Hey guys, I checked the FAQ but I could not find anything. So what year lightning is the best to consider purchasing based on performance, ect? I heard they are having problems blowing sparkplugs? What is causing this and is there a fix? Do the 02+ make more power? I know the 01+ have 3:73's and bigger mass air right? Let me know the differences and what would be the best to buy. I am in the market right now...

 

later 03 and 04's best new heads with more threads (rhyme?).

 

I'll agree with Unoid for the most part. If you want to mod, I think the 99-00 bottom ends seemed to hold up a bit better, and once you do the maf and intercooler, there should be no diff in horsepower. I like the 3.55's in my 00. The 3.73's are harder to launch, and if you get crazy with modding, you will run out of gear with the 3.73's. Maybe I'm biased, owning an 00, I guess you will have to listen to the opinions and make your own decision. Remember, things generally get better as we learn...87 Grand Nationals are better than older ones...are newer L's better than older ones?

 

This is an interesting question and one you will likely get many opinions on. People tend to like what they have. 99-00 good bottom end, but no 90 MM MAF and no intercooler. 01-02, intercooler and 90 MM MAF (I think), but heads can spit plugs. 03-04, Head problem fixed, good HP numbers, higher payload and towing ratings.

It may come down to a couple of things. Which years wheels do you like? Do you want the year with the most HP? Do you want one with the clear tail lights? Are you going to haul or tow?

I liked the '03 with the exception of the rear end height. Not too expensive to resolve with the JLP shackles.

It really comes down to personal taste and budget. Good luck.

 

It kinda depends on what you want. A toy in the garage at home? A daily driver? easy driving? racing? Specific color? How do the price effect your decision?

Personally I like the 01 - 02s the best. They have a few upgraded parts and don't sit near as high in the rear as the 03+ ones do. You know.. that is a fixable thing. But how much do you wanna spend and how's it gonna be used?



Rich

 

Here's a link to more info on the breakdowns for changes between years.
http://users4.ev1.net/~txclark/aloc/alocgen2data.html
This is off the ALOC website.
I don't think it's ever been proven that 99-00 had a better bottom end than any other years, but 2003-2004 do come with a better heads that help keep spark plugs from blowing out. There were quite a few changes between 2000 and 2001 to "improve" the whole truck. I say "improvements" because some things that changed are only better to some people...ie, the clear tailights, aluminum driveshaft, wheel design.... But overall I think a 2001 and up is a better truck. Like others have said you could take a 99-00, change a couple of things out like the MAF, intercooler, and shocks, and it would be pretty close to having a 2001 and up.
So with that said any year Lightning is BAD@SS. They all have the same potential because they are affected by mods in the exact same way. So go pick you a color and good luck with the purchase

 

Not sure if you meant "no intercooler", but all SVT lightnings come with intercoolers. Only difference is that in 99-00 the I/C only had 8 rows compared to the 9 rows of fins on the 2001+. (pretty sure on the #'s of rows) Just didn't want him to think that the early Gen IIs weren't intercooled.

 

99-00 have the best bottom end
01-03 have more power and 3.73 gearing
04 have the best heads, but the rear end sits way high up in the air

BTW: 99's have the best looking rims.

 

MY BAD

 

Totally!!!! Not that I'm biased or anything!

 

The 99/00 wheels (chromed of course) are my favs.

The 03/04 has the best block and heads. It does need the rear lowered. If all of you could drive an L with the Roush kit installed you would know that this is how they should have left Ford.


Jerry

 

03/04 by far the best choice.

Better block and heads and all the other updates.

VINNIE

 

How much does a new intercooler cost? I am sure a MAF is cheap. I like the thought of having 3:55's. I have had 3:73's and 4:10s in my stangs and I HATE how I can not punch it in 1st without spinning. I plan on lowering the thing anyways so the height does not bother me. I love DSG, and sonic blue. What colors are there? I know I like black as a second to the above colors. Then there is silver, that is ok along with red and true blue. I dont like white too much. Is there mineral grey? That is it right? So right now it looks like with my budget, I can not afford the DSG and Sonic blue because it is 03. So looks like I will be getting a black 99-00. Anything else? BTW, I plan to make this a daily driver/friday night street/strip racing/pizza delivery truck. I plan on taking really good care of it like I have my mustangs if not better. I love the Lightnings. I would like it to be a mid to low 12 second truck at sea level and a low 13-high 12's here in CO eventually. For now, I will keep it fairly stock except for the ride height and a few power mods and exhaust.

 

Yeah, Like we all haven't said that before.

 

Hey Kickerstang,

I knew that name was familiar. I am also on coloradostangs.com and I own an 03 Lightning. I am not an expert on the various years, and all the details, but I do know that Lightnings are awesome and I also use mine as a daily driver, tow truck. I hope you find one you like!

Take care,
Greg