The truck may be a little lighter, but the Lightning has a 351 HO, 4.10 gear set with limited slip. Not only does the V8 produce a ton of torque but the gear set is multiplying the power. You're getting a lot of power to the ground. Granted most manual transmissions allow more horsepower to go through but that doesn't always mean quicker acceleration. It really all depends on the transmission and gearing.. And let's not forget the driver.



So, until he actually re-does the drivetrain it's not going to be quite as quick as a Lightning. But I do see what you're getting at.

Ps, I've heard from one 302 owner who said his E4OD truck was a bit quicker than his manual transmission version. Both 302's. Like I said, it depends.

 

You missed the swiss cheese frame

 

As sound as your logic is, I have fond memories of beating up on all those "high horsepower" cars and trucks with a little 302 and a manual. In my opinion that truck is a sleeper.

 

Don't missunderstand me please; the last thing I'm calling that truck is a turd. My truck is a turd, so I know what a turd is. In my truck's defense, it really needs some money and time thrown in it. It would run a lot better with a tune up and a few repairs. First gear is still pretty fun though. I digress!

I know that little 302 is a stout machine with some upgrades. That's one of Ford's best small block V8's in my opinion.

 

There is nothing faster thru the gears than a modified automatic,but there's a lot to be said about an old Muncie with a Hurst shifter and a good human "power shifter",but you'll never get there with these top loaders.Back in the day (I know I'm old) good drivers were like old west gun fighters-Fast on the draw! Left handed = SOL. The truck is what it is,a sweet little ride,with a nice 302,could be made into a great little street truck.

 

Great build man!! I have the same truck stepside 1984.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
got the bed off and cab off. Just some problems i am running into thought maybe you already have them solved... you cross still braces where your bed mounts on. Was <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Ur</st1lace></st1:City> so rusted where you can reuse? and if so where did you find cheap set? Also bed strips that go over the board I cant seam to find anyone selling them for 80-86 ford step sides what did you do?<o></o>
Well pretty much can’t seam to find any parts for 80-86 stepside other then lmc. Any ideas??<o></o>

 

Look up Dennis Carpenter. National Parts Depot(NDP) Mar-K. All quality pieces

 

i realized i have not posted anything in a while, it sucks having no garage and when its a bad winter, so i got some current pics









i just got the new tires on today, got the grille painted last week and will finally getting plates and inspection in the next week!

i still need a bed floor though haha

 

The frame paint great. How did u use? What the name of it, and how much did it coast? Would like to tackle this weekend thanks

 

its called chassis paint, it was from napa, and i think it was like 80 or 90 a gallon, its amazing, but DO NOT get it on your skin, it doesnt come off easily haha

but i am definitely impressed by it, it doesnt scratch off for anything haha

 

it was deff. nice job. did you spray it on or brush on? i know the POR15 you can brush. looks really good thought i like it alot

 

i got the cheapest brushes i could find and brushed it on, i was pleased at how it dried, it looks like it was sprayed on in most places, and thanks, haha

 

Great job wish i had one and good luck

 

thanks, it needs alot of work but it will get there haha

 

Ford Bed Wood 370 for Oak. Nice Job Crestfallin.