"FORDS ULTIMATE FIASCO"
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 314
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From: Irving, Texas
"FORDS ULTIMATE FIASCO"
Ford and SVT owe the consumer a formal apology for the intercooler fiasco. 
They are not handling it well and it will be an embarrassment in the end for the SVT moniker and Ford in general. 
Coletti and Scareppello or whateva...should set the record straight ASAP ..this is a FARCE...the BON article should be out soon! I want to keep the vehicle...I have no time for Ford...with extended warranty visits...lets try a 2001 M3 next time... 
They are not handling it well and it will be an embarrassment in the end for the SVT moniker and Ford in general. Coletti and Scareppello or whateva...should set the record straight ASAP ..this is a FARCE...the BON article should be out soon! I want to keep the vehicle...I have no time for Ford...with extended warranty visits...lets try a 2001 M3 next time...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 274
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From: San Jose, CA
What is it about the design of the intercooler that causes them to leak?
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Jeff
93 Mustang GT: 11.40 @ 124.5 (old combo)
00 Lightning: 13.83 @ 99.2 (stock)
www.unlimited-racing.com
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Jeff
93 Mustang GT: 11.40 @ 124.5 (old combo)
00 Lightning: 13.83 @ 99.2 (stock)
www.unlimited-racing.com
Rest In Peace
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,075
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From: anchorage, alaska, usa, north america, earth, solar system, milky way
Here's the problem, not enough solder or something. I think its called "poor craftsman ship" or something along those lines.
credit this photo to PBGas
well, it used to work, maybe by having those pictures post so long on the other thread pi$$ed someone off.
[This message has been edited by Tundra (edited 01-18-2001).]
credit this photo to PBGas
well, it used to work, maybe by having those pictures post so long on the other thread pi$$ed someone off.
[This message has been edited by Tundra (edited 01-18-2001).]
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,357
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From: Ventura, CA, USA
Ford's ultimate fiasco? I don't think so. Has anyone been injured or killed because of a leaky intercooler? Maybe you are too young to remember the Pinto gas tank debacle - now that was a fiasco. And more recently, the Explorer rollover problem comes to mind. An annoyance, maybe, but not even in Ford's top ten list of fiascos.
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I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.
'00 SVT Lightning, silver, built 2/9/00, #133 of 4966, G-tech Pro, JBA headers, 4.10 gears, Swanson chip, Pro-M, NGK plugs, carbon drive shaft, Roadmaster suspension kit
13.39 @ 102.5
2001 Kevlacat 2400, twin 115 Evinrude FICHT, Raytheon VHF, radar, autopilot and GPS chartplotter/fishfinder.
gmvye@pacbell.net
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I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.
'00 SVT Lightning, silver, built 2/9/00, #133 of 4966, G-tech Pro, JBA headers, 4.10 gears, Swanson chip, Pro-M, NGK plugs, carbon drive shaft, Roadmaster suspension kit
13.39 @ 102.5
2001 Kevlacat 2400, twin 115 Evinrude FICHT, Raytheon VHF, radar, autopilot and GPS chartplotter/fishfinder.
gmvye@pacbell.net
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 912
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From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Are you off your nut?
This is a low volume, high performance vehicle. The intercooler is produced by a supplier (Gates?) and I can assure you, they are embarrassed and working hard on a solution. Ford didn't do this to us on purpose and they (and we) would be much happier if it hadn't occurred. Ford and my dealer did a good job fixing mine. Yes, it was inconvenient, but **** happens, even to Ford owners.
I'm VERY glad the powers that be at Ford allow SVT vehicles to be sold. I know more than one person at Ford who is madder than hell that they do. Ford doesn't make money on them. They take a huge risk that idiots like us will do something stupid with all this power and blame (sue) them. The loss on this program is written off as a marketing expense. Can you buy a truck that even comes close from Chrysler or the General? Yes, $30,000 is a lot of money, but could you do better modifying a stock truck? Would it be all sorted out? Would it have a warranty to pay for replacement of a failed intercooler?
This is a low volume, high performance vehicle. The intercooler is produced by a supplier (Gates?) and I can assure you, they are embarrassed and working hard on a solution. Ford didn't do this to us on purpose and they (and we) would be much happier if it hadn't occurred. Ford and my dealer did a good job fixing mine. Yes, it was inconvenient, but **** happens, even to Ford owners.
I'm VERY glad the powers that be at Ford allow SVT vehicles to be sold. I know more than one person at Ford who is madder than hell that they do. Ford doesn't make money on them. They take a huge risk that idiots like us will do something stupid with all this power and blame (sue) them. The loss on this program is written off as a marketing expense. Can you buy a truck that even comes close from Chrysler or the General? Yes, $30,000 is a lot of money, but could you do better modifying a stock truck? Would it be all sorted out? Would it have a warranty to pay for replacement of a failed intercooler?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,303
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From: Chesapeake, VA USA
I agree with DH, **** happens and yes it would be an annoyance to put my baby in the hands of the dealer for a couple days.
