2 MODS of a LARGE list done today

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck-picture13140-dsc04316.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck-picture13141-dsc04317.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck-picture13139-dsc04313.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck-picture13138-dsc04314.jpg

[fordtough.ca]

Very Nice
Looks like the truck will be sleeping for next 4 months :)
Whats next on the list ?

[BlairTruck]

i think i am gonna get a set of those clear corners. I have those carbon fiber tails but i tinted mine.

[SKRWZ]

Sweet looks great:icon_lol::icon_biggrin::icon_biggrin:

[MJG]

Thanks.
Lightnings came with 'clear' corners but still have an ugly amber stripe, so it had to go. I was planning on tinting my tails, but I went this route instead, love it

Next on the list....
Navigator Console (almost complete, waiting on new lid recovering)
Bucket racing seats
Custom Lightning LED head unit with deck
Trading my 01 stock rims for 03-04 set and throwing Slicks on them(have 20" reps on now)
Removing front isolators for another 1/2" drop, remove/de-arch rear leaf for another 1" drop
Cervini tailgate wing
L&S oil seperator
Hopefully Port the blower
Paint my guage pod pillar
Upgrading to an even larger fluidyne heat exchanger
Possibly throw in an xpipe for a little better flow and sound to my catback
Some other odds n ends, but I can't remember as my list is posted on my office wall:icon_lol:

[MJG]

OH and I'm waiting on Fedex to deliver my FTVB (valve body) and upgraded tranny pan (1 extra quart for cooling purposes)
Can't wait to hear the rubber chirp hard when going from 1-2..
I know I will be getting complaints from the chicky on the 'whiplash' factor

[Lilbigtrk]

looks good man

[BlairTruck]

OH and I'm waiting on Fedex to deliver my FTVB (valve body) and upgraded tranny pan (1 extra quart for cooling purposes)
Can't wait to hear the rubber chirp hard when going from 1-2..
I know I will be getting complaints from the chicky on the 'whiplash' factor

i love my ftvb also. probably best bang for the buck mod.
Also a cheap mod is to fill silencer holes. with 13lbs and silencer holes filed. mine screams

[MJG]

I contemplated filling them but decided not to.
I'm going performance on my truck, with my 4 lb lower and a stage 5 port, it will do just dandy until I go built.
I'm focused on trying to put less stress on the truck wherever and however I can, and I know filling silencer holes and painting the blower etc causes extra heat, so I'll pass...but I bet she screams, even without the holes filled she's loud

[truckpilot]

Nice work, she's looking good.

[98nascartruck]

The new headlights and taillights looks great and see you have a nice list of mods for the truck :happy-smiley-541:

[Black Ice]

The head and tails look great.

[HD Chrome]

Looks good!

[mitchbtu]

Looks SWEEEEEEEET!!!!

[flip_86]

Looks great, i would strongly recommend a Killer Chiller over the fluidyne, its more money but lowers the intercooler temps way more, be sure to add water weter as well.

[BlairTruck]

Looks great, i would strongly recommend a Killer Chiller over the fluidyne, its more money but lowers the intercooler temps way more, be sure to add water weter as well.

agreed. but i need both

[MJG]

Agreed, BUT the fluidyne I picked up new was only 100 bucks compared to 450+shipping!!!!!!!

Next, I don't feel the need for a killer chiller is quite necessary just yet until I go built. Cooler temps aid in perfomance and reduce risk of pre-detoation, BUT nothing is fool proof, so I think the fluidyne will work awesome for our canadian climate.

[BlairTruck]

I think the same way on the killer chiller. it aint that hot here. guys in Texas and Florida are afraid of 10c being to cold to run there trucks and are running in extreme heatsfor 80% of the year. and most of the lightnings are in the south. that's why the KC was made.
Where did you get the fluidyne for that price. When i cleaned my inter cooler a few years ago i broke the petcock off the stock heat exchanger and have been looking for a deal every since on an aftermarket heat exchanger

[MJG]

I got extremely lucky and was in on a large group buy where they were going for 250 a pop.
I also deal alot with the vendor so he shipped it to me for 100 as an early present.

[MJG]

Obviously I will be removing my stocker, can sell it to you if you want.
Has been ony my truck for a whopping 20,000 kms

[shelbyx1]

good score on the parts trucks looking great,can't wait for more pics:)

[swackly]

looking good

[Denis254]

Looking nice man^^congratz:D

[MJG]

Well continuing with the large MOD list again today...
removed bumper, awaiting rollpan to show up

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14551-dsc04354.jpg

Removed my lower grille for adjustment and will be swapping out my heat exchanger for the Fluidyne
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14555-dsc04351.jpg
My setup to begin SC removal, sending itout to get ported for some more HP
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14553-dsc04369.jpg
Before
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14556-dsc04349.jpg
During
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14557-dsc04379.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14554-dsc04382.jpg
After
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14560-dsc04383.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14558-dsc04385.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14552-dsc04355.jpg

And painted my junkyard console, got the lid redone, currently painting the surround piece around cupholders etc, and awaitingg custom engraved plate(you'll see when its done)
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture14562-dsc04343.jpg

Thats it for now....lots more to come, will be my winter saga

[truckpilot]

Truck looks great, nice to have the wide open spaces of underground parking. What HP are you expecting after the SC work?

[MJG]

430-440@wheels,520ish ft lbs

[truckpilot]

430-440@wheels,520ish ft lbs

Very nice! Maybe I should SC mine...$$$$$$$$$

[MJG]

Well I'll tell you one thing, the MOD bug is VERY addictive.
I told myself my truck would stay stock......I added up money spent to date, over 10gs, with more to come. My advice, stay away lol
I figured at first ok maybe some cosmetic looks, then it went into performance, then now into weight reduction, doesnt stop!

[Denis254]

nice man looking good

[MJG]

Well more slow but steady progress....

Blower, throttle body and plenum came back From Steige's all nicely cleaned up and Ported.
Removing my intercooler this weekend for a good clean then piecing the blower and all vacuum lines etc back together.
I will be installing my Oil Seperator at the same time.

My bench seat was cut down and turned into a bucket seat. I used an Expedition seat pan from the junker, just picked up a new female buckle end in the factory colour new from ford today....will look new!
Console will be fabbed in next weekend as well.

Left still to do....
-install blower
-remove my 4# pulley and install my 6#
-install oil sep
-install New Heat Exchanger
-complete console and seat install
-install FTVB (tranny valve body) and larger tranny pan/filter
-install lakewood traction bars
-fab up and prep my roll pan
-ordered my smoothie side steps from cervinis
-removed my A Pillar and going to paint factory grey
-install my LED head unit and deck
- ordered an MTX thunderform
- going to remove 1 leaf and the front isolators for even more of a drop

Now just trying to figure out what 10" subs to buy and component speakers...
Will have to send out my rollpan, side steps and other miscellaneous parts out for paint at some point too.....

Also thinking about ordering a set of 2 catted high flow mid pipes from Magnaflow to bolt up to my Magnaflow Catback....

ONCE THIS IS ALL PUT TOGETHER I will be having a nice road trip in the spring.
I will be throwing the Lightning onto a float and towing it down to Maryland to JJ's shop to get a nice healthy Dyno tune by one of the best, will post numbers then.


I will be posting pics over the winter til she's complete!

I guess you could say this thread is my 'journal'

P.S. I have my 4# lower pulley and belt in the classifieds:icon_biggrin:

[Coruptyed]

looking good, love your truck looks awesome!

[MJG]

Before
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture17915-dsc04850.jpg
After
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture17916-dsc04852.jpg
Before
http://image.automotive.com/f/roadtests/pickup/8276255/163_0407_forddodge_16s+2004_ford_lightning+front_i nterior_view.jpg
Bench turned into bucket
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture17914-dsc04811.jpg
Mocked up, still work to do but on it's way
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture17913-dsc04812.jpg

[MJG]

Installing my oil seperator today to mark another small thing off my list and turn the motor over.
Sunday (6 hours worth of work) i reinstalled the Blower, Throttle Body and PLenum which were all ported by Stiegemeier. MAN o MAN what a pain in the butt to get that stuff back on and torqued down. But should be well worth it....should be at the 440/510 range come spring!!

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture18257-port2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture18256-port.jpg

[MJG]

Well, I have been OnCall for work the past week and a half and haven't had time to get back at my truck.
I started to TAP the hole in the floor of the truck to mount my bucket bracket...but the darn tap twisted and SNAPPED and now it's stick right in there....I will attack it sometime this week with some liquid wrench, a drill, and a few e-z-outs then tap it again.
I think I'll be installing my FTVB and upgraded tranny pan this week and maybe even my larger heat exchanger.
I also just ordered a custom fit dual sub enclosure for behind my buckets, so when that arrives it will be time to go out and start hunting for good subs and component speakers and a couple amps. Any tips or info on a place to get/what to get sound system wise let me know!!

[MJG]

Sub Box is done...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1271

Driveshaft loop showed up today....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1272

Rollpan, rear side steps, and side step smoothies are here too....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1273
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1280
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1284

Picked up myself one of these for my tailgate....
http://planetauto.homestead.com/files/red.jpg

[MJG]

Some insurance to not throw my rods through the block....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1274


Once this goes in to firm up my shifts.....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1281


then this will replace the stocker after...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1275

This will help keep that screaming blower cooler...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1276

I'll need it cooler cuz this baby will spin that blower that much faster...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1279

[BlairTruck]

holy crap thats a good haul.
Your gonna love the added boost.
how much for the intercooler. i need to replace mine.
FTVB Best Bang for the buck mod i did. love the shifts

[MJG]

Reduce my wheel hop andhook better...well 'hook' for a truck at least...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1277
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1278

This will be going in with a new sound system....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1285

And this to spice it up....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1282


FINALLY removed my pillar and going to paint it to match interior....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1283

[MJG]

Yea, the ported blower and 6lb will be WAY different than last years 4 lb only setup

[MJG]

holy crap thats a good haul.
Your gonna love the added boost.
how much for the intercooler. i need to replace mine.
FTVB Best Bang for the buck mod i did. love the shifts

You mean the stock Heat Exchanger?
I dunno, make me an offer

[BlairTruck]

even more mods. Lakewoods work great also

[MJG]

Its been a long winter and ive become a weekend warrior mechanic with this puppy in storage

[MJG]

http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov05046jg9.flv

Just a quick vid of the truck running since I reinstalled the blower etc.
Looking over it, with the smoothie side steps,rear steps, rollpan, tailgate handle, license front bracket all painted red, it will look clean!

