Ford V6 SOHC versus Ford V6

[Teri C.]

What does the SOHC do for you? I assume that means Single Overhead Cam but I am not sure.

 

[TrepMan]

WINNER!! yes SOHC is for Single OverHead Cam, DOHC is for Dual OverHead Cam. Older designs do not have overhead cams they use Push Rods to move the pistons.



Trep - and that's about ALL i know about this subject

 

[Teri C.]

It says 4.0L V6 SOHC 12V FI Engine. Can someone translate what that means? Is it better for towing than a a regular V6 4.0L.

 

[TrepMan]

I can translate = 4.0L V6 SOHC 12V FI



4.0l = Four Liter engine, this is the size of the engine block

V6 = This means there are 6 pistons arranged 3 on each side of a V configuration

SOHC = We covered that

12V = 12 Valves, that's 2 per cylinder

FI = Fuel Injected as opposed to the older method of using carborators



It is a regular V6!! Some come in Pushrod, some SOHC, Some DOHC, some have 2, 3, 4 or even now 5 valves per cylinder and so on. You also need to know/understand the HP and more importantly for towing the Torque!



But you need to know what you are comparing it to? the other motor's size and specs and the vehicle it's in. My old wagon had a 3.0L V6 DOHC 12V FI engine it towed fine up to 2000lbs in that vehicle. The same motor is used in the Ford Escape and lots of other Ford/Mazda products, and tow ratings are different.



Any motor heads out there wanna jump in??

 

[Steve Rizza]

AR! AR! AR! AR! AR! AR! AR! AR! AR!



Just remember...

there's no replacement for displacement.

 

[Ken Colman]

Teri; If you`re looking for torque in an engine, for pulling. I`d suggest a straight 6, as in the Envoy or Trailblazer, straight 6`s have always been known for their low end torque. Ken

 

[Brian Bell2]

For the price of a 4.0 Ranger, You may be able to find a F150 XL model with a v6 for about the same $$. I have a 2002 F150 Supercab XLT Sport V6( automatic ) and love it. Plenty of HP and torque to pull my XN750. I think most of the Rangers they put 4.0 in had lots of other options so the price may be inline with a F-150 XL.

 

[Staci Matheis]

If we wanna get into bore vs stroke..... Generally speaking, the longer the stroke - the distance the piston travels up and down - the more torque the engine produces.



The V-6 engines are know for producing relatively higher horsepower for their displacement because they have a short stroke and rev more freely; they get their horsepower at the higher rpm's. If you're 98% of the U.S. population, you don't tow anything; the fuel efficiency of the smaller combustion chambers is what you - and the country's fuel economy standards - need.



Almost every 18-wheeler you pass on the highway is a straight-6!



me!