I will be purchasing either the Ford Cobra or the Lightning next year. I am trying to decide which one to purchase. Can anyone help sued me in either the Cobra's corner or the Lightning's corner. As of this moment I am leaning towards getting the Cobra. Thanks, cuffeed
More unique plus I heard they are stopping cobra production for now due to problems?
Lightning also has handling identical to that of the Mustang GT. With the current lightnings, a chip and filter as i've read can run 1/4 mile in low 13's. (i.e. 13.2); I say "current" because the 2001.5 model has increased hp to 375. So a chip and filter on that should be even better.
the F-150 is a good vehicle. it has it's problems but what dosen't. the 4.6 is the best value going. as long as it's a windsor built engine. the 5.4 is having problems with oil leaks at the back of the right hand rear of the cylinder head. most engines that we have seen with this problem have had warped blocks and only fix being to replace the engine. Ford is working on a fix for this but it is slow in coming. hopefully this will not escolate to the problem that we have had with the 3.8 v-6. as far as v-6 versis v-8, keep in mind there is not much difference between the 3.8 and 4.2.
or anybody out there, I've got the 4.6 in my '00 supercab and was wondering how to tell where the truck was assembled. So far the engine has been great but with only 3700 miles it is way to early to tell.
My understanding is the truck motors were ALL built in one plant using forged pistons and floating piston pins among other things.
The car engines were built in the other plant using pressed pins and cast pistons. Never thought they mixed 'em. Forgot which plant built which but I can find it in one of my Mustang mags if it's important. The Mustang guys want the truck shortblock for rebuilds for obvious reasons.
That I remember the article was talking about 4.6 motors. The 5.4 only has one shortblock(The Navigator uses different heads) where the 4.6 uses two versions.
From what I understand, they were built in two places, Romeo, OH and Windsor Canada. Also, only the Windsor motors (and only a few of them) had any problems with the piston slap.
I had 2-99 5.4's,the first was a lightning with an engine build date of 5/99,kept truck up until Sept of 99 trade for an F250 4x4 Supercab light duty, engine build date 8/99.not one problem with either engine.I know my F250 is a windsor because of engine sticker not sure what Lightning was.I've had 3 oil changes with my current truck 4800 miles right now also have it superchipped along with K&N fipk and gibson duals, truck is extremely smooth and quick for such a big truck.I'm thinking of going to mobil1 on next change any thoughts on that?
I've got a Windsor 5.4 with 35K on it. No problems. I have heard nothing but good things about Mobil 1. I was thinking about switching to that in my Mustang. I've got just over 6K on it. I figure it would be good to switch at my next oil change. $20 extra at each oil change kinda sucks, though. On the Lightning engines aren't they hand assembled in Romeo, just like the Cobra engines????
I don't think so there were'nt signed like the cobra engines,They did use forged pistons and reduced compression I think,the big deal with the lightning is the intercooled supercharger.I think they were windsors because I kept my sticker and it says final place of assembly was Ontario.I did see a bad [non-permissible content removed] truck the other day it was a Roush Expedition,the thing sounded and looked awesome.I'm not sure if it was supercharged.I am totally pleased with the truck I have now and will probably keep it for awhile or at least until the 2003 F150 with the new 3 valve engine and I think a makeover on the body. Good Luck.
I think they all use forged pistons, but you are absolutley right about the reduced compression. They lowered it to like 8:1. I just figured they were made in Ohio, since the Cobra's are. Especially since the Lightnings are a lot more limited than the Cobra's. I bet you're right about them being built in Canada. My dad was wanting to get a 3 valve 5.4 when they come out. I passed along the info you had to him and he thought that was a good start, as far as hp goes. I still think Ford should stop messing around and put the 5.4 32 valve Cobra R motor in the Lightnings and then put a supercharger on it. 385 hp and then a SC, it ought to put out over 500 hp, easy. That's what I'm talking about.
