How much horsepower does a 2003 5.4 have?
The 2003 5.4L Triton V8 produces 260 horsepower.
For context, Ford used this engine across several large vehicles in the 2003 model year, including the F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. The figure cited is the SAE net horsepower rating common for that year, and real-world output can vary slightly with conditions and equipment. This article outlines the core numbers and where the engine appeared in 2003.
Engine specs for the 2003 5.4 Triton V8
The following provides a concise snapshot of the engine’s key specifications and typical applications in 2003.
- Displacement: 5.4 liters (approximately 330 cubic inches)
- Horsepower: 260 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: 350 lb-ft
- Configuration: V8 engine
- Fuel system: Multipoint electronic fuel injection
- Common applications in 2003: Ford F-150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator
These numbers reflect the 2003 5.4L Triton V8 as it was broadly installed across Ford's full-size trucks and large SUVs, using the then-standard SAE net rating.
Notes on horsepower ratings and model-year variations
Horsepower figures are tied to the measurement standard in use at the time (SAE net for 2003) and can vary slightly due to equipment and condition. Ford did evolve the 5.4L line after 2003; starting with the 2004 model year, Ford introduced a 5.4L 3-valve version that increased output to about 300 hp (roughly 365 lb-ft of torque) in many applications. The 2003 5.4L remained a robust, widely used powerplant with its established 260 hp rating.
Summary
In the 2003 model year, the Ford 5.4L Triton V8 was rated at 260 horsepower and around 350 lb-ft of torque, a figure that applied to popular configurations in the F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. For buyers or restorers comparing to later years, note that Ford expanded the engine family in 2004 with a higher-output 3-valve variant that pushed horsepower toward 300 hp.
