Lightning Owners

[OxmanWI]

My cousin is going to be purchasing a 99-04 Lightning in the next couple of months and I couldn't be happier for him as he is joining the Ford family for the first time. I told him I would help him find one, but first we need to do our homework, learn more about the truck and which year would be ideal.

I did a search on National Lightning Owners Club, but are there any other forums with good info?

Looks like the 99-01's are weaker on HP, driveline and gears. But they are less popular and cheaper I guess? So ideally we'd want to look for a 03-04, but it will cost a bit more since they are heavily sought after.

Someone said that the 5.4 stock motors on these blow out easily after a WOT downshift at highway speeds. I'm guessing the rods are to blame there? Do they have a forged motor or this is only a forged crankshaft?

Any good performance Lightning internet shops?

Any other info is appreciated.

Thank you,

Josh

[BlueOvalBolt]

Other sites to look at are www.svtperformance.com, www.lightningrodder.com and www.f150online.com.

The inherent problems with the 99 & 00's were the leaking intercoolers. If looking at one of these make to call SVT to see if it was fixed under the replacement program from Ford. Otherwise it is pretty pricey to fix on your own. The 01 and 02's were known to spit spark plugs as they only had 4 threads in the head. Not a big problem if you tend to them regularly. I never had a problem on my 01.

The 01's and after had a little more power but nothing that a good tune wouldn't fix. The big thing is they came with 3.73 gears instead of the 3.55's and an aluminum drive shaft.

As far as blowing up after wot run, I think those guys generally didn't have a good tune and were playing too hard in cold weather. This is generally not a problem if you pay attention to your tune.

They come with a forged crank and pistons but you are right, the rods are a weak link.

I highly recommend Marv at C&M to dyno tune the Lightning. He has some very proven tunes and builds out there including my truck.

[BlueOvalBolt]

Here are a few internet sites to buy some toys for it.

www.teamjdm.com
www.chickenears.com
www.lightningforceperformance.com
www.stiegemeier.com

I am sure animal can chime in here with more.

[OxmanWI]

Cool, thank you very much, I'll check out those sites. +1 for Marv at C&M, he helped me with my Thunderbird with a performance tune a while back.

[animal]

blue oval is right on that. No difference in power from 01-04. 03-04 had a higher payload by way of an extra leaf and an in-dash 6 disk irrc. That's really the only difference besides the heads. If it was me, i'd get a 03 or 04 because they started recasting the heads on 12-11-02 with 8 threads for the spark plugs instead of 4. That said, while theres some that have blown out a plug on a 4 thread head, there's thousands that haven't. It's all in making sure they're torqued properly

Don't worry too much about windowing your block with stock pullies and tune, but anything past a +2psi over stock and I'd definately get a real tune and MAF upgrade ESPECIALLY on cold air long term high speed runs. It's somewhat agreed upon that most failures on those high speed long freeway runs are due to the stock maf maxing out. The L's all have the knock sensors disabled from the factory because they were picking up the eaton cavitation as knock. So you get no real protection if your tune isn't good, hence what was said earlier. I wouldn't shy away from a 99-00 if you can get it at a good price. Like was said, the main upgrades were the intercooler core, gears, and driveshaft. Also they came stock with a 80mm maf instead of a 90mm like the 01-04 did. Stock rods are considered the weak point because they're powder forged. All have forged cranks and rods. Stock pistons I don't think are a bad piece at all, it's just that everyone gets aftermarket pistons when they upgrade rods so no one really ever pushed the stock pistons very far. Stock rods, it's generally agreed upon that the gray area is 450-500rwhp. If your tune is good you can be fine up to that, but after that it's anyone's guess. I also go to C&M to tune because I've known marv a long time.

What I would do if i didn't have one already? go on nloc, svtp, and lightningrodder and try to find an awesome deal on one that already has a built motor that you can go and test drive (so you know there's no problems with it). There's lots of guys out there without jobs that don't want to sell but have to sell at reduced prices to get money.


Let me know if you have more questions. I'm a wealth of knowledge... or something.

[OxmanWI]

Great info, thank you. That was the other thing, the problem with the spark plug thread in the heads.

The 4.6 heads work with the 5.4 lightnings, correct?

[animal]

I don't know them enough to tell you yay or nay on that. You'll need to do extensive research on whether the heads are identical enough to use. I've heard they're "the same" but hearsay like that that only goes so far once you pull heads off and the bolt hole pattern doesn't match :) I know that valve covers can be different pattern (between the two valve cover styles) on a seemingly random basis from truck to truck.

Note, you can remove, i believe, the drivers side wheel well and see the casting date on the underside of the drivers head. Possible you could see without removing it. I never looked since i know i have the 4 threaders. It could've been 11-12-02 also rather than 12-11-02.

[BlackLightning]

Great info, thank you. That was the other thing, the problem with the spark plug thread in the heads.

The 4.6 heads work with the 5.4 lightnings, correct?

romeo PI heads will work on the L. that is what I am running on mine. I would stay away from the 99-00 if you are planning on modding for the simple fact of the higher gears, smaller maf, and the potential that the IC recall wasn't done. They are all items that would end up getting replaced down the road. I would do as animal suggested and look for one on the boards already built.

[MoCkiN U]

everyone says that if you dont tend to the spark plugs they can blow out or at least thats the reason given. Mine were factory plugs put in by ford and they blew out. In the days of recalls Ford left the owners hanging real bad there. TOOOO many models with the 4.6 faced that issue with the 4 thread heads. Then say its not a problem BUT corrected the issue 2004 models and forward. Its something to stay on top of thats for sure but know if it does happen Marv has fixed tons of these with great results

Rant over.......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/ShoUrGlow/IMG_1110.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/ShoUrGlow/IMG00005.jpg

[OxmanWI]

^^^Damn that sucks, what ever happened with your Lightning? Did you fix it?

I'm not going to lie, but I think I'm hooked on the Lightnings now, me and the cuz are going to be looking at some together now, lol.

We really like these two in IL.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=37488595&listingRecNum=7&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20015%26stkTyp%3DU %26mdId%3D21095%26rd%3D150%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-trId%26zc%3D53151%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-2%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26trId%3D25211%26trId%3D25080%26 rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=38153685&listingRecNum=8&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20015%26stkTyp%3DU %26mdId%3D21095%26rd%3D150%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-trId%26zc%3D53151%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-2%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26trId%3D25211%26trId%3D25080%26 rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

[animal]

I think I'm hooked on the Lightnings now

Join the club ;)

Still though, i'd be looking for something with a built block.

