I don't own a lightning, but I would if I could get along without a 4x4. I have been thinking about running lightning engine parts on a new engine I am building. I plan on using a 95 351 block, GT40P heads, the GT40 lower intake, and the GT40 or cobra upper. I also plan on using a lightning ecm and cam that I can get through where I work. When I get done, the engine should be almost part for part lightning, including the ecm. This would be my alternative to a mass air conversion. My queston is: Will the stock speed density lightning ECM go nuts if the engine is bored .030", the heads lightly ported, and I run 1.7 rockers in place of the 1.6"s? Have any of you made similar mods? Has anyone ran into trouble doing mods on one of these? It looks like 300 hp is possible on one of these before mass air is nessesary, more with a blower. Some say they are closer to 275 stock. I know that a mass air conversion would be best, but I don't want an engine thats really wild. I am looking to increase my power without sacrificing durability or spending to much money. Plus how cool would a lifted 3/4 ton 4x4 with lightning power be? See similar post in 87-96 called mass air alternative. Let me know what you think.

 

all the things you listed should be fine for the speed density. i run 1:7 cobra rockers with no problems. you need an e4od tranny for the lightning pcm to work for you. im assuming you do because you have a f250. the lightning pcm will not shift an aode or 4r70w trans.

 

300 hp should be easy. alot of my lightning friends have ported the heads , added t-bodies, big headers, 1.7 rockers, etc with no trouble.

 

Thanks guys, I am running a 5 spd. manual. I know that the ecm will look to control a transmission. Some of the 5.0 mustang crowd have put five speeds in auto cars and had no problems, not even a check engine light. I figure worst case I could get a chip to eliminate the shift signals, or just take the bulb out of the light and check for codes at every oil change. I am also doing away with the air injection because my heads have no provision for it. Its non functional on my 5.0 now without problem, no light, but if you run the codes the ecm lets you know that is isn't working. I may also do away with the egr, I know that chips can be made to bypass egr signals. This is looking very do-able, I will probably need alot of input from you lightning owners so you will hear more from me. Someone suggested that the MAP sensor may be different for the lightning, all my sources say its the same as any f-series. Anyone have a part number off of thiers?

 

the map sensor wont be lightning specific. but it will be specific to the calibration code (emissions) of the vehicle. but id to would say that its just the same as any f-series map.