Hey guys,

As a current '97 lariat spec 5.4 4x4 owner who has just done a deal to get my first Lightning ('99) I'm keen to get some confirmation on mods I've already seen discussed here. The car already comes equipped with a Superchip, that's one down. I have a Granatelli Mass air sensor on the way that I originally ordered for the Lariat but changed for the Lightning. I just placed an order for Bassani X-pipes and headers (I've learned from already having JBA's and reading the group's feedback). How am I going so far? Are there any other worthy bolt-ons at this stage or should that do it for now. I am definitely a mod-head, who owns a euro M3 and has sought out every possible bolt-on engine and suspension upgrade (besides headers and a carbon fibre airbox$$). Don't worry I'm not keen to start playing with the suspension apart from maybe needing adjustable clearance at some time in the future (a trade off for not needing a 4x4 anymore).

Andrew

 

Congrats on the new L!

You might want to check into new gears. The 3.55s just aren't enough. I haven't made the swap yet, so I can't really suggest one or the other (3.77s or 4.10s). Try a search on this site and you should find out. There are TONS of gear questions throughout the archives.

DUCK

------------------
November 18, 1999 We will not forget.
The fallen 12 will live in our hearts forever.
Fightin Texas Aggie Bonfire 1999

 

Oz, how many Lightnings are in Australia, you must be very lucky. I was there 4 years ago (mainly Queensland) and most of the 'sporty' austos I saw were modified Geminis and Turanas (sp?). The biggest truck was a Toyota t-100. Are blowers street-legal in NSW?

------------------
Model: '99 F150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 SS Mechs: 5.4L, 3.73 Diff (9.75" LSD Rear, 8.8" Front)
ORP: Skid Plates, LT265/70R17 GY Wrang. AT/S
Group III towing: HD Electrical/Cooling, GVWR 6500# (Extra leaf spring).
Stuff: Step Bars, 4W Disc ABS, K&N filter, 0W-30 Series 2k Amsoil @ 8200 miles
Stock Items That Differ Across F150s: Steel Driveshaft, Oil filter bolted to engine w/ drip guard, 4R70W transmission.

 

I've been reading people's comments on gearing. I mentioned it to my good friend who used to own an auto business and who is also a Ford fanatic. He was concerned about the differences in going from 3.55s to 4.10s in terms of excess revs at higher speeds for example. How much gain is there in being more conservative and going to 3.73s instead of 4.10s?

Andrew

 

Mike, they are still a little backwards in QLD. Not many people bother with old 70's Geminis and Toranas these days, Especially New South. Most folks who don't have U.S. or O.S. experience that I have go for new Ford XR6s and XR8s sedans or Utes. The GM brigade go for Holden Special Vehice models like the new 5.7 LS1 equipped GTS sedan or HSV Maloo ute (used to have one, beastly little 5.0 too!). Then there's those who love the little Subaru WRX 4 cyl turbo screemers (so common on the roads these days it's not funny, love slay'in em though . Blowers heck yeh! In fact one of Holdens sport- luxury model sedans called the HSV WH Grange features a blower standard on its V6.
Well enough of Oz models 101 from me!

I gotta admit having an L in my area is pretty special, people gawk at my red 150 as it is. I don't know the figures off-hand(without asking the importer) but I estimate only 8-10 (2 more just landed today!) are in Oz. I'm sure if I drive mine around Sydney come Olympics time, I'll surprise a few U.S. vistors!

By the way I may need to come up with a new username to suit owning a L. Perhaps OzLightning? OzL? DistntL? perhaps.

cheers,
Andrew

 

Oz, I thought the Lightnings came with a 3.73, or is it just a 3.55? There are several calculators on the web that give optimal RPM ranges, with calculators, here's one:

rev chart
http://4lo.com/geartable.html
calculator
http://4lo.com

Based on the calculator with 28.45" tires, .71 final drive, and 4.11 gearing, your theoretical top speed at 5250 rpm drops from 176 to 152 mph. From 125 to 108 in 3rd.

I know what you mean by QLD being backwards. In '92 I was in Ipswich studying abroad. The family I stayed with had car parts, a shed, and a chicken coup in the lawn. We even had to split wood to burn for hot water. Texas reminds me of QLD, hot, a little backwards, but nice people. How are you managing with the petrol prices there? The Lightning, or any F150, is pretty thirsty.

------------------
Model: '99 F150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 SS Mechs: 5.4L, 3.73 Diff (9.75" LSD Rear, 8.8" Front)
ORP: Skid Plates, LT265/70R17 GY Wrang. AT/S
Group III towing: HD Electrical/Cooling, GVWR 6500# (Extra leaf spring).
Stuff: Step Bars, 4W Disc ABS, K&N filter, 0W-30 Series 2k Amsoil @ 8200 miles
Stock Items That Differ Across F150s: Steel Driveshaft, Oil filter bolted to engine w/ drip guard, 4R70W transmission.




[This message has been edited by michael_hovis (edited 08-03-2000).]

 

From my current understanding the 2001 Lightning now has 3.73s but prior editions had only the 3.55s. I noted that Edmunds.com mention this in their 2001 review.

Ipswich, yeah you really did get to see QLD living at it's best .

Andrew