The first generation Ford F150 Lighting engine had 8.8:1 compression, a 4-inch bore and 3.50-inch stroke. SVT installed GT-40-type cast-iron cylinder heads, a tuned intake manifold, tubular stainless-steel headers, larger intake (1.84-inch) and exhaust valves (1.54-inch), high-flow ports, high-rate capacity fuel pump and injectors, revised combustion chambers, a redesigned air filter for improved airflow and a true dual exhaust system. 

Other upgrades for the basic 5.8-liter V-8 included high-silicon aluminum hypereutectic pistons, a special camshaft for optimized valve tuning and a cartridge-type oil-to-water exchanger to control oil temperatures. Engineers also programmed the engine’s computer control to deliver crisp throttle response and acceptable fuel economy. Lightning output resulted in a then very healthy 240hp at 4,200 rpm and 340-lbs.ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm. 

When asked what you’ve enjoyed about the truck, the current owner says; “I love how easy it is to drive – there’s no fan fare, the ac works and it feels like a 90’s Ford. OBS (old body style) Fords are the coolest trucks – for me growing up in a blue collar town, I spent my younger years in Fords of that era – cars that I like have nostalgia. Even the noise the AC makes when it kicks on – it’s pure vintage Ford. That was one of the top of the line fords of that era, and for the era it was peak Ford. They had a certain cool factor because not everyone knew what it was. It’s an easy and functional collector car – the audio tapes will go with the car and make the experience complete.” 

As to why he’s selling the Lightning, “I need to make room for a heavily modified Grand National that’s coming home and the truck is just too nice – it deserves to live a more posh existence. I spent a year looking for the perfect Lightning but with such low miles I really haven’t been driving it enough.”