Supercharged F-150 Lightning Tears Up the Track
Early F-150 Lightning is running at a “street drags” event without times being posted, but it is crazy fast.
The original Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was first offered in 1993 and it ran through 1995, essentially introducing the modern era of the factory-built sport truck with a 351-cubic inch V8. A few years later, the second generation Lightning was introduced with a supercharged V8, setting the new standard for go-fast half-tons. The second generation Lightning quickly became the top choice for Ford trucks fans who want to go fast on the drag strip, but there are plenty of first generation SVT pickups turning heads on the track.
The video above comes to us from the tomeighty YouTube channel and it features the first generation of Mike James, which might be one of the baddest early Lightnings we have seen.
ProCharged Lightning
The details on the Ford F-150 in the video above are slim, but we know that this truck is owned and driven by Mike James. We also know that it is ProCharged thanks to the windshield banner, but the rest of the upgrade list is based on what we see in the video.
This Lightning appears to be powered by a small block Ford V8 topped with Brodix cylinder heads while a ProCharger Integrated RaceDrive kit adds the boost needed to make monster power. Based on the piping running through the engine bay, we would guess that this truck is running an ice tank setup in the cabin or bed, with the compressed air going from the supercharger, through the ice tank system and into the engine after being thoroughly chilled.
Of course, we can assume that this F-150 Lightning has a built automatic transmission, a built rear differential and an elaborate suspension setup to handle all of that power. As for the outside of the truck, it has a hole cut in the front bumper to feed the ProCharger and a small-lift cowl induction-style hood, but aside from the bumper hole, hood and wheels, this old F-150 has a very stock look.
Hitting the Track
The video above begins with the ProCharged Lightning taking on a built Ford Thunderbird. Unfortunately, the F-150 red lights and the Thunderbird sits at the line forever, so it isn’t much of a race. Making matters worse, after a good, hard launch, the Lightning ran into traction troubles just past the 60-foot mark, causing the back end to kick out. James lifts, gets traction and continues on his way, stomping the slow-to-leave car in the far lane. Again, we don’t get to see the elapsed time, but on this first run, we get a good taste of this truck’s capabilities.
Next, we get a close-up look at this F-150 in the pits, including a good look at the monster V8 under the hood.
Finally, the video ends with two clips of this Lightning racing against a square body Chevy. Once again, the Ford red lights, so the race is over before it begins, but on this run, the F-150 gets a better grip of the track and roars to the finish line.
Crank up your speakers and enjoy!
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