Hey Guys,
I just got a 2003 SVT Lightning!!! Today i called SVT and got my production number 2915 of 4270. I drive my truck everyday as a personal vehicle to get around in. I would like to upgrade my truck smart and efficient. I don't race or go to the drag strip. I have been looking online for upgrades but i don't know were to start?
Thanks

 

you could get a bigger exhaust system for increased airflow. it may make it a tiny more efficient and let it breath better.

if your into it, you could turn the pipe down. that would increase it alot more.

maybe get an edge performance programmer. you could reset the computer to run more efficiently.



or...just keep your foot out of the floorboard. haha

 

OK, no offense, but you have no idea what your talking about.

Depends what you want. If you just want to start off piece by piece, get a 4# or 6# lower and a FTVB. Want to go all out (and probably save money in the long run) just get a KB or whipple right off the bat. That's what I'm doing. I just bought a 4# to hold me over until I can afford a KB.

 

First thing you should do to any newly purchased vehicle (even brand new off the showroom) is wash, clay bar, polish, and wax.

 

gee, thaaaaanks

 

Yea! My truck is black and shows everything. Ill clay it today..

 

Yea i just want to start piece by piece. I think a new pully sounds good what is the diffrence between a 4# and 6# and what is a FTVB? Sorry im learning.
Thanks

 

The difference between 4# and 6# pulleys are 2 lbs of boost. The numbers represent how many lbs of boost you'll gain from it.

As I said, just get a lower pulley and a dyno tune for now. I personally don't think it's worth it going piece by piece, because power is addictive, and you're eventually going to want to mod it more anyway. So why waste money on small bolt ons that have a minimal gain, rather then just saving your money for a KB or whipple?

Just my .02

 

Read as much as you can about what others have done over the years. Learn by the mistakes. These are fun vehicles but it's no fun to break them after spending money on mods that caused the breakage. Research, research, research.

If you plan on any engine/tune modifications you should install a datalogging wideband air/fuel gauge and a fuel pressure gauge. These gauges will help keep you out of trouble as the modding progresses. If you have someone else do mod installations pick a shop that has L experience if possible.

 

First thing is find yourself a good vendor/tuner.
Putting toghter the right combo will make good hp and keep your truck from ka-boom.
CIA = New air filter setup
4lb lower
Spark plugs
A good tune, not some box program.
FTVB = shift kit for your trans, made by Greg Evans

http://www.chickenears.com/
http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/
http://www.teamjdm.com/
http://www.johnnylightningperf.com/

 

Everybody jumps to the #4 pulley off the bat, but isnt that a strain on the Eaton? Thats what fellow tuners have told me, and even referred me to a local joint that ports the s/c to handle the extra boost.
Im bone stock besides the Eibach springs and all I plan on doing in the immediate future is CAI, Bassani, and a dyno tune. If I start upgrading the blower Ill port the Eaton then go #4 or just get the Kennebell

 

4# is perfect for a non-ported eaton. When you get up to 6#ers is when the eaton gets strained pretty hard.

 

tune, filter pulley ftw. 4lber is great when u first start modding. just get an interchangeable set so u can upgrade to a larger one later on if u like. svtperformance.com has a good faq on the Ls in the gen 2 section and will give you a good idea of some starting mods.

 

+1

Pulley - Filter - Tune


That's good solid advice.


FF

 

Thank to all for the great tips.

1) #4 lower pulley

2) Spark Plugs

3) Air filter System CIA

4) FTVB shift kit for your trans, made by Greg Evans

5) Bassani system

6) Chip

7) a good tune

8) Driving a Lightning forever priceless