F150 Lariat Visitor
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 130
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From: Littleton, CO
F150 Lariat Visitor
Hey guys, I dont mean to distract you from your forums and Lightning related talk but I was wanting to get your opinions on my truck.
I want my truck to be pretty fast, but the problem is that its a scab and weighs 5606lbs. I just installed magnaflow exhaust and I am wondering if I should even bother with any more mods because it isnt going to be what you guys would consider fast. I was thinking of putting in Airaid intake and then eventually a superchip. That is about $700 right there and I doubt that I would be running a decent time. My stock 1/4 mile on my truck is supposed to be a 16.1 and that is measured at sea level. I live in Colorado and it is a given that that time is probably 17.5 at this altitude. With exhaust, air intake and chip I would be lucky to run mid 16s. Should I even bother with the mods? I am a student so saving up for a blower is almost out of the question (especially since they void warranty).
I had a side question. My truck is a 4x4 and a guy that races at the tracks in my town told me that I could launch out of the hole fast with 4wd on.. Wouldnt that hurt the car? I thought you werent supposed to exceed certain speeds while in 4wd.
Please give me any thoughts, because I am very confused on what to do, and I figure you guys would know more about the "Fast & Powerful" category of trucks. I wish I could have got the lightning but the insurance was going to be way to high.
I want my truck to be pretty fast, but the problem is that its a scab and weighs 5606lbs. I just installed magnaflow exhaust and I am wondering if I should even bother with any more mods because it isnt going to be what you guys would consider fast. I was thinking of putting in Airaid intake and then eventually a superchip. That is about $700 right there and I doubt that I would be running a decent time. My stock 1/4 mile on my truck is supposed to be a 16.1 and that is measured at sea level. I live in Colorado and it is a given that that time is probably 17.5 at this altitude. With exhaust, air intake and chip I would be lucky to run mid 16s. Should I even bother with the mods? I am a student so saving up for a blower is almost out of the question (especially since they void warranty).
I had a side question. My truck is a 4x4 and a guy that races at the tracks in my town told me that I could launch out of the hole fast with 4wd on.. Wouldnt that hurt the car? I thought you werent supposed to exceed certain speeds while in 4wd.
Please give me any thoughts, because I am very confused on what to do, and I figure you guys would know more about the "Fast & Powerful" category of trucks. I wish I could have got the lightning but the insurance was going to be way to high.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,867
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From: NH
I am no expert by any means on Lightning’s nor fast trucks, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night… 
In all seriousness, an air intake and chip or flasher such as the SCT would help you out with some more horsepower and torque. Best thing to do is call and talk with one of the tuners and explain to them what you’re looking for and they can program you something that might fit your needs.
As far as launching better in 4X4, that may be true for the launch but in my opinion you would lose time down the track because of friction of the 4X4. Unless new technology has changed the current 4X4 you will always have either the front drive wheels or rear drive wheels dragging due to the gearing and gear boxes and this is one of the main reasons it is not recommended driving in 4X4 on dry pavement.
Not sure if any of the Lightning tuners program for regular F150’s but I would think some might, definitely something to look into…
In all seriousness, an air intake and chip or flasher such as the SCT would help you out with some more horsepower and torque. Best thing to do is call and talk with one of the tuners and explain to them what you’re looking for and they can program you something that might fit your needs.
As far as launching better in 4X4, that may be true for the launch but in my opinion you would lose time down the track because of friction of the 4X4. Unless new technology has changed the current 4X4 you will always have either the front drive wheels or rear drive wheels dragging due to the gearing and gear boxes and this is one of the main reasons it is not recommended driving in 4X4 on dry pavement.
Not sure if any of the Lightning tuners program for regular F150’s but I would think some might, definitely something to look into…
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: OC. Kalifornia
IMO save your cash let it sit in a bank or cd to make some interest. Then when you have enough money buy a blower or look into something like the STS turbo set up. Its reasonably priced and has some perks that IMO make it better for your truck than a blower. I was in the same situation with a 2001 silverado. Believe me I had a programmer, CAI, headers, Y-pipe, exhaust, ported tb, e-fan, and nitrous. Besides the nitrous none made a significant difference. It was pretty quick but not fast best et was 14.2 @ 93.
In regards to 4wd. Yes launch in it if you have it make sure your in 4 hi though. Also visit the website of a 4wd truck................ turbotruck.net, he's 4wd and seems to be doing well with it. It sounds like it will be a while before you have the power to break a transfer case so use it to launch better!
In regards to 4wd. Yes launch in it if you have it make sure your in 4 hi though. Also visit the website of a 4wd truck................ turbotruck.net, he's 4wd and seems to be doing well with it. It sounds like it will be a while before you have the power to break a transfer case so use it to launch better!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 593
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From: Metro Atlanta
I doubt that you would see any significant reduction in your et with the mods you describe. A good chip would likely improve your transmission performance to the point that I think you would find it worthwhile for the cost involved, however, don't expect more that possibly a 10 to max. 15 hp increase at best w/a chip. As for the 4X4 holding up to launches at the drag strip...my advise would be to NOT engage it. The costs to repair the 4-wheel drive can get pricey so I found out on my Bronco. And, I don't have to tell you about the cost of a blower! Save up for a good used Lightning and you would be much better off imo.
Ed
Ed
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: WI
I don't know a lot about Ford's but I know that GM's 4x4 trucks can launch just fine in 4wd. Check out this site http://www.neufamily.org/truck.html (this truck was in Hot Rod) and this one too http://www.LS1Tech.com and you'll see that doing 1/4 mile launches in 4hi should be fine. Asuming that the Ford transfer case is able to hold up as well as a Chevy's.