Decided that my truck is all done racing....
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From: Selden NY
Originally Posted by LightningTuner
It's funny, I always tell people that the "funnest" version of the Lightning is a mid to high 12 second truck. No problems, no worries, no issues. People look at me like I have 3 heads when I say that, knowing that I had an 800rwhp 10 seconds truck.
But once you reach that low 12 second/high 11 second point, things change. Now everything on the truck is more critical. You can't just get in it and not worry about anything anymore. Plus, you get used to the power and want to go faster, and by the time you're done you've got a trailer queen, or at least a truck that's not practical anymore.
Stock truck with a tune, pulley, filter kit, and plugs. A 12 second truck with about 390rwhp or so. That's the best way for maximum enjoyment out of these trucks, IMO.
But once you reach that low 12 second/high 11 second point, things change. Now everything on the truck is more critical. You can't just get in it and not worry about anything anymore. Plus, you get used to the power and want to go faster, and by the time you're done you've got a trailer queen, or at least a truck that's not practical anymore.
Stock truck with a tune, pulley, filter kit, and plugs. A 12 second truck with about 390rwhp or so. That's the best way for maximum enjoyment out of these trucks, IMO.
The most fun I ever had with my truck was stock Block, (Filter, Chip, N Pulley)
Good move Tallimeca,
Of course everytime I see one I still want to cry cause mines gone
but the Super Jeep and Virgin Stang + Procharger have giving me back that fun........ Nothing beats the "QUIET" top down crusing of the Stang, and traction has a whole new meaning with Super Jeep
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From: Norwalk Ct.
Not sure I agree with a high 12 sec stock block being the most fun. My low 11 sec, soon to be 10 sec Lightning is almost as docile as stock. As a matter of fact I drove well over 200 miles to Cecil when I ran my 11.2 and turned around and drove home. I would not hesitate to drive cross country if the need arose.
The only clues to it's performance potential is the obnoxiously loud exhaust and the loose converter. I would never go back towards stock.
Jim
The only clues to it's performance potential is the obnoxiously loud exhaust and the loose converter. I would never go back towards stock.
Jim
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From: Here, There Somewhere in New York
Originally Posted by Odin's Wrath
"Lord, I apologize and please be with the starving pygmies down in New Guinea. Amen." 
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From: San Antonio
Originally Posted by LightningTuner
It's funny, I always tell people that the "funnest" version of the Lightning is a mid to high 12 second truck. No problems, no worries, no issues. People look at me like I have 3 heads when I say that, knowing that I had an 800rwhp 10 seconds truck.
But once you reach that low 12 second/high 11 second point, things change. Now everything on the truck is more critical. You can't just get in it and not worry about anything anymore. Plus, you get used to the power and want to go faster, and by the time you're done you've got a trailer queen, or at least a truck that's not practical anymore.
Stock truck with a tune, pulley, filter kit, and plugs. A 12 second truck with about 390rwhp or so. That's the best way for maximum enjoyment out of these trucks, IMO.
But once you reach that low 12 second/high 11 second point, things change. Now everything on the truck is more critical. You can't just get in it and not worry about anything anymore. Plus, you get used to the power and want to go faster, and by the time you're done you've got a trailer queen, or at least a truck that's not practical anymore.
Stock truck with a tune, pulley, filter kit, and plugs. A 12 second truck with about 390rwhp or so. That's the best way for maximum enjoyment out of these trucks, IMO.
Its a worry free fun truck.
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by Ct.TOPGUN
Not sure I agree with a high 12 sec stock block being the most fun. My low 11 sec, soon to be 10 sec Lightning is almost as docile as stock.
I have to say my high 12 sec truck isn't all that fun to drive at times, I can only imagine the frustration I'd have with a low 11sec/high 10 sec at the press of the pedal. Maybe it's were I live, but more often then not I just cannot enjoy it fully. I hit the gas and then I have to hit the brakes 2x as hard so I don't plow into the person in front of me. I give the gas any more then a tap on a turn and the tires are just yelling "hey cop, look no traction". WOT puts it well over the speed limit in a few seconds. Not to mention I'm one of those unlucky souls that only gets red lights.
Like I said, sometimes it's just not as fun. With my 3.5 second slower SVTC I can ring it out and barely have to worry about my speed or drawing attention.
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From: Stinkin Joisey
Originally Posted by captainoblivious
Not that I don't doubt you but ....
I have to say my high 12 sec truck isn't all that fun to drive at times, I can only imagine the frustration I'd have with a low 11sec/high 10 sec at the press of the pedal. Maybe it's were I live, but more often then not I just cannot enjoy it fully. I hit the gas and then I have to hit the brakes 2x as hard so I don't plow into the person in front of me. I give the gas any more then a tap on a turn and the tires are just yelling "hey cop, look no traction". WOT puts it well over the speed limit in a few seconds. Not to mention I'm one of those unlucky souls that only gets red lights.
Like I said, sometimes it's just not as fun. With my 3.5 second slower SVTC I can ring it out and barely have to worry about my speed or drawing attention.
I have to say my high 12 sec truck isn't all that fun to drive at times, I can only imagine the frustration I'd have with a low 11sec/high 10 sec at the press of the pedal. Maybe it's were I live, but more often then not I just cannot enjoy it fully. I hit the gas and then I have to hit the brakes 2x as hard so I don't plow into the person in front of me. I give the gas any more then a tap on a turn and the tires are just yelling "hey cop, look no traction". WOT puts it well over the speed limit in a few seconds. Not to mention I'm one of those unlucky souls that only gets red lights.
