Little old 4.6L needs some help!!!!

[njltr450]

Im just trying to find the best working combo for a 4.6L...? I need to be able to tow up to 8500+ lbs with out having to do 30 mph on a 15% grade!!! I have K&N Intake, a OOOOLD Flowmaster muffler (only) and tires are only 265/70/16... nuthin crazy.
Is it gearing or engine... or am I just screwed...?!
Please help....?!

 

[Stoned06]

You'll have issues towing 8,500 lbs with the 4.6 as it just doesn't have the power and torque to tow that much weight. Short of a blower AND gear changes, I would either do an engine swap with a 5.4, or save the trouble and find an Expy with a 5.4 if you can afford to do so.
The cheapest route is to find a wrecked Expy with a 5.4 in good shape and pull the engine and computer out and do a full swap yourself if you are capable.

 

[KWT2000]

15% grade what where you find a grade that steep wow if your holding 30 on a grade that steep your doin good

 

[joshuajack]

My 97 has the first gen 4.6 with 215 HP. It is specc'ed at 8000lbs max (emphasis on MAX) towing. I believe you would be doing a lot of modification to your prize to get her to do that. Sorta like asking a prom queen to step into the wrestling ring.
I think you are up against more than just the engine power issues too. Living in the mountains and towing the occasional 4000lb load, I will tell you that the brakes and transmission are just not equipped for that kind of weight.

 

[KWT2000]

not to mention if you pulling 4000 lbs without trailer brakes your unsafe as well as breaking the law... if your trailer brakes are set properly you barly be using the truck brakes