what are the pros and cons of the 2000 lightning? what about 2003? thanks

 

as long as it has been taken care of and the intercooler swap has been done.

the only better thing about the 03 is 8 plug threads and a beefier block, but the block isnt something that fails on its own. or atleast i havent heard

 

03 has

1)double towing capacity at the sacrifice of having the rear higher by an inch..

2)373 gears instead of 355 --- better down low torque but you want 355 if you are goign to add power

3)aluminum driveshaft---

4)swifter more responsive steering box

5) more hp due to computer programming (380 vs 360) and bigger MAF sensor (90mm)

6) All the cosmetic changes and the other stuff cpeapea mentioned!

EDIT--Fixed all the typos!

 

and stronger rods...or so i've read

 

thats the second time in like a week Ive heard that about the rods. Can someone verify or refute that claim? Just curious.

 

nobody has yet to prove they are stronger rods. besides the 00's had the stronger rods compared to later years

 

Why/how are they different? I own an '03 and just curious if the rods are a bigger concern than I originally thought.

 

rods are the weak point in any L motor i believe. just some are thought to be able to handle a little more than others

 

The 00' model has the coolest rims

 

;99-;00 may have the strongest rods and crank. (UNPROVEN YET) but the later years have quality parts also.

hey have to, they make over 450#of torque.

 

My rods seem preety strong by the way.