[Reverend Cooper]

I am happy as hell with mine its a 01 with all the good stuff has over 100k on it and it still moves out.

[OxmanWI]

Cooper you've got a Lightning too? I'd love to see pictures of everyones Lightning, post em up!

[Reverend Cooper]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/sbr2005/DSC_0034.jpg

[SmokinRAM114]

I saw this badass white lightning in orlando tonight like yours. But had slicks and skinnys wrapped black rims. And def wasn't screw drivin ne more!! Sounded like bosslx's ysi! I tried to take a pic but the camera flashed against the window of my car and after that it was gone!

[Waver]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/sbr2005/DSC_0034.jpg

The only white truck that I know of that can take 2nd place at a car show with out being washed lol

[MoCkiN U]

^^^Damn that sucks, what ever happened with your Lightning? Did you fix it?



that damage is on a stang bro. Just same heads as what you would have so picture just shows what would look like.

Was going to harbor freight in west allis saturday and got the shit scared out of me by a red lighting sounded like open cats at WOT going down 60th passing me. came out of nowhere and was loud as hell.

Hannah in back seat jumped "daddy, was dat???" LOL

[BlackLightning]

i don't have any good pics of mine. these will have to do until I figure out the new camera :thumbsup

http://www.racers-edge.org/side.jpg

http://www.racers-edge.org/back.jpg

[animal]

No pics of mine, sorry :goof

Imagine this one ^^^ ... again. lol.

[OxmanWI]

Great pictures guys, thank you.

What years came with the rims what Coop and BlackLightning have and the all red tails? I'd rather have those then the newer rims and clear euro tails.

[BlueOvalBolt]

I just have pics from a couple of events

http://i50.tinypic.com/o5p4dd.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2vwsqph.jpg

The clear lenses were on 01 and up. animal and BlackLightning have swapped out their rear lights. Red replacements are pretty cheap and is very easy to do.

99 and 00 had a more traditional spoke design wheel. 01 and 02 have the wheels like animal and BlackLightning and the 03 and 04's have wheels like mine.

[animal]

I was kidding about pics :goof

http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/IMG_0462.jpg
http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/32.jpg
http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/l2b.jpg
This last pic would've turned out better but catching the lightning bolt in the background freaked out the autofocus on my camera.

[BlueOvalBolt]

I was kidding about pics :goof


LOL I thought you were serious so I went looking for pics of your truck.

http://i45.tinypic.com/66g9b8.jpg

[animal]

No I just like being stealthy :durr

[BlueOvalBolt]

Here is an example of the 99 & 00 wheels

http://i49.tinypic.com/2nbd5k0.jpg

[OxmanWI]

Great pictures! Love the bolt in the background.

I was looking at some older threads, BL has done a center console swap, very cool. What is evolved with that?


http://racers-edge.org/console.jpg

[animal]

Great pictures! Love the bolt in the background.

I was looking at some older threads, BL has done a center console swap, very cool. What is evolved with that?

You need a center console from a later expedition, and a single passenger seat pan from an expedition. Then you take it in to an upholstery shop to cut the 60/40 bench and make the passenger 60 into a bucket. Then you need the (new are nearly unobtainable from what I've read)floor brackets from an expedition console to mount it solid.

I also did the black carpet swap in mine ;) He did the "wide" expy console whereas i have the "narrow" lid style with a bit different colors.
http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/consolea.jpg
http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/consoleb.jpg

[BlackLightning]

The console is very easy to do and makes the interior look much nicer plus gives more storage. The narrow console is 97-99 and wide is 00-02. It all literally bolts in. You have to tap one hole and cut the carpet where the new brackets sit but thats about it. IF you get a lightning and are interested in the swap contact "melman" on lightningrodder or nloc as he can get you everything you need for a good price.

[OxmanWI]

Did you guys take your passenger seat to be cut at a upholstery shop around here?

Has anyone ever (I'm sure) done a over head console?

Like this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-Expedition-Overhead-Console-Digital-Glasses-Holder_W0QQitemZ200442501687QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eab4dda3 7

[animal]

Did you guys take your passenger seat to be cut at a upholstery shop around here?

Has anyone ever (I'm sure) done a over head console?

Like this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-Expedition-Overhead-Console-Digital-Glasses-Holder_W0QQitemZ200442501687QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eab4dda3 7

The L comes with nearly the same roof console, just that the a/c controls aren't up there. I haven't done that conversion at all.

Upholstery shop around here is where I took mine. Can't remember if BL took his to the same place or not.

[BlackLightning]

The L comes with nearly the same roof console, just that the a/c controls aren't up there. I haven't done that conversion at all.

Upholstery shop around here is where I took mine. Can't remember if BL took his to the same place or not.

yea Steve at Straight Line Upholstery in sussex I think that is 262-246-8282.


There are a few people with the expy overhead. It's not recommended on 99's because the headliner curves and the visors are wider which then need to be trimmed. The rear still needs to be trimmed some to fit on the other years. The one that comes stock in the L is nice enough.

[animal]

If you leave the rear seat control buttons on the back of the console they can make nice hidden controls for your bottle ;)

[BlackLightning]

I'm surprised there are only 4 lightning owners on here.

[houstonsaxton]

Ive got a sb 04 L , i believe i was parked next to you at the icebreaker last year.

[BOSS LX]

Lightnings are gay!


Because I don't have one anymore.:thumbsup By far my favorite daily driver ever! If I didn't have so many toys, I would buy another in a heart beat.

I really like the 2001-02 wheels.

[OxmanWI]

I was kidding about pics :goof
http://www.pissmeoff.info/pics/IMG_0462.jpg

Did you do a burnout at your wedding? haha! What did the wife think about that?:rolf

[Reverend Cooper]

^ HE thought it was cool.

[Coops Brother]

^ HE thought it was cool.


Compared to a guy who hauls bicycles around... he is cool:rolf:rolf


http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo88/coopthehdrider/IMG_0090.jpg

[Bobby "Big Daddy" Flay]

^^^^^^bwahahahaahahaha

[Lash]

Compared to a guy who hauls bicycles around... he is cool:rolf:rolf


http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo88/coopthehdrider/IMG_0090.jpg

OH SNAP!