ALSO right now I have the Magnaflow catback...I was thinking of putting in the Magnaflow high flow midpipes with 2 highflow cats, but those run like 800 bucks!!!
The stock system has 4 cats, I figure I could cut 4 out, weld some straight pipe and install 2 high flow cats, that should only runme 300-400 bucks including labour.
I just hope I never get pulled over by the environmental patrol team...if they found out I removed cats, big ticket.

[BlairTruck]

defiinitly just cut and add your own highflows.
here is a vid if you just change the magnaflow.

Click here to watch Vroom-Vroom-57 (http://media.putfile.com/Vroom-Vroom-57)

[MJG]

Ya I figure that's the route I'll take, won't look as nice but who cares!

[MJG]

Plus I now have wholesale prices on a large brand of Rims and cooper, falken, toyo, pirelli and more tires. Good excuse to melt some rubber!!

If anyone around Ontario is looking for tires, shoot me a pm and I'll see what I can come up with.

[MJG]

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1286

[MJG]

For my center console cup holder surround...
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1299
Finally painting my pillar, couple coats left..
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1300

[LayinHp]

trucks looking good :icon_cool:

[MJG]

Well since today's a day off....Im headed over to the truck to do some work.
Today I'd like to install the driveshaft loop, mount my painted pillar and rewire the guages, pul the toolbox and removethe 6 disc changer to make room for my sub box, remove the tailgate handle and sand it smooth for paint in spring.
AND I am going to attempt to center punch a BROKEN TAP in the floor I was tapping to mount my bucket, darn T slipped and the tap broke clean.
I know if I cant shatter it, I may just have to wait and drive over to a machine shop and get them to get it out. DARN!

[MJG]

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1338
Console finally complete.....slowly but surely another thing checked off the list, not bad for what was once a write-off within a navigator from the junkyard. I travelled all the way from Pickering to Scotland ON for the thing.
I prepped and painted it, bought new rubber inserts, re-covered the lid, and painted the wood grain piece black.

[LayinHp]

cool where in scotland did you get it ? im in the area all the time


Modern Auto Wreckers ?




it looks good

[MJG]

Ummm I don't quite remember. I think it was Modern. It wasn't a huge lot, but not small either.

[meecraw]

I want (maybe one day)

[MJG]

Well on Sunday I tackled one fair sized project and one minor project.

Here I added a Cobra Decklid Emblem onto my grille, spice it up a little....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1392
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1393
This is my FTVB (Tranny Valve Body, much firmer shifts for an automatic and healthier for tranny)
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1281
This is the 4x4 tranny pan, holds roughly 7.5 quarts compared to the stock 6.
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1275
And if you look a ways back, you can see it installed.
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1394

I will be removing my front spring Isolators and 1 leaf, I already have a belltech 2/3 drop kit on the truck, but with removing a bucnh of weight, the rear came up so I will be doing the leaf and iso removal in spring, I just better watch going over speed bumps, the tranny pan sticks fairly low down.

[MJG]

Well another thing crossed off my list....getting ready to head down to Maryland in May to get this truck Dyno Tuned.

The first pic is just a reference to show the stock (black) heat exchanger size compared to an aftermarket, the one in that pic is not my exact aftermarket HE, just a comparison.
I forgot to upload the 'during' photos of the stock HE...DOH.



Comparison;

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23530-vs.jpg

My Fluidyne Unit;

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1276

Drained the entire Intercooler system (got some antifreeze on the face at one point) Then removed the stock HE and brackets.

The fluidyne unit is so large is does not need any mounting bracket or harness, just bolts up in.
Sounds easy, but believe me, 'DIRECT FIT' has never rung true from my experience.


http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23524-he.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23525-he2.jpg

Just a bad photo from the front through the valence.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23526-he3.jpg



Also, I got word from my performance products supplier that a new aged productis coming out in days.
From the company 'Becool' (spelling?)
It is a super coolant that lowers ALL temps, is used in the radatior, and my case, Intercooler system.
The beautiful part about this stuff is, NO ANTIFREEZE and it DOES NOT FREEZE, good to -40 C.

I was going to dilute my antifreeze originally with distilled water and some additive Purple Ice.

If you are unaware, antifreeze actually retains heat, thats a NO NO for my truck.

So this new product, you just pour and fill, meant for high HP vehicles.

SWEEETTTT

[Phil G.]

That console looks great! Make sure you show a pic installed once the truck comes out in the sunlight. Great job ditching the woodgrain.

[MJG]

Well here's a few shots of the stock HE before I swapped it out, and again the new Fluidyne Unit....


http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23560-stockhe1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23561-stockhe3.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23562-stockhe4.jpg

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23524-he.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture23525-he2.jpg

[Marc Carignan]

Nice mods! Truck shifts like it should have from the factory now I'll bet, that was one of my first mods. The SVT badge looks great, I've been wanting to do exactly that for some time now but it wouldn't be too original anymore now would it?! Lol. I finally unpacked that grille and exhaust you sent me... that was painful. There was enough bubble-wrap there to nearly fill my garbage bin hahaha. Well worth it though, it all looks good.

[MJG]

LOL thought I'd wrap it as best I could, I've been burnt bad by awful shipping before, overkill is a plus!

[MJG]

Well, for the first time since last november, I took the truck out.
I can't floor it as it is not tuned yet, so I just babied it down the road.
The roads are pretty clean here so I said why not.
I drove it down to my bodyshop guy and he was happy to see it.
By the end of monday or tuesday i will be picking it up with my Smoothie side steps, rear steps and rollpan completely installed and painted. He is also going to polish out a couple mild scratches.
I'm all excited, my winter Modding is slowing coming to an end.

[BlairTruck]

Your gonna have the sweetest rig with all these mods. keep me in mind when you start selling things. when you get new and better things.
15cm of snow here today.

[MJG]

Thanks man. Im hoping I won't be doing too much more,thinking this will be the end of major modding until I go built one day, but there is no end, is there?! haha.
I have a few more projects on it to wrap up including the sound system, some suspension work, finishing touches on other current mods.

[MJG]

I'm bad, just ordered two Magnaflow Hi Flow cats, once the truck is out of the body shop end of this week, it's over to the exhaust shop to do some cutting and welding.

[taisa899]

you're beginning to sound like me. I've been modding my truck for 11yrs now!

[MJG]

lol I hear ya, I'm going all these performace MODS, adding cooling mods and better airflow, so I figure I have to make the exit portion less restrictive, to cut my 4 stock cats out, replace with 2 Maggy hi flows and weld in straight pipe is 400 bucks, might as well. My stock manifolds are good to 500 hp, so may as well do it.

[taisa899]

eventually you'll change all that again as well. I'm on my second exhaust setup in 3yrs!

[BlairTruck]

eventually you'll change all that again as well. I'm on my second exhaust setup in 3yrs!

thats why i say when he upgrades the stuff he just got. i will take his old stuff but still aftermarket

[MJG]

Well, once I wrap up the body work, exhaust and tune at JJs in MD, besides the sound system and minor suspension work, Im done for now.....well at least til next winter

[taisa899]

believe it when I see it. The next mod has a way of sneaking up on you! lol

[MJG]

Oh I know, when I first got the truck a few years ago, I swore it would stay stock.
Then last year I decided to do a bunch of stuff and swore it was the end.
Now this winter...went way beyond what I thought lol.

I think I will do a mild sound system this year and build the rest of it next year, I've taken on one too many large projects and the sound system can wait.

[MJG]

Little sneak peak.....
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1455
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1456

Still trimming needed to be done to make all the lines right.

Smoothie steps match up perfectly so those will go on when ready for paint.
Tailgate handle and other pieces were prepped by me beforehand so those are ready for paint.

My bodyman will be fabbing up 4 small brackets behind the rollpan so it doesn't flex too much, the pieces being urethane, they aren't very rigid.

All pieces, smoothie side steps, smoothie rear steps, rollpan, tailgate strip etc will be PanelBonded into place, so they ain't going anywhere.

All this for 500 cash, and he does damn good work.

Should be picking her up Friday afternoon:H)

[HD Chrome]

Thats going to look awsome when finished. Can't wait for the finished pics!

[MJG]

Rather than molding in the stock License plate lights with their ugly black cases, I picked up a set of these to make it look clean and keep the smooth look.

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1457

[MJG]

Well I got it back from the bodyshop. Rollpan and all 4 smoothie steps. Tailgate handle and tailgate bottom moulding strip weren't on for these pics.
I will admit I am a little disappointed, the shop didnt take as much time on it as I would have liked, so the fit isnt 100% yet and the colour is a shade too light.

I gave them 3/4 of the total for my disappointment and I will be heading to another guy I know personally to get the fit and colour right.

Besides that, I like.

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1498
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1499

[BlairTruck]

thay wont make it the right colour?

[MJG]

It was painted already, but the colour is a tad off. Im going to get it painted once more and get it bang on.

[MJG]

Well just as I was getting a little flustered with this Modding and the paint not turning out right....I went to a friend's body shop, said he will make it look factory, so extremely happy to hear that. Man o man its tough to find a goodbody man.

