1993 - 1995 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

1st Gen SVT Lightning Specs & History

The 1st generation Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was designed to go head-to-head with several performance based GM vehicles (primarily the GMC Syclone and Chevrolet 454 SS). Ford's marketing team also saw this as a great opportunity to broaden the image of the Ford F-150, potentially increasing the truck's appeal to buyers interested in more "sporty" concepts. SVT engineers set out to design a vehicle that combined performance and capability - a truck with Mustang like performance and the capability that the F-series was known for. A slightly modified 351 Windsor V-8 was chosen to power the 1st Gen Lightning, which was produced in Wayne, Michigan from 1993 to 1995. While only 11,563 Lightings were produced during this period, Ford's message was heard loud and clear.

1993 - 1995 1st Gen Lightning Specs

Make/Model:

1st Generation Ford SVT F150 Lightning

Body:

2wd, regular cab, fleetside bed

Years Produced:

1993-1995

Production Location:

Trucks built at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan

Engine:

351W V-8 with GT-40 heads and hyper-eutectic pistons

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 4,200 rpm

Torque:

340 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:

0 - 60 in 7.6 seconds, 110 mph top speed

Transmission:

E40D 4 speed automatic

Axle/Driveshaft:

Ford 8.8" solid rear axle with 4.10 : 1 ratio & limited slip differential

Front Suspension:

Twin I Beam with coil springs, Monroe Formula GP shocks, and a 1.0" stabilizer bar. Truck lowered 1.0" in front.

Rear Suspension:

Solid rear axle with leaf springs, Monroe Formula GP shocks, and a 1.0" stabilizer bar. Truck lowered 2.5" in rear.

Wheels/Tires:

17" cast aluminum 5 spoke wheels. Firestone Firehawk GTA tires, size P275/60HT-70.

Brakes:

• ABS disc brakes with 11.72" rotors
• ABS drum brakes with 11.03" x 2.25" drums

 

Lightning 351W Engine Specs

Engine Configuration:

90 degree V-8

Displacement:

5.8L, 351 cubic inches.

Bore x Stroke:

4.0" bore x 3.5" stroke

Compression Ratio:

8.8 : 1

Induction:

Naturally aspirated, custom Lightning tubular intake manifold, single 65mm throttle body

Exhaust:

True dual exhaust, stainless steel tubular exhaust headers

Cylinder Heads:

GT-40 high flow cast iron cylinder heads
• 1.84" intake valve
• 1.54" exhaust valve

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 4,200 rpm

Torque:

340 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

 

1st Gen Lightning Productions Numbers

 

1993 Model Year

1994 Model Year

1995 Model Year

Black

2,691

1,382

824

Red

2,585

1.165

695

White

---

1,460

761

 

• While 240 horsepower isn't much by modern standards (especially considering the 2nd Gen Lightning made 380 hp), the Chevy 454 SS only made 230 horsepower at the time, and with a much larger engine.

• The Lightning's tall 4.10 axle ratio helped improve acceleration and throttle response.

• While they share displacement, the 351W (Windsor) and 351C (Cleveland) are very different engines. The Cleveland is known for its high RPM power, while the Windsor provides much more torque at lower engine speeds.

• The 1st Gen Lightning maintained most of the capabilities of your standard F-150 while providing improved handling and acceleration.

• The 1993 Lightning was only offered in black or red, while the 94/95 Lightnings were offered in black, red, or white.

• Lightning badges and accents spread throughout the truck, from the exterior to the engine bay, make identification easy.