:rolf

[Reverend Cooper]

gotta use the trailer hitch for something.it has no payload lol

[animal]

Did you do a burnout at your wedding? haha! What did the wife think about that?:rolf

That was planned about 2 years in advance. She thought it was pretty cool actually. She's into cars too :thumbsup

From her mouth: "I was just hoping the pictures of it would turn out."

There was so much smoke by the end of that I couldn't even see the dash.
:goof

[animal]

gotta use the trailer hitch for something.it has no payload lol

800 in the bed (1300 for 03-04), 5000 from the hitch... not sure how that constitutes no payload? :confused

[Reverend Cooper]

800 in the bed aint even a full load of wood lol

[PureSound15]

Why the 500 pounds swing in 03/04? What's difference? Just curious.

[BlackLightning]

Why the 500 pounds swing in 03/04? What's difference? Just curious.

the 03-04 have an extra leaf in the spring pack. That is also why they are an inch or so higher then previous years.

[OxmanWI]

Picked up my Lightning today! Also got a 2004 Lightning brochure.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/Lightning002.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/Lightning004.jpg

[OxmanWI]

gotta use the trailer hitch for something.it has no payload lol

:rolf:rolf


That was planned about 2 years in advance. She thought it was pretty cool actually. She's into cars too :thumbsup

From her mouth: "I was just hoping the pictures of it would turn out."

There was so much smoke by the end of that I couldn't even see the dash.
:goof

Lucky, my fiancee was like..."No way"

Great picture bro, I guess I have a year to convence her! lol:D

[animal]

:rolf:rolf



Lucky, my fiancee was like..."No way"

Great picture bro, I guess I have a year to convence her! lol:D

Just do it, my wife says "What was i gonna do to stop you? I was in a big poofy dress and could barely move around enough to stop you."

I did that right in front of the church for the record :D

Then we went and got more pics with the truck afterwards :)

[BLUTO]

I dont know why people like those big,heavy,slow trucks anyway. They drink way too much premium & sound like they are out of power steering fluid.:shades They say the blue ones were the fastest-they had some extra tuning or something.

[Reverend Cooper]

lol thats a good one

[BlackLightning]

a turbocharged one just did 192mph in the texas mile event today. :wow

[Inspector13]

:rolf:rolf



Lucky, my fiancee was like..."No way"

Great picture bro, I guess I have a year to convence her! lol:D



Just do it. My ex-wife thought I was gonna show up to the wedding in a limo then we'd ride in the limo to the reception. FUCK that!!! I showed up in the '74 Nova I used to own and left for the receptions sideways in a cloud of smoke with only the motor and her screams to tell everybody which direction we were traveling. :headbang

[MurphysLaw88GT]

a turbocharged one just did 192mph in the texas mile event today. :wow

Like they say about the F-4 Phantom; give a brick enough power and it will fly.

[OxmanWI]

Just do it. My ex-wife thought I was gonna show up to the wedding in a limo then we'd ride in the limo to the reception. FUCK that!!! I showed up in the '74 Nova I used to own and left for the receptions sideways in a cloud of smoke with only the motor and her screams to tell everybody which direction we were traveling. :headbang

Yea she wants the limo. But I'm putting my foot down, it's traditional to leave the church in your own car. Family and friends put the tin-cans on the back and write in shoe polish "Just Married" on the back window. I'm a car guy, if I wasn't, then I wouldn't care. Plus I'd rather save some money using my own car anyways. :D

[animal]

Good luck on that :) Hold out on something else that she wants so that you can "give in" to that in exchange for rollin in your own ride afterwards.

[OxmanWI]

What would you recommend for a aftermarket pulley set up on the stock motor? I've been reading a lot of threads over on NLOC, from what everyone is saying that you don't want to go overboard on the boost, even with a good tune.

Also, what would be good bolt ons with the stock motor? Upgrading to a conservative pulley change, intake pentium and SBTB, cold air, SCT MAF, cat-back exhaust and dyno tune should do the trick for at least 400 at the wheels give or take? If I'm wrong what would it take to get to the 400 mark with just bolt ons?

Thanks,

Josh

[BlueOvalBolt]

It doesn't take everything on your list to get to 400 rwhp. I'm at 408 rwhp and 498 rwtq with just a 4 lb. caged lower, PSP CAI, SCT dyno tune by Marv, high flow cats, cat-back with the stock eaton which was good for 12.7 @ 107 at the track.

Personally, I feel even going with a 6 lb. lower is playing with fire.

Other bolt ons on my recommended list include a trans valve body, rear shackles to lower the rear to level and traction bars.

[OxmanWI]

Edit: Nevermind

[BlackLightning]

I'd go with the 4lb lower, intake, exhaust, and a ported blower. it will put down 420+hp and 500+tq give or take. You don't NEED the maf and can use a MAFia if needed. I'd skip the SBTB and plenum. With a few hours work you could port and polish your plenum and stock tb.

[OxmanWI]

Great info guys, thanks. I'll be back with more later.

[OxmanWI]

Anyone have any winter plans for their Lightning?

[BlackLightning]

Anyone have any winter plans for their Lightning?

droidx for size comparison.

http://www.racers-edge.org/fittingsic.jpg

[OxmanWI]

Is that a new IC pump?

[BlackLightning]

yep. jabsco 30gpm and changing the lines to 1".

[animal]

yep. jabsco 30gpm and changing the lines to 1".

Still running the stock core?

No plans for mine. Does the "storage" mod count? lol.

[Flicktitty]

Is that a new IC pump?

Are you selling your truck already? could have sworn i saw it forsale?

[BlackLightning]

Still running the stock core?

No plans for mine. Does the "storage" mod count? lol.

mine is in storage as well. Stock IC core for now until I see more proof in the Trick units. The upgraded lines and pump alone should help a lot. Other then that I am still looking for a black keyless entry handle for the drivers door.

[OxmanWI]

.....

[OxmanWI]

Another thing, did you guys do the EGR delete? What do you think about this mod? Does WI dmv test for this delete during emissions testing?

Thanks

[animal]

mine is in storage as well. Stock IC core for now until I see more proof in the Trick units. The upgraded lines and pump alone should help a lot.
What is the inlet size on the stocker? I'd answer this for myself but i never even had that unhooked lol.


Other then that I am still looking for a black keyless entry handle for the drivers door.