Another thing is, I got my quarterly bonus and it was darn good. After paying a wack of bills, the rest ive set aside for my roadtrip down to JJ's shop in Maryland for a tune.

Im heading to the exhaust shop for my hiflows before hand and a few other things.

This also means I can get my entire sounds system done now, which I thought I'd have to hold off on, wooooohooooo

[MJG]

SWEEETTTTTTTTTT
I was able to get ahold of one of the most scarce set of rims out there. I always wanted them. OEM SVT 03/04 18" Triple chrome plated rims with Kooks on them.
I plan on ripping off the rears and throwing on some Nitto 555R 305/45/18.

Looks like my 20" chromies will have to go!

http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1574
http://www.fordtough.ca/forums/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1575

[HD Chrome]

[QUOTE=MJG;68201]SWEEETTTTTTTTTT
I was able to get ahold of one of the most scarce set of rims out there. I always wanted them. OEM SVT 03/04 18" Triple chrome plated rims with Kooks on them.

Nice score! I do really like the look of the chrome 20's on your truck though.

I would hold onto both sets if possible...

[MJG]

[QUOTE=MJG;68201]SWEEETTTTTTTTTT
I was able to get ahold of one of the most scarce set of rims out there. I always wanted them. OEM SVT 03/04 18" Triple chrome plated rims with Kooks on them.

Nice score! I do really like the look of the chrome 20's on your truck though.

I would hold onto both sets if possible...

I was contemplating that......BUT I could sell those 20s, and for show reasons I can get hooked up with a nice set of 22s for cheap.
So still undecided on that.
Would have to get a buyer not trying to lowball me before I really contemplate it.

[Dank_44]

i would have taken them off your hands if i hadn't bought my boss rims

[MJG]

i would have taken them off your hands if i hadn't bought my boss rims

BTW I am getting a number for the rim you are after.

[BlairTruck]

what do you think of the tailgate wing thing you posted in that thread on the other forum
i love it on the lightnings

[MJG]

I had a hard on for the cervini wing for awhile...but glad I didnt grab it.
After looking at it on other trucks over time, especially with rollpans that I will now have....looks a little cheesey IMO.
Plus after seeing how crappy cervini sidesteps are, I do not buy in to the whole 'Cervini perfect fit' fantasy everyone seems to have.

[Dank_44]

thanks MJG.. truck is looking amazing

[MJG]

It's official, the OEM 18's chromies are headed my way from South Carolina!! Sweet, always wanted these things.

Which means these babies are on the market!!!

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture27251-twenties.jpg

[Stainless]

I must say, I have been reading this thread every chance I got, and you are building the sweetest truck. I cant wait to see it all done!!!

[MJG]

Well I finally got around to install the seats and console along with fit in my sub box. Will finish off the system down the road when returning from the states for my tuning.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture27313-center1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture27312-center.jpg

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture27314-box.jpg

ANd the rear, plates not installed as I am not 100% happy with the paint colour yet, so the rollpan and miscellaneous parts will be coming off again in a couple weeks, but this gives you the idea....
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture27315-notdone.jpg

[MJG]

Got a sweet deal on the Ford Racing front springs, this will lower me another 1" up front. With my current Belltech 2" spindles, I should have a total of 3" drop up front.
I also stopped by a local spring shop who does great work form what I have heard.
Since removing my hitch, spare, bumper etc the ass end of my truck went up too much.
I currently have the belltech 3" shackle/hanger kit with shcok extenders on the rear, so I will be pulling the 'overload' leaf and slightly de-arching the remaining leafs to get the rear down some, I would still like to keep a slight rake to the truck instead of perfectly level.


Picture shows the factory Ford Racing kit including shackles, I was lucky eough to get ahold of a guy parting it out brand new and grabbed the springs for 100 bucks including shipping, Ford wanted 300....
http://www.fordracingparts.com/images/part/full/M3000L.jpg

[MJG]

Looky looky what the UPS guy brought, he knows me by name now, I must see him every couple weeks for the past 6 months!
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-truck2-picture28338-dsc01504.jpg
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/47/dsc01505x.jpg

[BlairTruck]

burn those up and put some 555r on there quick

[MJG]

This morning I took my truck to a suspension shop, i was too lazy to deal with the Leafs on my own, so I got them to pull the helper leaf, dropped my ass about 1/2-3/4".
I was going to install my 1" drop springs BUT my Belltech spindles are an issue with 18" rims. The castle nut sticks out to far and will eat up the rim.
So after the body shop this week I will need to disassemble the front suspension and millthe spinldes, allowing me to countersink the castle nut and nipping the balljoint, THEN i can put in my 1" drop springs.

This should all be comeplte (i hope) by next weekend.
All that will be left is to put in my highflow cats, sounds sytem, then off to maryland!

[Denis254]

dude ur truck is going to be sick man ~jealous~ lol and the rims look badass.

[MJG]

Thanks, with the 18s I'd like to lessen the fender gap, when Ihave it done I should have roughly a 3/4 drop - ish.
That's plenty, any lower and I wont be able to drive anywhere.

[MJG]

BTW lowered the price on the 20"s, 1700

[MJG]

Well i drove my truck over (stayed out of boost until tune) to another custom body guy in Etobicoke last night. Waited until the skys cleared up, so about 8 pm. He did a buddy of mine's truck before and is his brother in law.
He has a passion for custom work/paint and couldn't believe what the original painter did to my rollpan and smoothie parts, he was disgusted, which made me feel ALOT better on what he was going to do.

He called me bright and early this morning(just dropped it off last night), I saw him calling and thought the worst, for sure something is wrong. BUT he called to say he managed to get all the pieces off without damaging a thing and they have all already been prepped and the truck is getting scanned for paint colour.

Talk about customer service, he will call me again later today or tomorrow morning for an update.

I wish I went to him from the beginning, just shows how some people still do have a passion for their work and take pride in it.
If anyone is looking for a good body/custom guy, I would definately recommend this one.

All for now!

[MJG]

Hopefully I will get the truck back wednesday night, so then in the meantime I have to find someone who can customize/trim my spindles to countersink the castle nut so I can fit on my 18s.

I'm hoping I can find a skilled guy who would be able to do the job and install my drop springs at the same time.

[taisa899]

find somebody who does 4x4 lifts. They're suspension experts

[MJG]

I ended up going to the chassis shop that installed my Belltech kit a couple years ago.
The guy is very cool and he knows exactly how the spindles are and knew what my problem is with the spindles and 18s.

Luckily enough next to his shop is a custom fabricator with all the milling equipment etc, so looks like I have an answer, will get my drop springs installed at the same time. He says Monday and will be a couple days.
Sweet.
Once this and the body work is done, just the exhaust and sound system!

[MJG]

Well I just ordered a couple of goodies...I'm bad I know....
With the Ported blower and 6# lower, chances are belt slip are fairly good....
So with that said, I ordered a Magnum Powers Idler Bracket along with an extra 90mm idler pulley as I am re-using my 2 stock 90mms.
This will increase tension on the belt and take advantage of all that spinning and not lose the power on the top end.

Ignore the Whipple, One day I'll get on of those, but not yet.....below it is the idler bracket
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/dmsheid/The%20Whipple/DSC_0063.jpg

[BlairTruck]

wow i seen the picture of the whipple and about shat/

[MJG]

I wish

[MJG]

OK.
Well, picked up my truck today from my body man, lended a hand when I could after work to keep costs down some, plus when I am not doing the work on it myself, I like to stay in the loop.
Rollpan, smoothie steps and other miscellaneous parts painted, tails tinted and cleared.

LAST PHOTOS, new owner of the 20s is coming to get them in a couple weeks, I am so looking forward to installing my 18s.

I still have to install the FRPP 1" drop coils, so I will have a slight rake instead of level, think it will be HOT.

Also, nothing out of the ordinary, but another console, put it all together last week.

Still have to install my sound system,highflow cats, trac bars etc then off to JJs the end of May.
Hope you like, I'm open to Q&A.




http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28881-dsc06123.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28882-dsc06127.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28885-dsc06134.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28884-dsc06129.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28886-dsc06137.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28899-dsc06148.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28894-dsc06131.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28891-dsc06145.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28900-dsc06149.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28888-dsc06140.jpg



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture28887-dsc06139.jpg

[MJG]

PS my little writeup notes things ive stated in this thread before, i was too lazy to alter it as i just copy and pasted from another site.

[MJG]

Figure I'm going to paint the rear window moulding surround too.

[Dank_44]

truck looks awesome. I wish I could nuts on my truck but a house is my #1 priority now.

[MJG]

truck looks awesome. I wish I could nuts on my truck but a house is my #1 priority now.

I hear ya, I'm doing it now while I can, before I do eventually move in with my chick etc and eventually pop out some little ones, cuz I know by that time toys will be a lesser priority.

[shelbyx1]

I hear ya, I'm doing it now while I can, before I do eventually move in with my chick etc and eventually pop out some little ones, cuz I know by that time toys will be a lesser priority.

or if you wait long enough the kids grow up and help with the projects:) ps the truck is lookin awesome,love the paint color and the tailights!:icon_cool:

[HD Chrome]

Truck is looking awsome!

[wolfman1]

Truck is looking great. Let me know when you're ready to part with the 4# pulley because i'll take it off your hands and then maybe I'll get to see your truck in person.

[MJG]

Truck is looking great. Let me know when you're ready to part with the 4# pulley because i'll take it off your hands and then maybe I'll get to see your truck in person.


I am booked in JJ's shop at 9 am Thursday May 28th. I will be up and early wednesday morning to begin the long haul.
When I return, you're welcome at any time to come grab it. I should be back the 31st, sunday. Hoping to be back saturday night as Dasilva has his show n shine/dyno day on the sunday, and I'd LOVE toget on that dyno since my truck will be freshly tuned and purring nice.

