Lightning owners step in. (1999+)

[syP]

What are the pros and cons..

What year should you stay away from.

From what i can see, they are pretty much bullet proof.

Click to read more...

 

[Bru]

Pretty sure one of the major problems were spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder heads on earlier model years.

 

[syP]

Ah i do remember hearing about that few years back... wasnt there just not enough threads on the spark plugs?

 

[machausta]

Pretty sure one of the major problems were spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder heads on earlier model years.

x2, I think it was just the first model year.

 

[Riski]

01 and up where the better of the bunch....I had a 03 white in NC......Still have the wheels

My brother had a white one as well....and modded it, and it was a beast!

 

[Theautoguy]

You can get all of your answers on NLOC. (National Lightning Owners Club)

http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/

They are great trucks but you are right to look at the 01' and newer. However, if you're not looking to mod it much then all years are good. There are a few low dollar ones popping up on the NLOC site too.

 

[Riski]

I have not been on NLOC in a few yrs....let me see if my passowrd still works if I remember it

 

[10sec]

Lightning's are awesome, i love seeing modded ones yank wheelies and whatnot. B/A trucks for sure.

 

[syP]

INteresting.

 

[DanJ]

You looking at the 2003 DSG one in Wheaton?

 

[Riski]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/ctd/1516032622.html

SONIC BLUE!

 

[Jean Ralphio]

What are the pros and cons..

What year should you stay away from.

From what i can see, they are pretty much bullet proof.

I had an 01 before I got the cobra.
The short-block is definitely NOT bullet-proof...I was just one of the COUNTLESS owners to spin a rod-bearing while pushing power-levels that werent all that high. (was makin a lil over 400 rwhp and running high 12's)
Thats my only real complaint-- they used a generic shortblock with weak-ass rods.
Other than that, I loved the thing. Had a good trans, easy to modify/wake up, still has a LITTLE of a sleeper-aspect (had so many fun races and stores in that truck...embarrassed quite a few ricers and corvette owners)

If you plan on going fast and modifying a lightning - be prepared to spend $4000 on a new shortblock. I had a JLP shortblock ready to swap into mine- but decided to go a different route altogether (with the cobra).

 

[Jean Ralphio]

i miss it sometimes

 

[Smokinhot]

that is one ford i would drive

good luck on the search

 

[Riski]

You know Eric, I think I met you before when you had it.....I tired to sell you my 03 Lightning wheels at Strat's.....and Tom tried to sell you the box and head unit.....

 

[Jean Ralphio]

You know Eric, I think I met you before when you had it.....I tired to sell you my 03 Lightning wheels at Strat's.....and Tom tried to sell you the box and head unit.....

yea i never had took the truck out to strats...shit i was still in high school when i had it.

 

[Riski]

maybe not, truck looks familiar.....was clean....

 

[firemandan1700]

I would like to rock a lighting.

Pretty badass if i do sayy

 

[Riski]

I like the HD editions ones though....

 

[SHOmuff]

I will own one someday. Get a sonic blue 03/04

 

[syP]

decisions decisions

 

[syP]

You looking at the 2003 DSG one in Wheaton?

link?

 

[utryd2]

I miss mine all the time. One bad ass truck. Fun as an auto can be! Want another. The only difference between 99/00 and 01+ is larger maf,tune,headlights,tail lights,3rd brake lights.
The bottom ends are not bullet proof, most say 12psi is about as high as you want to go to be reliable.

 

[DanJ]

I was considering getting one last year but have flip flopped a few times.

 

[greasy]

Definitely a bad ass truck, those things move out!!