Out running a Ford Lightning - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sealw98 · 09-30-2003, 08:39 AM

I 'm probably one of the newest members to the board, but it seem like you guys know everything. So here we go I have a 70 with a 350/350 at and I have a 308 rearend. I need to know what setup that I need to run on the freeway and out run a Ford lightning. Thanks Sealw98

lukecp · 09-30-2003, 09:06 AM

Well....if im not mistaken a Ford lightning is a 13 second truck.

You are going to need about 400 horsepower, and you proably need to ditch those 3.08 gears too. It would proably be best to build a 383 stroker, 406, or ditch the small block alltogheter and run a big block.

RON WOODGEARD · 09-30-2003, 09:13 AM

You will need better then 385 horses. At this point in time, the lightning is the fastest production truck in the us.

I don't know if you've ridden in one or drivin one yet, But they will snap your neck... Sorry guys, but when my money manager (moma) says I can afford one,(gotta pay off the big truck first) I will hurry down to pick it out.

I test drove one, with a great salesman who said try it out !! wrong thing to say to this 51 year old grandad

It felt like I was back in the sixties pumping the horses out of the true muscle cars.. snap your neck and sit you back in the seat by the pants..

Just keep building what you have, until you think you're there, then go try..if at first you don't succeed, spend more money and try again.

Ron

Mark540 · 09-30-2003, 10:27 AM

Most, but not all Lightnings I have seen have some mods, could be pulley, chip, etc. This truck can easily do 12's with very little effort, and pull like a freight train at highway speeds. The new 2004 Lightning is shown to have 500 hp to compete with the new Dodge Ram SRT-10(Viper motor 500 hp as well). To run with one of these things will take some serious hp. If you have 15K and want my advice it is Crate Z06 motor, new cam, new gears, 6-speed. Better get some good wheels, tires, brakes and suspension for the upgrade as well. Honest 410hp to the wheels and you are definately running with the big boys. Basically no real cheap way of doing it, other than Nitrous. When my 99 vette was stock it put about 320hp to the wheels and weighed 3150 lbs. And I got spanked by a couple of Lightnings bad. Head and cam and 385hp to the rear and I could run with them, but not really over take them. By the way it was a six speed.

**N2TRUX** · 09-30-2003, 10:59 AM

Go buy a blower, and a huge shot of Naaaws. It's not uncommon for those guys to be in the 450/550 hp tq range. Maybe you should start with a 02-03 Harley F-150, and work your way up. The HD trucks are about a second slower stock. The problem is trying to find a Harley or Lightning that's stock...

Here's mine, and NO it's not stock...

sealw98 · 09-30-2003, 12:08 PM

Okay! How about a distant 3rd or 4th behind the infamous Lightning. I just want some snappy and peppy features like the #1.

jmanz69 · 09-30-2003, 12:36 PM

First thing, ditch the 3.08 gears. Get 3.73 gears or even 4.10. 4.10 gears will really suck on the highway. Get a 700R4 if you want highway mileage too. Then go to the motor, you want new heads, cam, intake, headers, carb, etc... Basically, you need to get bigger and better. It won't be cheap, and you might be chasing what you can't catch. Just have fun with your truck. Have funn beating on 5.0 Mustangs and Camaros. Even more fun to destroy fart can ricers.

Suicide-D · 09-30-2003, 05:32 PM

My buddy's lightning ran 12.5's in the quarter. He put 398 horses to the ground with just a few mods... those trucks are fast. especially from a 60 roll. But the warranty program Ford is running would scare a smart person away from them.

my new 72 · 09-30-2003, 05:40 PM

I'm runnin High Twelves, low thirteens in my truck with my 3.08 gears. But my engine was built right and I'm runnin 500hp at the flywheel. Hey Darryl, you should ride in the truck now that I got the new tranny in it. WooHoo, it's quick. I think you can beat the Lightning if you try hard enough and be patient.

69sixpackbee · 09-30-2003, 06:26 PM

Put this in your truck:

and I guaratee you will not walk but RUN away from the HD and the Lightning trucks!!!

miket · 09-30-2003, 06:36 PM

Nobody asked but, why the competition between two very different trucks?

It would take some serious hp to do it and ya gotta hook it up too!