[MJG]

Truck went into my suspension shop this morning for install of the 1" drop coils and removing of the spindles for some custom milling work to get my 18"s on. Hopefully it should be all done by tomorrow afternoon.

If it is, I will snap some pics of the difference in ride height, although the springs will settle some more over the next few weeks depending on how much I drive it.

I'm hoping this will be all done friday as the new owner of the 20s would like to come down and grab them Saturday.
Some of you may know him, his name is Silvrbullit on FTW, think these 20s will look killer and much better than his current setup.

[MJG]

New owner picked up my 20s(formerly my 20s) and I got the 18s on and she's lookin good!

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture30016-dsc06343.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture30017-dsc06344.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture30018-dsc06347.jpg

[SKRWZ]

Lookin' Sweet

[98nascartruck]

Your Lightning is looking awesome :happy-smiley-541:

[wolfman1]

The 03-04 18" chromies really look a lot better than the 20's good choice

[MJG]

Well today I stopped in after work to a local custom exhaust shop. It was just before closing so I was looking for a quote.
Turns out the guy had a slow day and was willing to work late for cash.
I turned around and grabbed my 2 Magnaflow Hiflow Cats and went back.
He cut my 4 stock cats out, custom bent some 2.5" pipe and welded in my 2 Hiflows.
Took about 2.5 hrs as we were chatting during the job. Turned the truck on and it threw no codes.
I already had the Magneflow catback, but with the hiflows in I will tell you it sounds like pure sex now!!!!!!

I will post a vid within the next few days once the weather co-operates.

[MJG]

http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov06454fm9.flv
http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov06453ta8.flv

Just a couple crappy in truck vids, exhaust is much louder and deeper now. Vids dont do it justice.

[LayinHp]

sounds pretty good.... grab a driveby sound clip if you can

[MJG]

Ya when I get back from my tune and can actually 'get on it' I will do a flyby vid.
Now i just hope next year when I have to go E test I wont have any issues, Im confident the 2 highflows will pass the sniffer, just not sure how picky they are on the visual....
I know those MOE copper guys can be a PITA and can ding me for having 2 less, but Im hoping the shop wont.

[MJG]

http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov06465tq1.flv
http://img531.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov06466do6.flv

[LayinHp]

sounds damn good man

[MJG]

Well, this coming wednesday(27th) early A.M. we will be off on our way to Maryland.
Taking the old man's 09 F150 and sister's tandem axle trailer and towing the Lightning down for the good 11ish hour drive.
Getting everything ready truck wise now, picked up a new k&N oil filter, Amsoil Oil, new TR6 plugs, fuel filter etc.
Need to change the oil, flush my intercooler and use some purple ice, distilled water, and small amount of antifreeze to aid in cooling temps.
All this plus I am unbelievably swamped at work and really should be putting in extra hours everyday.
Coming up fast!

[BlairTruck]

extra hours = extra mods

[MJG]

extra hours = extra mods

lol unfortunately not.
I'm a salary guy.
I'm a project manager for a contractor that does insurance work, floods, fires etc.
Always running around to jobs all day, need to stay late to actually write my estimates.

[MJG]

Today I took off from work early, took the 09 F150 up to grab the tilt n load trailer and then I got the truck all strapped down to her.

It was somewhat of a pain getting the truck on, the tilt and load hydraulically tilts down to the ground, but with how low my truck is, it would have torn up the front bumper.
I grabbeb a bunch of 2x6s and built it up, and crawled up as another guy gently tilted the trailer as I came along.

As for strapping her down, I went around the rear axle with two straps and rachets, cris-crossed to anchor.

In the front, wrapped around the front axle wouldnt work, wrapping around the frame wouldnt work, these 2 options would have torn my front bumper off with the vibration.

I ended up wrapping around the lower control arms, cris corssing to the front of the truck to anchor.

This is me pulling in the driveway. I will be putting on my all weather cover tomorrow, then a 15'x20' heavy duty tarp, strap it along the trailer.

I had an electronic brake controller installed in the 09, still playing around with the brake control, have it at a little too much pressure as the rims are red hot after 20 minutes.



http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture31768-dsc06505.jpg

[MJG]

Made it home safe from our road trip down to MD.
One hell of a ride, 12 hrs down with a few hiccups.
1- one of the axle straps snapped in half
2- Two full gun slinging drug dealing gangsters pulled up beside me with a grocery bag full of money for my truck just inside Pittsburgh
3- Had the Lightning off the trailer for a whole 100 kms and had a flat!!! Valve stem was shot.

But those things make a road trip, a road trip.

Will post up a couple pics soon.

I did end up going to the Local show n dyno day today.

Wasn't able to run my race tune, I asked my tuner to keep my street tune nice and safe/reliable.
I put down 415/490. Race tune should be @ 445/515 area.
Will hit up the dyno another day to tweak and play with the timing.
Was very happy with my street tune, truck runs awesome! Nice and smooth, because I installed my idler bracket and extra pulley, my truck makes good power down low and on the high end as well, no belt slip!

[MJG]

Installed my system yesterday - 2 6x9 Alpine type R doors with a pioneer amp and 2 - 10" Infinity Kappa woofers powered by an MTX amp. Pioneer HU with custom HU face plate! No shots of the subs, look like any others, so just the HU.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture32953-dsc06829.jpg

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture32957-dsc06846.jpg




OH and I met some girlies lol
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture32951-dsc06833.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture32950-dsc06834.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture32952-dsc06835.jpg

[BlairTruck]

dont let those brods wash your truck thou.

[MJG]

dont let those brods wash your truck thou.

Oh god no, even after they had fingerprints all over it after a 2 hr detail on my part. Oh well, can't be mad at those breas..I mean,girls.

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture33690-l1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture33693-l4.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture33691-l2.jpg

[MJG]

Well fellas, after all this work I have done, I figure I may have a larger issue at hand.

Truck has always gone through oil quite rapidly, but figured it was due to the last batch of plugs that were in there.

Since my recent plug change, truck was smooth as can be, about 1500kms later, seems a little more sluggish and goes through oil again like crazy. Get the big puff of white smoke at startup sometimes, get a weird smell after a few WOT blasts.

I've come to the conclusion that I most likely have a bad piston ring, valve stem, or head gasket.

I will be taking her in later this week for a compression/leak down test to get a better idea.

If indeed there is something wrong internally and the motor needs removal to repair, I figure I might as well build it some.

Looking into options from local builders. Will most likely re-use most of the stock parts, port and polish the heads and use thread inserts, new forged rods and pistons, hone the cylinders, bigger injectors, pumps, oil pump, reblance the motor etc.
Then just spin the crap out of my ported eaton.

I will post my leak down test readings later this week.

[shelbyx1]

if your seeing white smoke could be head gaskets(not uncommon on boosted engines)does your engine have pi heads(build date after 9/99)if not you may want to upgrade as they have better plug retension.

[MJG]

Yes I have those dreaded 4 threaded heads, I've decided to go aftermarket anyway.

Pretty much my plan is to have the leak down test done to know exactly what the story is. I figure its either the head gaskets, valve stems, or piston rings. Either way, excuse to build.

And it's either 1 of 2 options

1 - Drive it the way it is, buy a block, drop it off at the builders, and piece it together over this winter into next summer, then toss it in next fall.

2 - Drive it for the summer, pull the motor this fall, drop it off at the builders, rebuild the stock block over the winter, pop it back in the spring.


My tuner did tell me to go all out including built motor and a Whipple, I'm looking at 13-14k canadian.

I do not want to spend that kind of money. For the time being if I could get away with new heads, rebuilt or built block and installed for 8k, I would be happy.
I would just slap the Ported Eaton back on and spin the crap out of it, I already have it and it could get me to the 550 mark.
Down the road I could build a turbo set-up or just slap on a twin screw.

[MJG]

Well, compression showed 0%, therefore that checks out good. Leak down was done, plugs pulled and 7 out of the8 showed minor signs after 1500 kms of ash deposits. Therefore we have come to the conclusion that its just blow-by.
Nothing major to worry about, will just eat oil. Happy about that, means I can slowly build up a new motor rather than be forced into one.
Just got news on my quarterly bonus and it's going right to my student loan, therefore it's completely gone and I'll have a thousand bucks to spare, which is awesome,rather pay that off complete thanbuy a motor right now!

[BlairTruck]

build new. drop in built, sell stock motor to get whipple

[LayinHp]

well thats good news in one way


who were you going to get to build your block up ? Try Miseners there an affiliate

[wolfman1]

Thats good news, I'm glad to see you won't have to tear the truck down after all the work you put in so far. See you next week

[MJG]

We'll see, have been maing calls around to get ideas. I'm thinking of going with my tuner's builder quite possibly, he has a payment plan with layaway until ready.
I have also contacted locals and awaiting their response.

[MJG]

FYI a little update, been awhile.....
Ordered the Cervini's cowl hood, should look sweet,thinking about airbrushing 'supercharged F150' along the sides of the cowl.

Also, went to a show at Cayuga a few weeks ago, was NOT prepared to race, but a friend tech'd in so I had no excuse.
NO traction bars, on CRAPPY hankook street tires.
Best 60' was a 2.1(horrible), but still managed a 13.0@109.5mph. I literally spun all the way to the 1/8th it felt like on near every run, but was still running low 13s and 105-110 mph, hot lapping and all.

Installed my traction bars this weekend, ordering a set of M/Ts, mid 12s are only a few burnouts away!!

[SKRWZ]

The hood should look sweet and that MPH is good enough for low to mid 12's nice

[wolfman1]

What traction bars did you go with? Also, what parts do you have left that you want to sell?

[Ross]

Truck look really nice .. Bit green with envy.

Crappy news about the Oil Issue ;)

Supercharged will look good on the hood :icon_biggrin:

What Kinda power will you be looking at with a pro built engine?

[BlairTruck]

What traction bars did you go with? Also, what parts do you have left that you want to sell?

