While I understand your enthusiasm, make sure you consider the WHOLE ride. Will your stock tranny hold up to that much torque? Also, your brakes would proly need to be upgraded as well. Then think about staggering a set of Bilstein's in the rear, better driveshaft, etc.........Not to rain on your parade, but I wouldnt just drop a Lightning Long Block in a '94 Flareside, man.

 

I went through the same thing, I worked *****ty jobs and saved money and went through high school with nothing. I graduated and 3 weeks later had a 2002 Lightning sitting in my driveway. It was the truck everyone told me I would never get. I have had my truck since July 9th 2004, 7 days before my 18th birthday. And all I can say is I feel very fortunate and enjoy every second of owning a L.

 

I was in the same shoes you were 2 years ago before I bought my Lightning. Was planning on building my 1990 Chevy from the frame up to be a "Lightning Killer" I had the blower ready to install on a built motor and everything. I quickly realized that it was not worth it to (to me) invest any more money into a vehicle that does not have near the potential as the Lightning does. Ford built this 2nd Gen Lightning right. I figured that I'd be spending the same amount of mone either way so I'd prefer to drive a brand new hot rod and keep the Chevy as a fun work truck.