Aren't we all :)

[animal]

What do you guys do for storage?

I store my cars with a buddy of mine in his pole barn.



I just replaced those crappy clear tail lights with stockers.

:thumbsup

Also no egr delete for me here. Prolly only cause I don't have the blockoff plate for it. I don't think it makes a difference either way besides making plug changes easier, but i never had a problem with that plug, only the far one.

[BlackLightning]

What is the inlet size on the stocker? I'd answer this for myself but i never even had that unhooked lol.

Aren't we all :)

5/8" stock IC core. The trick is 3/4" or 1" depending on model.


Another thing, did you guys do the EGR delete? What do you think about this mod? Does WI dmv test for this delete during emissions testing?

Thanks

I removed mine when I had bolt ons. It needs to be turned off in the tune. I have mine registered up north so no emissions but milwaukee only does the plug in on 2006 and newer if I am not mistaken. It makes plug changes much easier plus it cleans up the engine bay some.

[animal]

5/8" stock IC core. The trick is 3/4" or 1" depending on model.

So can you also widen that inlet at all or cut and put a larger one on?

[OxmanWI]

I removed mine when I had bolt ons. It needs to be turned off in the tune. I have mine registered up north so no emissions but milwaukee only does the plug in on 2006 and newer if I am not mistaken. It makes plug changes much easier plus it cleans up the engine bay some.

So I'll be ok if I'm registered in Waukesha? I see that it's not that hard to do, there are a couple how-to threads on L-rodder I guess I just need a block off plate and some hose connections. What did you use to cap off the plug on the exhaust header?

[animal]

So I'll be ok if I'm registered in Waukesha? I see that it's not that hard to do, there are a couple how-to threads on L-rodder I guess I just need a block off plate and some hose connections. What did you use to cap off the plug on the exhaust header?

Remove egr, install block plate with gasket or rtv i believe. Remove the pipe from the header. Then there's also a bunch of bullshit you can remove off that drivers side bracket that's all related to egr.

2 options for that header cap... cheap and cheaper...

1... go buy a brass garden hose cap. Same threads
2... cut the stock egr pipe to get the nut end off... put a quarter in the hole to block it and tighten it back down.

[BlackLightning]

So can you also widen that inlet at all or cut and put a larger one on?

3/4" hose works fine with hose clamps on the stock one. You could easily cut the ends off and weld bigger tapered ones on though.

[OxmanWI]

Just picked up this 01 intake, came with all the COPs, sensors and hoses for $400. Not bad.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/intake.jpg

[animal]

Just picked up this 01 intake, came with all the COPs, sensors and hoses for $400. Not bad.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/intake.jpg

SWEET!

Clean out the I/C core before install and ditch the pcv system so it stays clean :)

[OxmanWI]

What should I clean it with? Engine degreaser and then soak with water?

[animal]

What should I clean it with? Engine degreaser and then soak with water?

Usually guys take the whole thing apart and spray out the entire i/c core with carb cleaner or anything else that will get all that oil and gunk out of there. Spray til it comes out clean. Some guys end up needing a can or two. Be sure to put it all back together per proper tq specs. This would be available in the service manual. If you look around on nloc you can get the iso cd image file for the service manual cd.

[BlackLightning]

I sprayed mine with brake cleaner. I think I went through 2 cans then hit it with simple green and a hose. Some guys have had good luck soaking it in that castrol purple cleaner.

[OxmanWI]

.....

[OxmanWI]

....

[OxmanWI]

.....

[houstonsaxton]

let me know what you want for the catback , i might be intersted.

[BlackLightning]

Picked up a JLP intercooler reservoir tank

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/001-5.jpg

very nice. I got the same one and it fit perfect. I know some people have had fitment problems though. Trick also makes one now in plastic.

http://www.trickturbo.com/images/tanks/lightning2.jpg

[OxmanWI]

let me know what you want for the catback , i might be intersted.

I don't have it off yet, the tear down is on hold. I have a couple house project before I get back to the Lightning.


very nice. I got the same one and it fit perfect. I know some people have had fitment problems though. Trick also makes one now in plastic.


Sweet, I like that it's plastic (trick). I know the JLP is going to fade after a while. Too bad it doesn't have a built in windshield washer tank, I'd rather take that.

[OxmanWI]

....

[animal]

Those contact marks look like they could be older. You'd hear it if it was a real problem. Probably someone installed that blower once and improperly torqued it down, or they ran it with an incorrect amount of oil and overheated the case. Or maybe they fried the old black spider coupler and mis-timed the rotors at first on the rebuild. I don't think it'd be a huge problem as long as it turns smooth and free right now and you haven't been hearing any weird noise coming off it. Send those rotor contact pics to matt at kenne bell and see what his thoughts are... they're the experts anyway.

Also looks like someone ground down a little around the bypass... not a huge deal. Not sure WHY you'd ever do that. Who cares if air flows perfect when you're bypassing the s/c anyway?

If you can find one and afford it... this is the perfect opportunity to pick up a jlp sheetmetal intake plenum for that puppy. You could then ditch the restrictor plate that mates to the stock intake plenum. WAY MORE WHINE :) They're like 450ish used IF you can find them, 600 new if JLP still makes em.

Be sure to clean the hell out of that intercooler core, the blower rotors, and the valley if you're planning on ditching the PCV system anyway. It'll stay perfect then. If you're keeping the PCV, then just make sure its reasonably clean when you reassemble. It'd get dirty again anyway.

[BOSS LX]

What is a good price on a white 2004 with 27000 miles? It has the normal bolt ins. Might be time to get back in a lightning.

[OxmanWI]

Those contact marks look like they could be older. You'd hear it if it was a real problem. Probably someone installed that blower once and improperly torqued it down, or they ran it with an incorrect amount of oil and overheated the case. Or maybe they fried the old black spider coupler and mis-timed the rotors at first on the rebuild. I don't think it'd be a huge problem as long as it turns smooth and free right now and you haven't been hearing any weird noise coming off it. Send those rotor contact pics to matt at kenne bell and see what his thoughts are... they're the experts anyway.

Also looks like someone ground down a little around the bypass... not a huge deal. Not sure WHY you'd ever do that. Who cares if air flows perfect when you're bypassing the s/c anyway?

If you can find one and afford it... this is the perfect opportunity to pick up a jlp sheetmetal intake plenum for that puppy. You could then ditch the restrictor plate that mates to the stock intake plenum. WAY MORE WHINE :) They're like 450ish used IF you can find them, 600 new if JLP still makes em.

