This probably sounds like another newbie post, but I just got a silver 02 Lightning and have been reading many of the posts here on different mods. I don't want nitrous or to go into the engine, but I've seen some of the trucks in member sigs that are going fast without doing this either. This is my first Ford performance vehicle, having previously owned 4 different Z28's.

So anyway, where do I start? What is the best bang for the buck? I see chips advertised from several different manufacturers and other products, etc. So much to choose from...suggestions??

 

As we like to say, "chipnfilter" is the best bang. Then you could go to a lower pulley. Sal, the owner if Power Surge Performance is allways here and ready to answer any questions. He really is a good guy. And no I don't get paid to say that and he charges me full price on his parts
O yeah, good luck with your new truck. You will wonder how you ever got along with out it It hauls and hauls a$$

 

Chip and pulley ... The rest you move on to ...

The chips are available from Diablo, Superchips, and
Autologic ... Each has it's advocates. Some can be
"switched" while running, and others require Key Off
changing between programs. Your choice as to tuners.
Check the Vendor page ... they're all good guys.

Cliff

 

I agree with Gator. Chip filter pulley. Best band for buck. I mean, you can spend around $600 and be in the 12's easy.

Websites:
powersurgeperformance.net
Johnnylightningperf.com
teamJDM.com

Those are 'the big 3'

 

Hmmmmm.... I had to get M/T ET Street and 16" ARE wheels to get into the 12s, so I would say they should be your third or fourth mod. Either I can't launch or my track is poorly prepped. The torque just overpowers the F1s. I really respect those that have gotten into the 12s with F1s.

Dan

 

Thanks for all of the replies. Should I go with a full exhaust, headers on back at the same time as the chip and intake? Thanks again for all of the help.

 

I would start with chip, filter kit, lower pulley, and boost bypass no matter what. Those are your basic mods and the best bang for the buck.
Now what size lower pulley do you want? It all depends on you.
Most owners run either a 4# or 6# lower.
I would also suggest changing your plugs. The stock plugs don't perform well if you have mods on your truck. You can research what plugs would be best for you. The most popular are NGK TR5's, TR6's, and BR7EF's, and also Denso IT 20's, and 22's.

After that it depends if you like to run at the track or not. If you do like to run the 1/4 or 1/8 mile, I would suggest slicks and traction bars. Then you can take it from there. Also if you are a big track man, I would invest in an aftermarket torque converter, if you want to spend the money. It shouldn't take away from your street driving.

If you don't run at the track then I would go with the electric fan kit and Cobra 'R waterpump. I would also go with this kit even after you buy slicks and traction bars for the track.

I wouldn't go with any aftermarket exhaust unless money isn't a problem and/or your looking for sound. It would be alright if it was your last mod. The stock exhaust flows pretty well and one of the tuners has went 11's with the stock exhaust.
When you do go with aftermarket exhaust I would go with longtubes, high flow cats, and cat back. There have been gains of at least .25 of a second when in combination with a 4# pulley or larger.

This is from my experience and from looking at a few others.
There will be a few people that think a little different, but I am not that far off.