So I have a 2003 4.2l with a manual transmission. I am wondering how difficult (if it is even possible) to put in a lightning motor. I cant seem to find anything for or against doing this so I'm looking to yall for help.

 

Basically, you’d need a Lightning to transplant from.

If you want to get technical, the Lightning has a different chassis harness that has two fuel pumps as well. I’m sure that can be worked around, but you’ll definitely want the 9.75 rear and 4R100 trans, since you’ll make quick work of the 8.8 rear in your truck and the manual trans won’t last or even bolt up to a Triton engine.

As for “anything for or against”, I can’t imagine anything against this swap, but you may be better off tossing $15,000 at a factory-built Lightning or give us good notes if you dig in yourself.

 

I think I am going to get the donor and do a transplant. Its not only about the truck I also want to experience of it. Thanks for the info I didn't think about the rear, but now that you say it its something to consider.

 

In this swap do I need to take the ecu? or can I use a tuner to change?

 

I'm not sure of the circumstances here....you'll need a doner truck complete. However, it's much cheaper to find an early model lighting and put some work into that. The 4two is a totally different platform...you'll regret it imo. If you swap PCM's it will still be a headache unless you swap the dash out.

 

You'd be surprised how many parts you will have to swap from a donor truck. Not worth it imo

 

If you want the experience to try something new and are willing to follow through... it could be a fun project and you could learn a lot. But you need to be committed to seeing it through and not just mentally... your wallet and time needs to be committed too. I won't knock a guy for trying something new if it interests him but just be aware there's a chance you end up with two trucks going to the scrap. Start a build thread on here if you do start the project

 

There are books available on doing the swaps. A lot of the advice here can be thrown out. Almost everything in the Lightings electronics can be spliced in to existing modules on the truck with the Lighting's PCM if you know what you're doing. Ford didn't redesign the electronics for all of the various trucks including the Lighting. Stay away from the 97 and 98's though.

 

Can I throw in the super rookie question? Isn't the "Lightning" basically just a 5.4 Triton with a supercharger and a different tune? Anything related to a 5.4 swap should apply, mechanically, and wiring wise. It seems, to my simple mind.

I had to Google "Ford Lightning" but didn't find anything dramatically special about it. https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/ford_...tning-history/

 

Pretty much, and a different intake