Ford continues 5.4
linc The old 5.4 soldiers on for 3 more years at reduced capacity . Left unsaid but it will likely mean the V10 will continue as well.
Forum Discussion
rexlion wrote:
I will never own another 5.4L after the one I had blew spark plugs 3 times (each time while towing, IIRC).
I know that feeling. Well, almost. My V-10 blew one (not three) while I owned it and possibly more right before that. The plugs were changed out by a local Ford dealer before I bought it. Stuff happens. I try to not hold any grudge, not easy I know.
This "plug shortcoming" was a concern as I prepare to buy a new (rebuilt) V-10. I then noted that many rebuilt blocks advertise the PI heads. I wasn't sure what they were. Ford used to label performance engines PI, for Police Interceptor.
Now it appears that PI stands for Performance Improved. The idea is that the design evolved as Ford continued to make the product. The newer 2-valve and all later 3-valve heads have better spark plug threads. The link above refers to 2000 as the magic year, but other sources have mentioned 2002 if I recall. Basically, I might want the PI heads for a replacement engine.
The newer of the V-10, V-8 Ford designs are solid performers. I think the V-10 efficiency is improved over the old Ford 460 design; i.e. the Ford V-10 seems to have a slight fuel economy advantage while towing. The V-8 is a match for the old 351 Windsor it replaced.
A new engine will cost more than I paid for the used truck, but I still trust the updates enough to do it as a matter of budget control over buying a new truck.
Wes
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