weight reduction
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
Instead of cutting down the weight you can also regear the truck more optimally for the massive torque the 460 produces, thus keeping rpms way down and downshift when you need even more power.
I generally "idle" around town in 5th gear with a very tired, high mileage 5.8L EFI, which is in an F350 crewcab which isn't even remotely light.
With a 460, the rpms could be very low...
I generally "idle" around town in 5th gear with a very tired, high mileage 5.8L EFI, which is in an F350 crewcab which isn't even remotely light.
With a 460, the rpms could be very low...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
-LOL. I cant have a skinny girlfriend my wife would kill me. LOL
-I have to keep creature comforts like a/c and I am actually adding some interior insulation like dyno mat and the spray in stuff. I will have 2 batteries, but they will be in the bed above the rear axle.
-the exhaust will be short, 3" pipe into glass packs turned down towards ground right behind cab
-I have several sets of gears for the 9". Im going to start with a 2.73 or 3.25 and I have a 3.00 and 4.10. Im just going to experiment a little with them and see whats better.
-I have to keep creature comforts like a/c and I am actually adding some interior insulation like dyno mat and the spray in stuff. I will have 2 batteries, but they will be in the bed above the rear axle.
-the exhaust will be short, 3" pipe into glass packs turned down towards ground right behind cab
-I have several sets of gears for the 9". Im going to start with a 2.73 or 3.25 and I have a 3.00 and 4.10. Im just going to experiment a little with them and see whats better.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Well I added more weight when I added the big block. with an increase in weight I reduced the handling and braking capabilities, and also for every 100lbs in weight reduction is like adding 10hp.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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I like to improve a vehicle in every way, if I can make it handle better I will, if there is a way to improve fuel economy I will. Anything I can do to improve performance is a plus. If you had ever drove a 1st gen lightning, you would know that these trucks can handle really well with the right parts thrown at them.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 100
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I found my fiberglass stuff. With fenders, bumper, tailgate, wiper cowl, and hood switched to fiberglass I would save about 300lbs, and its pretty cheap it will all be around $1700 + shipping. That would also give me the 92+ bodystyle, so I could build my lightning clone at the same time. I have almost decided to go with a set of aluminium heads, which would cut close to 60lbs and add some hp too. I appreciate all the suggestions.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
i have driven a lightning and it was fine in the handling dept. but it did not get good mpg.
it was not the best handling vehicle i ever drove.
my 87 turbo rx7 or my 87 corvette could run circles around it in every way.
it is also like only 1% of 87-96 trucks on this forum.
your 88 f150 swb 2wd 460 c6 will never be a lightning thus it will never be expected to handle like one.
i am just saying that economy and handling is not a trucks reason for life.
hauling stuff is.
it sounds like you are enjoying your truck and i hope you have success with the modifications you have planned.
it was not the best handling vehicle i ever drove.
my 87 turbo rx7 or my 87 corvette could run circles around it in every way.
it is also like only 1% of 87-96 trucks on this forum.
your 88 f150 swb 2wd 460 c6 will never be a lightning thus it will never be expected to handle like one.
i am just saying that economy and handling is not a trucks reason for life.
hauling stuff is.
it sounds like you are enjoying your truck and i hope you have success with the modifications you have planned.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 1
From: Wendover, NV.
Also, please keep us informed on how everything goes. some before and after photos to please.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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I found the pieces at fastfordfiberglass.com I emailed them and they were very quick in responding. They have some really good pics on their site. I am not able to post pics right now, but I am taking pics as the process moves along with my digital camera, so maybe I will get to post alot of them someday.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,394
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
I'm interested to see what you manage to accomplish with your project. It seems like an awful lot of work for a minimal gain, but there's the off chance that I'm completely wrong.
That said, my 2WD shortbed supercab 302 wallows like a boat, and it doesn't have to push around that heavy 460. If I want handling, I'll back my 280Z out of the garage.
That said, my 2WD shortbed supercab 302 wallows like a boat, and it doesn't have to push around that heavy 460. If I want handling, I'll back my 280Z out of the garage.