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Red '00 Lightning,
Power Surge Performance enhanced,
Sound effects provided by Flowmaster,
375 RWHP,
445 RWTQ,
12.974@104.818
Track Videos
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Red '00 Lightning,
Power Surge Performance enhanced,
Sound effects provided by Flowmaster,
375 RWHP,
445 RWTQ,
12.974@104.818
Track Videos
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,145
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From: Ontario, Canada
I can certainly understand people's frustrations. My intercooler is gone but my baby rests waiting for the "fix".
My question is: Why is it taking so long to come up with a real solution? Maybe the replacement intercoolers are suitable but I haven't heard any suggestion that they are.
Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, I'll go on loving my truck, albeit frustrated by the problems.
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2000 Red Lightning - #835 of 4966 Born 3-8-00 / Delivered 3-22-00
22% Window Tint, Clear Corners, MPulse LoPro Tonneau, AIM 2" Drop Shackles, Bed Rug, PSP Filter Kit, Other Goodies, Group Buy Floor Mats
Best time: 13.45 sec. @ 101.99 mph
2000 Red Trans Am Ram Air WS6, 6 Speed - Delivered 2-15-00 - Awesome Looking Car
My Zing.com Album Click Here
My question is: Why is it taking so long to come up with a real solution? Maybe the replacement intercoolers are suitable but I haven't heard any suggestion that they are.
Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, I'll go on loving my truck, albeit frustrated by the problems.
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2000 Red Lightning - #835 of 4966 Born 3-8-00 / Delivered 3-22-00
22% Window Tint, Clear Corners, MPulse LoPro Tonneau, AIM 2" Drop Shackles, Bed Rug, PSP Filter Kit, Other Goodies, Group Buy Floor Mats
Best time: 13.45 sec. @ 101.99 mph
2000 Red Trans Am Ram Air WS6, 6 Speed - Delivered 2-15-00 - Awesome Looking Car
My Zing.com Album Click Here
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Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 58
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From: Knoxville, TN., USA
Well, I have a 2001 on order. This news makes my stomach churn. Are the '01's cured from this problem? Somebody please say yes....
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99 Black Trans Am, M6, !CAGS, Wisper Lid, Wisper MAF, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Free Ram Air mod. 305.6 RWHP, 320.5 RW Torque
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99 Black Trans Am, M6, !CAGS, Wisper Lid, Wisper MAF, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Free Ram Air mod. 305.6 RWHP, 320.5 RW Torque
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 789
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From: Bay Area, CA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">My question is: Why is it taking so long to come up with a real solution? </font>
Can you imagine how pissed off we'd all be if they did a recall (too soon) and the new design leaked too?!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,713
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From: Orland Park, IL just south of chicago
Hey its not that bad, This way I have fresh water in there all the time. Nothing ever goes stale.
I can't wait for one that doesn't leak.
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She has allot of toys on her.
MAY BABIES STAT'S
Built 5/4/99
# 917 of 4000
Best ET. 13.42 at 100.98
best stock 13.96 at ?
2001 ET: 12.???
When the green light drops, the bullsh*t stops.
I can't wait for one that doesn't leak.
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She has allot of toys on her.
MAY BABIES STAT'S
Built 5/4/99
# 917 of 4000
Best ET. 13.42 at 100.98
best stock 13.96 at ?
2001 ET: 12.???
When the green light drops, the bullsh*t stops.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Undy, one thing we and Ford have to remember about the intercooler problem.
A slow leak can muck-up the engine. A catastrophic leak destroys the engine. If it is under warranty or extended warranty, Ford pays. This is considering too that some Lightning owners are on their second, replacement intercoolers in less than a two year period.
So, the fix apparently ranges from replacing the intercooler, spark plugs, O2 sensors, etc., up through replacing the engine. That can get kind of expensive. Also, this can affect the resale and trade-in value of the Lightning which could potentially affect future sales. And Ford/SVT prestige.
Ford has a stake in this. Not the same as the Pinto or Explorer fiascos, but still an issue.
My two cents.
A slow leak can muck-up the engine. A catastrophic leak destroys the engine. If it is under warranty or extended warranty, Ford pays. This is considering too that some Lightning owners are on their second, replacement intercoolers in less than a two year period.
So, the fix apparently ranges from replacing the intercooler, spark plugs, O2 sensors, etc., up through replacing the engine. That can get kind of expensive. Also, this can affect the resale and trade-in value of the Lightning which could potentially affect future sales. And Ford/SVT prestige.