Be sure to clean the hell out of that intercooler core, the blower rotors, and the valley if you're planning on ditching the PCV system anyway. It'll stay perfect then. If you're keeping the PCV, then just make sure its reasonably clean when you reassemble. It'd get dirty again anyway.

Since I bought it I never heard any bad noises coming from the blower. I'm sure the previous owner had to replace the black spider coupler after he had heard something going on. Maybe that's where the damage came from? But when I do turn it by hand I hear and feel a little tapping noise from the rotors touching.

I've had nothing but bad customer service from KB. Great kits, but horrible people to talk to on the phone. They'll just tell you to mail the SC in and have it rebuilt for the $700.

I'm going to get a JLP plenum either way, just waiting for my tax returns to come back. Do you have one? I forgot.

For sure the PCV and EGR are going to get deleted. That oily mess has to go!


What is a good price on a white 2004 with 27000 miles? It has the normal bolt ins. Might be time to get back in a lightning.

Id' say around 17-20 K? Those are low miles.:thumbsup

[animal]

What is a good price on a white 2004 with 27000 miles? It has the normal bolt ins. Might be time to get back in a lightning.

Its kinda all over the map. Anywhere between 17 and 22 it would seem.

Here's a perpared one with 51k and a lot of extras for $19k just waiting for a built bottom end and big power.

http://www.nloc.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=18574&title=2004-lightning&cat=6

[animal]

Since I bought it I never heard any bad noises coming from the blower. I'm sure the previous owner had to replace the black spider coupler after he had heard something going on. Maybe that's where the damage came from? But when I do turn it by hand I hear and feel a little tapping noise from the rotors touching.

I've had nothing but bad customer service from KB. Great kits, but horrible people to talk to on the phone. They'll just tell you to mail the SC in and have it rebuilt for the $700.

I'm not sure why he dremel ported around the bypass, I'm tempted to send him an email and ask why. The other thing that gets me…is all the little things I keep finding. Once I took the SC off I had a really good look at the firewall. Looks like he banged it back. I think he had a JLP plenum on there before he sold it to me. Which also might explain why there’s a stock 80mm MAF, a rusty C&L intake tube, miss-matched COPs and a bent up cat back exhaust. I think he jacked all the good performance parts off the car and reflashed it with a shitty mail order tune.

I'm going to get a JPL plenum either way, just waiting for my tax returns to come back. Do you have one? I forgot.

For sure the PCV and EGR are going to get deleted. That oily mess has to go!


Nope no sheetmetal here, I'm stock :shades

I never called KB. I had nothing but good replies from matt though over email inquiring about their kits. He was always very helpful and willing to answer questions however dumb they were. Not sure if he still works there or not tho.

He may've also banged it back just to get the blower on. A lot of guys don't know you have to pull the rear dowel out to get the blower on without mashing the firewall a bit.

That thing is pretty bad looking though, clean or paint it for sure before the reinstall.

Clicking while you rotate it is a little concerning to me. Does it still happen now while the snout is off?

Did he give you the heaton just in case so its not dead in the water if something happens?

[OxmanWI]

Nope no sheetmetal here, I'm stock :shades

I never called KB. I had nothing but good replies from matt though over email inquiring about their kits. He was always very helpful and willing to answer questions however dumb they were. Not sure if he still works there or not tho.

He may've also banged it back just to get the blower on. A lot of guys don't know you have to pull the rear dowel out to get the blower on without mashing the firewall a bit.

That thing is pretty bad looking though, clean or paint it for sure before the reinstall.

Clicking while you rotate it is a little concerning to me. Does it still happen now while the snout is off?

Did he give you the heaton just in case so its not dead in the water if something happens?

I'll send an email to Matt, never talked to him before.

I'm thinking about having it polished, but I don't know how much that is going to cost me. I have a friend to does polishing and powder coating.

I'll go out and check, and edit this.(edit: still does it with out the nose.)

Nope I just have the KB

[jakedrew]

http://www.stiegemeier.com/

send the blower there.

good luck

[OxmanWI]

http://www.stiegemeier.com/

send the blower there.

good luck

Not sure they rebuild the Kenne Bells, I just sent them an email to make sure.

[animal]

Not sure they rebuild the Kenne Bells, I just sent them an email to make sure.

I've heard they can do them depending what it involves.

[BlackLightning]

bob might not even touch it considering what appears to be holes from a half ass attempt to port it. I am not sure what the back of the KB looks like but wondering where those holes lead to.

[animal]

One a side note... Change your plugs now! It will never be easier ;)

[animal]

bob might not even touch it considering what appears to be holes from a half ass attempt to port it. I am not sure what the back of the KB looks like but wondering where those holes lead to.

In the pictures i've seen, the back of it is flat except for two holes that access the rotor bearings or retaining bolts or something like that. Not sure I see the holes you're referring to. Are you talking about 2 oclock from the bypass hole, and another at 3 oclock on the other side of the partition?

If those are indeed holes, they would be poking into the right side rotor shaft access hole as I described above. If memory serves, these are sealed holes from the back face of the blower. Unsure if that'd make a difference or not. Doubt it. If those holes aren't sealed then I suppose it could cause a small oil leak behind the motor or perhaps a tiny vacuum leak in the right circumstance. Still seems like something that a dab of JB weld would fix without too much problem.

[OxmanWI]

bob might not even touch it considering what appears to be holes from a half ass attempt to port it. I am not sure what the back of the KB looks like but wondering where those holes lead to.

Edit: saw Dave's post. Didn't see them at first)


One a side note... Change your plugs now! It will never be easier ;)

Yea the plugs and cops

[OxmanWI]

In the pictures i've seen, the back of it is flat except for two holes that access the rotor bearings or retaining bolts or something like that. Not sure I see the holes you're referring to. Are you talking about 2 oclock from the bypass hole, and another at 3 oclock on the other side of the partition?

If those are indeed holes, they would be poking into the right side rotor shaft access hole as I described above. If memory serves, these are sealed holes from the back face of the blower. Unsure if that'd make a difference or not. Doubt it. If those holes aren't sealed then I suppose it could cause a small oil leak behind the motor or perhaps a tiny vacuum leak in the right circumstance. Still seems like something that a dab of JB weld would fix without too much problem.