By the way, whats everyone's opinion on the max amount of power (HP/TQ) a stock longbed driveshaft will handle? This assumes that you will get traction.

Eddie H. · 09-30-2003, 06:47 PM

Since I work at a Ford Dealership, I've driven and worked on more than my share of lightnings. Straight off the transport truck, they run like nothing else I've driven since the 60's. With some tweaking, they're easily putting 400 hp on the ground. ( I've also seen a few of them scattered because of too much boost)

We have 2 words for that "Warranty Voided"

If I wanted to spank one, I'd either go with a strong big block, or a small block with a blower on it. You also need the right gearing
to be able to put the power to the ground.

tom hand · 09-30-2003, 07:49 PM

The real problem trying to run with one of these trucks is traction. The lighting weighs 4480 and has a weight distribution from front to rear of 55.8/44.2...these trucks are not even close. You need to move some weight to the rear to hook up

*67Fleetsidedream* · 09-30-2003, 07:52 PM

I would say get a big block 454ci+ with a good flowing set of heads and a medium lift cam. Like everyone else said, get a 3.73 rearend.
It is going to take some cash and time to get you in the low 12's on quarter mile.....

68LSS1 · 09-30-2003, 08:32 PM

Sounds like a job for a LS1

miket · 09-30-2003, 10:34 PM

See Mark540's post...

My bet is big block or large small block (383/406) with at least 450 lb/ft torque and 400hp with 3.73's or better and some really sticky tires.

>X< · 09-30-2003, 10:54 PM

buy my 454!

**N2TRUX** · 09-30-2003, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee
Put this in your truck:

and I guaratee you will not walk but RUN away from the HD and the Lightning trucks!!!

Nice car, nice motor too. You better be bustin the 10's if your going to "RUN" away from modded up Lightnings, or even a few HD's out there.

That's the game they have right now. You wanna play?

68LSS1 · 09-30-2003, 11:13 PM

Yes, I do!!!! Oh how I can't wait to play.

krazy_texan · 10-01-2003, 12:40 AM

yeah my dad has an 03 singlecab dually Ford with mods and it kept up with my girlfriends 01 svt the other day

leadfoot067 · 10-01-2003, 12:58 AM

im not a ford guy by any means....but i drove a 02 lightning today for the first time...took it from the dealership to the glass shop i work at

...if i could afford it i would own one of those...i havent driven a street vehicle that fast in a very long time....i had ALOT of fun on my 5 mile journey back to the shop...lol this included freeway and stoplight to stoplight....love it!!! it was so very difficult not to completely ring that thing out on the freeway...considering its the ford dealers customers car..lol...i give ford a thumbs up on this truck..and i dont like fords

mdg · 10-01-2003, 01:53 AM

I would buy me an older GMC Syclone, install some Kenne Bell equipment and then go out and spank some Ford Lightings. Kenne Bell has them running 11's and 10's without much difficulty.

Also running some NOS with a mild big block should do the trick.

MDG

67cst · 10-01-2003, 02:15 AM

yeah those syclones rip, they were the trucks right? what about those all wheel drive jimmys...typhoons i think they were called

73stepside · 10-01-2003, 03:33 AM

you can get a mild built 350 with a small holley blower and keep up with lightnings. it will be costly to build one to outrun a lightning but it can be done. they run a 351 in the older ones with a small blower. you can do the same with the 350s and a small blower. you would also want an overdrive tranny too to keep up on the highway. you can keep the 308 gears but you would want to shoot for alot more horsepower or go with 355/373's.

Suicide-D · 10-01-2003, 02:20 PM

same friend that had the lightning has a Cyclone for sale...6500.00 needs turbo work.

