Sixpipes

I was looking for a copy or reference to the first Chevy 454 vs Lightning article that came out when the Lightning made its debut. It may have been in Hot Rod Magazine, I'm not sure.

Lightning Struck

I believe it was one of the highend rags like Motortrend or Car&Driver. I don't have it, just a copy of it that the previous owner of the truck included along with a few other Lightning things..

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Curt
'93 Red Lightning #4232
http://www.geocities.com/lightning_struck93/index.html

lil'Zeus

I have both of the articles on that subject. One from C&D and one from MotorTrend. I ripped them out of old magazines. Both articles were produced in 93/94...I think.

Shane

hottruck108

I dug out the april 1993 issue of "sport truck" the cover shows:CHEVY 454 ss vs.FORD LIGHTNING.

Sixpipes

Would it be possible to get a scanned copy of the cover page? I would really like to use it for my web site.

[This message has been edited by Sixpipes (edited 02-24-2001).]

TraumaPirate

Wasn't SportTruck the one that claimed the 454 beat the Lightning?

foxspy

I think it was Truckin' that tested them having the same 1/4 mile times but the Lightning a few mph faster. And if I recall correctly, the SS was like .1 faster 0-60 at 7.2. I think. This was the 93' 454SS vs. 93 Lightning. But every mag. said the Lightning handled way better.



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foxspy
1990 454ss
14.2@94mph

http://www.454ss.com/gallery/LMoore/LMoore.htm

SVT150TIM

Just looked in my C&D-January 99, small blip on 93 lightning vs. 93 454SS: they say 255hp chevy quicker to 100mph than the 240hp G1 (22.5 seconds to 25.7) and a higher top speed (10 mph faster) of 120mph than the governed G1. The Lightning braked and handled better and was given the overall nod. Does not mention 60fts or 1/4's.

Sixpipes---There is a great color picture of a red G1 and a red 454SS from the front, both trucks dumping white smoke. Maybe C&D can send you back issue, not to old.

Good Luck
Later
Tim

Muddmann

hey man, im around the corner from you and have the "Sport Truck" issue, if ya need it, lemme know, but id hafta do it this weekend cause im leavin town for a few...

Muddmann

the following is a quote from April 1993 "Sport truck", for those that care...

ACCELERATION

"Pointing both the Lightning and the 454SS in a straight line and standing on the gas produced more suprises than it did answers in this classic Ford vs. Chevy confrontation. The 454SS has a satisfying low-end torque curve that feels like it should soundly shut the Lightning down. At the test track, the actual margin was so close that driver ability becomes the critical element-at least behind the wheel of the 454SS.
Taking the best times for each truck, the 454SS holds a slight advantage. If you do everything right leaving the line, the 454SS will lead the Lightning to 30mph by .02 seconds. At the critical 60mph mark the trucks are still in a dead heat, 7.48 for the 454SS to the Lightnings 7.49-we're talking the lead of no more than the rub strip on the bumper here. Quarter-mile times were also close, but the 454SS generated one blast (it really hooked up on hot sticky tires) that put it in the lead through the traps. The Lightnings best was 15.75 @ 89.4mph to a 15.55@ 84.32 for the 454SS. It should be noted that the Lightning was more consistent because, quite frankly, its easier to drive. The 454's times varied by as much as 1/2 second, with an average ion the 15.7 range.
In a street showdown, the edge is likely to go to the Lightning. This truck is so easy to launch its ridiculous. Give the 454SS a tire to match the factory Lightning rubber and it would more than hold its own."

ECONOMY

"454SS 10-12. We averaged 11mpg.
Lighting 12-17. Our time netted a mid 16mpg average."

HANDLING

"Until the Lightning was released, we didnt have many complaints about the 454's handling qualities."


THE BOTTOM LINE

"If your idea of the perfect sport truck experience includes cruising the strip on Saturday night and being able to lay rubber for blocks, buy the 454SS.
But if you want a pickup for any other reason, and the overall driving experience is a prime consideration, we suggest you beat a path to your locla SVT dealer. Even the die-hard Chevy truck owners cant help but be impressed. The Lightning refines our concept of just how good a fullsize sport truck can be."

Chris Wood

Does any one have any tissue, I'm misty.

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White Lightning #2252//'80 Mercury Capri-306-Tremec 13.20@107MPH//'87 f-350 SRW-4 Door-6.9 diesel-4 WD-4 Speed//Wife's '99 Cougar.

Lightning Struck

I think it's funny, a 15.75??? I really don't agree with those articles on much performance wise. But oh well, it's just some over paid journalists rendition of the truth. The Lightning takes the edge in everything over the 454SS, in stock condition that is.. Those big-blocks are easier to wake up though.

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Curt
'93 Red Lightning #4232
http://www.geocities.com/lightning_struck93/index.html

mrbrandt

That article kind of surprises me because I always heard that the 454ss was kind of a letdown, powerwise anyway. Never really drove one, but the people I know say they weren't that impressive for a big block in a short bed half ton. I also don't think they have the following that the Lightning does though. You hardly ever see one around here.

Draconious

I see them all the time, but they are always too small to see in the mirrors...

Russ94

I gotta share this. Two days ago a 454SS was pulling out of Pep Boys as I'm pulling in. He sees my L and starts doing this massive burnout as he exits (like I'm supposed to turn around and chase him). I'm at Pep Boys again and I see the same truck, so I'm think it belongs to an employee.

Obviously the guy thinks his truck is the s*** so I think I'll invite him to Carlsbad Raceway this March to see what his truck can do...



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94 Lightning
91 Mustang LX 5.0
65 Mustang Coupe