Are those holes supposed to be there? Or did someone drill them out?

[animal]

Are those holes supposed to be there? Or did someone drill them out?

If those are actually holes as I described... it looks almost like they ported too much material out and left a hole there. Hard to tell from the pic if those are holes or just crud.

[OxmanWI]

If those are actually holes as I described... it looks almost like they ported too much material out and left a hole there. Hard to tell from the pic if those are holes or just crud.

I'll go out to the garage and take some better pictures. I'll be right back.

edit: Looks like the hole does not go through. I'm really tempted to email the previous owner and ask him what the deal is with the home porting.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/004-1.jpg

[OxmanWI]

I just talked to Matt from Kenne Bell. Nice guy. He said I can send it in so they can inspect and repair it. Rebuilds start at $699 but can go up from there. There are light scuffs on the rotors but nothing that should be causing a problem. He said if the score marks were major he would be a bit more concerned about it. So I guess I'm ok.

Dave have you ever taken your 2.3 apart and changed out the bearing and seals?

Thanks again for your help guys, I appreciate all the info. Also don't let me hog the thread, if you guys have any projects going on post up too. :)

[animal]

I just talked to Matt from Kenne Bell. Nice guy. He said I can send it in so they can inspect and repair it. Rebuilds start at $699 but can go up from there. There are light scuffs on the rotors but nothing that should be causing a problem. He said if the score marks were major he would be a bit more concerned about it. So I guess I'm ok.

Dave have you ever taken your 2.3 apart and changed out the bearing and seals?

Thanks again for your help guys, I appreciate all the info. Also don't let me hog the thread, if you guys have any projects going on post up too. :)

I have never taken any blower apart much less a twin screw. There's a how-to on nloc though... or maybe it was on lrodder. The guy pulled it all apart and did new bearings and seals. He had to order some parts but it didn't seem to be a big deal from what I saw. Hardest part is timing of the rotors upon reassembly but iirc that was just kindof a hit or miss adjustment til you got it right.

So does that mean you're gonna send it in? or just that he said if you were concerned you COULD send it in? I knew that'd be the baseline response but Matt at least seems like he'll level with you on things.

If you have the coin though, since you're on a built block and this one isn't toast... you could prolly sell that blower for 1600-1900 and pick up a used 2.6 or 2.8 for 3 something. It'd be a nice upgrade :devil If you spent the 700 on a rebuild you'd almost be there.

[OxmanWI]

I have never taken any blower apart much less a twin screw. There's a how-to on nloc though... or maybe it was on lrodder. The guy pulled it all apart and did new bearings and seals. He had to order some parts but it didn't seem to be a big deal from what I saw. Hardest part is timing of the rotors upon reassembly but iirc that was just kindof a hit or miss adjustment til you got it right.

So does that mean you're gonna send it in? or just that he said if you were concerned you COULD send it in? I knew that'd be the baseline response but Matt at least seems like he'll level with you on things.

If you have the coin though, since you're on a built block and this one isn't toast... you could prolly sell that blower for 1600-1900 and pick up a used 2.6 or 2.8 for 3 something. It'd be a nice upgrade :devil If you spent the 700 on a rebuild you'd almost be there.

I think I'll just take it apart and look at the bearings, seals and grease it up. Yea that thread is on NLOC seems to be a pretty strait forward tear down. Just need the special tool, yet you can prolly make your own. I'm not going send it in, I'll just check it out and throw it back on.

I just sent the whole case and C&L elbow to my buddy that polishes. Should have it back in a month or so depending how busy he is.

I'll just stay with the KB 2.3 for now, maybe something bigger down the road.:headbang

Next I'm taking the exhaust headers off to have them ceramic coated.

[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

Good call on the stainless Y fitting :)

Looks like you're "underway" to a nice install season :)

[OxmanWI]

I'm just glad to have you and Garry for the tips and tricks! More info from you guys then the Lightning forums. :D

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlueOvalBolt]

Any thought of replacing the gray carpet with black like animal's while you're at it? It looks pretty good.

[OxmanWI]

Yea I decided to clean it up the best I can and just dye it black. Also looking to do the expy center console swap as well.

[animal]

Yea I decided to clean it up the best I can and just dye it black. Also looking to do the expy center console swap as well.

It was really easy and cheap. I think I paid like 225 for the black carpeting from acc mats.

[BlackLightning]

The black carpet looks great but I bet it shows everything. I know I'd rather not have to vacuum it out after every time I drive. I think if you were going replacement maybe a darker grey would still look great and not show every spec of dust.

[animal]

The black carpet looks great but I bet it shows everything. I know I'd rather not have to vacuum it out after every time I drive.

Actually you'd be surprised. Admittedly part of that is my own attention/ocd of what I drag in on my feet. I vacuum no more than 2-3 times a year though and the carpet always looks great. Every so often I pull the floor mats out and shake them off but thats really about it. Compared to the paint, the carpet is really low maintenance.

[OxmanWI]

My Cobalt, Thunderbird and the girls car has black carpet. I like how it hides the foot traffic colors of tans and browns. A gray carpet would show all those colors compared to black.

[OxmanWI]

BTW do you guys have the number for that upholstery shop? Strait Line and Steve? Right?

[BlackLightning]

262-246-8282 Steve at Straight Line Upholstery. take pics of the driver seat with you. I can send you the ones I showed him the second time around if I can find them.

[animal]

BTW do you guys have the number for that upholstery shop? Strait Line and Steve? Right?

262-246-8282

Ah shit, he beat me to it lol... didnt see the last page.

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

Did you take your stock seat base with so he can cut off and reweld the bolster support on the new one?

[animal]

Did you take your stock seat base with so he can cut off and reweld the bolster support on the new one?

I didn't. All those do is end up cutting their way through to your thigh :) Many people just bust those off anyway.

[BlackLightning]

I had it done on mine after seeing others recommend it on LR. I put rubber hose over it and then a piece of foam over that to prevent it from cutting through the bolster. It helps keep the shape so you don't end up with a floppy bolster over time.

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

I thought I told you I had some extra criss-cross vinyl that you could've covered the lid with. It'll match the leather inserts on the seats. Lemme know if you want a lid sized piece of it :)

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

seat turned out great. he has it down pat now after doing at least 3 of them.