I already told him I want anY good pArts for sale

[MJG]

I just used Lakewood slappers for my bars, just by ripping around on the streets with my shitty tires I can tell a major difference, truck really stiffens up when I get on it.

The oil issue I have is just blowby, not a big deal, use an additive in my oil at every change, helps somewhat. I just need to change my plugs more frequently.

I had a guy with a mustang offer me some decent coin for my motor this past weekend, depending on how my bonuses go over the winter months, I may be looking at an MMR shortblock, shipped to my door would be around 5k. Then I would get new heads (2500) then most likely a whipple setup or something.

BUT this is just all speculation for now lol

With the MMR motor and if I did decide to throw on a whipple, 750 would be my goal.
If a Whipple was out of tjhe price range at the time, I would just use my ported eaton again and aim for the 550 mark.

[MJG]

What traction bars did you go with? Also, what parts do you have left that you want to sell?

I will be getting that tranny pan out to ya, still havent swapped her out yet for the Moroso.:rock:


This is the Hood I got.....
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/ericginther/Lightning/Desktop003.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/ericginther/Lightning/FrontSide002.jpg




Should look good on mine....
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture35755-f.jpg

[Black Ice]

The hood is going to look awsome.

[MJG]

I'm thinking of doing the Supercharged F150 along the sides of the cowl as mentioned, but not sure in what font.
To keep it somewhat 'Stock' I was thinking of doing it the same lettering as the SuperchargedF150 Harley logo but I can't find a decent pic.
Any help?!

[wolfman1]

I already told him I want anY good pArts for sale

You're too late I've already cleaned out half his garage - lol

[MJG]

I still do have a bunch of stuff!
Stock side steps, the factory Lightning rear bumper and so on, who knows, maybe a motor soon too lol

[wolfman1]

I might have to take another run up to Pickering now that you've got traction bars,and see if I can still take you off the line with my stocker

P.S no rush for the pan . still haven't got my FTVB.

[MJG]

Ya that's the problem with my power levels, on the street with these tires I literally just spin and go sideways with the torque.
The trac bars have made a difference, need some Nittos too, they'd be great for you too

[BlairTruck]

I only want performance parts

[LayinHp]

did you try harwood for a hood dont know the price difference now between the two but its also a nice hood

were you thinking those new trickflow heads ?

[MJG]

The harwood requires ALOT of work I heard, plus Im not a fan of it,the cowl is too big IMO and it bulgesup right from the front, not too sleek looking, looks like the truck has a big nose or something LOL

If I do decide to go built, the trickflow heads would be a definate.
I'm almost thinking just to start building my motor on the side regardless, over the winter grab the MMR shortblock, over the next summer grab the heads, and get it all put together for the following year.

[LayinHp]

my harwood was almost bolt on.... a little shipping damage but an easy fix they could have almost sprayed and mounted out of the box. Ive herd there drop on hoods can be a pain somtimes though.

But im sure cervini has the same problems...


yea those trickflows look like the solution to alot better flow for the 2v's without doing a 3 or 4 valve head swap and alot more work and $$

[MJG]

Well the truck went into the bodyshop last night.
The hood is getting done as we speak.
While the truck is there, I asked my body man to tighten up the front bumper gap. He will need to remove the bumper and grind the mounting holes so he can snug it up as close as possible, while he has it off I told him to fill in the license plate bracket holes and repaint the front bumper, I don't use the front plate anyway so might as well get rid of the bracket holes!

Before I took the hood over I decided to delete my entire window washer reservoir and plumbing, the wiper motor and wipers I will leave for now.

I am also thinking of ditching the AC system as I very rarely use it and for a whole 5 mins when I do.

I am slowly putting the truck on a diet, even though the new hood is about 20 lbs heavier than stock. I ordered a Braille Lightweight battery today from Jegs which is half the weight of the stocker (approx 22 lbs lighter) so it will make the new hood a wash, which makes me feel better lol.

Kind of stupid trying to lighten up a truck huh? Ah well, keeps me busy.

Things removed for lightening the truck to date (all approximate numbers);
Spare tire and jack - 68 lbs
Spare winch - 7 lbs
Class 2 hitch - 45 lbs
Rear bumper - 60 lbs
NO tonneau or bed mat/liner - not removing weight, but not adding either
Removed bench for bucket - lost probably 15 lbs
Aftermarket pulley vs stock caged pulley - 8 lbs
Washer reservoir (full) and spare winch key - 7 lbs
Lightweight battery - 21 lbs


Things that have ADDED weight;
System - Maybe 65 lbs? (can be pulled for track use)
Hood - 20 lbs
Traction bars - 15 lbs

I figure I'm approximately 130 lbs lighter than stock, I should get a weight done, but my guess would be around 4500-4600 lbs tops.

[MJG]

ALSO as mentioned in earlier posts, I've had the oil eating issue.
Compression and leak down tests were fine.

In the past month I've noticed a tapping noise coming from under my driver side fender, then along the passenger rear side exhaust.
It would happen at idle occasionally and eventually fade and disappear.
I couldn't figure it out, thought maybe a plug working its way loose or an exhaust hanger rattling or something.

After stumbling across and talking with some other Lightning owners, I am 99% sure I have found my issue....piston slap!

It would explain the tapping at idle and fading away once warmed up and driving, it would explain the moderate oil usage as well.

From what I am told as long as it fades away and doesn't stay consistent and compression is good, then it's something to live with.

[MJG]

Crappy pic, will be getting a photo shoot tomorrow but this will do for now

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42801-dasilva.jpg

[wolfman1]

Looks good , are you happy with the final fit and finish. Some underhood shots would
be nice!

[MJG]

I was shocked how well the hood came out, it fits just as well as the stocker. I owe that to my bodyman though, he is just as anal as I am so he knows what to expect.
I will get some more shots tomorrow, as I said I am getting a good photo op in the morning which should be sweet.
I will say though that I can definately feel the extra weight up high on the front end, when turning the roll is noticeable.
I did buy a lightweight battery (22lbs or 1/2 less than stocker) that I will be installing tonight, will equal out the extra hood wieght.
It does look badass for sure!

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42894-3.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42899-dsc08153.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42901-1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42903-dsc-0850.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42898-dsc08155.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture42897-dsc08166.jpg

[BlairTruck]

i have been looking for similar backrounds around edmonton and they dont look like that.
Excellent backdrop

[MJG]

Gotta come to Toronto!

[98nascartruck]

Your Lightning is looking great and like the new hood:happy-smiley-541:

[Denis254]

Lookin nice man, hood looks sik too..

[LayinHp]

sweet pics


theres a fe places in hamilon like that


nice hood

[MJG]

WELL I finally did it.....with the Canadian dollar being what it is and the SMOKING deal I found on it....I bought a built shortblock. Capable of 900 HP.

Manley H beams, ARP Hardware, Mahle pistons, Forged Crank etc etc.

$2700.00 Shipped to a holding spot in Minnesota, I will then pay an extra $125 to have it shipped to a place in Buffalo within a month to drive down and pick it up.:H)

Can't afford to get new heads yet, nor pull the motor. This is the first step of the puzzle, I will store it for a year or so while building up the rest of the motor.

[wolfman1]

Congrats
Sounds like a Kenny Bell might be in order, I'm sure you'll want to take full advantage of
that shortblocks capability.
So when you're ready to sell that ported Eaton let me know lol

[MJG]

Lol, can't afford a Twin Screw just yet......trying to keep the budget tight. Over the winter I'll grab a good set of heads/cams and that's it.

I want to salvage what I can from the stock motor and sell the intact block to offset some cost.

I plan on keeping the ported eaton, throw on an 8 or 10 lb'r and hit it with a 100 shot or something.

I wouldn't mind pulling the motor myself actually, trying to save where I can.

[fullyford]

did you buy from MMR..i was looking at them when i blew my motor..but just couldn't afford it at the time..

[MJG]

No not MMR, they have great prices but one of the SVT sites had these Ford Racing shortblocks on for a killer deal straight from Ford Racing. 2700 shipped to a holding spot in buffalo, MMR wanted 3600 with shipping.

[MJG]

Sitting and waiting to be picked up....
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/P1010228.jpg

[BlairTruck]

your a mod machine

[MJG]

Drove to Niagara Falls and picked up the shortblock.....will snap a couple shots this weekend, can't wait!

That will be it for the time being, will slowly buy the smaller items over the winter, windage tray, oil pan, gasket sets, head bolts etc.

Thinking of treating myself to some Pacesetter Long tube headers by Christmas, for 300 cant go wrong! I will just get them jet coated when it's time.

[maplesyrup]

wow...that is all. :)

[BlairTruck]

Drove to Niagara Falls and picked up the shortblock.....will snap a couple shots this weekend, can't wait!

That will be it for the time being, will slowly buy the smaller items over the winter, windage tray, oil pan, gasket sets, head bolts etc.

Thinking of treating myself to some Pacesetter Long tube headers by Christmas, for 300 cant go wrong! I will just get them jet coated when it's time.

there is a GB on Lightningrodder now for the Longtube OBX headers
500$ shipped to canada

[MJG]

Ya but the resonators won't work here. The pacesetters come with the 02 extenders and are a quality piece from what I'm told. 350 shipped here isnt bad at all, just get them coated and have cats fabbed in and re-use my Magnaflow catback.

I'd really like to start searching on what head/cam combo to go with.
I'd like to throw on a KB or Whipple but that's some extra coin I don't want to spend.

I'm thinking of keeping my 40k L stock longblock as a complete unit except midplate and charger and see what I can sell it for, maybe that will pay for a good chunk of a whipple.