Can anyone help me?? I own a 93 ford explorer limited and i want to get a 1993 lighting. Would it be a good trade for me or would i be getting ripped off. My explorer is in great shape, no defects, everything works fine.....but i miss my old truck something horrible! The lighting is in pretty good shape also, though not as refined as the plush explorer, it is a truck and a fine looking one at that. Can the lightening compare to the explorer limited in retail value and market value. Or am i just stupid for thinking that the lighting is worth as much as the limited?? Im so confused.........thanks
Ive looked both vehicles up and found them both to be almost the exact same in retail and market value(i thought about doing that after i posted my question the first time, figures!). So if the NADA book value says that they are equal in value, is there anything i should look for on the Lightning that were persistant problems or nagging repairs?? I sure would hate to trade my limited in on a truck that had been run hard and put away wet too many times. Any little ideas or "make sure you check out before you buy" areas of the 93 lightning you could tell me would be great. thanks for the response.
The Lightning IMHO will end up holding it's value longer. The motor is basically a 5.8 with GT-40 heads, intake and a specific cam. They are all speed density computers so future mods usually require a switch to a mass air computer setup. How can we know if it's been abused? If I owned it it would be run hard but well maintained. My only advise is do the normal checks; compression check, radiator pressure check, transmission for loose or sloppy shifts, all fluids, u joints, A/C heater operation etc. I'd trade in a heart beat!!!!!!!
I'd rather have the lightning just have it checked out.I did have a 99 lightning insane truck but truthfully I like the look of the 1st generation lightning better.
If you want to see an artist rendition of the 2001 lightning check out f150online.com--pretty radical looking with increased power. And same for owner comments on the Harley version--some under power issues. I've read some very postitive reviews and some so-so mainly due to the power issue compared to the Lightning since both are priced about the same. Again, speculation on the 2001 Harley edition based on the SuperCrew chassis might make this model a more interesting and more practical buy than a Lightning. Both will put dreams in your heads. ck
My red, perfect 60K truck will be leaving me soon, and I'll miss it. Nothing like a big, poweful vehicle to pump up the blood and turn chicks heads. I 'll never know how fast it goes, but it is still pulling hard at 90. Remember, change that oil every 3K miles.
so i wouldn't call it "blow" away. Now, a buick grand national gnx (having the same turbo 3.8 v6 engine but on a much lighter vehicle) with just a chip mod would.
still a lightning has much greater utility and space. i mean, it still can be used as a truck hauling 800 pounds on the bed and towing 5000 pounds, while having the handling (as far as high speed grip goes) as a maxima (same lateral g's).
Any owners use this truck as a daily driver or primary vehicle? MPG? I had a 95 4wd 150 with a 302 that barely got 13MPG. Insurance? Rain/Snow handling? Ever tow a boat or carry an ATV with it? Any hard top, lockable bed covers? Will the 2001 be out soon? Will it have more HP? How is the radio/cass/cd? A local dealer [W.KY] has a 2000 now. Could I hope to get it for less than MSRP? Any regrets or mechanical problems? I would appreciate any answers, thanks alot.
My hardest choice this week is choosing between the new Silverfrost Metallic or Black. I love black, but am worried about all the extra work you have to put into keeping it "swirl free." I anticipate owning the truck for at least 5 years so I'm wondering which color will still look good after that time period. The truck will be garaged. I have a red 94 cobra convert, so I'm all redded out. White seems a little to plain. Anyone seen the new silverfrost? Would appreciate anybody's 2 cents; I don't want to order blind.... thanks.
was at a dealer this afternoon with 4 Lightnings-2 black, 1 silver, 1 red. Although the black ones look the best, the new silver really looks classy and the silver has some warmth in it--not a hard metallic look. If I were buying, I would certainly give it some serious thought. ck
Hope you have another reliable car around for when your lightning is in the shop. I just took my 99 in again for the leaking intercooler. The new intercooler will make #3. Customer service from Ford? Nonexistent. They are great at telling you to work out problems with the dealer. Not much help otherwise.
I just discovered the real csuse of my alignment problem that Ford refused to pay for under warranty more than once, (vehicle won't hold an alignment) is due to a moving lower a-arm bolt. A serious defect indicated by a clunking noise in the front end. Ford is very coy about acknowledging this.
Nevermind the orangepeeled paint with several sandy looking imperfections in it, the transmission that needed removal and repair after only 6000 miles, the misaligned body panels, (check out the front fascia on any new lightning around the headlights) and incredibly on my Lightning, a 3/8 inch by 2 1/2 inch burned (looked like a welder went mad) hole in the hood latch/radiator support. I still have a broken headliner caused when one dealer damaged it when replacing the defective rear window gasket.
