Out running a Ford Lightning - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cleatussnow · 10-01-2003, 03:35 PM

Funny this comes up now...

I have been out racing Mustang GT's for a couple of months and beating most of them... (if there is a turn then I am out of the running...)

Anyway I tested out a lightning... It was a fair race for the first 45-50 mph... then he walked away from me...

Oh well I guess I need a blower... I am already running 454 TH400, and 4.11... Oh yeah, and a six inch lift and 35's

Cleatus...

cleatussnow · 10-01-2003, 03:36 PM

Here is the motor...

Gotta love the 454's

jorgensensc · 10-01-2003, 03:40 PM

Believe it or not, I had a 1991 S10 short bed reg. cab that I put a 1996 LT1 with a 6 speed manual with some minor mods. It didn't have very good launch numbers, since I couldn't get any traction, but it would put you back in your seat at any speed on the freeway. I took out a couple of older lightnings (on the freeway) and believe it or not a couple of vettes. I even took out a '72 chevy with mickeys and a blown 454 from a 5 mph role. I know it sounds crazy, but I wouldn't lie to you guys.

Mark540 · 10-01-2003, 03:44 PM

Older lightnings weren't supercharged

jorgensensc · 10-01-2003, 03:49 PM

but it is hard to beleive they hadn't modded them at all.

pphatbasstard · 10-01-2003, 07:23 PM

hey so for pure speed is a 3.73 rearend the best?

lukecp · 10-01-2003, 07:54 PM

For accelerating from a dead stop and sometimes going on the highway, yes 3.73 is the best rear end gear.

For just dragracing, 4.11 or lower.

For top speed, 2.73-3.42

But if you have an OD tranny, just about any gear higher (numerically lower) than 4.11 should be OK for top speed.

Personally, i don't like going over 100 in one of these trucks. Makes for a scary ride, because they weren't meant to go that fast, lol. Plus they are as aerodynamic as a barn door and require alot of power to go triple digit speeds.

68LSS1 · 10-01-2003, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pphatbasstard
hey so for pure speed is a 3.73 rearend the best?

Depends on tire height and transmission type (gearing).

dinnut · 10-01-2003, 09:01 PM

i think shaving the drips and opening the tailgate you cut back on a lot of that drag. or a tonneau cover.

10-01-2003, 03:35 PM	#26
cleatussnow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 162	Funny this comes up now... I have been out racing Mustang GT's for a couple of months and beating most of them... (if there is a turn then I am out of the running...) Anyway I tested out a lightning... It was a fair race for the first 45-50 mph... then he walked away from me... Oh well I guess I need a blower... I am already running 454 TH400, and 4.11... Oh yeah, and a six inch lift and 35's Cleatus... Attached Images __________________ "What we are dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law...." Beuford T. Justice

10-01-2003, 03:36 PM	#27
cleatussnow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 162	Here is the motor... Gotta love the 454's Attached Images __________________ "What we are dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law...." Beuford T. Justice

10-01-2003, 03:40 PM	#28
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	I had a lightning beater!! Believe it or not, I had a 1991 S10 short bed reg. cab that I put a 1996 LT1 with a 6 speed manual with some minor mods. It didn't have very good launch numbers, since I couldn't get any traction, but it would put you back in your seat at any speed on the freeway. I took out a couple of older lightnings (on the freeway) and believe it or not a couple of vettes. I even took out a '72 chevy with mickeys and a blown 454 from a 5 mph role. I know it sounds crazy, but I wouldn't lie to you guys.

10-01-2003, 03:44 PM	#29
Mark540 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairborn,OH Posts: 203	Older lightnings weren't supercharged __________________ 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

10-01-2003, 03:49 PM	#30
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	That could be why..... but it is hard to beleive they hadn't modded them at all.

10-01-2003, 07:23 PM	#31
pphatbasstard Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 166	hey so for pure speed is a 3.73 rearend the best?

10-01-2003, 07:54 PM	#32
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	For accelerating from a dead stop and sometimes going on the highway, yes 3.73 is the best rear end gear. For just dragracing, 4.11 or lower. For top speed, 2.73-3.42 But if you have an OD tranny, just about any gear higher (numerically lower) than 4.11 should be OK for top speed. Personally, i don't like going over 100 in one of these trucks. Makes for a scary ride, because they weren't meant to go that fast, lol. Plus they are as aerodynamic as a barn door and require alot of power to go triple digit speeds. __________________ '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

10-01-2003, 09:01 PM	#34
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	i think shaving the drips and opening the tailgate you cut back on a lot of that drag. or a tonneau cover. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"



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