Hi guys. Just bought a 2004 Lightning, charcoal gray, bone stock. Very nice shape except for the front left bumper where the previous (and only) owner's mastiff chewed on the plastic. I own two Cadillac CTS-Vs: a 2005 that I modified fairly heavily and a 2011 that I plan to keep stock for at least the first six years. I'm going to sell the 2005 V and make the Lightning my mod toy.

Yes, I know that search is my friend, but... if anyone is willing to point out the best initial mods for me I would truly appreciate it. I'm thinking I'll start with CAI, cat-back, upper and lower pulley, and tune. What are the current fave exhausts, pulleys, and intakes? Anything else that obviously (to you guys) should be done in an initial go? Gotta stay CA smog friendly so things like long pipes won't fly.

Bonus points for suggestions on internals.

 

I like a quieter exhaust. I put a Corsa on the '05 V. Mellow when I cruise; nicely loud when I step down hard on it. Suggestions?

 

... a stock color (charcoal gray) hard tonneau cover.

 

8# lower
valve body
larger MAF or MAFia
CAI
ported Eaton
Ported Plenum
Ported TB

long bars
2800rpms stall converter

custom tune

 

I would never do an 8# pullie no matter what tune or who tunes it.
I'd def call one of the shops with pros and experience tuning lightnings and ask for advice from them. JDM Engineering, JLP, etc.
The rods on these trucks are weak so go easy unless you want to rebuild the engine with stronger internals. My 2cents.
Good luck man.

 

you avoid the broken rods by avoiding 4th-2nd kickdowns, and 3rd to 4th WOT shifts...



way too many people have been running 8# lowers with ease (and supporting mods) for way too long to be afraid of running one

 

[QUOTE=tarajerame;4740138]you avoid the broken rods by avoiding 4th-2nd kickdowns, and 3rd to 4th WOT shifts...



way too many people have been running 8# lowers with ease (and supporting mods) for way too long to be afraid of running
Running with overdrive on is a def no-no, but overspin the stock blower w an 8#?
Sounds like great advice...
To each their own....
Btw: I noticed u own a Harley D. The engine on the Harleys is the same as the Lightning, except it comes with less boost due to a diffr pullie. That's where I think the confusion is...the Harleys can get away w an 8# but L's usually stick to 6#'s with stock internals due to the fact Harleys come with less Boost to begin with.

 

you have no idea who I am and what my trucks runs on the stock long block, and I'm fine with that






have a nice day

 

Wasn't trying to step on your toes man, i just thought suggesting an 8lb pulley on a stock lightning was a little excessive for a new comer, I'm here to learn and contribute whenever possible. I'm glad you've done great with your truck and all... good for you. As for not knowing who you are... I never said I did know nor do I care to know to be honest. You're not a blip on my radar so chill out there "keyboard warrior"
You have a nice day too.

 

So why the suggestion of the 6#er over the 8#er?




I'm curious to hear your reason behind the suggestion you made...

 

I never suggested a 6#, I just pointed out what the max on stock lightnings usually is, hell i'd suggest a 2# and a gd tune, but there are guys who have gone 6 with a tune and no issues. I'd never run a 6 or an 8 unless my motor was built.
Hope your curiosity is satisfied now. No disrespect intended btw.

 

back in '99 only the "dare devils" were upping the boost



tuning has come a long ways since then...


the no WOT 3-4 shifts and the no two gear kick downs are still a rod breaker even on stock boosted Harley trucks (6#)

 

what's the ballpark sell price for the 2005 V? If you don't mind me asking,

 

Hmmm...
maybe you're right but I'd still only do it if I was getting a custom dyno tune.
As far as daredevils- you're right man, I haven't been in the "L" game since 2003 when I sold my original 01. Maybe I'm a lil old school and things have progressed since then. Heck i just got my "new" 03 a few weeks ago and I'm loving every min of it.
You make some valid points,

 

I love my harley truck and my lightning is a beast = loads of fun


while I wouldn't trade either of 'em for the world, nothing is more fun than the green sleeper truck