I have a 2001 Ford SVT Lightning. Everything on the truck is stock. I want to add alot of horsepower to the motor. I know some things to get for it, but was really wanting to know what items you all would recommend and what brand seeing that this is the first ford I have ever owned. I appreciate your help! Thanks in advance!

 

How big is your budget?

 

I am wanting to try and stay below 9,000, but I can go up to 19,000.

 

That's not a budget, that's a dream come true! If I had that kind of money to spend and wanted more power I'd do the following. Note that there are a few things that don't add power, but you should consider for either durability or to make the truck more fun.

In no particular order:

1. Whipple blower
2. Custom tune
3. Upgrade trans
4. Traction bars
5. Longtube headers and exhaust
6. Open air filter

Keep in mind that there are tons of little things that you need to do when you add lots of power, like a larger MAF or injectors. Before you throw a ton of money into your truck you should pick a tuner and get their input.

 

Thanks for some advice, I have finally decided to install a roll cage in my truck. Me and a friend are going to do this and I am wanting to get my truck to 9 seconds in a 1/4 mile. I know I am going to have to have alot of mods, what are some things that anyone would suggest. I'm open to all advice. Thanks in advance!

 

First, if this isn't a joke, and you really want a 9 second Gen 2 Lightning, then it's a good thing you have a budget up to 19,000 bucks because you might be using your whole budget to get your truck to turn in a 9 second slip.

Getting a Gen 2 L deep into the 10's, while it isn't necessarily difficult, it aint exactly easy either. But getting a truck into the 9's, that is difficult. You will essentially be building a new Lightning, with a different fuel delivery setup, drivetrain setup, complete long block specifically tailored to your power adder, with the heads and cams so radical and on the edge, it wouldn't be fun driving it on the street.

A built long block, weight reduction, and major suspension work are a must to even contemplate hitting the 9's. You would do well to consider having a long block built to use a turbo setup instead of a supercharger.

I'd contact JDM and inquire about their turbo builds for the Gen 2 Lightnings. Then give them your credit card number, open your web browser and log onto your online CC payment page, watching the zero's in front of the decimal place grow longer as you keep hitting refresh.

Stewart

 

Yeah I do understand after looking over everything today on my truck. Me and my friend both ended up just scratching our heads on this project. We have built many drag cars/trucks in the last 3 years and this is one of the bigger challenges we have had. I think I have come to my senses and figured I will just built a entire new truck from top to bottom to get it running in the 9's and maybe even the 8's but as for the lightning I will be having it running in the low 10's in about 5 months. I appreciate everyones input and will post pictures after I get everything done! Thanks to all!

ford-lightning-2001

 

There's only one man I know of who's broken the 8 second barrier with his Gen 2 Lightning. He just posted a 8.49 ET with his turbo beast at MIR. That man is Johnny Lightning. JLP.com

That is much more doable, and streetable, with enough cash and the right tuner/builder.

Stewart

 

I have serious doubts that $19k will get you single digit ET's in a Gen 2 Lightning, especially if you don't do it all yourself. Your latest plan is much more reasonable.

 

To begin, I have had extensive experience with the 2001 Lightning.

In order to make 9's in the qtr mile you will have to lighten your truck and it wont be streetable. That is to say you will have to take out your air conditioning, passenger seat, all stereo equipment etc. You will have to put drag shocks, Drag Slicks, Lighter bumpers, traction masters, a racing transmission, an auburn posi unit and we havent even gotten to the motor yet.

You might get the truck into the 10s with 19,000. I spent about 29,000 in all to get a 10:36 at 133mph

Here is what your going to need.
Note that this motor can only run on 116 octane to get into the tens. Pump gas will require you to drop boost and retune.
Engine:
JDM filter 75.00
JDM 108 Mm Power Tube 265.00
Acufab Single Blade Throttle Body 420.00
CNL Intake Plenum (JDM) 289.00
Kenne Bell Blowzilla Supercharger 3500.00
JDM high flow heads with racing cams 3295.00
60 lb injectors 465.00
Dual Fuel Pumps 255LPH 320.00 and 200.00 to install
Boost Sensitive Fuel Pressure Regulator and Rails 360.00
Manley Rods 575.00
Manley Forged Pistons 589.00
Custom ring set 208.00
ARP 2V Main Stud Kit 136.00
12pt Head Stud Kit 220.00
High Volume oil Pump 62.00
Titanium Valve Spring Retainer Set 160.00
Electric Fan kit installed 880.00
Meziere Electric Water Pump Kit 395.00
JDM Heat Exchanger 380.00
Race Mechanic to assemble block blueprint and ballance(I have one if you need him) 1500.00
NGK Spark Plugs - Set of 8 28.00
6 lb lower pulley assembly 500.00
2 lb upper pulley 81.00
JDM Lower Pulley Serpentine Belts 62.00
SCT XCalibrator 2 Flash Device 395.00
Dyno Tune allow 700 Dollars
JDM / Kooks Long Tube Headers 895.00
JDM Lightning Flanged Catalytic Converters 220.00
Bassani Cat Back System 795.00
JDM Header Collector Gaskets 12.00
Traction Bars 500.00
Bogart Drag 10 - 16 x 11 inch Rear Wheels 993.00
Hoosier Slicks 550.00
ACT Racing Transmission 3500.00
JDM Drive Shaft Safety Loop 89.00
QA1 Front Adjustable Race Shocks 389.00
QA1 Rear Adjustable Race Shocks 389.00
Engine Gaskit set 500
2000 labor charges

Im at 26,892

Youll need a roll cage and helmet. Your roll cage must go out the rear window and bolt thru the bed.
Im guessing 2800.00

That would put you at 29,692

That will put you in the 10's

 

Lynn, I hope you don't mind me posting pictures of your baddass truck. Even before you registered and posted over at NLOC, I'd come across pictures of your truck and saved them (not knowing who you were) because I want to have a similar ghost flame job on my black L.

Lynn has one sick Lightning. He's put a ton of cash and imagination into customizing it. You guys should see the pictures of the bed of his L, it freaking rocks!







Stewart

 

Thank you for the compliment. Thats very kind of you.

 

I'm not too hot on those wheels but that paint job is beautiful.

 

After reading all that you have done to your truck I am almost embarrassed to ask how to get just a little more power out of my 01 L? It has only the open air filter. I guess it is pushing stock 375HP. I want to toughen the trans and keep the truck reliable and street-able. Is it best to keep it stock and collectible? Thanks for your input.

 

Stock is always a better collectable but you can do some engine work and always put it back. Just dont alter the paint, upholstery or body. Just put on bolt ons that can be put back.