I wan't to supercharge my 99 F-150 but I'm not sure if i should buy a Lightning engine or just put a supercharger on the stock engine.
Which should I go with?
Which would I get the best performance from?

 

You can drop 4-5 grand on a crate Lightning engine. Don't forget to get a beefier torque converter and beef up the 4R75W (if you don't have the 4R100) as well.

Actually, alot depends on the engine you have now.

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Model: '99 F150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 SS Mechs: 5.4L, 3.73 Diff (9.75" LSD Rear, 8.8" Front)
ORP: Skid Plates, LT265/70R17 GY Wrang. AT/S
Group III towing: HD Electrical/Cooling, GVWR 6500# (Extra leaf spring).
Stuff: Step Bars, 4W Disc ABS, K&N filter, 0W-30 Series 2k Amsoil @ 8200 miles, Herculiner
Stock Items That Differ Across F150s: Steel Driveshaft, Oil filter bolted to engine w/ drip guard, 4R70W transmission.

 

You'll be much better off from a cost & ease of installation standpoint supercharging what you have right now, and it's much cheaper than trying to drop in a Lightning motor.

If you drop in a Lightning motor, you need to have the 4R100 automatic that comes with it from the factory, along with the Lightning computer to control the powertrain correctly, unless you want to get into the highly customized situation of trying to mix & match trannys & computers and try to make it work that way, which is possible, but fraught with headaches. And that's a lot more than the cheap $5K prices we've all seen on those crate Lightning motors. That is a *great* price on the crate motor, but the swap isn't that easy to make work correctly.

We'd advise supercharging what you have there, as it works very well, and there are any number of kits to choose from.

Now if your situation is such that you don't mind getting the Lightning tranny & computer as well as it's motor, intercooler, etc., then by all means, break out teh old checkbook and go for it, that works very well, it's just very expensive, far more than putting a good blower on what you have now.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

 

Well said superchip, if i had the money to put a Lightning eninge in and tranny i would go for it. Because that engine is made for the supercharger. But other wise I would go with an holly supercharger, and not drive it to hard.Gp to www.seanhylandmotorsport.com for more info on the holly supercharger. Just my $.02

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92'4X4 Flareside F-150,33" tires, 4" procomp lift, flows, K&N filter, etc.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1073118&a=7924824&p=26818345

 

In many cases, based on skill level, installing some of these kits alone is challenge enough.

I strongly suggest blowing the stock engine.

There are many kits available, and I can help you find one to meet your needs.

The Lightning engine is a MAJOR project. Bear in mind, to many, the Magnacharger is a major project.

Roots or Centrifugal types? I can help. Drop me a line. I am experienced with both.

Derek (aka CRASH)


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BLOWN 4.6 5-speed

Where we started.
After a facelift.
MAGNACHARGER!!!

Trixters-Playground!
trixters-playground@excite.com

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crash@f150fanatic.com

MAGNACHARGER
ALLEN




[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 08-28-2000).]

 

I don't want to blow my engine thats why I was thinking of a Lightning engine and I'm workin on a extended 4x4 Lightning look alike.
My truck is a 1999 F-150 Lariat 4x4 5.4 (with a 4R70) extended cab.

Crash:

I want what ever will give me the most HP.

 

The most HP without blowing the engine...

This is probably what you will run into when you use the Lightning setup. The entire engine and powertrain has been beefed up on these trucks.

You are looking for exactly what I have. Performance AND reliability.