There has been a rumor posted concerning long-tube headers manufactured
and
distributed by the innovator of long tube headers for Gen 2
Lightning's-
"Lightning Performance". For the benefit of all serious racers I wish
to
dispute these and share my experiences. First, obviously we should
start
with installation procedures. Because of the length, they are not the
easiest things to install, but by no way does it require the removal of
any
complicated pieces of your engine...i.e.. the starter, also, no engine
lift.
If you're not experienced under the hood of your truck, in no way would
I
suggest you and a friend attempt to do this yourselves. You should .
have
a experienced mechanic install these. Also there are three different
ways
to complete from the headers back to your stock tips. First, you may
choose
the Siamese cat back system explicitly designed for the headers.
Second,
there is a simple design that maps your stock exhaust also ending at
your
tips. Third, I have heard of Johnny Lightning manufacturing a way to
adapt
the Basani cat back system to fit. I'm not familiar with the work
required
for the third method. The first two are designed in a way that will
allow
your average "Joe Shmo" Exhaust shop to complete the job. I installed
these
headers myself with the help of a Ford Tech, not knowing the first
thing
about the Lightning's. The job took us just under 3 hrs. Next, my
truck is
lowered 4 inches in front and 6 in rear and the only thing that's ever
hit
the ground and scraped is the front ground effects. The headers fit
under
my '01 like a thermal undershirt. Third, I do my research before I buy
anything and do the comparisons yourself. Other company claims of
original
long tube headers are nothing more than an extended version of
"Lightning
performance" off-road headers. Finally and most important,
performance: I
began at the track with a Diablo chip, four pound pulley, filter and
Nitto
Drag radials. 1/4 mile times were 12.78-12.85's. After the header
install,
I dropped to consistent low 12.50's with a best of 12.48. Obviously, I
do
not have the fastest Lightning in the country, but the reason I wrote
this
was to show my impressive gains from the "Lightning Performance"
headers.