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture47224-motor4.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture47223-motor3.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture47222-motor2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture47221-motor1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture47220-motor.jpg

[wolfman1]

Nice pics , but I'm not sure if I'd carpet my shop

[BlairTruck]

I bet it's in the house not garage, and I want it

[MJG]

Yep right now it's just sitting in the basement.
Need to start piecing it together, will wait til after Christmas to do so,I'd like to pull the motor by Spring and sell the longblock and maybe pick up a 2.3.

[MJG]

Well looking at some MMR ported heads with stage 2 cams, couple months I'll order them up.

In the mean time I have my stock longblock up for grabs if anyones interested, should be coming out spring.
May also be swapping out the ported eaton, plenum, tb, AEM intake if I can muster up enough cash for a whipple.

[BlairTruck]

if i ever meet you i will punch you in the face for all the mods your doing that i want.

[MJG]

Would have to catch me first!

[MJG]

well ive been pricing out parts left and right for the entire motor minus the heads/cams. Looks like gaskets, ARP heads studs, oil pan, windage tray, pickup tube, timing chains, timing gears, rocker arms, lash adjusters etc will be in the area of 2500-2800 from what I gathered so far.
I priced out trickflows, MMR ported heads,Foxlake ported heads. All come with their own stage 2 cam.
Fox wants 2200 for 4 threaded ported heads with the lock n stitch plug inserts
MMR 2400 new 8 threaded ported heads with stage 2 cam and upgraded valves etc
Trickflow 2700 for everything mentioned

If I were planning on building a total 900 rwhp monster then trickflow no question, but with a stage 2 cam and ported heads, guys hit the 850 mark, therefore I think I'm going to go MMR.
My goal is 600-650 rwhp next year.
After adding all my costs, I definately won't be throwing on a twin screw this year lol

Therefore, my 38k stock longblock will be pulled pretty much complete N/A minus the valve and timing covers and rear seal and will be up for grabs

[BlairTruck]

i want to get one of the 2.3KB that are on NLOC right now. But shipping is gonna be a *****.
Did you send your eaton to Steig? if so waht was that like for shipping

[MJG]

I paid 90 there and back for shipping to st louis for my port

[LayinHp]

sweet man sweet

did you try Miseners for a price on Trickflow heads ? just an idea


why not go the extra for the heads.... you know you'll only want the extra HP lol

[MJG]

Man, just remembered I have to grab 60# injectors and 255 pumps.
With a stage 2 cam and the numbers I plan on pushing, Im gonna need at least a 2600 stall minimum. Stock 4R100 trannys may be fine with big #s for a few years, others grenade quite quickly.

Damn moneypit!!

[BlairTruck]

hey im also gonna need 60# injectors and pumps so maybe we can get them together and you can ship me mine when you pick them up

[MJG]

Ya help me out and look around for the best prices and when I pick them up from Buffalo I'll send them your way.

[MJG]

Just ordered my heads today from MMR. GREAT company to deal with, always respond to your questions in a timely manner and are more than willing to negotiate prices.

For a total of $2464.00 I recieve;

NEW PI (Romeo, therefore I cannot re-use valve covers) Ported 8 threaded heads
Manley valves, 125# springs
Stage 2 Comp Cams
New Ford rockers, lash adjusters/lifter ($250.00 value)
Shipped to Buffalo

Shopped around to all different places, unfortunately local shops cannot do any better, trickflow wasn't worth the extra (near 4 grand), Foxlake was the same price but were refurbished 4 threaded romeo heads with spark plug inserts(4 threaded)

Quite happy.

I've decided to go with OBX longtubes as Blair mentioned, will order those in a couple months as they can wait.

I've got a local builder to get all miscellaneous parts for the motor, OEM gasket sets, ARP 12 point headstuds, Windage tray, all new timing components etc.
I will be dropping the shortblock and heads(when they arrive) to him most likely in February.
I figure for about $500.00 why not let a pro put the longblock together, I'd hate to do it all myself then find out I missed something.
Also have to grab 255 pumps and 60# injectors.

A friend(who has lots of rebuilding car experience) and I will be putting the truck on stands in the spring and take a weekend to swap the stock longblock out with my built one.

Costs are getting a little out of hand so I will re-use my Ported Eaton with an 8# lower.
With longtubes, Ported heads, cams, 8# lower I figure I should be in the 500ish RWHP range.
That'll do me until I can piece together another 5 gs for a KB.

I am planning on putting a good size downpayment on a new home for 2011 so anything more will have to wait.

[BlairTruck]

i hate you
I just picked up a Kenne Bell 2.3 for my stock block

did you see the OBX posted up last week for sale brand new.

[MJG]

OH and with this new found power and stage 2 cam set-up I'm going to need at least a 2400-2600 tranny stall, see what I mean adding up?! lol

PLUS I'm gonna need some slicks or DRs and longbars to put this power to the ground at the track.
OH and my front tires are shot too lol

MAN

[MJG]

i hate you
I just picked up a Kenne Bell 2.3 for my stock block

Nice!!
Keep'r safe, want to pull that stock block out one day and re-use it or make a little coin off her

[BlairTruck]

Im gonna run 14-15lbs with the kenne bell
I will probably do what your doing.
Piece together a built block then swap them out. Then sell stocker

If i lived closer to the border i would be laughing.
140$ to ship Kenne bell blower/JLP sheet metal plenum/CandL Intake tube/ K and N Filter

I used to get parts shipped to that Sam chick with the huge hooters and Harley truck in Seattle and she would ship to me. But havent done that is a while

[MJG]

OK I lied and bought these today, dollar is good right now so I'd kick my self if I waited another couple months and it went down.
http://i.ebayimg.com/04/!BU8IfzgCGk~$(KGrHgoOKjsEjlLmVqugBKQ!I6o1-Q~~_35.JPG

[BlairTruck]

me likey

[MJG]

Canton oil pan and pickup showed up at my builders shop along with the ARP hardware.
Parts waiting to arrive are all the guides, cam gears, timing components, gasket sets etc.
All new Ford OEM pieces.
Decided to get an aftermarket harmonic balancer, havent picked which yet but they range from 300-500 and from what Ive read, well worth it.
Im also going to order a Navigator water pump, lighter and higher efficiency than the stock unit.
I think my ported heads/cams will be in Buffalo end of the week or early next.
Its getting closer to finally putting this puppy together.

[shelbyx1]

too bad your across the country from me,i'd love to take a peek at the beast!:)

[MJG]

Picked up a new water pump today.
Went lincoln navigator, lighter with bigger blades for better flow.
Was thinking about going electric but a mechanical pump puts my mind at ease vs relying on electrical.

[LayinHp]

Picked up a new water pump today.
Went lincoln navigator, lighter with bigger blades for better flow.
Was thinking about going electric but a mechanical pump puts my mind at ease vs relying on electrical.

nice

i plan to go electric but to each there own i always keep an eye on temp but even if elec fails id be screwed to get home a bonus for the navigator pump

[MJG]

Ya after researching Navi pump looks to be the best bet.
Still need to look around for best deals on pumps and injectors.
Longtubes should be here within a week or two I'd guess.
I'll document and post pics of how they are, for 590 shipped to my door, you can go wrong for a set of headers and mids.

[BlairTruck]

Did you get them from ebay
560US Shipped to Canada

I got the Dual Fuel Pumps that went up on NLOC. 2 buys in a row where the seller would use USPS to save me some UPS troubles.

[MJG]

Yes ebay, came out to 591 CDN.
Just got the UPS tracking # now.

[MJG]

Found out the Navi pump will only work with an aftermarket Efan.
Not going to go that route just yet, maybe later on we will see.
Therefore I will need an L pump and I will toss in a 170* stat.

Found (what I think) was a fair deal on injectors.
8 New in box 60# Deka injectors for 300 CDN shipped from another site.
Not bad considering the best I could find locally was $350.00 for a 5,000 mile used set.

[SKRWZ]

I think I have a L waterpump here if you need one

[MJG]

New or next to new?
Trying to keep used parts to a minimum.

[SKRWZ]

Next to new

[BlairTruck]

I almost both those injectors but got the dual fuel pumps instead, I got till April to get injectors and maf

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture52722-headers2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture52721-headers.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture52723-headers3.jpg

[BlairTruck]

did you see someone on LR trying to start a Group Buy on these pipes.
I like em but need some other mods first.

how much did UPS rape you on those badboys

[MJG]

I know the guy who's starting that group buy, he wants to get one going with the cats instead of resonators. Ive heard the OBX cats are junk and likely to not pass emissions here unforunately.
He maybe able to getthe resonators onesin on it as well.

[MJG]

60# injectors arrived Saturday, found NIB Walbro dual 255 fuel pumps for 200 shipped to my door.
Heads/cams scheduled to be in Buffalo Wednesday, will head down Thursday.

[BlairTruck]

i tried to catch the guy who sold you the injectors before he shipped yours off so i could buy a set and put then in the same box but he had sent them off a day earlier

[MJG]

Ya he mentioned he sold another set to Canada around the same time.
Best deal I could find on new Walbro 255s was 200 shipped from an ebay vendor.

[BlairTruck]

did you get the submersible hose and stainless Y
i need a Y and they are 25$ at LFP

[MJG]

Guy claims it comes with the submersible hose, we'll see when it arrives. If not, its not a big deal, can pick up that hose at alot of places.
The Y fitting I may order later when I pick up a few other things from LFP.
I need an 8# ring, belt, Y fitting and I'm sure a couple other odds 'n ends.

[MJG]

Well, after taking a closer look at my shortblock from Ford Racing, 1 of the 8 pistons was installed backwards. The directional arrows, all 7 are right, ones wrong, ouch.

Called FRPP and sent them photos, they called me back telling me they are trying to figure out how to go about the situation.

Just my luck LOL

Also, I recieved my ported heads from MMR, let's just say I was not overly impressed. I paid for a stage 2 port, it looks like a BARELY got a stage 1.

I cannot base it on looks alone, so I will be getting a flowbench test done on them and see just how they flow and if they are indeed a stage2.