Like I said, sometimes it's just not as fun. With my 3.5 second slower SVTC I can ring it out and barely have to worry about my speed or drawing attention.
Well I live down the road from you Pete, and I'll be more than happy to show you how much fun a 10 sec street driven Lightning can be.
A little common sense goes a long way when driving with that much power.
My truck drives, idles and cruises no different than the days with a 4lber and stock longblock. Except its just a "bit" louder
It appears that the people unhappy with 600/700rwhp trucks have had tuning issues, but Iam happy to say Iam not one of them
Matter of fact, I'll take you shotgun when I whip one of those hemi jeeps I keep hearing about. You know anybody with one?
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by Fast Gator
Matter of fact, I'll take you shotgun when I whip one of those hemi jeeps I keep hearing about. You know anybody with one?
Really it's not that bad, I just have bad enough luck to be surrounded by idiots on the road 95% of the time.
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From: Norwalk Ct.
Originally Posted by Rob_02Lightning
Jim
Your also one of the lucky ones that didnt have to go through living hell getting to where you are now
CONGRATS ON THAT BRO
Thank your lucky stars nightly.....
Your also one of the lucky ones that didnt have to go through living hell getting to where you are now
CONGRATS ON THAT BRO
Thank your lucky stars nightly.....
See you soon Rob.
Jim
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From: Norwalk Ct.
Originally Posted by captainoblivious
Not that I don't doubt you but ....
I have to say my high 12 sec truck isn't all that fun to drive at times, I can only imagine the frustration I'd have with a low 11sec/high 10 sec at the press of the pedal. Maybe it's were I live, but more often then not I just cannot enjoy it fully. I hit the gas and then I have to hit the brakes 2x as hard so I don't plow into the person in front of me. I give the gas any more then a tap on a turn and the tires are just yelling "hey cop, look no traction". WOT puts it well over the speed limit in a few seconds. Not to mention I'm one of those unlucky souls that only gets red lights.
Like I said, sometimes it's just not as fun. With my 3.5 second slower SVTC I can ring it out and barely have to worry about my speed or drawing attention.
I have to say my high 12 sec truck isn't all that fun to drive at times, I can only imagine the frustration I'd have with a low 11sec/high 10 sec at the press of the pedal. Maybe it's were I live, but more often then not I just cannot enjoy it fully. I hit the gas and then I have to hit the brakes 2x as hard so I don't plow into the person in front of me. I give the gas any more then a tap on a turn and the tires are just yelling "hey cop, look no traction". WOT puts it well over the speed limit in a few seconds. Not to mention I'm one of those unlucky souls that only gets red lights.
Like I said, sometimes it's just not as fun. With my 3.5 second slower SVTC I can ring it out and barely have to worry about my speed or drawing attention.
Jim
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From: Warner Robins, Ga, CSA
Thank You!
Man, TM I'm so glad you posted this. I have been out of driving my 2001 L for about 7 months now as 4 rod bushings were scored by my negligence and I just couldn't spend the $$$ needed.
I'm finally getting the engine replaced and how I've missed driving my L on the street. My 1997 F150 4.6 XLT is a slug even though it's chipped. A reliable slug but a slug no less. Get's the same gas mileage(15+) as the L too.
I raced my L and finally got it to a 12.531 1/4 with some extrernal mods and had no desire to push it into the 11's. I am going to be so tickled when mine gets to running again(maybe next week?) and I'll keep most of the mods on it. All I changed at the track was to swap on the slicks and I've already sold them.
Good Luck with your L and the little Lady
.
Dan
I'm finally getting the engine replaced and how I've missed driving my L on the street. My 1997 F150 4.6 XLT is a slug even though it's chipped. A reliable slug but a slug no less. Get's the same gas mileage(15+) as the L too.
I raced my L and finally got it to a 12.531 1/4 with some extrernal mods and had no desire to push it into the 11's. I am going to be so tickled when mine gets to running again(maybe next week?) and I'll keep most of the mods on it. All I changed at the track was to swap on the slicks and I've already sold them.
Good Luck with your L and the little Lady
.Dan
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From: The People's Republic of Los Angeles
Maybe think a little more broadly about "racing," TM.
Try something more challenging that the 1320. Go try a road course. Even with a bone stock Lightning, you will not be able to use all of its capabilities. The skill and bravery required to run a road course is light years ahead of that required to drag race (at least a street legal vehicle). It will take you years before your hardware is holding you back.
Try something more challenging that the 1320. Go try a road course. Even with a bone stock Lightning, you will not be able to use all of its capabilities. The skill and bravery required to run a road course is light years ahead of that required to drag race (at least a street legal vehicle). It will take you years before your hardware is holding you back.
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From: Greater Boston
Tim
I've never had any desire to road race. Nothing against it, but it puts a lot more hurtin on the truck then i'd want to. I'm just as much prone to popping a motor road racing as you would be drag racing. Not to mention the wear and tear it puts on the suspension, body mounts, brakes, and tires.
Again, nothing against it, but i'm all set.
Sold my slicks yesterday
Again, nothing against it, but i'm all set.
Sold my slicks yesterday