| Catch the Ford Lightning! |
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It has been said, "If something or someone moves like greased lightning, they move very fast indeed." Which is explains how Ford came up with this name for one of the performance versions of its popular F-150 pickup truck: the Ford SVT Lightning.
Ford Lightning
Commonly referred simply as Ford Lightning, this truck has been put into production twice: from 1993 to 1995 and again in 1999 to 2004. You can't buy a brand new Ford Lightning right now because the Ford Motor Company isn't building them anymore. Instead, you can shop for a used Lightning or choose from one of the current performance models offered.
There is a significant difference between the first and second generation Ford Lightning models. Most notably the two models coincide with two different generational Ford F150 pickup trucks. In addition, two different engines were used with the second generation model getting a much more powerful motor.
But first for some background. What was the reason for the Ford Lightning? Well, the market at that time was shifting toward performance vehicles, particularly souped up pick up trucks. The GMC Syclone—a high performance version of the GMC Sonoma—was offered in 1991, followed by the GMC Typhoon SUV. Both vehicles were limited production, but important (and profitable) for GM which meant that Ford had to come up with a response of their own or lose out.
Chevy Competition
Importantly, the Chevrolet 454SS came out in 1990, based on the Chevrolet C/K body. This rocket truck sold well over its four year history, with Ford responding with the Ford Lightning during its final year of production. After the 454SS quit being produced, Ford had the large performance truck market to itself for two more years before shutting down Ford Lightning production the first time.
The original Ford Lighting featured a 5.8L Windsor F1 V8, producing 240 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft of torque. The Ford Lightning featured an upgraded Ford E40D automatic transmission equipped with an aluminum driveshaft, the only tranny offered. Firestone Firehawk tires, special 17 inch aluminum wheels and bucket seats were among the features of this specially badged Ford truck.
Second Generation
When Ford stopped production of the first SVT Lightning it appeared that its run was done and over. But, demand for a performance truck never completely died with Ford deciding to come up with a second generation Ford Lightning beginning with the 1999 model year. That truck featured a smaller, but more powerful 5.4L supercharged Triton V8, offering 360 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft of torque in from the onset, bumped up to 380 hp and 450 torque in the last few years of production.
Paired with a 4R100 automatic transmission, the Ford Lightning also featured Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, 18 inch aluminum rims, sport suspension, Monroe shocks followed by Bilstein shocks over the final three years of production, sport badging, special seating and more.
Alas, the Ford Lightning ended its six year run in 2004 just as an updated Ford F-150 hit the market. Though more than 28,000 units of this special truck were sold, the Lightning is no more. Today, the SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson models fill the bill, hot trucks for the performance truck enthusiast!
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