/T with 3.73 3rd member. Quick and light-footed. That is why I haven't sold it!

 

[CALDWELL]

V8 without question...

Intake, 2.5'' Exhaust, Tune = Smile On Your Face

I wish I held out for the V8... I get 9-10 mpg with my V6 in Philadelphia, now with those numbers and a V8 I would be more understanding

 

[n.gardner]

V8 without question...

Intake, 2.5'' Exhaust, Tune = Smile On Your Face

I wish I held out for the V8... I get 9-10 mpg with my V6 in Philadelphia, now with those numbers and a V8 I would be more understanding

yeah i feel ya on the gas milage

 

[Cozmik]

My wife has an 03 V6. I have an 05 V8. Def get the V8 if its an option. The mileage is almost identical but the performance sure isn't.

 

[fr0st m0nkey]

V8 without question...

Intake, 2.5'' Exhaust, Tune = Smile On Your Face

I wish I held out for the V8... I get 9-10 mpg with my V6 in Philadelphia, now with those numbers and a V8 I would be more understanding

You guys must drive with a lead foot or need a tune up. I average 17 mpg mixed city/hwy and got 18.8 mpg the other day driving from San Luis Obispo, CA to Stockton, CA averaging around 80 mph. The worst mileage I've ever got was 12.3 mpg all city driving in a hilly area.

 

[armysoldier30263]

monkey im assuming you have the 4.0? the problem most of us see is the lack of power that the 4.0 puts out due to the weight of our trucks ... the 4.6 would solve that with little to no mpg loss