Alright... Here's the deal... I don't have the $$ to buy a new Lightning, but I do have a '91 F-150 that is in need of a new engine...

I know of some shops that can put together a 385hp 351W. That, coupled with a few little tranny enhancements, should equate to a pretty nice truck.

Can anyone tell me anything about what to expect out of such a truck, compared to the Lightning. I think the 351W rebuild has more power... and am guessing that it will have a bit more torque as well (400 ft-lbs, bigger engine.)

Thanks,

Mike

 

Is your truck 2 wheel. how do you want it to run?

------------------
99 Red lightning
97 Cobra convert
93 Black lightning
84 Gt-350

 

Great idea, But here are a few issues.Ive seen this "type" of swap many times with many disapointments so listen to my opinion on this.With the engine,transmission, and rear end (3.73 loc-rite locker or similar), you are looking at probally a low -mid 14 second truck.It is not going to compete with a lightning but should be pretty fun on the street.You are going to run into numerous problems.It always sounds good but never works as good You are going to be fighting wheel hop, Transmission problems(even with a rebuild)You should really look in to a stronger transmission, Shocks, and traction bars.Depending on what you have for an engine now,(6cyl or 302) You are going to have to step up the front end with stiffer springs and such.Think about speedo changes and fuel pump (electric or mechanical).You also need to cool this beast,If it is time for a new engine, It is time for a new cooling system to avoid running your new engine too hot and ruining it.It can take as little as 10-20 degrees over an extended amount of time to really damage your engine.Im not trying to scare you ,but these things all are very important if you want it to run and handle like a factory hot rod.If you want to work on it more than you drive it then just throw the motor in and replace things as they fail.The problem with this is,Once something breaks,it usually affects something else to weaken it,Good luck and keep us posted on your progress

 

Sounds pretty discouraging... but I think most of the issues you've mentioned can be overcome. I bought the truck to pull my horse trailer... and that's ground where the Lightning still can't compare to the regular F-trucks. When the Lightning is rated from the factory to pull 7500 pounds and has a bigger payload (and when I'm a General in the Air Force), then I'll think about buying one more seriously. A little bit of performance is what I want from my docile looking truck. I bought the truck used so that I could have something I could pay off quickly, then sink a bit of cash into to speed it up. It will be a very nice sleeper.

Springs need replacing, and I will make several upgrades to the suspension. Need a heavy duty radiator. No big deal. The transmission will survive for awhile at least until I build it up. Will be in need of an E4OD, or (and this might be the easier choice) a beefed up AOD with a few parts borrowed from the AOD-E. There are several good AOD upgrade options... let me know if you think this wouldn't be a good way to go.

My goal for the truck is to run 0-60 in about 7 seconds--like my '98 Ranger did. Or even less. I also want it to be a strong towing machine. I'm not going to race--okay maybe a few races between the lights but that's it. I don't believe in excessive speed, and always shut things down when I reach the speed limit (more or less) if I'm ahead or not.

Maneuverability is not a must... like I say, it's not going to be a road race machine.

I just don't wanna lose to any more shovies or riceburners when the lights change to green.

Anyhow... I'd appreciate any ideas on performance items for this truck... heavy duty springs, details on what I'll need to do to get the 351 installed, how to make the computer swap, etc...

Thanks,

Mike

 

Hi Mike,

I read somewhere on this fourm that you can buy a created Lightning engine with blower for ?? $ 5800 ?? new. Also if you search this formun you can find 1 stolen totaled Lighting for sale, so there's a engine and trany.

Now my next statement is a little much but, if from what I'm reading is correct some of our Lightning are making as much as 340 RWH stock. I know this is on the high side and not everyone that has his Lightning dynoed makes this much, but remember this is 320-340 RWH at just under 3000 RPM so some Lightnings are make more like 440 crank HP not the factory claimed 360 this is total PR *****, to keep insurance rates low.

So you might find a built-up 351 at 340-440 crank HP this is at about 5000 RPM. So while the Lightning are making 330 RWHP @ 3000 RPM the built-up 351 is making more like 150 RWHP, just something to think about.

Good luck with your project.

 

The advertised engine can be found at , they are selling it for $4000 but is missing a couple of parts such as some pulleys and belts. You can also contact Blue Springs Ford directly at 800-248-7760 or 816-224-0076. I'm trying to put in that engine myself in my X but there are still some hitches to be ironed out...

F1car, the totalled, stolen you are referring to might be Adseman's. He bought it back from the insurance company and fixing it up, ferrari yellow and all...


Mike, do tell us how it turns out.


------------------
Thunder
rainmaker@attglobal.net

Black 97 Expedition EB 5.4L 4WD

Mods: Lightning front fascia, Lightning Wheels, Pirelli Scorpion Zero 285/55VR18, K&N Gen II Kit, JET Chip

Brembo 14" disc brake kit coming right up!!! And hopefully a Lightning engine too!!!

Audio: McIntosh MX406, McIntosh MCD4000, Zapco SX-SL, Zapco EQ30, Genesis Monoblocks (3), Genesis Dual Mono, Dynaudio System 340, Dynaudio System 220, JL Audio Stealthbox

 

You gotta be kidding me. I'm not sure the insurance companies would be so naive as to let that kind of hp difference go unnoticed... However, 340 hp or so out of a blown 5.4L engine always did seem rather low to me...

Anyhow... For my application and purpose, I'm wary about going supercharged...

Thanks,

-Mike