Let's assume Barlitz' numbers are correct, and that gives about a 17% increase for the normally aspirated 5.4 for 2000.
Then, assume 375 for the two valve 2001 Lightning.
To get to 500 horsepower from 375 is a 33% increase, and probably is within the design parameters of the engine, absenting grenading rods/pistons and the transmission and I suspect only the transmission might be a possible weak point.
I'm too tired tonight to look up all the posts on 99's, but to get 500 at the flywheel, you need about 400 at the rear wheels and I thought I saw some posts that some guys are getting close to that already with not too serious modifications.
Just think, we may have another Chrysler Hemi on our hands here when they were under-rated 100 to 150 horsepower.
Side thought: If they can do three valves for the "work truck" 5.4, why not 4 valves for the Lightning, or is that what the SVT guy was talking about.
Bill

 

Yeah, maybe, but 3 valves per cylinder is still a SOHC, 4 valves is almost certainly a DOHC. DOHC being much more complex and costly...less likely.

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Silver 2000, Delivered, 2Mar00!
NLOC Member #344

 

I will guarantee ford is not going to do any radical changes.They already spent enough money making this lightning.Remember the contract for the engines are already done.They might do radical changes for the reg f150s that they sell in the hundreds of thousands a year but not a 4000 productioHistory repeats itself always.Especially in auto makers. .Look in the history.Also ,Why would they?Nobody is even trying to compete in this market.In reality it is a dead market.There are already lightnings sitting on dealership lots waiting for a buyer.I bet they do a little tinkering not much.You will be lucky if they even finish all 6 years of this truck.Personally ,I dont even see it here in 2004 model year.2 years 99-00 one style+ 2 more years 2001-02 with a few changes ,then bye bye lightning for good.The way emissions are going do you really think they are going to spend the money on the "new style: f150 When ever they decide to restyle it.For a svt 150 ,Probally not.Lets be thankful they made a good one now,And cherish ours.

 

Hmmmm....

I wonder if they are just putting some type of tubular exhaust (shorty header!) to replace the stock pieces. They would definately find some power there!
3 valve heads would be interesting but the tooling for that would be quite expensive, no?
Also....I was at an auto show a few weeks back and I was talking with a gent at one of the SVT dealerships and he told me that he heard they were going to make the Lightning in 2001 with 500 HP. I just laughed and said....."uh huh? Really?.....good luck with that rumour!"

 

I did a quick search on the "Super Stallion" and back in November, 4D THNDR started a topic about a 5.4L supercharged, with 4 valve cylinder heads, DOHC. Here's a Link to the site http://www.wardsauto.com/namerica/1105ford.htm

In short here are the numbers
575 hp at 6000
495 ft./lb at 4750


P.S. Spiro you need to get ahold of the part numbers for the 4 valve cylinder heads used in this car!! Put that hood to use!

 

In an official Ford magazine it says the 2001 Lightning will become the Lightning LE, a low emissions vehicle. Would they really increase power while reducing emissions at the same time, and keep a reasonable price?

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