Quote:
Originally Posted by Bbasso
I've driven 5.4 vans and they are gutless compared to either the V10 or diesels...
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I don't doubt this statement at all and have never driven a V10 van. In fact, my V8 engine was also listed in the con side of my white board list.
What i can comment on is my experience with the exact same year and engine as Rockman (2006 with 5.4l). For reference, my other van is a 4x4 G30 van with a 6.5l diesel normally aspirated. That van is no powerhorse, so my views are likely skewed.
On my drive back from Long Beach to Portland, covering Grapevine and Siskiyou summit, with the new high top, I never felt underpowered and could go as fast as I needed. Yes, I did downshift a couple times and hit 4300rpm. Yes, it does sound loud at that rpm although all research indicates it's perfectly fine and nearing the HP sweetspot. Total weight was 8000lbs, and still running stock tires. For my needs, the 5.4l proved to be good enough so far. This is highly dependent on the individual, and certainly over discussed in many posts, but I figured my experience was worth noting.
I'll continue to evaluate the 5.4 performance as I add more weight for the buildout.