[BlairTruck]

i have been following your lightning Rodder thread. that sucks

[MJG]

Sure does, it'll turn around through Im sure

[MJG]

After one hell of a battle and set backs, things are beginning to move forward.

I had the heads flowbenched, 192/162.
I was mislead to believe before I bought them they would flor 227/192.

Therefore after alot of pushing and shoving through forums and continuous emails and calls, the company is supposedly sending me a shipment notice and taking them back for more portwork and new aftermarket valves, to get them flowing what I was told to begin with.


As for my shortblock, turns out piston 5 was installed backwards by Ford Racing.
I had my engine builder, Darren(great shop,great guy, I'd recommend Rev'n high to anyone) write out an estimate for the fix and Ford Racing has credited me the cash (plus a little more) to get it done.

[wolfman1]

After seeing your posts on other sites it sounds like MMR would be fools not to make this right with you. Look on the bright side if the heads would have looked pretty out of the box you wouldn't have flow tested them and you'd be tearing them off in your truck later.

[LayinHp]

just seen a set of trick flows at Miseners WOW nice heads..... price is decent to.... 10x the heads as Patriot Perf

[MJG]

Ya I just went a saw a set of TFS heads at my guys shop, look insane, but by the time you factor in the other small pieces for them, they still come out to about 700 bucks more, and I'm trying to budget lol.

Wolfman, that tranny pan will be coming off finally when I do the motor swap, I'll get it out to ya.

[MJG]

If it wasn't for the power of the forums there's no way MMR would try to correct the situation.

[MJG]

MMR sent me a return slip, sent the heads out to be redone with 1mm oversized valves yesterday, as soon as they get back I'm good to go.

I ended up buying a new 04 L water pump, thanks skrwz for the generous offer, but this one I found was the upgraded version I needed. It's in the shop along with the new BHJ SFI harmonic balancer I bought as well.

Just need to gety some other items to piece it all together. Looks like the best way to re/re the motor is to lift the cab, it can be done with it on, but I'm debating having it lifted.
I'll be having to weld up my exhaust with new highflows and drop the gas tank as wellto install the dual fuel pumps.

Thank god my tax return is on the positive side lol

[BlairTruck]

take pics of the pump install i will be tackleing that next.
I got the KB and Sheetlmetal Plenum in last weekend.
Sound's way different then ported Eaton.

[SKRWZ]

I ended up buying a new 04 L water pump, thanks skrwz for the generous offer, but this one I found was the upgraded version I needed. It's in the shop along with the new BHJ SFI harmonic balancer I bought as well.


No problem

Looks like the best way to re/re the motor is to lift the cab



Thats the way the engines were changed in the plant if there was a bad one, for some one who knows how to do it that's about a 9 hour job, it may be just as easy not removing the cab, but if you do lift the cab may as well put in some urethane cab bushings

[MJG]

Hmm that may be a good idea.....I have access to a complete harley interior swap too, I was thinking of maybe installing the black dash, black console, overhead black console, and black carpet while the cabs being dealt with.

Any other suggestions?

If I don't bother with the Harley parts, I know alot of the items are up for sale.

[BlairTruck]

I need a black radio surround

[SKRWZ]

I would love black interior in mine

[MJG]

I ended up picking up an 8# crank pulley today, along with an SS Y fuel line fitting,submersible hose, Locking fuel cap, C&L plenum and single blade throttle body.
Deciding to upgrade from the stock ported intake stuff cuz I'm jumping in on a group buy for a new Magnum Powers supercharger.

Uses the eaton rotors but the case is different, much louder and more air space, therefore tunes for more power. 1000 bucks vs going twin screw for 4500.
This should get me to the 550 RWHP number.

Wolfman, that means my stock ported TB/Plenum/Blower will be up for grabs, you could swap over your rotors from your blower.

[BlairTruck]

did you get the stainless Y local. or is it being shipped.

[MJG]

Shipped with all the other stuff

[BlairTruck]

i need Maf, did you have sct2400 before?

If the MP deal had come up before i got my KB2.3 then i would have sure got that.

[MJG]

No, I have a MAFia.
Ya the price seems right, Im starting to wonder if I should step up to a 10# lower, my boost will be dropping significantly with LTs, ported heads, MP,single blade tb and plenum.

[MJG]

Well I've decided to put Cobra rotors in the MP.

Therefore I'll be having my Steigemeier Ported Supercharger, Plenum, and Throttle body up for sale.

[BlairTruck]

stock TB?
do you have a 4lber?

[MJG]

No the blower, plenum, and tb are all ported by steiege.
No I had a 6#

[wolfman1]

Well I've decided to put Cobra rotors in the MP.

Therefore I'll be having my Steigemeier Ported Supercharger, Plenum, and Throttle body up for sale.

Let me know how much, I'm not sure what I am going to do with my truck
this year. Havn't had time to think about it yet.
Is there any difference between the 02 and 04 I can't remember

[MJG]

The 02 and 04 blowers? No. 99-00 had a different bolt pattern.

I'll PM you now, I'd keep the ported eaton cuz I think I could have pushed it far but Im jumping in on a good deal on the MP case.

[MJG]

SPoke with MMR today, the heads were damaged during shipping, talk about nightmare!

BUT we worked out a deal.......I'll have TFS heads with upgraded springs and stage 2 cams sent my way next week!!!!

[offroadaction]

Man, I am not usually into the lowered stuff, but that looks almost perfect! Not to much, but just enough to make you turn your head. Great job!

[MJG]

Trickflow heads shipped out from Cali today.
My 8# lower, O2 extenders, odds n ends like that have arrived.
Im waiting on the C&L plenum, Big mouth throttle body, Magnum Powers blower, ordering a 2400 or 2600 Stall converter as well.
I figure with the high CFM flowing heads and higher rpm blower along with longtubes, Im going to grab a 2.7" upper pulley as well. Equals to another 2 lb of boost.
For the most part its coming together.

STUPID me, I let the girlfriend hook up the battery for the first time after I checked everything over and walked around the truck. Well she hooked up to the wrong terminals and after a couple good sparks I had a little bit of smoke from one of the wires. Checked over what I could see, everything seemed to be OK minus the audio relay fuse was blown.

I took the truck for a toot out of storage today as the roads are pretty clean now after all the rain. Going to take her for an E test wednesday, dear lord lets hope she passes!!!

[BlairTruck]

what do you think you will be running 20lbs boost for the track? 10s?

[MJG]

I have no idea what my boost will be with the 8# lower and 2# upper. With the Longtubes and the TFS heads I could see the boost dropping pretty low as theres less backpressure.
I am not expecting 10s unless I had slicks and better traction bars along with mroe experience at launching this pig.
Im aiming for high 11s this year and improve from there. If I could get it to where I could consistently run 11.0-11.5 I'd be happy.

[MJG]

Well 350 later to replace the alternator...women, dear lord.

Good news though, truck passed emissions. TFS heads should be showing next week, time to move on with this build.

[BlairTruck]

I just replaced my alternator a few weeks ago, ford wanted over 600$ I did it myself and part cost around 300

[MJG]

Trickflow heads arrived fully assembled ready to go today with upgraded springs and stage 2 cams. I didn't want to wait another 4 weeks for custom TFS grind cams so I opted to do a PI Comp Cam. They do leave 3-5 HP on the table but that's just fine by me.
Took them over to my builder and assembly of the longblock is ready to go.
Truck was put back in storage until the weather here gets a little more consistent. I expect I could get into swapping the motor and all that in 3-4 weeks. I'm hoping the new blower will be here by then and the custom intercooler tank as well.
I ended up picking up a double key kit for putting a 2nd key for the balancer in the crank as well.

[MJG]

Longblock is put together as far as it can be for now. We'll need to swap the other remaining parts over from the truck before it can go any farther. Had the truck out over the weekend, can't wait for more power.
Once the new blower shows up then I will take the truck over to the shop for the transplant.

[MJG]

Torque converter at my door today!!
All that's left now is the new blower case and custom intercooler reservoir.

[G2GORDY]

Looks like build is comming along. Let know if you want to selling the steigmeier setup. what blower are you going to use?

[MJG]

Yes the Steigemeier stuff is all coming off and will be up for sale.

I grabbed a Magnum Powers blower, cheap man's version of a rear entry blower.

[MJG]

Ordered a set of JLP 54" traction bars. Suppose to work well for lowered trucks.
This along with the set of 16s with M/Ts I found for 300 cash and I should hook.

[LayinHp]

Ordered a set of JLP 54" traction bars. Suppose to work well for lowered trucks.
This along with the set of 16s with M/Ts I found for 300 cash and I should hook.

were those the one guys were having issues with, with exhaust clearences ? nothing major but it was a very snug fit...

[MJG]

Guys running the bassani exhaust were having clearance issues with amost all longbars.
The JLP bars are now designed where the brackets are tapered to accomodate lowered trucks, they're not suppose to hang aslow asJDM, LFP etc.
I will be getting them installed sametime as everything else, so if theres an issue with the exhaust we can just deal with it then and there.

[wolfman1]

So when do you figure you will be on the road ?
Are you taking the truck back down to the States for a tune?
Have you decided if you're lifting the cab or just removing the hood ?
Finally started the mods on my truck , lowered the back 2" and put a
Magnaflow cat-back. Just trying to decide if I should buy your old blower
before I pulley my L

[MJG]

Its ready to go its all waiting on the new blower.
There's no point of me taking the truck in and doing all the work then just have it sit there for awhile until the blower shows up.

It's suppose to be ready to ship sometime late April, couple weeks. Once it shows I'll have the truck in the shop and start the tear down. Figure we'll take the front bumper off and hood. In the meantime I'll paint the blower, plenum and other odds n ends.
I'd like to have everything done at the same time, swap the torque converter, fuel pumps, motor, traction bars etc etc etc.