Ford has a stake in this. Not the same as the Pinto or Explorer fiascos, but still an issue.
My two cents.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 668
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From: Mi.
I might be going out on a limb here!! If the intercooler was bad because of bad soldering joints, they would have changed manufacturers or beefed them up.
I have spoken to another person on this and I agree with him! The lower intake on your L's are flexing! That is also flexing the intercooler and it cracks. What do you think!!
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2001 L. (Silver Frost)
Born on date: 1/17/01
Weight: 4,670 lb.
Eyes: Clear
Blood type: Ford Blue
I have spoken to another person on this and I agree with him! The lower intake on your L's are flexing! That is also flexing the intercooler and it cracks. What do you think!!
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2001 L. (Silver Frost)
Born on date: 1/17/01
Weight: 4,670 lb.
Eyes: Clear
Blood type: Ford Blue
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Irving, Texas
Incon/I have been told by people on this board who work for Ford that the problem is created by the aluminum manifolds... upper/lower that encompass the intercooler flex thus allowing the intercooler to flex creating problems at the headers where it is brazed. The engineers at Ford know this according to my sources....
alpodoggy/i don't give a rats *** about the pintos or firestone tires My only concern is to protect the investment of the few.....
dhfergie/your intellect scares me...your all ova the road map sire..I am not off my nut...but I do get a good nut every now and then Gates make rubber and thats a good one..maybe if they were rubber they would hold up better..... LOL Garrett not Gates Rubber....Sire.. nice try though...idiots like us? SPEAK for yourself with fork tongue I make not reference to the truck...my reference is to the bad consumer handling of the "INTERCOOLER" SPELL AND REPEAT AFTER ME..SLOWLY...INTERCOOLER.. I love the truck...dad gum the intercooler...I will immediately write Ford about producing "rubber ones" and will quote you accordingly.. 
4drthnda/**** happens but not in my neighborhood..what a cop out..are you concerned for a fix? or just BS rhetoric???
personally I have spoken with the editor at BON and they are about to report some of the issues
what04/your right..what is the problem with Ford and a response to the issue...well complacency is part of the problem..too many just let it go...without a fight.....READ BETWEEN THE LINES...HOSE UP THE SVT HOTLINE GUYS...wear them out.....
timburnout/wisdom..which way did it go?...
jrcase/lucky dawg!!!....
rtkilla/its not that bad...its not that good either...everyone should deluge the SVT HOTLINE!! Power in numbers baby..remember Austin P???....
Greensnake/best buds girlfriend has a '99 SVT Red Cobra Convertible..and zero defects?...luck??...
DISCLOSURE:
This post is in no means meant to be politically correct..its use is solely for entertainment purposes only..any similarities to characters or villains portrayed are in no means meant to construe or otherwies misrepresent the masses...
[This message has been edited by whitelightnin' (edited 01-18-2001).]
alpodoggy/i don't give a rats *** about the pintos or firestone tires
My only concern is to protect the investment of the few.....dhfergie/your intellect scares me...your all ova the road map sire..I am not off my nut...but I do get a good nut every now and then
Gates make rubber and thats a good one..maybe if they were rubber they would hold up better..... LOL Garrett not Gates Rubber....Sire.. nice try though...idiots like us? SPEAK for yourself with fork tongue I make not reference to the truck...my reference is to the bad consumer handling of the "INTERCOOLER" SPELL AND REPEAT AFTER ME..SLOWLY...INTERCOOLER.. I love the truck...dad gum the intercooler...I will immediately write Ford about producing "rubber ones" and will quote you accordingly.. 4drthnda/**** happens but not in my neighborhood..what a cop out..are you concerned for a fix? or just BS rhetoric???
personally I have spoken with the editor at BON and they are about to report some of the issues what04/your right..what is the problem with Ford and a response to the issue...well complacency is part of the problem..too many just let it go...without a fight.....READ BETWEEN THE LINES...HOSE UP THE SVT HOTLINE GUYS...wear them out.....
timburnout/wisdom..which way did it go?...
jrcase/lucky dawg!!!....
rtkilla/its not that bad...its not that good either...everyone should deluge the SVT HOTLINE!! Power in numbers baby..remember Austin P???....
Greensnake/best buds girlfriend has a '99 SVT Red Cobra Convertible..and zero defects?...luck??...
DISCLOSURE:
This post is in no means meant to be politically correct..its use is solely for entertainment purposes only..any similarities to characters or villains portrayed are in no means meant to construe or otherwies misrepresent the masses...
[This message has been edited by whitelightnin' (edited 01-18-2001).]