Hello to all. Long time reader, first time writer…

I have some questions that I hope you all might be able to help with.

I have a deposit on a Black L that is scheduled to arrive around July 4th. I have never owned a truck beforehand my current vehicle couldn’t be more different than the L if it tried (Lexus LS 400).

One day while driving home from Palm Springs (we were doing about 110) a black truck blew by us like we were standing still. Now I have always had a need for speed so this really caught my attention so we caught up with it (moderate traffic ahead helped) and that was when I got my first look at a Lightning. I was in Love. I’ve never liked the looks of trucks…

But this was beautiful. I had to drive one…

I found a dealer who let me test drive it. Let me first say that I’m fairly tall (6’4")
And even in my Lexus my head touches the ceiling. But in the Lightning I am not even close. That alone is worth the price of admission. It also satisfies my need for speed, it handled very well and was actually quieter and smoother than I expected. It’s everything in want, room, fast, comfortable, and very cool looking.

BUT

After reading a number of the posts here and elsewhere, I have some concerns.

First, are supercharged engines prone to failures or shorter lifespans? It seems that I have read a lot about replaced engines, transmissions, disappearing intercooler fluids, piston knocks, etc. One of the postings I read mentioned that someone from eaton commented that the blower should last 100000 miles. What happens if it goes out. Will the engine still run? Can the supercharger be replaced? If so what does something like that run?

Also, I’ve noticed that many of the people who have problems also have these "chips" installed on their L’s. Could this possibly be a reason for the problems? It would seem to me that modifying an engine like this could have serious consequences. Any thoughts on this.

My intention is to lose the lexus and make the L my everyday vehicle. Is a very high performance engine like this durable enough for everyday use?

And my last concern is the dash. It is made of cheap plastic. Knock on it and it’s hollow and thin. I fear it will rattle like crazy after time. Any comments on the sturdiness of the dash after time?

Any info anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated.

I really love the L and really want it something awful. Please put my concerns to rest.

PS with regard to the age thing…….41 going on 20

 

Hey kobiashi,

I can't answer your questions satisfactorily but I'll tell you other than the clunk and window seal I've never had a problem in 7500 miles.

Also I would like to meet one person on this board that is harder on the L than me, no bragging just fact, maybe?

If you buy one drive it like you stole it.

I can't think of one day that I haven’t hit 100 at least. This isn't including about a billion launches (A car sales man I'm not)

 

Kobiashi, - If you treat it like a car and not like a work truck the dash will be fine. We use several F150 at work and no noise from the dashes and these are WORK TRUCKS. There is so much power at tap you'll have to watch yourself. I use to drive a Super Charged Vette in Germany. When I returned to LA I had to sell it, to much power with a stick-shift in LA traffic Your L has a heavy-duty Automatic Transmission and you'll love it.

As far as the CHIPS go they bring out more power from your Super charged engine. And change the way the automatic shifts.


Dave

 

Hey there,

I have had my Lightning for about 15k miles, and it seems I am the one with problems. Engine runs perfect, no slap, no intercooler leak, no tranny problems, and I have noticed my boost gage pegged at 10 psi.

I thought I was going to get to go to a track last weekend, but they were too busy, so I G-teched my 0-60 time, which was at 5.78 on 90 octane, and 2 sandbags in the bed. Keep in mind I am on my first set of rubbers (15k miles).

I strongly suggest you get the paint protectant, as I have noticed a small chip in the door, a couple of scratches (damn valet parkers!), fine dust etched in the bed (110 on the AlCan), nice scratch on the bumper (poor workmanship from Moose incident). I bought the paint protectant, and it is going to a dealer to see whaaaaaazzzz-uuuuuuup.

Black is the fastest color.

------------------
99 Black Lightning
created 8/17/99, bought 9/25/99
#3681/4000
CD changer, Tow package, factory tonneau cover
100k mile warrantee, bed/under liner, paint protected
W:L ratio
1:1

 

kobiashi,

First, welcome. You are about to enter a different and most exciting world!

I have a black '99 Lightning and, like others on the board, find it the most exciting vehicle I've ever owned. I've owned Corvettes, Mazda RX7's, including a '93 twin turbo, MG's, Chevy trucks (sorry guys) and about 35 cars. I currently have a '98 Lexus GS-400 as well. I like the Lexus a great deal; I love the "L"!

The "stealth" aspect of blowing off about every stock auto currently made (at least for the price) is a kick that simply has to be experienced.

I owned a '97 F-150 4X4 supercab which I sold to my brother. It now has 42000 miles and has absolutely no problems whatsoever. My "L" has had no problems except for the infamous "clunk" and drives like a demon!

So fasten your seat belt, trade in your Lexus and join a very exclusive and friendly group!

adp
#1530
Black '99

 

Kobiashi- My 2000L is the fourth ford truck I have owned. The reason I keep going back2ford is because they do not get loose and rattle like every gmc product I have ever owned, and they are pretty dependable. I have a 98 expedition, which is very similar to the lightning interior, chassis, body, and it is as quiet inside as a (should I dare say) a Lexus after 32,000 miles. If your worried about the engine, buy the 100,000m extended warranty from Fordsales.

------------------
Paul
2000BlkLightning (born 4/17/00)
Airaid filter
Snuglid
Bedrug
Superchip CUX2R2
Big Mouth Filter (on order)
98RamAirTransAm (for sale)
98Expedition
99VictoryV92C
99ATK605E

 

Kobashi,
In all honesty and seriousness, if you can get your hands on a L, dont pass up the chance. I cant see why everyone doesnt own one!

 

Kobiashi,

Like you, I am a "car guy" who never even thought about owning a pickup truck, until I saw one of these redneck rocket sleds at a stop light. A month later I owned one.

So far the truck is better than I had expected. Fit-and-finish is not in the 40K Euro-car class, but it just runs, and runs. IMO, this is a stout vehicle that should do just fine over the long haul. The dealership experience may also underwhelm you, esp. if you've been spoiled by Lexus.

But I would recommend the truck without hesitation, and I would buy another one, if anything ever happened to this one.

 

Hi Kobiashi.....
First of all...you must understand this...the truck is a truck, no matter what. Even though the L's are built for speed they essentially start out as a truck. Make no mistake about that. This is not a Lexus or a BMW. Don't expect that. If you don't, you won't be disappointed. I have seem many a European built car with their share of problems as well. The problems that you are seeing on this board are really insignificant....the intercooler leak (depending on severity) isn't all that bad a fix. The blower lifts off (with some effort of course!) and you simply replace the intercooler manifold. I had mine done and it has been fine.
My truck has no body squeaks and rattles after about 10,000 miles. I still love it to this day. I can put my goalie equipment, guitar equipment, plywood, whatever I need into the large trunk...lock it up (ARE cover) and no one knows what is in the back. I have always been a truck guy.
Sure.....I have a small front end steering clunk, but it will be fixed. Pretty well everyone here has it. I also have a small squeal in the rear brakes under light pressure, but that is an easy fix as well.
I am not concerned. The dealer will fix it.

Get the truck while you can and enjoy it!
You only live once.

Paul G.

 

Kobiashi...as in Star Trek II?

------------------
Red '00 Lightning,
Adopted 4/19/00,
PSP Filter,
Sound effects provided by Flowmaster,
Track time pending...

 

I was thinking Kobiashi as in "The Usual Suspects"