At the moment, I am waiting for a new intercooler to arrive, a new side skirt to arrive, and I have given up on the paint issue. I have now had two dealers tell me "it is typical of a lot of the new Fords" Their words, not mine.
So in one year, I have had my vehicle in the shop more than 8 times for more than 10 days total. I will have at least two more trips for the suspension and the intercooler.
As a final note, go to the Better Business Bureau web site and see which major american car company does not participate in their resolution program.
And if you think I am making all this up, go ahead and check out the website www.f150online.com as another reader suggested. You will see that I am just scratching the surface.
Does Anyone have any advice on lowering my Lightning? It is a 1999. I would like to lower it about 2 " . And I am concerned about my Tires getting ruined...... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.... U.J.
Checked out the Lighting board before I decided the Harley 150 was more my speed--more practical, better gas mileage, less engine add ons, etc. It's a great looker and still drives better than most trucks. When I need to go fast, I drive my SVT Contour. Sorry to hear about all the problems; just hope some of them aren't F150 heritage ck
Comments
Thanks,
cuffeed
cobra production for now due to problems?
Lightning also has handling identical to that of the Mustang GT. With the current lightnings, a
chip and filter as i've read can run 1/4 mile in
low 13's. (i.e. 13.2); I say "current" because
the 2001.5 model has increased hp to 375. So a
chip and filter on that should be even better.
anyways, good lightning forum is at
http://www.f150online.com/ (message boards ->
lightning)
Now if you were comparing with the Cobra R.. I'd
definitely take the R over the L if i had the $$
kellyco@wtp.net
at kellyco@wtp.net
What advantages does a Windsor motor have over a Romeo motor?
Swift---
The car engines were built in the other plant using pressed pins and cast pistons. Never thought they mixed 'em. Forgot which plant built which but I can find it in one of my Mustang mags if it's important. The Mustang guys want the truck shortblock for rebuilds for obvious reasons.
My 1999 5.4 was assembeled in Romeo Mich. because of its stampings. And I have also seen other motors with a windsor stamp.
Swift---
My dad was wanting to get a 3 valve 5.4 when they come out. I passed along the info you had to him and he thought that was a good start, as far as hp goes. I still think Ford should stop messing around and put the 5.4 32 valve Cobra R motor in the Lightnings and then put a supercharger on it. 385 hp and then a SC, it ought to put out over 500 hp, easy. That's what I'm talking about.
Curious about overall performance/satisfaction of this model as compared with previous Lightnings.
grand national gnx (having the same turbo 3.8 v6
engine but on a much lighter vehicle) with just a
chip mod would.
still a lightning has much greater utility and
space. i mean, it still can be used as a truck
hauling 800 pounds on the bed and towing 5000
pounds, while having the handling (as far as
high speed grip goes) as a maxima (same lateral
g's).
Hope you have another reliable car around for when your lightning is in the shop. I just took my 99 in again for the leaking intercooler. The new intercooler will make #3. Customer service from Ford? Nonexistent. They are great at telling you to work out problems with the dealer. Not much help otherwise.
I just discovered the real csuse of my alignment problem that Ford refused to pay for under warranty more than once, (vehicle won't hold an alignment) is due to a moving lower a-arm bolt. A serious defect indicated by a clunking noise in the front end. Ford is very coy about acknowledging this.
Nevermind the orangepeeled paint with several sandy looking imperfections in it, the transmission that needed removal and repair after only 6000 miles, the misaligned body panels, (check out the front fascia on any new lightning around the headlights) and incredibly on my Lightning, a 3/8 inch by 2 1/2 inch burned (looked like a welder went mad) hole in the hood latch/radiator support. I still have a broken headliner caused when one dealer damaged it when replacing the defective rear window gasket.
At the moment, I am waiting for a new intercooler to arrive, a new side skirt to arrive, and I have given up on the paint issue. I have now had two dealers tell me "it is typical of a lot of the new Fords" Their words, not mine.
So in one year, I have had my vehicle in the shop more than 8 times for more than 10 days total. I will have at least two more trips for the suspension and the intercooler.
As a final note, go to the Better Business Bureau web site and see which major american car company does not participate in their resolution program.
And if you think I am making all this up, go ahead and check out the website www.f150online.com as another reader suggested. You will see that I am just scratching the surface.
U.J.
this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.
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