Im going to go with a JDM tune. Figure I'll do some datalogging for a base and break-in tune and once I know the bugs are worked out mechanically I will make the drive down to NJ.

[MJG]

Looky looky my new intercooler reservoir
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/TrueForged/Lightning%20ice%20tanks/IMG_1494Large.jpg

[BlairTruck]

Brand and price now

[MJG]

Trueforged, about 400 shipped.

[MJG]

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/TrueForged/Lightning%20ice%20tanks/IMG_1465Large.jpg

[BlairTruck]

That paint job looks sweet

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture142320-rsz-shroud.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture141388-valvecovers2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture141387-valvecovers.jpg

[MJG]

Think it shed a fair bit today.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146931-cab6.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146930-cab5.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146929-cab4.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146928-cab3.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146927-cab2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146926-cab.jpg

[BlairTruck]

those tires look pretty bald

[LayinHp]

so thats your truck at Miseners ?

[MJG]

Yup.

And yes, new tires are waiting to be installed when Im outta there.

[LayinHp]

cool seen pics of it on crackbook it looked familiar.

[MJG]

Oh ya? link?

[SKRWZ]

Lookin' good ...Thats the way they changed engines in the Ford plant when they had a bad one


http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture146931-cab6.jpg

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147431-new-motor.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147432-new-motor2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147433-new-motor3.jpg
Going to paint the belt tensioner's black to make it look more uniform, however she's pretty well there.

[MJG]

http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147829-new.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147830-new1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147831-new2.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture147832-new3.jpg

[MJG]

Shooting for this week for 1st startup. Not expecting to drive it home the same day, best case scenario is its smooth as silk but I do realize it's likely there will be the odd hiccup (and thats it hopefully) after a task such as this.
Hoping to get the break in tune dialed in and throw it on the dyno/street drive to get some miles on her THEN maybe the weekend or next week drive her home. NO I wont be mashing my foot to the floor on the dyno and street, but some 'mixed' driving for break in purposes.

Just crossing my fingers that all goes well and that my tires will hold up to the 1.5 hour drive home until my new rubbers go on, dear lord the back rear tire needs to be refilled every 1/2 hour and the rest are bald as can be!

[taisa899]

have fun with her!

[BlairTruck]

all that money in other mods, and risking it all on garbage tires.
im planning on doing a built block next winter. are you glad you did the short block and have the engine place put it together, im thinking of just getting a longblock and not worrying about finding a local machine shop also.

[lumberjack]

That motor looks like 1 I seen on Kijiji on the weekend 04 svt lighting 5.4 the guy was asking $9000 brand new still on shipping crate, never fired or installed

[MJG]

I do have new tires waiting for me, bought them 2 months ago but they weren't shipped before I made the 2 hr trip to the shop. Sothe new rubber is awaiting me upon my return, just need to make it back lol.

In all honesty, whichever way you go will be headaches no matter what. The one thing I don't like about a shipped longblock is the fact that you are dropping it in hoping someone else, somewhere, did it right.

Locally, at least you can speak with the guy and be a little more hands on.
Hell, Mize screwed up and didn't time the cams properly and said there was piston to valve clearance issues which I knew was not possible with the cams I had.
Since he was local, we discussed and I did my research and he did screw up, then he got it in order.

Now what if that happened on an assembled longblock somewhere else? who knows!

[taisa899]

when I did my 5.0 HO I did it all myself. that way there is no one to blame but myself if anything goes wrong. nothing did

[MJG]

^^ideally yes, I would have loved to do the work myself, however I currently lack a proper garage, I'd have to spend a good dollar on more tools, and heck, time is hard to find with all the other hassles in life!

Fortunately, the sale of my supercharger and longblock have paid the majority of the bill.

[MJG]

She's running. 8 hours of shop time as the break in tune would do nothing but start up and chug then die.
Turns out the plenum wasnt sitting properly on the charger allowing a whole mess of unmonitored air in. Fixed that and she's good!

The tune needs adjsutment however we took it for a light cruise and it didnt skip a beat.

[taisa899]

good to hear

[G2GORDY]

I really want to see it run. Is it still at miz or did you take it home? Are you still thinking about going south for a dyno tune? Put your blower on and took it to the track. Had a good time but couldn't hit a good light (too cold) . I think it's time for long bars and QA1.

[MJG]

Well I got about 500 kms on the motor so far and the first bunch of hiccups have arised.

1 was the SES lihgt came on and pulled a code, EGR issue. Turns out my EGR vac line melted, I snipped the melted piece out and found some tube laying around and patched it up, cleared the code and it didn't pop back up so I suppose it temporarily solved that issue.

Now we're onto another issue, my vac is 3", running like dog s***, hear a metal clapping sound, however oil pressure is fine and a/f fine.
I am hoping I have some sort of vac leak somewhere and I'm not having any major mechanical failure as I hear the clapping quite loud along the top/lower side of the driver's valvetrain.

Flatbed is picking up the truck from my place tomorrow morning and delivering it back to the shop for Mize to go over.

Click vids, you can hear the clapping sound, kind of hard as it blends in with the cams

http://img831.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov02507.mp4
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mov02508.mp4

[MJG]

Well ladies and gents, things aren't looking too good right now.
Truck was towed to a shop 5 mins up the road, a friend of mine.

Fuel in the oil, tune looks to be fine, clapping coming from dirvers side valvetrain, major vac issue likely a result of a failure, no codes thrown therefore likely mechanical.

Cover will be coming off tomorrow along with a compression test and checking the COPS etc.

Dear lord wish me luck, I don't want to start all over again.

[wolfman1]

Damn, that sucks Matt. I hope it's not too bad. good luck,keep us posted.

[MJG]

Well, we found out what happened.
Valveis bent on drivers side rear, rocker/lash adjuster are fried, cam lobe is all charred.
Needle bearings in lash adjuster/rocker are gone, luckily the valve didnt compeltely drop but bent.

Cab will be coming off truck, longblock pulled and brought back home. Rolling chassis to be tucked awayfor the winter while longblock torn down.

We will be shipping TFS the assembled as is heads for them to investigate.


BVest case scenario is shortblock just needs disassemblin and cleaning, TFS repairs/replaces the head and provides new cams and springs.

Will al that happen? Who knows.
TFS may turn around and claim it was installer of cams and springs who is at fault, if thats the case, it may be on them.

I paid huge money for a product that was never delivered, therefore, I should not be paying all out of pocket for this situation.

Trying to be as fair and just to everyone and company involved.

[BlairTruck]

i will definitely be buying a long block and just swapping out engine in my garage
i see too many cooks in the kitchen when ya gotta go to 5 different places to get a finished product.

you seen my post on the other forum, if it was mine it would never be found again, and a thank you to the insurance company.

[taisa899]

i will definitely be buying a long block and just swapping out engine in my garage
i see too many cooks in the kitchen when ya gotta go to 5 different places to get a finished product.

you seen my post on the other forum, if it was mine it would never be found again, and a thank you to the insurance company.

damn I gotta agree with Blair again

[MJG]

Yup sure does suck!

Wish I could do the work myself but with no room and no time, paying for a service and parts which should be delivered, well, didnt happen!

Weighing my options now, may be time to just throw the rolling chassis on stands for awhile, slowly but surely rebuild this motor.

I can go a year or two without the truck.

Don't wanna hit the bank account too hard once again, especially with a new house coming up in 2011.

[MJG]

HOWEVER we cannot blame it on labour, labour may have been correct, this could be a parts failure, we do not know.

If I could go back, I'd skip the TFS heads and go tried and true ported PI.

[v8ranger]

clear corners are nice

[wolfman1]

If I could go back, I'd skip the TFS heads and go tried and true ported PI.[/QUOTE]

I think you're right, PI heads and skipped the dealings with MMR
Although I know you don't want to blame MMR at this point or anybody
yet.
I hope somebody makes this right for you.
TFS so far seems to want to help
Keep us posted

[MJG]

Complete motor from pan to blower is pulled. Truck rolling chassis is tucked away for the winter.

Brought the motor back home to a friend and we begin the process of tearing it down to see what the story is. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am headed down south in a day sono updates for a couple weeks most likely.

I will say after taking a better look, the valve doesnt look bent, looks as if its still straight and just sitting on the piston loose. This is promising, I may just yank the rotating assembly, check the bearings, swap the oil pump, change the piston rings and might as well line hone the block and throw in ARP mains while I'm at it.
It's gone this far, button it up for the last time in the spring (hopefully last time).

[MJG]

Havent updated in a long time.

Well, what's happened the last couple months.....

Top end failure - kicked a lash adjuster/rocker - TFS inspected and claims that the components were never oiled before install and therefore this was the cause.
TFS is repairing the head for me, installing the valve train/I did drop a valve - luckily it stuck in the head, didnt shatter throughout the motor.

Fried a cam, so I bought TFS stg 2 cams to go in.

AFTER all this, we decided to take apart the shortblock to inspect for damage and clean any debris.
We found out the piston to wall clearance in all 8 cylinders was 3 thousandths out while these pistons require no more than 1 thousandths.
We contacted MAHLE the piston manufacturer and admitted there was an issue.
Contacted FRPP, took the shortblock down to Buffalo, they paid to ship it from there. Inspected it to check our findings.......

Admitted issue, they wanted to send out a NEW shortblock...NO THANKS.
Made a deal where they sent me back the block, crank, and rods PLUS a credit which will cover BRAND NEW top end Diamond pistons, upgraded wrist pins, total stainless rings, all of it - make this bottom end SOLID.
We will be installing ARP2000 rod bolts on the Manley rods, align honing the mains for ARP2000 main studs. Cleaning up the existing block and should be good to go.
We are building this longblock to handle some serious power down the road when I really turn it up.

Lesson learned, KEEP EVERYTHING LOCAL - DONT BUY BUILT ITEMS - do the legwork and get a trustworthy shop within driving distance to help out.