I'm a newbie who is about to plunge neck deep into a 48 F1. My idea is to build an F1 with a 2001 Ford Lightning Drivetrain (w/ECM/Harness). I want a Late model Lightning that looks like an F1, rather than a 6 volt, 50 mph, window crankin', 1948 F1. I'm talking new chassis, drivetrain, updated interior, 20" wheels, AC, and elec. everything. Definitely darkside!

Hopefully I didn't miss this already posted, but here goes. Does anyone have any experience putting a 5.4 Mod Motor in a 48-52 F1? Does it fit OK? It looks like there is plenty of room, but I can't rule out the optical illusion effect from my rose-colored glasses. I haven't found the specs for the engine bay on an F1, but have them for the motor. I would appreciate any insight.

I've been contemplating a little Frankenstein action involving a 1948 F1, a 2001 Ford Lightning, and a TCI Complete Chassis. I currently own none of the above, but have each of them available now. Any Thoughts?

Also, before you do too much chuckling, I know it's gonna cost a mint, and I know it's gonna take a long time. I've been looking for about 3 years, and am finally ready to start.

I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this great group.

 

Hehe...wicked awesome idea. Go to YouTube and type in 1951 ford truck. There is a video of a 51 pickup that the make a wish foundation built, its all black in color, they put a cobra type engine very similar to you lighting engine though it could be the same? They show what that engine is capable of in these trucks........it'll give you some insperation let me tell ya. I think its an awesome idea

 

Welcome to FTE!

 

I am doing a 53 F100 with a Jag suspension and a 01 cobra engine. I have all the parts and just now starting to tear into it. If you have any question about the engine and how ti all works in the truck let me know!! Good Luck

 

all i gotta say after owning a couple of the early weak sister 4.6's now . well go for it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great lil' beasts these 4.6's and 5.4's !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

this would make an absolutely sick truck. the mod motors are very wide tho so you might be better off with 53+ truck. I think this would make a awesome project and a truck that would be an absolute kick in the butt to drive. I just have one request dont turn the truck into a slammed on the ground one with huge rims, go more 60s push truck please lol just looks better in my opinion but then again opinions are like......

 

Yeah I have been thinking about the same thing. Only I would use a 4.6 4V out of a Lincoln mark 8, because they are cheap and easy to find

 

my buddy norm just landed an intech 4 valve that i'm buying from him for what he paid for it for my 95 bird . found it in a mark 8 they just took in and were parting in a bone yard . motor cost him 120 bucks cash !!!!!!!!!!! theyre cheap and plentiful . i found a complete mark 8 for 600 and got beat out bye a local mustang guy ................. this is gonna give me yet another extra when i buy this one from norm ................. what to do with my current 2 valve ...........hmmmmmmmmmm .............

 

Just an FYI I am not an expert on this but I have owned a handful of mod motors over the last 10 years and if you are thinking about doing any type of mod motor swap into an older vehicle at a minimum you need to Google Sean Hyland and look at his FAQ about the engines and the differences. For me I would stick to the 99 and up PI head versions of the engines. The older Mark engines are nice but they have some issues such as smaller rods (not as beefy not in length) and the heads are really restricted. There is also a big difference between the TekSid and the Windsor blocks. Again this is all in the FAQ from Sean Hyland. Also he has a book that I have read that is INVALUABLE

Amazon.com: How To Build Max-Performance 4.6-Liter Ford Engines (Cartech) (9781932494686): Sean Hyland: Books

Just my .02

 

the rods arent a problem unless your gonna go and build a 600 horse oplus monster and go over 5-6 thousand rpm on a regular basis . the pi heads are ok , but npi heads from 96 up have a lot of potential , and if you immerse yourself in some research they can run with the big dogs too , and theyre cheap !!!!!! . the only bad thing i hear about the 4 valves are the imrc's like to hang up requiring you to actually take the time to pull the intake and fix them . yep big diffs in romeo and windsor blocks but the romeo seems to be the prevalent one . the supercharged ones have manley rods from the factory . so i'm no expert but i've been hanging around on tccoa , talking to guys and reading articles from shops like modular head shop , anderson , hyland and others . the only thing i'm not comfy with is the overhead cams . i can see my redneck **** putting them in wrong and popping a motor >>> LOL there is a romeo aluminum block pi headed motor available in the 02 05 explorers that is sought after . and there running about 1500 here . also the intech block / teksid in the mark 8's and i havent seen anyone complain about them or weaknesses . lots to see / learn digest if you want to do it !!!!

 

Man, all this info is great...I'm glad I signed up. The only problem is, I am pretty pigheaded about what I want to do, so unless it isn't possible, I am going to try to stuff that big factory lightning motor in a 48.

For a little background... I grew up loving 48's because my uncle had two of 'em. He bought one new, but sold it about 10 years ago when I wasn't in a position to buy it. I also have loved the Lightning since I saw my first Gen 2.

I will keep the motor bone stock (except cosmetic stuff), but will have the advantage of 380 HP. Speed is not nearly as big a concern as CDI factor. I wanna just cruise slow and loud! It won't hurt to be able to turn the tires every now and then if I want to though.

I have plans to put 20" Lightning Wheels on it. I am also going to lower it, but only in the 2"-4" range, not slammed. I agree w/ 59FlatbedFord on that one. I hope to use the SVT Buckets out of the lightning as well. You can see the theme, right? Custom badges and a Custom Grille. All that on a TCI Chassis w/4Discs and a 4-link. I get all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it.

Man, the only question I have to answer is whether or not to mortgage the house to get it done NOW!

 

I think you have a good plan. The Lightning engine being a 2 valve should fit in nicely. The seats would look pimp in the truck. If you can get a lightning that has been trashed or rolled then god speed. I have not seen many lightning's in my area that are ready to be parted out. I miss my lightning a lot. It was a FUN FUN truck to drive. I actually traded it in on my Mustang (that I just sold) on Tulsa when I lived out in OK. I lived in Edmond though.

 

If it fits, it ships. If not, use a bigger hammer.

 

I have an 01 4.6 cobra in my 56....it's difficult but not impossible.
questions ask away..I was in your shoes once I know how you feel.

 

c'mon do it to it !!!! send the putor off to someone like lonnie at blue oval chips and pick up a few more ponies , a pulley for some more boost , and from personal experience now with the help of a dear freind who doesnt get intimidated by the ohc stuff , i can personally attest as to how indexing your cams is important . mine were out 3 degrees on one side and a little moreon the other side from the factory . we degreed them and it picked up some power . this was /is the early weak sister 2 valve romeo with the bad heads and intake in my 95 bird . if i quit collecting other vehicles one of these days i'll tinker with it some more . summit and trick flow both sell cam degree kits for 'em . sean hyland once reportedly said this was worth 40-45 horsepower on a 4 vlave 4.6 . none of this hurts the useability or driveability either !!!!!!!!