09-30-2003, 09:06 AM	#2
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Well....if im not mistaken a Ford lightning is a 13 second truck. You are going to need about 400 horsepower, and you proably need to ditch those 3.08 gears too. It would proably be best to build a 383 stroker, 406, or ditch the small block alltogheter and run a big block. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

09-30-2003, 10:27 AM	#4
Mark540 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairborn,OH Posts: 203	Most, but not all Lightnings I have seen have some mods, could be pulley, chip, etc. This truck can easily do 12's with very little effort, and pull like a freight train at highway speeds. The new 2004 Lightning is shown to have 500 hp to compete with the new Dodge Ram SRT-10(Viper motor 500 hp as well). To run with one of these things will take some serious hp. If you have 15K and want my advice it is Crate Z06 motor, new cam, new gears, 6-speed. Better get some good wheels, tires, brakes and suspension for the upgrade as well. Honest 410hp to the wheels and you are definately running with the big boys. Basically no real cheap way of doing it, other than Nitrous. When my 99 vette was stock it put about 320hp to the wheels and weighed 3150 lbs. And I got spanked by a couple of Lightnings bad. Head and cam and 385hp to the rear and I could run with them, but not really over take them. By the way it was a six speed. __________________ 1970 GMC Burb 4x4 - 68 Chevy Front, FI LT1, 4L60E 1970 Chevy Impala 47,000 miles 2001 BMW 540i 6-speed 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 w/20's

09-30-2003, 10:59 AM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Go buy a blower, and a huge shot of Naaaws. It's not uncommon for those guys to be in the 450/550 hp tq range. Maybe you should start with a 02-03 Harley F-150, and work your way up. The HD trucks are about a second slower stock. The problem is trying to find a Harley or Lightning that's stock... Here's mine, and NO it's not stock... Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-30-2003, 12:08 PM	#6
sealw98 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Detroit/Area Posts: 27	Out running a Ford Lightning Okay! How about a distant 3rd or 4th behind the infamous Lightning. I just want some snappy and peppy features like the #1.

09-30-2003, 05:40 PM	#9
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	I'm runnin High Twelves, low thirteens in my truck with my 3.08 gears. But my engine was built right and I'm runnin 500hp at the flywheel. Hey Darryl, you should ride in the truck now that I got the new tranny in it. WooHoo, it's quick. I think you can beat the Lightning if you try hard enough and be patient. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

09-30-2003, 08:39 AM	#1
sealw98 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Detroit/Area Posts: 27	Out running a Ford Lightning I 'm probably one of the newest members to the board, but it seem like you guys know everything. So here we go I have a 70 with a 350/350 at and I have a 308 rearend. I need to know what setup that I need to run on the freeway and out run a Ford lightning. Thanks Sealw98

09-30-2003, 09:13 AM	#3
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	You will need better then 385 horses. At this point in time, the lightning is the fastest production truck in the us. I don't know if you've ridden in one or drivin one yet, But they will snap your neck... Sorry guys, but when my money manager (moma) says I can afford one,(gotta pay off the big truck first) I will hurry down to pick it out. I test drove one, with a great salesman who said try it out !! wrong thing to say to this 51 year old grandad It felt like I was back in the sixties pumping the horses out of the true muscle cars.. snap your neck and sit you back in the seat by the pants.. Just keep building what you have, until you think you're there, then go try..if at first you don't succeed, spend more money and try again. Ron

09-30-2003, 12:36 PM	#7
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	First thing, ditch the 3.08 gears. Get 3.73 gears or even 4.10. 4.10 gears will really suck on the highway. Get a 700R4 if you want highway mileage too. Then go to the motor, you want new heads, cam, intake, headers, carb, etc... Basically, you need to get bigger and better. It won't be cheap, and you might be chasing what you can't catch. Just have fun with your truck. Have funn beating on 5.0 Mustangs and Camaros. Even more fun to destroy fart can ricers.

09-30-2003, 05:32 PM	#8
Suicide-D Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Katy, TX...but the love of my life resides in Dublin,OH. Posts: 1,408	My buddy's lightning ran 12.5's in the quarter. He put 398 horses to the ground with just a few mods... those trucks are fast. especially from a 60 roll. But the warranty program Ford is running would scare a smart person away from them.

09-30-2003, 06:26 PM	#10
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Put this in your truck: and I guaratee you will not walk but RUN away from the HD and the Lightning trucks!!!

