I was asking over on the Lightning forum about why the H-D engine has a lower HP rating than the L. (I thought it had something to do with boost or the EEC.)

Someone responded with the following:

"the difference is mostly in the engine itself. the L's have aluminum heads, forged pistions, etc etc. I believe that you have cast iron on most of those components"

Is this true?

 

read my reply to him...

the only things different are the upper pulley, exhaust, and computer program.

the HD has a lightning engine in it. same internals & heads.

 

Thank you clonetek. I'm just trying to understand how to pick up the HP difference. If what I'm reading and measuring is true, then a stock L has a factory imposed 8 lb boost limit. If I'm sitting stock and measuring 7.5 lbs, then my thinking is that the HP gain is mostly in the software.

 

the upper pulley on the HD is bigger (meaning less boost) i've measured them.. (mystery fan lives nearby) lol

think about it.. if the HD is supposed to only get 6lbs, and you are getting 7.5... and the lightning is supposed to have 8, what do you thing they are really getting? (hint: 9.5) lol
thats not on all of them.. but every now and then it's been known to happen.

did you ever think that your aftermarket boost guage may not be dead on accurate? that's a possibility. even if it's only off by .5, that could screw up the reading..

the extra HP in the harley truck is tied up mostly in the computer & pulley.. we'll (me & mystery fan) find out soon enough when we "soup" up his HD.. LOL

 

i have AIM & ICQ if anyone wishes to add me to their list.. its faster than typing a reply here.. lol


ICQ: 3741515
AIM: clonetek 00L

 

I just saw a posting from the superchips distributor. He's claiming an easy 30 HP with a new chip, which answers my question. What's a new chip go for?

 

Tennessee...that depends on which tuner you decide to go with. I recommend either JL (www.johnnylightningperf.com) or JDM (www.teamJDM.com ) The chips run for about $270 for a single program and $390 for a flip chip which will give you the option between two programs at the flip of a switch. (Valet, Street, Strip(Race fuel), Towing)

 

clonetek, i've heard before that the 00 and 01 HD's have the L engine minus the s/c. (so therefore the same internals and heads, just no s/c). Do you know if this is true??? Its probably not, cuz then why not just throw the s/c on there anyway, but i was just wondering. I'm sure i won't be surprised.

 

Harley#356: sorry charlie, the 2000-2001 harley f150 has the plain jane 5.4L. same as the rest of the f series trucks.

only the lightning engine has the upgraded internal stuff..

 

clonetek, thanks, i kinda figured that. It wouldn't make much sense anyway to put that upgraded internals without at least a s/c option. No big deal, its still got plenty of grunt and mine's more of a show truck than a rAcer. (had to make sure i didn't accidentaly type an I instead of an A cuz my truck definately isn't a rIcer. LoL . HE!! no, the day i own a ricer is the day i give everyone permission to blow it up. LoL

 

Lightnings are cast iron blocks and heads. 00and 01 are aluminum. Much weaker material. = rod threw the side of the block if you push it to its limits. SUCKS

 

uh... all second generation lightnings have iron blocks and aluminum-alloy heads.. (ie: 99-02 lightning + 02 harley davidson)

a link to the .pdf file: http://www.svt.ford.com/flash/svt_pd..._lightning.pdf

these are the same heads that are on the 4.6L & 5.4L modular motors. they are the same heads that are on the GT mustang..
all the heads are the same.