[OxmanWI]

Steve is a super nice guy, I had a big smile on my face when I saw the seat. I can't thank you guys enough for all your help! :)

[animal]

Steve is a super nice guy, I had a big smile on my face when I saw the seat. I can't thank you guys enough for all your help! :)

Can't speak for the others but I'm just happy to see someone 'doing her right' for that poor truck. Previous owner was a tard.

[OxmanWI]

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[FoxStang]

Cleaned all the trim pieces with warm water and mild soup.



Did you use cream of mushroom or chicken noodle?:goof

I saw a Lightning on Monday and now I have the urge to track one down and get one as soon as I make some cash out of school...
Btw, awesome updates, keep them coming.

[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/oxman64/001-8.jpg

Thats a perfect picture to give you a tip on... See the leading edge of the console, where it will butt up against the black floor vent surround in the truck? DO yourself a favor and cut the white plastic piece inside the console so that the console will mount flush against the floor vent surround. Just that little 1/2" x 1" corner white triangle on both sides will do. This will make it MUCH easier to slide the console forward and lock into the mounting brackets. Apparently the expy's dont have the same flat surround. On mine, that little white corner that sticks out was making it really hard to slide the console forward. If I would've forced it, it may've even preloaded enough force in the bind to crack the black plastic piece on a big bump.

Lookin good so far. You'll love the console, but seriously I think you should consider recovering the lid with the crisscross material I have. It is an exact match to the seat inserts. You can take a look once I get it out of storage and see what you think. I originally had standard black leather on mine... this looks WAY better :)

[OxmanWI]

Thats a perfect picture to give you a tip on... See the leading edge of the console, where it will butt up against the black floor vent surround in the truck? DO yourself a favor and cut the white plastic piece inside the console so that the console will mount flush against the floor vent surround. Just that little 1/2" x 1" corner white triangle on both sides will do. This will make it MUCH easier to slide the console forward and lock into the mounting brackets. Apparently the expy's dont have the same flat surround. On mine, that little white corner that sticks out was making it really hard to slide the console forward. If I would've forced it, it may've even preloaded enough force in the bind to crack the black plastic piece on a big bump.

Lookin good so far. You'll love the console, but seriously I think you should consider recovering the lid with the crisscross material I have. It is an exact match to the seat inserts. You can take a look once I get it out of storage and see what you think. I originally had standard black leather on mine... this looks WAY better :)

Yes, you are right. Melman? From lightning Rodder was telling me the same about the white plastic. Well if you insist, maybe I could stop by your place and see your material, and how much did you want for it? I'm free Monday and Tuesday if you want to meet up.

I should be done with the interior Monday or Tuesday. I just have to tap the holes for the brackets and seat. Install the rest of the interior and move on to the engine bay area. The guy that is polishing the SC finally called me back. Should pick it up tomorrow.

[animal]

Yes, you are right. Melman? From lightning Rodder was telling me the same about the white plastic. Well if you insist, maybe I could stop by your place and see your material, and how much did you want for it? I'm free Monday and Tuesday if you want to meet up.

I should be done with the interior Monday or Tuesday. I just have to tap the holes for the brackets and seat. Install the rest of the interior and move on to the engine bay area. The guy that is polishing the SC finally called me back. Should pick it up tomorrow.


I go to the Y over by your place on my lunch hour. Are you around mon/tues right around lunch? I can meet up wiht you at the Y there and give it to you. Someone gave me this material for the same thing a couple years ago. It's free for you as long as you promise to pass it along to the next lightning owner that needs it for free :) There should be enough there for 2-3 more consoles iirc

[BlackLightning]

I'd be interested in a piece for my widetop console if there is any left.. :drool:


you get that KC installed yet or is that for this year?

[animal]

I'd be interested in a piece for my widetop console if there is any left.. :drool:


you get that KC installed yet or is that for this year?

There should be. I have to dig it out to check for sure.

KC is on the docket for this year... truck hasn't even been out of storage yet.

[OxmanWI]

Dave sent you a text message. let me know.

Angry and relieved at the same time. After 7 long weeks of waiting I finally got my parts back today. What a waste of my fucking time and money! Number one key to good business is communication. Some people don't get it. I WILL never talk to this dude again. I wanted to have this stuff polished but now I'll have to settle with paint. So fucking pissed off right now.

[BlackLightning]

what happened?

[animal]

Just pulled out the material, there is probably a little over a yard of it left in square inches, but its kindof in an L shape. I'd say theres easily enough there for 3, maybe even 4lids depending how you slice it. Use as much as you need, but try to cut it so that IF theres enough material for a 4th lid, that you leave that available to the next guy... if there is anyone else in the future lol. Also, it was rolled/folded up when I got it, so I'd suggest you let it bake up in the sun a bit before putting it on the lid. Its not creased bad or anything, but kinda wavy. I let mine bake up a bit in the summer sun and it flattened right out like any other vinyl.

I have it in my car, so we can meet up tomorrow at about noon if you want oxman, and then when you're done with it, you can give it to BL.

[OxmanWI]

Sweet baby Jesus that material is super nice. Looks just like the seats. Garry did you want it?

[BlackLightning]

Yea if there is enough left.

[animal]

Yea if there is enough left.

Easily enough there for 3 consoles. Likely enough for 4 as long as you guys don't cut too much larger than whats needed for one lid.

Told you it matches Ox :) It can be a bitch to stretch into place though because its kinda resistant to folding but you'll get it with some elbow grease.

[OxmanWI]

Garry sent you a PM, I can meet up on Sunday.

[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

BTW nice DD Mustang GT 40th. Best DD ever I'd say. Question is, how did you get around in the snow?

Simple...

http://www.generaltire.com/images/tires_app/1237933017altimaxArcticFront.jpg

;)

Somehow I got a GT with no abs and no traction control. Makes it even more fun... but you'd be surprised how well it does in the snow with those tires.

It's got a catback and shifter and thats it.

Glad you like it though. You'd never know lookin at it that it went through 4 winters eh?

[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

Did you order that sheetmetal intake new or did you find it used somewhere?

[OxmanWI]

I bought it new, I had a WTB thread for weeks with no bites.

[animal]

I bought it new, I had a WTB thread for weeks with no bites.

Wow, nice. I just can't bring myself to spend 6 hundy on that. Just passively waiting for a deal around 400 used.

