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Henn28 · #5 08-23-2022, 08:52 AM

For me, it would come down to price and condition between two cars with either M62 version. The 4.6 Is good for 50+ more hp and 20+ Additional ftlbs, so not an insignificant increase in power. I’ve owned both now, in the same car and I think the difference is very noticeable.

That said, 4.6is E53s will come at a premium I suspect though, especially if they have had the “usual suspects” addressed….timing chain guides, valley pans, etc. 4.4is need all the same work, but there were many more made.

Aside from the block (bore size difference only) he M62TUB46 parts that are really different are cams the and rotating assemblies, which can be very hard to source if something drastic goes wrong. The transmission and torque converters are super hard to find too, but fortunately the 4.6 used a slightly different version of the ubiquitous 5HP24 that the 4.4 used which had a slight larger TQ and one more clutch. The 4.4i gearbox will bolt right up and run great with a 4.6 motor (DME tweak might be required). Gas mileage is a difference too that might matter: my 4.4 wasn’t amazing, but the 4.6 sucks when it comes to MPG. My car is a bit lifted and has larger AT tires though, so that doesn’t help. Maybe some 4.6is owners will chime in with their experience.

All in all, the 4.4 is probably the winner for you unless you can find a 4.6 at a good price and are willing to refresh the motor, or find one that has been refreshed already and are willing to spend more for the extra power. 4.4i x5s are pretty cheap. I’ve never towed 5500 lbs with mine, but both are great cars and would tow your boat just fine I think.

One more thing, I have never had an N62 car, but there are lots of guys who like that motor a lot. Like the M62 though, it has its issues. Specifically the valve guides and leaking alternator brackets are big jobs that it seems every N62 owner gets to do at some point.

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