1993 Ford SVT Lightning has that a regular 1993 F-150 does not:

• High-output 5.8L V8 engine (240 hp vs. ~200 hp in standard 5.8L)
  
• Special SVT-tuned suspension (lowered ride height, stiffer springs/shocks)
  
• Performance-tuned E4OD 4-speed automatic transmission
  
• 9.75-inch limited-slip rear differential
  
• Unique body styling:
  
  • Lower front air dam with integrated fog lights
    
  • Body-colored bumpers and mirrors
    
  • “Lightning” badging
    
• 17-inch alloy wheels (vs. 15-inch on regular F-150)
  
• Performance tires
  
• Upgraded interior:
  
  • Custom bucket seats with center console
    
  • Unique gauge cluster and SVT badging
    
• Heavy-duty cooling system (engine oil cooler, transmission cooler)
  
• Produced by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) – limited production
  

 

Your nuts to modify it from stock, just saying, just my opinion.

one day some lucky guy will buy your junk and will be amassed as to what junk he bought.

 

Thanks for being a ****ing dick, I’ll just figure it out my damn self, ya ***

 

It’s my ****ing truck, it’s my ****ing junk I don’t plan on getting rid of it, so what I want to put a different engine in it, if you want to be a bitch go bitch somewhere else. It’s people like you that make me and other people stay out of the car and truck scene, always putting in their two cents instead of offering information or advice, or just shutting the **** up. It’s always the “build what you got” crowd that pisses me off.

 

Is “numbers matching” a thing on the 80’s and 90’s vehicles? Does the truck have a Lightning engine or a regular 351? I still don’t understand why you would want to swap in an engine with less torque.




Just because you have the engine doesn’t mean it’s a good swap. Why not build the 351?

Ok. Go get titles for them.

I thought so. I had an ‘89 T-bird SC a long time ago and the Mark VIII is based on the same platform.

 

I drove a few of those years t birds, they were nice cars.

Numbers matching means the engine block casting number matches the vehicle. It’s not until you get into something with a serial number (not ford f series) that it can be verified. Other wise, it just means the block casting number matches what it came with originally, but no way to verify / certify it as original unless the vehicle has a known / verified complete history wth it.

What engine is in it now? Are you having issues with it? Edit: you didn’t mention what your goals were; performance, broken truck, no goal just a fun project?…

Take a look on eBay for wiring manuals. I’d bet a generic F series wiring manual will get you everything you need. Considering all the drive train wiring would be removed, leaving hvac, lights, etc. the rest would be custom by yourself, and might take some digging and probing to sort out.

You'll probably want the Lincoln wiring manuals.

There is another member on here that may be able to help; Subford. I’ve seen him help out with wiring issues, he’s very knowledgable. Maybe he’ll see this and chime in.

Not to talk you out of your project, but I do agree with the above, for a Lightning, I’d try to keep it a 351w and enjoy a nice replacement / performance engine build. Probably a lot easier in the end, better performance, and will be easier to maintain it in the future. You could use a PiMPx system for performance and to modernize from the original PCM, and probably have a lot of fun with it as a project and a driving truck.

SC truck is probably rust free too. Either way, a nice base to build on.

Good luck with it.

Edit: don’t forget drive shaft.

 

Oh come on!! Numbers matching is a dodge and Chevy thing.

telll me what numbers matching block goes with vin and trans etc in a ford.
pretty sure there’s no such thing.

a 93 R code f150 is the only number, actually is a letter. Show me the Frame stamp.

it might of had a f4te, but who cares. A lightning had a solid lifter cam, not roller.

its a worthless parts truck if you swap anything into it other than a 5.8.

whatever, it’s junk and going to be junk either.

its the owners responsibility and reputation.

do what you do .

probably not what anyone else would do with an r code vin f150.

 

Right!
aluminum!
one of the only trucks probably of that era to have.
why?
speed limiter is higher, drives faster, don’t have to worry about it breaking apart at +110mph!


ps bonus question: what engine block on a ford numbers match to the vin?

 

That was my point too. I don’t recall ever seeing any full or partial VIN numbers on an 80’s or 90’s Ford vehicle so how does the OP know it isn’t the original engine? That is unless the block is black which could mean it was a FORD replacement.

 

I think it is going to be an interesting project. If the Lightning spec'ed 351W (yes they were F4TE blocks with a specific hydraulic flat tappet cam) is gone, then why not use what you already have. Is it the most efficient way to do a swap, no but I am known for taking a different path as well. Send pics of the progress, some of us are interested to see how it turns out.

A photo of the demise of my first 1993 Lightning....

 

Even in 1993? Ford was making F4TE blocks late in 1992 to fit into 1993 trucks? is that correct?

 

My only questions would be; do you have the mechanical/electrical chops to pull it off along with tools/ long term workspace that'll be soon needed in inclement weather.

 

Yes, both of my 1993 Lightnings had F4TE blocks. I found it a bit odd, but it is what it is.

 

It's not the original block, the block is black and there's paint on the back of the block. It's getting low on compression on the left bank, and starting to smoke under load.

 

Got a 70' x 38' heated and cooled shop with three open bays, 6 years heavy equipment maintenance experience, 4 years in electrical troubleshooting, and 11 years in auto repair