[BlackLightning]

Hey dave thanks for the fabric. I can't recall which you had but I'm thinking it might only be enough for 1 wide and 1 narrow. I stopped by john at perfection auto next door to me to see if he possibly had any laying around in his fabric stash since he does all kinds of dealer repair work. He found it in his book but he had none. It was also offered in 2002 windstars the book said. Just a little piece of info.

[OxmanWI]

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[animal]

I couldnt see the pic but if the one guy is right in that post, then yeah you'll have to remove the chip before tuning. Obviously you can't take the chip out before taking it to the dyno tho, so you'll have to make arragements to remove it or have it removed before the tuning session starts.

What size pulleys are you gonna run?

Not sure offhand which o2's those codes refer to...

[animal]

Hey dave thanks for the fabric. I can't recall which you had but I'm thinking it might only be enough for 1 wide and 1 narrow. I stopped by john at perfection auto next door to me to see if he possibly had any laying around in his fabric stash since he does all kinds of dealer repair work. He found it in his book but he had none. It was also offered in 2002 windstars the book said. Just a little piece of info.

I have a narrow. I had no idea the windstars had that fabric lol. If theres not enough for 3, then there's not enough for 3. I was only eyeballin it :)

[OxmanWI]

I'm going to run the 9 inch crank with the 3 inch SC. I think they are upstream codes. I'm not worried about the EGR because I deleted it. I have no idea why the EVAP is pulling codes seeing that I didn't touch it. I can turn both of those off in the tune. But I hate O2 codes. They can screw with the AF and make it lean. That and the dumb 80 MAF is trouble. I did decide to go with Marve at C&M and we have a dyno tune appointment on the 27th. Going with the SCT BA 3000 MAFand X3 Flash device. Maybe he can help me sort out the O2s, but I'm just uneasy about driving it up there. Fuck me...

[animal]

I'm going to run the 9 inch crank with the 3 inch SC. I think they are upstream codes. I'm not worried about the EGR because I deleted it. I have no idea why the EVAP is pulling codes seeing that I didn't touch it. I can turn both of those off in the tune. But I hate O2 codes. They can screw with the AF and make it lean. That and the dumb 80 MAF is trouble. I did decide to go with Marve at C&M and we have a dyno tune appointment on the 27th. Going with the SCT BA 3000 MAFand X3 Flash device. Maybe he can help me sort out the O2s, but I'm just uneasy about driving it up there. Fuck me...

Just stay out of boost for the drive, you dont have that far to go.

[BlackLightning]

if it's the rear o2's just plug them and have it turned off in the tune because the high flows might be messing with the readings causing the codes. if you have a xcal plug it in and clear the codes and see if they come back. if they come back or it's the front o2's I think I have a set of fronts you could try out.

[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

it looks like 110 is for the power windows.

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

check your o2 harnesses for burns for blowing fuse 23.

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

finally found one. just have to clean it up.

http://www.racers-edge.org/doorhandleblack.jpg

[OxmanWI]

Bone yard?

[BlackLightning]

yea. rt 12 auto parts and salvage in richmond, il. found it on car-part.com

[animal]

yea. rt 12 auto parts and salvage in richmond, il. found it on car-part.com

Nice find. Plug n play for our trucks :)

Ox, what was your question about the actuator? Sorry I couldn't get back to you yesterday? Limited availability on phone today.

[OxmanWI]

If you look at this picture, you can see that there is a BLACK and PINK vacuum line coming from the boost actuator. On my Kenne Bell 2.3 there is no port for the BLACK line on the boost actuator. Where am I supposed to tap in for the BLACK line coming off the intake elbow? I also have the EGR deleted.

http://www.lightningrodder.com/gallery/data/515/medium/dcp_0067.jpg

[animal]

If you look at this picture, you can see that there is a BLACK and PINK vacuum line coming from the boost actuator. On my Kenne Bell 2.3 there is no port for the BLACK line on the boost actuator. Where am I supposed to tap in for the BLACK line coming off the intake elbow? I also have the EGR deleted.

http://www.lightningrodder.com/gallery/data/515/medium/dcp_0067.jpg

Normally you delete the black line altogether... but you did the egr delete. From this post it looks like you have to manually tie into the boost line from the cab:

http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-2-lightnings/196218-kenne-bell-2-3-a.html

With something as important as vacuum to the actuator though (trust me its important on the 2.3)... Call Matt at KB. I'd want their opinion as opposed to some forum boneheads. Mine wouldn't be a good reference because I didn't delete the egr.

[BlackLightning]

that line normally stays with an egr delete. The black goes from intake to actuator and pink goes from actuator to vac boost reference tee. With the KB I would think the black would get eliminated since it doesn't have two barbs on the actuator but I don't have a kb or half those vac lines so call KB like dave suggested.

pic of mine when I had an eaton
http://racers-edge.org/egrgone.jpg


also I found the handle is only plug and play if you order the $200 dollars worth of parts from the dealer or get parts from 2 vehicles. The stock expedition keypad and harness only has a 7" or so pigtail on it. I don;t know what models have the longer one. It's not a big deal though I am just extending the wires. I only paid 45 shipped for it which is a hell of a lot better then buying the handles from the dealer which now only comes unpainted, the 110 dollar keypad and then having to have it painted ;)

[animal]

Just a spring reminder, change your fuel filter especially if you have the stock size :)

[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

It sounds like something is drawing power when it isn't supposed to. Make sure you don't have anything turned on and check any aftermarket relays you might have for stereo, fans etc to make sure they aren't stuck open.

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[Reverend Cooper]

so what did it run

[OxmanWI]

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[OxmanWI]

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[BlackLightning]

What kind of issues were you having? I only drove mine three times this year and figured fuck it and stuck it in storage until next year.

[OxmanWI]

...............

[BlackLightning]

Like they said that is definitely from detonation. What is your wideband reading? I'd point to the cooler weather and the tune. I wouldn't go and sell everything just yet. It should be an easy fix assuming there isn't any serious damage in that cylinder.

[animal]

Holy balls dude... I know I said there could be something bouncing around in there... never thought i could've been right though....

[BlackLightning]

Yea was not expecting that. I figured since he just cleaned the ic there was no way anything was in there. Ouch

[animal]

Well hopefully it'll still run well. Though pistons that look like the moon usually aren't long for this world...

Figures a JLP sheetmetal intake is for sale locally ONLY after I make another major purchase.... sigh.

Josh, thanks for the couple days but there's just no way I can come up with the cash for that. Sorry man.