Vehicle Description
You could use this hot, sport truck's 360 horsepower and 440
pound-feet of torque to tote 800 pounds of bales or even to tow a
5000-pound wagon. But what fun would that be? This truck is really
about a different kind of hauling. You know what we mean. Because
if the F-150's pilot is cool and doesn't smoke the huge P295/45ZR18
radials on takeoff, the Lightning will leap out of the hole and
take one giant bite out of somebody's fat ego. This here is a truck
that could run door handle to door handle with a new BMW M3 in its
day.
So what makes the Lightning strike? The motivational force is a
smooth-idling 5.4-liter SOHC Triton V-8 with a cast-iron block and
8-valve aluminum heads. The deeper breathing is provided by a
112-cubic-inch belt-driven, intercooled, Eaton Roots-type blower
producing 8psi of force fed air.
One of the more impressive aspects of this engine is how few
modifications were made to handle the extra 100 horses. The only
internal changes were unique forged pistons and stronger wrist
pins. The piston change drops the compression ratio from 9.5 to
8.4. Virtually everything else is stock, including rods, crank,
block, and front cover. Even the stock cast-iron exhaust manifolds
were used. Steel headers were tried but proved too "noisy"-too bad.
The rest of the exhaust system consists of a California-calibrated
catalytic converter and a single high-flow muffler plumbed with
dual stainless steel pipes to just ahead of the right rear
tire.
Stopping muscle is provided by an F-250 master cylinder, huge
four-wheel discs, and a three-channel ABS system. SVT's exterior
design philosophy was to keep the Lightning stealthy. So except for
the serious stuff under the hood, SVT badging, different front
fascia, lower body cladding, and huge 18x9.5-inch five-spoke
wheels, the F-150 remains largely unassuming.
Shifts are made automatically by a version of the 4R100 automatic
trans also used behind Ford's heavy-duty Power Stroke diesel
engine. Special Vehicle Team engineering says a four-speed
automatic was chosen for two reasons: First, it was easier to
certify for emissions, and second, Ford simply couldn't find a
manual box that would reliably handle the engine's prodigious
torque and still provide reasonable shift efforts.
Inside, things are likewise tasteful and low-key. There are some
trim changes to the leather-covered bucket seats and sharp-looking
white-faced gauges, including a 140-mph speedo and a 6000-rpm
tach.
With only 2,102 miles showing on the odometer, this un-modified
Lightning is quickly becoming a true collector's item. Call us
today to make it yours!
Specs:
No. 779 of 4,000 Lightnings produced in 1999, the first year of the
production for the 2nd generation Lightning
Odometer reads 2,102 miles
SVT Eaton supercharged 5.4L Triton V-8 engine
Rated at 360 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque
4-speed automatic transmission
Factory-equipped 3.55:1 limited-slip Traction-Lok axle
Flareside bed
Heavy-duty cooling system
SVT-tuned suspension system
Tow package
Lightning specific body package
Power mirrors
White-backed gauge cluster
Power driver's seat
Air conditioning
Cruise control
AM/FM cassette radio and 6-disc CD changer
Original Window Sticker
SVT Certificate
Owner's Manual
