So....I test drove a 2001 Ford Lightning yesterday. For those who don't know, this was a SVT truck avail from Ford. It had a factory s/c v8...something like 400hp / 440 tq.
First impression: wow, so that's what torque feels like, lol. Don't worry, not selling my S for it. Considering selling my jetta and buying a Lightning as my practical DD. Would love to be able to haul some things from Lowe's from time to time. Anywho, this truck hauls some serious ass. Strange to get out of this truck & into my 'sport car' which is clearly slower. All jokes aside, I know the truck has the aerodynamics of a brick, but I like it. It's no replacement for the S, and prob cant handle worth a damn.....but it's nice to feel that V8 tq.

Anyone have any experience or input with Lightnings?

 

Your "sports car" has a 4-cylinder, what did you expect?

I would never own one of those trucks ESPECIALLY as a DD. Would be absolutely horrible on gas.

 

And 0-60 in 5.8 and 1/4 in 13.9......how is it faster again?

 

^lol, easy there ghostrider. You don't have to sell the S's benefits to me. I own one and am fully aware of it's capabilities. Stock for stock, I'm pretty certain a Lightning would take a S2k in the quarter. It's really easy to drive the Lightning fast: just slam the go pedal to the floor. Much more involved with with getting in the 13's with the S. I've come to accept the that the S2k is not a 1/4 mile machine.

Yes gas mileage is atrocious (15mpg), but that's not a concern for me. Besides, the S isn't exactly a Honda Prius either. Incidentally, my current Jetta diesel gets 45mpg...so your preaching to the choir here.

 

I wasn't preaching. I just was stating facts. I say the S is amazing gas mileage wise. Just my last tank, I had 2 races and hit 150mph for the first time and still got 25mpgs...how many cars can say that? have gotten 29.7mpg and I'm not a slow driver. ANYWHO, you brought up speed. I would keep what I had if I were you but you seem to already have your mind made up. Good luck with your decision.

 

^ thanks for the well wishes

Your s2k gas mileage seems significantly better than mine, but that prob is due to our driving styles.

Just to reiterate to all who are reading this thread, I am NOT selling or trading in my S2000; I love my S! Just curious to know if any of you have had any experience with owning a Lightning (maintenance, mods, reliability).

 

Lightning as a practical DD? bahahah

 

Statistically, Lightning drivers were the top nutters I ran into before the SRT-4 came out. Something about a relatively fast truck made their "yee-ha" genes express themselves inappropriately.

 

No experience here, but I've always liked the Lightning. If I was made of money I'd probably own one.

 

Way better than mine too. I'd say my S2000 mileage is very close to the mileage I got in my Z06. Seriously.

The Lightning is a really fun "truck". Easy additional power on tap with the factory FI (tune, pulley, exhaust I believe puts out another 80-100HP). A had a buddy with one and was able to do some truck duties with it (light towing, hauling). It even handled pretty decent The guy who hooked him up with his had another one that ran 11s, I believe it had an aftermarket blower (plus all the support bolt-ons).