Ford’s 4.6-Liter Modular V8: A Versatile Engine’s Final Ride in the Econoline
We’ve previously sung the praises of Ford’s Modular engine series, and the 4.6-liter V8 is a prime example of its design. This engine is frequently mentioned as one of the most adaptable Ford engines ever produced, powering everything from muscle cars to work trucks. Its last official application highlights this adaptability: the two-and-a-half-ton Ford Econoline cargo and passenger vans.
The 4.6-liter V8 found its final home in the Ford Econoline cargo and passenger vans.
2014 Ford Econoline Cargo Van Specifications
These are just a few of the specs from the final year of the Econoline van:
- Base MSRP: $28,600
- Engine: 4.6L V8 Gas
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
- Horsepower: 225 hp
- Torque: 286 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
- Fuel Economy: 13/16 MPG
The engine officially ceased production in May 2014, with the Romeo, Michigan, plant that manufactured them closing its doors in 2019. The very last 4.6-liter V8 ever produced was installed in a 2014 E-Series van, so let’s take a look at how this engine performed.
Cargo Van Compared to a Muscle Car
The concept of a cargo van with a muscle car engine is intriguing, but the practicality can be debated. The Ford Mustang engine’s performance in the Econoline, with a minimum curb weight exceeding 5,200 pounds, is somewhat diminished. Let’s compare the 2014 Econoline’s specifications to the fourth-generation Mustang GT:
Econoline vs. Mustang GT
The lightest Econoline vans weighed around 5,208 lbs. These were the delivery models, designed to carry cargo. Passenger vans weighed closer to three tons. This is almost twice the weight of a mid-90s Mustang GT.
Our team’s reviews of the fourth-generation Econoline van highlighted the 4.6-liter’s robust capabilities in handling moderate loads, but we did not discuss “peppy acceleration” or “sporty handling.” The fact that this engine could, with appropriate gearing, push a Mustang to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds as well as pull 7,500 pounds behind a Ford E-Series van demonstrates the engine’s versatility.
Where Else Can You Find A 4.6-Liter Modular V8?
The 4.6-liter Modular V8 was truly one of the most versatile engines Ford ever produced. Here are just a few examples to illustrate the motor’s wide range of applications:
- 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator: The 4.6-liter produced 302 hp in this luxury mid-size SUV, achieving 0-60 times under seven seconds.
- 1997-2010 Ford F-150: The engine was rated at 220 hp in the 1997 F-150, and drivers have reported towing up to 7,000 lbs with this engine.
- 1998-2012 Ford Crown Victoria: The second-generation Crown Vic produced 200 hp or 215 hp with a dual exhaust upgrade. This vehicle weighed nearly two tons, with 0-60 times in the 7-9 second range.
Finding a 2014 Econoline Van Today
The fourth-generation Econoline van, launched in 1991 for the 1992 model year, remains in use today. However, it’s seen some significant upgrades since its initial release. To find a 4.6-liter-powered E-Series van, you’ll need to look at 2014 or earlier models. Using Kelley Blue Book’s fair market estimates shows the following:
- 2014 E150 Cargo Van: $11,820 – $12,645
- 2014 E150 Passenger Van: $11,671 – $14,213
Older models can be found for less than $10,000. A search on AutoTempest reveals some lower priced models.
- A 2006 model with 117,344 miles for $9,000.
- A 2000 model with 119,000 miles for $7,995.
- A 2002 model with 199,289 miles for $5,295.
Mileage Considerations
Older vans do, admittedly, have higher mileage, but the workaday use of the Econoline van means that it is likely to last longer than many other vehicles equipped with the same engine.
CarComplaints.com indicates that the 2001 model had the most complaints associated with the engine. Three of these were for spark plugs ejecting from the engine block, one was for engine stall, one for a broken crankshaft, and one for the vehicle shaking while in motion.
Ultimately, a significant advantage of owning a vehicle powered by the 4.6-liter engine is the ease of finding replacement parts to maintain it. Junkyards across the country have components from various compatible cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to pull from, and it shouldn’t be difficult to find a replacement engine.
Sources: KBB, Ford, CarComplaints, AutoTempest, Cars.com
