Someone asked about real world numbers for the SS and 1st Gen Lightning. Here it is, from Car and Driver, Truckin' and Motor Trend magazines, back in the day, 1993, when Ford first came out with the Lightning, which was also the fourth and final year of the 454SS's production (please note, a good consistent ET also requires a competent driver. These employees of the magazine are considered semi-professional drivers).

Truckin Magazine
Stats Chevrolet 454SS Ford Lightning
0-60 7.48sec 7.49sec
1/4 mile 15.55 @ 84.32mph 15.75 @ 89.40mph

Motor Trend
Stats Chevrolet 454SS Ford Lightning
0-60 7.20sec 7.20sec
1/4 mile 15.8 @ 84.7mph 15.6 @ 87.4mph


Car And Driver
Stats Chevrolet 454SS Ford Lightning
0-60 7.10sec 7.20sec
1/4 mile 15.7 @ 87mph 15.8 @ 86mph

Soooo close, it does not even make sense to bitch about which is supposedly faster. Obviously the 2 are equal.

I like both. I would own at least one of each if I had the money. Not trying to start a war.

PS GM has no plans to make a Silverado SS into the forseeable future. They have decided to concentrate on competing with Brand-X Rice manufacturers instead of making a practical, but fun truck to compete with the Lightning. But they do have a new concept "truck" out. It is not an s-10. But it is a similar size and look, and comes with a 400 HP 350, and will be in production for 2001/2002 (next August).....