5.4 Triton Engine

Specifications

Ford 5.4 Triton engine is the iconic pulse of the Ford F-Series, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator that is known to have enormous low-end torque and towing strength. The 5.4L 3-valve design is part of the Ford Modular V8 family, incorporating Variable Cam Timing (VCT) to provide optimal power delivery throughout the RPM band, which is needed to serve the purpose of hauling heavy loads. Although the previous versions had problems with cam phasers and spark plugs, the remanufactured high quality 5.4 Triton V8 engines have now a reinforced cylinder head as well as upgraded timing components and locked phasers, thus overcoming these factory weak points indefinitely.

Standard truck versions produce 235–260 hp with 330–350 lb‑ft of torque, while later 3‑valve variants reach around 300 hp and 365 lb‑ft. Constructed with a cast iron block and aluminum heads, it uses forged steel internals for durability. The 5.4 Triton became known for reliability and versatility, powering a wide range of Ford’s full-size trucks, SUVs, and vans over two decades.

VARIANTS

Valve SOHC Variant (1997–2003):The original Ford 5.4 L Triton V8 used a single overhead cam (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder, producing roughly 230–260 hp and 325–350 lb‑ft of torque in its standard truck and SUV tunes. It was widely used in vehicles such as the Ford F‑150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and E‑Series vans, and became known for its durable low‑end torque for towing and everyday use. Performance sub‑variants included the SVT Lightning, which employed an Eaton M112 supercharger to make up to ~380 hp and ~450 lb‑ft, and the Harley‑Davidson Edition supercharged version with around 340 hp, demonstrating the platform’s potential beyond stock truck duty.

Valve SOHC Variant (2004–2014):Introduced as an upgrade to improve breathing and efficiency, the 3‑valve SOHC version featured two intake and one larger exhaust valve per cylinder with Variable Cam Timing (VCT). This design boosted output to around 300–310 hp and 365 lb‑ft of torque in typical truck and SUV applications. It became standard in the 2004–2010 F‑150 and continued through the Expedition and Navigator line up to about 2014. The 3‑valve Triton’s first appearance was in the Australian Ford Fairmont as the “Barra 220” before its North American rollout, where it delivered better performance and fuel economy than the earlier 2‑valve engines.

Valve DOHC Variant (1999–2014):The 4‑valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) version of the 5.4 L Triton was developed for performance applications, offering improved breathing and higher power potential. Found in vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator InTech, Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R, Ford GT supercar, and Shelby GT500, this variant produced a broader range of powertypically 300 hp in naturally aspirated trims up to over 500 hp in supercharged formsthanks to better airflow and more aggressive tuning. Its advanced four‑valve design showcased the Triton V8’s versatility from heavy‑duty truck service to serious performance platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions