Ok, I know these posts are hated, but this is how the rookies get started.

Just bought a 2004 Lightning, and need to get the basics. I've had hotrods for 20 years, including a 71 'Cuda (strip only), 71 Mach 1, 4 late model Mustangs, and a late model 'Vette, so I'm not new to turning wrenches.

So, what makes these things tick? From the Mustang world I know there's potential with headers/exhaust, smaller blower pulley, etc. What brand of headers, shorty or full length? What about MAF sensor, throttle body, fresh air induction, etc.? Where's the free/cheap hp to be had first, then the major stuff? What about gears/converter, suspension?

Any problem areas? Thanks in advance for teaching a rookie the ropes.

 

The exhaust is mostly for sound on these trucks, it only provides worthwile (in my opinion) gains at higher boost/hp levels. From what i have read on here, the stock exhaust is good up until about 450 ish RWHP. Some good mods to start you out would prob be a FTVB(factory tech valve body), a CAI from any of the big 3 (JLP, JDM, PSP), either a predator or SCT (it reprograms the computer via the OBD II port), and a 4# pulley. that will equate to something like a 12.6-12.9 in the 1/4 mile depending on your elevation, temp, humidity, etc. hope this helps. I don't actually have an L, but i get on here every day, and am a BIG L enthusiust. have fun with your new toy

peace

 

sorry, my buddy's screen name was accidently logged in and he DOES have a Lightning, I am the one who wrote the above post. whoops my bad pete, didn't realize you were logged in. howdy fullboogie, welcome

oh, and about the pulley, i meant to add that the 4# is the lower pulley. also people seem to like the accufab TB's. and for the suspension i have read a bunch of rave reviews of the Roush and Hotchkis kits, but i know the Hotchkis is about $900 or so. another thing you might want to get is a PCV valve fix of some sort, i think there is a pretty recent post about it.

 

I replied to your thread on the corral.

 

Chip, filter, pulley, ftvb

'nuff said!!

 

FTVB? Sorry, I've seen reference to that in several posts, but don't know what that abbreviation stands for.

 

Factory Tech Valve Body....