noob

[timmymac]

Hey guys/girls,

My name is Tim andI just bought my first ford and its an 01 lightning, bone stock with about 70K on it. I am from Central Mass and am looking forward to driving/modding my truck. I have always been into turbo'd cars and i really like trucks, so i thought this would be a good medium.

Any recommendations for early mods? I've been reading around here, but there's a lot of literature here and would like some opinions!

-Tim

 

[throttle jockey]

Read this link, there's a lot of good information to get you started.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...look-here-first-before-posting-questions.html

What are your goals, that will help us assist you in your modding.

Most beginning modders go the route of a 4# or 6# lower pulley and CAI (cold air induction), a hand held tuner (if you will be dyno tuning talk to the tuner you select and ask them which brand they prefer to tune with) and a good tune from a reputable Lightning tuner. A 4# lower in considered safe by almost everyone whereas some will argue that a 6# lower is too aggressive/risky. Many of us (myself included) run or at some point ran with a 6# lower with no problems.

Be sure you change the spark plugs to one that is a heat range cooler (NGK TR-6 are commonly used, myself included) and gap the properly (.034"-.036" with a 4# or 6# lower). Change the fuel filter regularly, at least every other oil change if not every oil change which I prefer to do. A clogged fuel filter can starve the truck of fuel under WOT (wide open throttle) causing a lean condition and the motor to blow.

Also, right off the bat I recommend upgrading the MAF to either a DiabloSport MAFia MAF extender or the SCT BA2400/BA2600. Its cheap insurance.

 

[slammedi'am]

welcome

 

[timmymac]

Thanks alot. I'm not looking to get too crazy... What does she put down to the wheels stock?? I think I would be perfectly satisfied with around 350WHP

 

[CHUXSVT]

welcome to svtp. mod away Tim.

 

[mcarbine]

Hey Tim welcome to the site. 350rwhp with these trucks is a piece of cake and like most of us I doubt you will stop there. Enjoy not having turbo lag anymore :thumbsup: Matt

 

[throttle jockey]

A bone stock 2001-2004 Lightning is rated at 380 BHP (at the crank). Factoring in parasitic drive train loss a stock Lightning produces roughly 340-350 RWHP. There's a thread with some of the member's dyno numbers when they were stock. Where you stand now you're in the ball park of what you want.

A 4# lower pulley usually results in guys falling just shy of the 400 RWHP/500 RWTQ club (average is 380+ RWHP and 490+ RWTQ).

A 6# lower pulley usually gets guys into the 400 RWHP/500 RWTQ club (average is 405+ RWHP and 510+ RWTQ).

 

[timmymac]

so basically what I want to know... since i know a lot of you guys have heavily modded L's... what would be the first 5 things you would do if you knew what you knew now, and could start all over again??

 

[Cialis]

Pulley,tune.and the cai kit first. Then get the FTVB.
Throttle body and intake will show very little gains at our level so I dont even recommend them just yet. Same with the e-fan.
Also,be carefull in the cold weather.

 

[throttle jockey]

so basically what I want to know... since i know a lot of you guys have heavily modded L's... what would be the first 5 things you would do if you knew what you knew now, and could start all over again??

Built motor so I'd have a strong foundation capable of withstanding anything I threw at it. Hindsight is 20/20... I never expected to mod beyond the usual bolt-ons and I surely never expected to desire a daily driven Lightning capable of low 11s, maybe even 10s.

Hand held tuner, pulley, tune, MAF upgrade and CAI. A valve body as mentioned is a great bang-for-the-buck mod. You may also want to consider improving the exhaust flow (high-flow cats, X-pipe, mufflers, etc.).

Don't overlook gauges either. A wideband A/F gauge and fuel pressure gauge are mandatory IMO. I wouldn't worry too much about a boost/vacuum gauge. I seldom look at mine, especially when I'm at WOT, I'm too busy watching the A/F and fuel pressure. I also highly recommend the AeroForce Interceptor gauge, its probably the most functional gauge on the market and can be wired up to support a wideband and fuel pressure gauge.

 

[Scuba-Matt]

Welcome aboard

 

[jwiles6186]

First five things I would do if I could do it all over would be, S/C remove and intercooler clean, oil catch can, stage 5 S/C port, CAI, and larger MAF + supporting tune.

 

[LGHTEMUP]

hey tim welcome aboard.just do alot of research and pick the mods you think will mostly help you out in what you want to do to your truck.....

 

[WhiteLightnin01]

Welcome to the club.

 

[2valves]

Welcome, and let the modding begin!!!

 

[RIDE THE]

Welcome to the site!!!​

Built block would be my first choice if I had to do it all over again but a 4lb or 6lb lower pulley, CAI, Catback exhaust, Valve body and a good tune is what I would do first for simple bolt ons.

 

[gucci]

Read this link, there's a lot of good information to get you started.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...look-here-first-before-posting-questions.html

What are your goals, that will help us assist you in your modding.

Most beginning modders go the route of a 4# or 6# lower pulley and CAI (cold air induction), a hand held tuner (if you will be dyno tuning talk to the tuner you select and ask them which brand they prefer to tune with) and a good tune from a reputable Lightning tuner. A 4# lower in considered safe by almost everyone whereas some will argue that a 6# lower is too aggressive/risky. Many of us (myself included) run or at some point ran with a 6# lower with no problems.

Be sure you change the spark plugs to one that is a heat range cooler (NGK TR-6 are commonly used, myself included) and gap the properly (.034"-.036" with a 4# or 6# lower). Change the fuel filter regularly, at least every other oil change if not every oil change which I prefer to do. A clogged fuel filter can starve the truck of fuel under WOT (wide open throttle) causing a lean condition and the motor to blow.

Also, right off the bat I recommend upgrading the MAF to either a DiabloSport MAFia MAF extender or the SCT BA2400/BA2600. Its cheap insurance.

dont you have to have a tune with a mass air upgrade?

 

[throttle jockey]

dont you have to have a tune with a mass air upgrade?

Yes.