Whats up guys. I was thinking of buying a Lightning(hopefully 03') and just have a few questions. Are there any common problems associated with lightnings like oil consumption, tranny problems, excessive valve train noise, smoking, etc? Was thinking of getting one and maybe doing a pulley, cat-back, cai, and tune. What do lightnings usually run stock and modded with the above mods in the 1/8? What pulley or how much boost can the engines take and still be reliable. Also if I looked at one or test drove it what are some things to look for? Not looking to run everyweek at the track, maybe 2-3 times a year or so. Thanks guys.

 

As far as mods you could go w/ a 6 lb lower and be safe as long as you have a good tune.I'm pushing 15psi and it's holding together no prob.If you get a 03-04 that's stock you can easily hit low to mid 13's in the 1/4 if you can hook.I'm not used to 1/8 mile tracks.Anybody else wanna chime in?

 

many of the question you have may be anserd in https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=362353

that is the lightning insurance post by chevynutss a little bit down the page

i have an 03 i drive every day i havent mooded it extencively yet but with an aem cia i picked up 1.5-2# of boost and 1-2mpg i havent been to the track again with it so i do not know if it helpd my time. It ran 13.72 @ 99.8 in the 1/4 stock i would have to find my time slip for the 1/8 mile time. I've heard there are some rev. to the heads in 03 to fix an issue with the 5.4s spitting spark plugs

in things to look for check the way the trans shifts and listen for any detonation unfortunatly you will have to do this a fule throtall. the dealer i bought mine from was cool and let me take it out on my own he said "i don't even want to see what you are going to do to this truck"

 

from 99-00 they had about 360hp and 440tq
from 01-04 they upped hp to 380, and 450tq

99-02-had a payload of 800lbs.
03/04- had a payload of 1400lbs.

99-00 there was an intercooler recall

from 99-02 the heads didnt have a lot of threads for the spark plugs so some people have shot them out because they didnt keep a close eye on them. if you check them every oil change or so to make sure they are snug you will be fine. or you can go with a "timecert" fix for about $150 and not worry at all.

ideally the 03-04 would be the best bet if you can. common problems would be a weak pcv valve that allows a little oil to pass through, but thats an easy fix.

most people say to keep it reliable stick with a #4 pulley which will increase boost by 4lbs. stock is 8lbs. with that #4 pulley you will want a cai, new plugs, and a good tune. that should get you close to 385-400hp/490-500tq to the wheels (not at the crank like stock numbers are always listed).

stock these trucks run about 13.6@102ish on average

with those mods listed above you can run 12's if you can drive.

some people go with a #6 pulley but i would think that is pushing it a little much, but there have been plenty of people who run a #6 with a good safe tune and have no problems. ideally a custom dyno tune is the way to go regardless of what set up you go with.

check out www.nloc.net www.svtperformance.com and this is a really good link too

http://rookiefaq.home.mindspring.com/rookiefaq.htm

 

I would be a member of that club

 

Thanks Guys!