Buying a lightning, will 99-00 be good, or do I need to get a 2001+

[AidanN20]

I went and got preapproved for auto loan to purchase a 2nd gen lightning and have been looking at different ones through autotrader and ebay.

My question is, am I going to be dissappointed buying a 1999 or 2000 instead of an 01? I read how they have 3.73's over 3.55's, better driveshaft, slightly different grill and little things. I personally have never actually noticed the difference in the different model years but I guess after I get to know them, I will...

I can save some $$ on a 99 over a 01.

Im looking at 13-14k for a decent 99-00 with avg miles, or I can spend 16-18k for an 01 with similar miles. I really would like to go the cheaper route if possible but if its worth paying more I will get the newer one.

What do you guys think?

[Kornegro]

Before you go cheap on a Lightning there are other things to take into consideration other than year and mileage. 99-00 are completely different from the 01+ mainly due to the fact they were 20 horsepower short. There were also other options added such as keyless entry, signal side mirrors etc... But you've stated that your aware that there is a difference so I wont go preaching what they are but I think depending on your usage of the vehicle its gonna play a role on wether or not you go for the early year model vice versa. My personal opinion is to go 01+, I have a 2002 and love it and have never regreted the decision of going with a 02, plus the factory 02 rims are the best looking in my opinion. To help with your decision I would go here for more info http://www.svtlightnings.com/faq1/faq.htm Also feel free to browse http://www.nloc.net and www.svtperformance there are always lightnings for sale at both sites.

[AidanN20]

thanks for the links...



Hmmm I guess im now thinking it just needs to be quite a bit cheaper to be worth going 99-00.

I really actually like the 99 taillights better and I cant tell the difference in the grill (I dont know the trucks that well yet)


Is the bigger driveshaft alot stronger for drag racing use in the 01+ also I like the 3.73's better than 3.55's.

[2G-GreenGT]

There is not much difference between 99/00 and 01+ so if you can get a good deal on one i would go for it, You can pick up the 20hp difference easy and save 3-4k.

I just got my 00 about 3 weeks ago and love it. And for under 1300.00 you can get it running high 12's on stock tires.

shawn

[AidanN20]

Does your 00 have keyless entry??

[2G-GreenGT]

Yes it does, the main differences in 99/00 and 01+ are

1. Gears 99/00 3.55's and 01+ are 3.73
2. lights 99/00 have red taillights and 01+ are clear tail and headlights and a led 3rd brake light
3. Maf's 99/00 are 80mm and the 01+ are 90mm
4. Driveshafts 99/00 steal and 01+ are alum.
5 The 01+ have a tinted rear glass

They way i think of it is if i was leaven it stock i would take a 01+. But i knew i wanted to do stuff so i looked for a cheaper 99/00 and put the extra money into it to make it better and faster.

Shawn

[all5.0]

one other thing to look at on a 99-00 is that the intercooler may leak. before you buy one get the vin # and have a ford dealer service dept. run an oasis to see if it had already been changed to the updated cooler. there was a recall (01b81) on these but it ended on sept. 30th 2002.

[2G-GreenGT]

Dam forgot about that, your best bet is to call svt to check about the recalls. i call 3 different ford dealers to find out if the recall was done and none could give me any info.

shawn
shawn

[all5.0]

Originally Posted by 2G-GreenGT

Dam forgot about that, your best bet is to call svt to check about the recalls. i call 3 different ford dealers to find out if the recall was done and none could give me any info.

shawn
shawn

pm me your vin, i'll run the dam oasis for you! lol. just don't tell anyone else, i don't wanna do it for everyone!

[SVT Kid]

how come no one mentiond the heads? 8 thread vs 4 in the newer ones. that is really the main benifit to the 99/00.

[AidanN20]

What was the first year with the heads with more spark plug threads to avoid a blow out?

[2001 Yellow GT]

Originally Posted by SVT Kid

how come no one mentiond the heads? 8 thread vs 4 in the newer ones. that is really the main benifit to the 99/00.

That's why I am glad I got a 99.
I easily made up the 20hp with a SCT XCal II.
I upgraded the tail lights, grilles, headlights (to 01-04) as well as modded it to get 400RWHP and 525TQ and still spent less than if I got an 01-04 Lightning

I did run an OASIS (since I work for a dealership - all recalls were done)