09-30-2003, 06:36 PM	#11
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Nobody asked but, why the competition between two very different trucks? It would take some serious hp to do it and ya gotta hook it up too! By the way, whats everyone's opinion on the max amount of power (HP/TQ) a stock longbed driveshaft will handle? This assumes that you will get traction. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

09-30-2003, 06:47 PM	#12
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Since I work at a Ford Dealership, I've driven and worked on more than my share of lightnings. Straight off the transport truck, they run like nothing else I've driven since the 60's. With some tweaking, they're easily putting 400 hp on the ground. ( I've also seen a few of them scattered because of too much boost) We have 2 words for that "Warranty Voided" If I wanted to spank one, I'd either go with a strong big block, or a small block with a blower on it. You also need the right gearing to be able to put the power to the ground. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution" Last edited by Eddie H.; 09-30-2003 at 06:50 PM.

09-30-2003, 07:49 PM	#13
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	The real problem trying to run with one of these trucks is traction. The lighting weighs 4480 and has a weight distribution from front to rear of 55.8/44.2...these trucks are not even close. You need to move some weight to the rear to hook up __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

09-30-2003, 07:52 PM	#14
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	I would say get a big block 454ci+ with a good flowing set of heads and a medium lift cam. Like everyone else said, get a 3.73 rearend. It is going to take some cash and time to get you in the low 12's on quarter mile..... Last edited by 67Fleetsidedream; 09-30-2003 at 08:03 PM.

09-30-2003, 08:32 PM	#15
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	Sounds like a job for a LS1 __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc



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09-30-2003, 10:34 PM	#16
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	See Mark540's post... My bet is big block or large small block (383/406) with at least 450 lb/ft torque and 400hp with 3.73's or better and some really sticky tires. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

09-30-2003, 10:54 PM	#17
>X< registered IWATA user Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 4,483	buy my 454! __________________ -'63 Ford Fairlane 500 coupe, v8, auto, faded and rusty. awaiting built roller 302 and some flat black -'99 Honda Prelude. vtech/5spd. no pipe, no intake, bone stock. awaiting new top end. -01 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3 dented and scratched with a noisy tranny. Take off that Von Dutch hat before i stab you with a 000 Mack.

09-30-2003, 11:13 PM	#19
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	Yes, I do!!!! Oh how I can't wait to play. __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

10-01-2003, 12:40 AM	#20
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	yeah my dad has an 03 singlecab dually Ford with mods and it kept up with my girlfriends 01 svt the other day __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

10-01-2003, 12:58 AM	#21
leadfoot067 horsepower junkie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: graham, washington Posts: 326	im not a ford guy by any means....but i drove a 02 lightning today for the first time...took it from the dealership to the glass shop i work at ...if i could afford it i would own one of those...i havent driven a street vehicle that fast in a very long time....i had ALOT of fun on my 5 mile journey back to the shop...lol this included freeway and stoplight to stoplight....love it!!! it was so very difficult not to completely ring that thing out on the freeway...considering its the ford dealers customers car..lol...i give ford a thumbs up on this truck..and i dont like fords __________________ 67 short wide box,350/700r4/3.73posi 71 olds cutlass "S" mom bought new..12.30s@113MPH

10-01-2003, 01:53 AM	#22
mdg Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Apple Valley, California Posts: 26	I would buy me an older GMC Syclone, install some Kenne Bell equipment and then go out and spank some Ford Lightings. Kenne Bell has them running 11's and 10's without much difficulty. Also running some NOS with a mild big block should do the trick. MDG

10-01-2003, 02:15 AM	#23
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	yeah those syclones rip, they were the trucks right? what about those all wheel drive jimmys...typhoons i think they were called __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

10-01-2003, 03:33 AM	#24
73stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moore OK 73160 Posts: 974	you can get a mild built 350 with a small holley blower and keep up with lightnings. it will be costly to build one to outrun a lightning but it can be done. they run a 351 in the older ones with a small blower. you can do the same with the 350s and a small blower. you would also want an overdrive tranny too to keep up on the highway. you can keep the 308 gears but you would want to shoot for alot more horsepower or go with 355/373's. __________________ 04 GMC Sierra RCSS 70 CST LWB 04 HD Sportster 1200 Custom

10-01-2003, 02:20 PM	#25
Suicide-D Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Katy, TX...but the love of my life resides in Dublin,OH. Posts: 1,408	same friend that had the lightning has a Cyclone for sale...6500.00 needs turbo work.

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