According to several websites, the '95 Lightning had a 240HP/340ft-lbs 5.8L (W), and the regular production F150 had an optional 5.8L (W) 210HP/325ft-lbs. Not really knowing the relationship between horsepower and torque as it translates where the rubber meets the road, it doesn't appear that there is a drastic difference between the 2 engines, especially in torque, I could easily bolt on enough power to match the Lightning, and I'm wondering how much difference therereally is between the two engines, do they share the same block and just bolt up different heads etc, could I add Lightning parts to my block for any gain etc.?

 

The Lightning 5.8L was quite different than the standard model. It used a different flat tappet cam and hypereutetic pistons. The heads are cast iron GT-40 model. The intake is the high performance GT-40 model. It used a special distributor cap and spark plug wires. It had shorty headers instead of cast iron exhaust manifolds and a true dual exhaust system. Honestly, 240 hp is slightly underrated. I have read that some owners made that much hp on a chassis dyno at the rear wheels. Additionally, the Lightning used a 4.10 gear in the diff. You should be able to modify your truck to emulate the Lightning, but those original components are hard to come by and/or expensive. There are mods for your engine that still use the stock intake and will get you noticeable gains. Check out a Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. You might find some good stuff in there. Have fun!

 

I thought the lightnings got a roller cam?

the 240hp and 210hp are peak numbers. They really don't mean alot, you'd have to look at two dyno graphs to see the real difference.

 

I'm just going by Ford's own specs. If you're aware of any information that can put it into perspective I'd appreciate it.

 

30 peak hp doesn't make a very big difference, but the reality is closer to 30 average hp, which is a huge difference.

 

I used to think that the Lightning 5.8 HO got a roller cam too until I found a spec sheet (forget where) that said otherwise. However, all '94 and up 5.8 blocks are roller cam ready. Look for casting number F4TE to be sure.