best 1/2 ton engine among chevy, ford, dodge?

wildcats · July 26, 2002

Ok, what is the best engine - GM 5.3, Ford 5.4, or Dodge 4.7 or 5.9? I personally like Ford's 5.4 as it produces the most torque and is soon going to be updated to more than 300 HP and 380 ft. lbs. What are your opinions?

pacodiablo · July 26, 2002

5.4. why? it's in a ford!

wildcats · July 26, 2002

the fact that it's in a ford only enhances the goodness of the 5.4

Sierra5.3 · July 26, 2002

You sad, sad individuals. The Ford engine might have more torque, But its madly underpowered. 5.3 is defiantly better.

Roofer · July 26, 2002

I wouldn't say any one of them is superior, but with a GM you can get better options. Things such as tow/haul mode is better than just on/off OD, 4.10 gears, and auto 4WD function. Besides that, the 5.3 is faster and revs higher alot faster. The 5.3 is made to be driven hard. It's an LS1 for cripes sake! hehe

HillHound · July 26, 2002

You sad, sad individuals. The Ford engine might have more torque, But its madly underpowered. 5.3 is defiantly better.

Yeah what he said. I've driven a few Fords with the 5.4L and I can tell you they sure doesn't have the throttle response and mid and high rpm acceleration that the 5.3L offers, despite the differences on paper in torque. If you don't believe it go drive both for yourself.

Check out these Truck Trend tests from last year:

Silverado & Tundra Specs...

F150 & Ram 1500 Specs...

Some folks like to say the 5.4L outperforms the 5.3L under load, but as you can see the GM 5.3L outaccelerated all the other 1/2 ton pickups 0-60 and 1/4 mile unloaded and with a 1000lb load in the bed. According to this test, the Toyota Tundra 4.7L outperforms the 5.4L empty and loaded !!

Here's another engine test comparison as if the first isn't enough:

Edmunds Fullsize Shootout

As far as Ford updating their engines, I hope they do. Dodge is introducing their "Hemi" 5.7L and I hardly doubt GM will sit by and let themselves play catch-up for long. I expect GM could introduce the 6.0L in the 1500s without much trouble (look at the GMC Sierra Denali) and I've heard rumors the 5.3L can be easily tuned/tweaked to produce over 300hp along with a small increase in torque.

Off Road Red · July 26, 2002

5.3, why? It's in a Chevy.

CanadianZ71 · July 26, 2002

In my humble opinion Chevy's 5.7 is/was the best 1/2 ton motor. I don't know about performance numbers but I can say one thing - these motors last. I can honestly say after looking for a full year for a used truck that I never seen any dodge or ford trucks with high, high miles that still had life in them. Even on these boards, guys have chevs with more miles on the engine than you would seen on any Fords and Dodges. To me the best motor is the one that lasts and chevs got that hands down.

CanadianZ71 · July 26, 2002

Oh yeah, and the best milage too!

July 26, 2002

My parents have a 5.4 in a Supercrew: absolurely gutless, non responsive, and just overall luggish. All followed up by bad shift points in the tranny. Id go with a 5.3 for overall quality and power. And believe it or not the tow/ haul feature is a plus; keeps you in the power. As for the 5.9... Good engine as well. Notice how long its been around? And, watch out for their new 5.7 Hemi!! Im afraid its gonna be a romper stomper!! GM and ford better get ready!

k1500chevy97 · July 26, 2002

gm 4.8

SilveradoWV · July 26, 2002

gm 4.8

I agree!!!!!!!! Why? Because its in my truck!!!

Actually I would have to pick the 5.3, it will spin em any time you want it to!!! Also the 5.7 350 GM engine is/was a good engine, but the new engines just have more top end and horses, although the 350s are torque monstars!!!

wildcats · July 26, 2002

If Ford's 5.4 is such a poor engine, how has it made Ward's 10 Best Engines list ever since it was introduced? It's made the list for 6 consecutive years.