Hey guys,

Alright, I used to be a hardcore Chevyguy until Ford made some serious design changes, and came out with some superior products. I am now about to sell my 95 TA and get a 2003 Lightning.

I was at the point with my TA that I knew everything about it. I built a heads and cam motor for it, turbo charged it, an just about every other thing that could be done I did. But now I am looking at the Lightnings and there are some serious differences.

First thing first, the biggest thing that helped my TA was computer tuning. I have looked and looked but have only found chips for the Lightnings. The LT1 cars had flash programable memory in the ECU and allowed with the right software to go in and make changes on the fly. But from what I can tell everyone sends there computer chips to Sal and he does the prgramming. I have nothing against this but am just wondering how one could get into programming the Ford ECU themselves. I only ask this, because this is the way that I learned so much about my car. The computer and mangement systems tell all.

Next, the aftermaket seems to be really open for these trucks, but everything that I see is for the 1999-2002 and nothing for the 2003s. Is there something that is different and the reason that there are no aftermarket parts, or have people just not updated their websites. This will probably weigh in my decision wether or not to get a 2002 or a 2003.

Next, how are the suspensions in the Trucks. Truck doesnt really suggest that it would corner or brake well but I know that SVT does their S%^T right and probably have taken care of this. Keep in mind I drove a car that was 3 inches off the ground with descent handling. How does the Lightning rate against that?

And lastly, how are the trucks in general. I grew up 5 mile away from the Texas Motorplex in Ennis and see many of these trucks making their way down the track, and in a hurry I might add. But no where have I heard or seen anyone talk about how happy they are their truck, problems that they have had, the ease of finding parts, the ride, that type of stuff. I would greatly appreciate anyone that could give me feedback on these topics so that I can be on my way to joining the Lightning World.

Thanks,

Jason Hejny

 

2002s and 2003 are identical except for some minor difference in interior trim pieces.

I can't rate the suspension of the L against the TA until I know exactly what you had in it. I came from a Tbird to the Lightning and noticed that the truck handled exceptionally well for what it is. You have to keep in mind the weight of the beast. The suspension feels compliant and car-like, but I wouldn't compare it to that of a vette or anything. But there are aftermarket suspensions that significantly enhance the Ls handling.

 

I believe all the parts are the same except for anything computer related. I am sure you will be happy with the truck they are some sweet rides. The best handling vehicle I had was a 87 GN so when I first got my truck I thought it was the best handling vehicle out there. I know it isn't but I think it can hold its own quite well. Goodluck with whatever you decide. Oh yeah, Sal isn't the only one out there that does chips(just stating this so you can keep you options open not bashing Sal). -Mat-

 

Sorry I wasnt explicit on the suspension. The cars suspension was lowered and had a stronger torqe arm going from the rear of the Tranny to the rearend. just to help traction. Otherwise the suspension was stock. Sorry for the confusion.

Jason

 

Just get the '03... At least you'll know no one's thrashed the ever lovin' ***** out of it. It'll hand your T/A it's @ss any day of the week! Cornering... .85 Gs!

FX

 

There's tons of stuff out for 03s, everything from the 01-02 fits the 03s with the exception of maybe the billet door switches and you need an 03 specific chip. Everthing else is the same. Check out our site for great products.

 

Check out this video(s) for two of our best road racers:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=104936

Hope you don't have dial-up ?

Check out Tim's road racing mods:

http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/race_prep/index.htm

Btw, my 01 L has 44,500 miles on it. It's driven daily and all I do to 1/4 mile it is to change over to rear slicks. Everything else is 'on' all the time...and, it's yet to need a dealer/tech--NADA!

Dan

 

don't forget the most important thing 03's have five more threads in the heads ...

 

Hollywood03


Diablo is coming out with a predator that will alow us to tweak everything, Timing, A/F, Shift Points, Rev Limiter, Transmission Pressure, etc, etc, etc,

Not out yet, but it's expected in 2 or 3 more months the most.
http://www.runninwiththedevil.com/predator.htm
They don't talk about Ford on the site, but it's coming, we already know that, I'm hoping for the first one

Good Luck with the Lightning.
BTW, I switched from a Cobra to a Lightning and had no regrets, of course that was before they made a 03 with a blower.
You will however have to get use to not reving 7500 RPM, that was my hardest adjustment. I love 6500 RPM burn out's, but that aint happening on a L, it's all low end torque, and you never see more than 5500 RPM

BUT BOY OH BOY DOES IT FLY

 

I have a TwEEcer, real time data loging for my Mustang. I understand they have or are working on a chip for the L. If it works the same as the one I have for the stang it is a great product. You can control everything and make changes with a laptop. Real time test and tuning.

Gary

 

Hey Guys

Thanks for all the info. I am one of those people that cant leave well enough alone, so it helps to know that there is plenty of things offered on the aftermarket for the Lightning. If you have anymore insight, keep it coming. Also a remark was made about the 03 having 5 more threads. By that do they mean head bolts? Remember I was a chevyguy and from my understand that was always a weakness in the Fords. Thanks for the help.

Jason

 

The spark plug holes only have 4 threads holding in the plugs in the old type. not sure if the 03's have new heads

 

With all due respect, lets not forget '03 has heads with more threads on them.

ZoranC

 

just make sure u keep an eye on the plugs some have a tendency to work themselve lose and go launching outta the head.I'd even keep an eye on the 03's , but maybe that's just me be over paranoid. I'd rather be safe than sorry. But other than that I think you'll love the truck. I too came from the darkside and vowed never to buy a ford....I used to own a 96Z28 and a 01Z28 so I know both motors. and they too had there problems...My LS1 liked to consume an odd amount of oil between oil changes if I beat on it however chevy insisted it was normal. I love my L and i'm sure you will too.

 

Since its pretty obovious you maintain your vehicle and know all the nuts and bolts. Changing the plugs and checking them on a regular basis will be know problem for you.

Its a completely different world in this truck. There are guys here that have gone the Roush suspension and road race/auto-X with great results. There are MANY here who have gone the 1/4 mile route, and have everyday drivers that run in the 11 sec range. There are also many here who have put a few bolt ons and run 12 sec and use their vehicles as trucks. Plus there are some that have left their trucks like they came off the factory showroom and are happy as a pig in chit.

What Iam saying its many vehicles to many people. For whats its worth, make the jump.......Your gona love it