I'm a first time user in this site but have seen and heard of this for a while now. The reason I'm here is that I have a '96 f150 4wd 133" wb, 351, E4OD, MAF and OBDII and I'm actually considering 2 options.

The first is swapping in a gen 1 lightning powertrain or swapping in a Explorer 302 with GT-40p heads and a ZF 5 spd. As for the Lightning swap, will my stock '96 MAF, PCM, etc. work with the lightning as the gen 1's were speed density? Is it true that the lightning has a flat tappet cam? How much difference is there between the lightning cam and the lightning as far as lift, duration, etc? I think I'd rather have the roller cam if there's one that works. Would it be correct to assume the lightning 351 is more of a high end screamer than the 96 f150 351? Does anyone have a dyno comarison of the two 351's to see how the torque curve compares?

As for the 302/ ZF swap, I'd prefer to have the ZF as far as getting more power & torque to the ground, but the I know the 302 probably can't be made to have the broad torque band a truck should have. Also if I build a 302, do I have to use the stock truck cam?

Thank you for the help. If there's more questions, feel free to ask.

 

If I were you, I would stay with a 351. I also wouldn't swap in a Lightning 351... You would have better luck putting a decent set of heads and a cam on your current motor. The ZF would be sweet, and should work with your 351...

Several guys have built stout motors over in the 87-96 section, check over there.

 

I Would like to use the ZF with a 351, but not sure about finding a processor that works with an OBD II 351 as a 5spd was not offered on a 351 F-150 after about 1992 or 93 as I recall. Do you not suggest the Lightning in a regular F150 due to the speed density system? I was thinking the Lightning would have more availible torque to work with.

Thank you for your help here. I noticed in your signature a 94 Mustang GT. How much have you done it or is it mostly stock? I own a 95 GT 5spd,Laser red on black cloth inter. Currently 57,000 mi., 98 cobra rims, Bassani x-pipe and cat back, and many other bolt ons. Just need to get it back on the road ....can't wait. Enjoy your car!

 

I would leave the F150 the 351 that came in it. The Lightning engines were only 245 hp and 345 tq stock. the Regular 351's IIRC are 235 hp not sure on the TQ. And the ZF5 is a piece of crap. They take no TQ. My friends 97 F250 w a 351 and a ZF5 has been apart twice in 100k. If you want a stick go w a Richmond TKO. as foe a ECM for a stick? Leave the MLPS in the netral position.

 

Cool, I really enjoy my car too... O/R H-pipe, Flowmaster 40's, UDP's, C&L CAI w/76MM MAF, 65MM throttle body, and 3.55 gears. That should be everything.

The Lightning 351 don't make much more than the regular 351's... GT-40 iron heads, and intake manifold and maybe some 1.7RR is about the exent of it, if I'm not mistaken. You could do a lot better as far as heads and cam go. The Lightning manifold is sweet though...You already have a roller cam and MAF which is a plus in my eyes.

 

The '96 f-150 351 was rated @ 215 hp@3600 and 325 ft. lbs @ 2800 at its peak. Haven't heard about many troubles with the ZF5 itself and I have one already waiting to go in. Is the TKO you mention a truck tranny w/a low 1st & rev? I know there's a TKO for a 5.0 Mustang, but didn't know for a truck. I need to have more gears for the hills around here and wouldn't mind having a Gear Vendors over/underdrive but used ones are hard to find and a new one is about $3k +/- . Thank you for the reply.

 

Your car has many of the same items as mine, but my TB and MAF are stock w/ a C&L CAI.

What would be a better cam and heads than the lightning pieces? What about a FRPP E or B cam as far as for a truck appl. and the torque curve? Is the lightning intake simply a GT-40 turned around for the truck or is there more to it than that? Not looking to make this a screamer, but do need better torque curve for the hills around here. Any idea if 260-280 hp and 375-400 ft. lbs. would be an unreasonable figure for the 351 and still be reliable and not a total gas hog?

 

the lightning intake is just a gt intake turned around. Trick flow has a box intake that guys upgrade to. As for a cam the lightning guys are puttin in a 5.0 HO cam, really wakes em up. The TKO is just a staight 5 speed. There are a coupl different ones.You want the one w the higher torque rating. the lesser ones will fall apart due to the 4500lb truck. I plan on puttin one in, in place of my E4OD in my L

 

Hi D. B. Any idea what the difference is between the 351 truck cam and 5.0 ho cam? Does someone like comp cams or crane cams make a more suitable truck cam? As far as the TKO, just need to make sure my transfer case will bolt up to it. A TKO in your Lightning should be a snappy ride for sure. What kind of clutch have you been able to find?

BTW, as a new member here and not so familiar with forums, should we continue this discussion in the 88-96 section or ok here?

 

^ Yep, the 87-96 section guys will point you in the right direction. Your power output goal are certainly attainable.

 

WOOOOAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT??? a ZF5 spd a piece of crap??? how do you come to this assumption? just from that 1 ZF5 spd was a dud. not like the other couple of thousand that are on the road.