I have a qustion in form as a comment.

I am under the impression that 99 and 2000 lightnigs are the same .The only thing Ford has done is screw with the computer a little.Now,If in 2001 the Lightning still has all the same drivetrain and is faster just from the computer,Wouldnt this mean all we would have to do is toss a 2001 computer in our trucks.Are the sensors programmed different????Or are they exactly that.sensors?.My guess is if all ford does is mess with the computer with no other mods,We could just upgrade to a new computer and be just as fast???HELP<THIs is a good question.
Also,Wont it be harder to chip if it is already tweaked from the factory??? If my calcuations are correct,We could be looking at a 13.0-13.3 truck with just a chip/2001 computer??

 

Well in another thread it was found that Ford has the 2001 intercooler part # in the system, and it will not fit the 99&00's. Anyone else know what else is being changed?

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99 Lightning black #2022, cd,tow package,bed rug,roll-n-lock
(13.73 @ 99.74 stock)
98 Cobra coupe laser red
best stock et 13.43 @ 103
one run w/ 3.55 gears 13.34 @ 102 no other mods
former Chevy fan still have a few
72 SS454 11.6 @ 116 (slicks open headers)
68 Camaro 12.2 @ 116 (street tires closed exhast)

 

I heard rumor that the new intercooler will only work with a new lower intake manifold that it sits in....? I wonder if the manifold has any better flow characteristics. I would think that it should fit our engines as well.

 

The easiest way to increase hp in these type of engines is to improve air flow either in or out or both. I suspect the rocket scientists have redesigned the intake to improve and increase airflow and that is where the increased hp is coming from not the chip. The parts may fit the 99-00 s but an intercooler, blower package exchange is going to be rather expensive for 15 HP.
noelvm

 

I agree with noelvm,
I believe ford will also screw with the computer like the 2000 to 99 diffference but,It has always been fords way of increasing HP by messing with the intakes! They have done it in all their vechiscles.This seems to be there trademark for more HPs. They have done it with the escorts and rangers and many others.If you notice,Usually they clain 15 hp in all there upgraded new intake technology! That is a good point noelvm.

 

I agree with the intake theory, although let's hope they don't make the same mistakes they ended up with on the Cobra. There's an old saying about "too many cooks in the kitchen"...........Most of the time I think the manufacturers would be better off to just build the basic machine, then let guys like Sal and so many other technician/owners do the rest...........just my two cents worth...

 

Hey all, I was under the impression that if you change model year pcm's it's illeaglen due to emmissions regulations, or so the guy at hotline told me.

 

The two easiest ways for Ford to be able to increase the horsepower on these trucks is 1st off simply rate the motor at a higher horsepower since they are underated now. Second easiest way to increase power would be to further optimize the chip, the same thing a lot of us are doing except these guys have a whole lot more resources at their disposal. Either way Ford gets braging rights over Chevy at very little if any cost. These guys aren't the worlds most profitable car company because there stupid.

 

Chevy is so stupid for not bringing in the SS.I believe it is a money issue.There is not alot of money in it compared to the hundreds of thousands reg pick ups they make.They are way to late now.I love chevy's but it would take alot more than making a fast truck to overcome the LIGHTNING.It seems as though Ford hit it right on with this truck!Ford has SVT to do their work.Chevy probally looks at it in a financial note.With all the chevy SS heritage,I am surprised they did not come out with something comparable!