Im new to this so this may be a dumb thing to ask about. Im looking at a 49 Lightning (via the net). I read that if the 8th digit is an R then it is the real deal. On this truck the R is 10th. Dose that mean anything ?

 

The "R" means this vehicle has the 351W HO motor with GT-40 heads and improved intake manifolds and tuned exhaust. If my research was correct. But I don't think they made Lightning's in '49, you must have meant '94.

 

Also, I think they have 4 bolt main caps. Not sure about that one.

 

Yep I meant 1994. This truck has 15 inch wheels, regular chrome bumpers. I was just woundering if it is a true lightning.

 

Duuuuuahh! I didn't even answer your question. Sorry.
The 8th position is the engine, the 10th position is Year Model.
What do you have for the 8th. Can you post the VIN#?

 

Here is the VIN # to the pickup-1FTEF15N1RNB32862.

 

According to that VIN if my chart is right, that's a 302HO. Sorry.

 

You are correct.

 

Thanks alot for the info. I glad I found out now instead of making the drive to look at it. Worse I could have bought it.

 

The onlt way it can be a 351W is if they did the swap themselves.

I do belive that all Ligtnings came with the 351 engine.

 

In your future searches, check this out.
http://www.cardetective.com/vin-decoder.html

 

From what I have read and heard I thought they all came with a 351 and 17 inch wheels. I'll just pass on this one, whatever it is and keep looking. Thanks again

 

There's a few obvious things that define a GEN 1...embroidered logos on the seatbacks, 17" aluminum wheels, GT-40 intakes and heads, 4" aluminum driveshaft and cooling fins that run across the front of the 8.8" chunck. There's also also metal gussets/plates welded to the outter frame just over the rear axles. The engine is a 5.8L/351 R code (not 4 bolt mains) and if this is a 94 it should be a "roller ready" block. Just check the casting # on the block just above the starter to see if it begins with F4TE. These are just a few things to look for in your search.

 

OK Blurry94, after reading that Iam going to 60 take a closer look at this truck. It has had three owners, has 94 K miles on it they say it runs great and everything works. They are asking $6K for it. If it is a Lightning it ought to be worth that. Ya think??
Another question, what is a Ranger SVT ?

 

That's a decent price for one of those. If it is an actual Lightning, then get the VIN # and call 1 800 FORD SVT...They will tell you if it is a Lightning, where and when it was built. Their are other ways to check the VIN #'s for SVT vehicles but this way you go straight to the horses mouth.

I remember the Ranger SVT being a concept vehicle, but I didn't think it was ever put into production. Again, when you call up SVT about that VIN # you can ask them that and they will tell you.

Matt C