From a running start, my Lightning is an absolute beast. This morning was typical of my traction problem: I started the L moving, went to WOT, and the machine just fishtailed badly, hung up with tires spinning (not squeeling however) at 4000 rpm, seemed to hang up at that speed with the tires not biting well, and finally downshifted still at 4000 rpm. From there it was normal. It feels and sounds odd with the engine making no acceleration. Ocassionally I can get a good launch, and it then screams nicely to the mid 5 K area, briskly shifts, and back up to the mid red line. Gee I would like to be able to get off the line with some consistancy. I know it has been discussed before, but perhaps now that we have owned these things a bit longer, there are some interesting and effective techniques used. Please share them. Right now, I am probably Honda bait off the line.
Added Later: Does the computer sense wheel spin, traction, torque, or whatever that would cause the engine to hang at the same RPM even though at WOT? When it happened, the first thing I thought was that something was wrong with the L.
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Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip
Honda Valkyrie - 2 Bros exhaust - K&N filter -Corbin Seat (after 30 yrs. of Harley riding)



[This message has been edited by skydive69 (edited 02-01-2000).]

 

Try a different road....just kidding. Let your tire presure down to about 22psi while cold. Its not going to be great at any pressure because these tires are not the softest available, made for wear not traction.

 

Hello all..

It is safe to say we all know what " Traction problems " are.. Has anyone played with the idea of traction bars or a pinion snubber ? I know there is the cal-trac setup.. but I have not heard to much good news about it.. Didn't the older Lightnings have a slapper bar as the last leaf spring ?

Short of slicks nothing will make the truck snap your neck, but a little bit more traction would be nice..


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Got Boost ?
1999 SVT Lightning

 

Sandy,

This isn't a "mash your foot to the firewall" type of vehicle off the line, which you have found out. I use a technique that has served me well in racing vehicles that are traction challenged like boats, motorcycles, offroad and roadracing.

You need to pinch the throttle off the line, adding just enough throttle to walk that fine line between traction and spinning. Once you're off the line and starting to build speed you can go to the floor. This has worked well, especially since I've added the chip and filter. Yes, it's slower than having more traction but for street use we pretty much have to work with what we have.

As with everything else, Practice, Practice, Practice........

------------------
Mark Whatman
mwhatman@worldnet.att.net

• 99.5 White Lightning (PSP Filter & Chip)
• 99 Buell S3 Thunderbolt (not stock!)
• 98 F-150 Lariat (Flowmaster)
• 96 26' Velocity Offshore Race Boat (far from stock!!!)

 

Dear Skydive69,

You may have engaged what is called the "no-load" rev limiter! Sometimes when the computer senses that the engine is not under a load, it will engage it's no-load rev limiter, which is usually set to anywhere from 4000-4500 rpm at max. We usually only think of this no-load rev limiter as working only when you're in Neutral or Park in an automatic, so that you cannot grenade the motor by dropping a brick on the throttle.

Sounds to me like this is what happened, the computer sensed no-load and engaged that rev limiter.

By the way, most Lightnings that have been chipped do have rather severe traction problems off the line, which is why they run so quick with just a chip and a set of slicks.

Good luck,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html

 

The Cal-Tracs work great for me on the street. They are not the cure all for traction if you're looking for consistency on the track, however. If you happen to go after a couple of rice burners you're sure to have a wet track with no rubber left.

Mike

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99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack

 

skydive69,

road surface can change traction results, just like drag strip track conditions vary.
my best 60 foot time at the track was 1.953--- which is pretty good since this
was with stock tires. i had alot of trouble
with traction until i figured it out.at the track you must clean your tires off(not a smoky burnout---fun though).i then power brake to 1100rpm. i ease off progressiely
adding more throttle till on the floor.it's
not the most exciting launch but effective.

 

Are you sure you didn't run over a Dodge product? It might have lifed the truck just enough for you to break traction. About the rev thing: that might have been the rust from the Dodge clogging your air cleaner!
I'm SUCH a smart-azz!
Bruce

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'97 F-150 Lariat,4.6, S/C, 4X4, SB, 17"wheels, no mods.

 

Mike:

I think that is what is happening to me (rev limiter). I guess I have to find a way to not let that happen through practicing my launch technique. I was okay until I installed your Superchip, now it is a performance monster - if I can only launch it!

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Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip
Honda Valkyrie - 2 Bros exhaust - K&N filter -Corbin Seat (after 30 yrs. of Harley riding)

 

I know that reduced air is a technique used at the strip, but would not seem advisable to run with that low pressure around the streets. I might try the different road technique.

------------------
Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip
Honda Valkyrie - 2 Bros exhaust - K&N filter -Corbin Seat (after 30 yrs. of Harley riding)

 

Check your parking brake... just kidding....

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Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. Super Chip. K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, clear corners, tow package, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost gauge, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX 200w subs. 5-channel 300w Clarion amp., Polk Audio 3-way, 130w DX 7's, Muth signal mirrors, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt/images/Light21.jpg
1999.5 Expedition XLT

 

Sandy, I have a great idea lets go to Bithlo and try launching that thing tonight??? They go till after 10.......If its not raining I need to be there!! NO EXCUSES
Tom

 

Hey Tom:

Hopefully the weather will hold out for Bithlo, but they are talking about light rain throughout the day. I have to work until 7, and I hate to first start for the track that late. I am depending on you to uphold the honor of the Superchip/Airaid contingent, and turn a monstrously fast ET. Nothing other than the low 13's will be acceptable. If you turn a great ET, I will be telling my friends what the ET of my truck is. If you fail, I will have to disavow any knowledge of you. Good luck. Please email with your results when you get home. Email address is part of my signature.

------------------
Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip
Honda Valkyrie - 2 Bros exhaust - K&N filter -Corbin Seat (after 30 yrs. of Harley riding)