July 2007 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Rob "93AZ-L" Parsons! (NLOC #2411)

madramper · 07-01-2007, 09:09 AM

...July 2007 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Rob (93AZ-L) Parsons! (NLOC #2411)

Rob's truck shows what the right combination of modifications can do to a Gen 1 Lightning! His 93 is clean and fast! What he has accomplished with his truck is amazing. What is even more amazing is that this kid is only 20 years old and a full time college student! He definitely has a fast future ahead of him... and he's already been on tv with this truck!

1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?

As funny as it sounds, I had always wanted a 3rd Gen Camaro. When I finally got my driver’s license I picked up an 87 IROC Camaro. After about 6 months of owning it, it had started burning oil and my dad and I replaced a head, then the transmission let go. I was working construction and needed a truck. Having seen a couple Gen 2s around, a Lightning was the obvious replacement. I quickly realized I couldn’t afford a Gen 2 and started to look for an older generation which is where I found NLOC and info about the Gen 1. I found a bone stock 93 with 102k for sale in Tucson, AZ, about a 3 hr drive from home. I had a good chunk of the money and convinced my dad to go look at it and help me make up the difference. Well, that’s just where this sickness began

…

2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?

Nothing really special… I sold my Camaro in such short order I didn’t have much time to make any really great stories.

3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?

That’s really going to be quite the list

I think it would almost be easier to list what hasn’t been modified. I started out with a Powerdyne supercharger back in the day and after a while it had a fuel starvation issue and cracked a piston. I called Philip Joyal and he designed a nice 393 stroker combination. While Philip was working on the motor, I called up Dave Pickrel and got one of his exhaust systems on the way. Now I had a nice little daily driver. It ran consistent 12.9s to 13.0s on 5psi of boost. Not to long after I added 75 dry shot on top of it and made a few 12.0 passes. That was cool for a while but I wanted to do something bigger and better. I sold the Powerdyne and bought a new Novi 2000 and a PSD intercooler. With a bracket template from Greg (dogman) I assembled my own kit. I took the nitrous kit off and got back to the 12.0s on boost. Wanting those 11s, I added a Hughes converter and a set of Raceline wheels and finally got that 11.9. Over the summer, I took out a bunch of weight and put on a smaller pulley. I made it down to 11.0s where I gave in and put in a roll bar after being kicked out of the track numerous times. As another summer rolled around, we started cleaning things up and doing body work. With the help of a few friends, we tubbed the bed, shaved the gas doors, stake holes, cab seams, cowl, badges and front bumper. At the same time a friend and I cut out the existing roll bar and built a new one out of chromoly. We painted the truck in the factory vermillion red, but it is now sporting a couple coats of clear. We wet sanded it for a mirror finish and painted the new roll bar red to match. The roll pan and front bumper are lightweight fiberglass and I coated the bed with lightweight chip guard. The transmission is rebuilt with some extra goodies and I just installed a Detroit locker and Huffentuff95 axle last month after grenading the Auburn ECTED I had. The truck sits on a set of Gen 2 replica chrome 18” wheels with Nitto DRs out back and at the track runs a full set of Racelines with MT ET Drag Slicks.
The 393 now is managed with ProM mass air and has one of Philip’s custom cams in it. It sports AFR 185 heads and an E-honed lower intake but retains the stock upper and throttle body. I changed the intercooler again and installed yet a smaller pulley getting the ET down to a best of 10.61 @ 125 mph.

4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?

I’ve done my share of stupid things in the truck which makes for some interesting stories… I don’t think I’m ready to admit to all of them. I made it from San Diego to Phoenix in four hours once (normally takes 6). That was a wild ride. We averaged right around 100 mph and had to stop for gas three times!!!
Another time, I decided to cook off a set of tires leaving school for my buddies to video tape. With my luck, a cop came around the corner as I was rolling away from a 100 yard cloud of smoke. He pulled me over and my buddies drove by with the video camera videotaping the ordeal for like 20 minutes. Let's just say I didn’t get a ticket, but it made for a killer video and an even better story.

5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.

Well, I’m 20 years old and a full time college student at Arizona State University. I’ll be 21 in less than a month and will be finishing off my last year of college starting in the fall. I work at ASU as a Network Technician. I have another part time job that helps fund my truck and racing. In general I just like hanging out with friends and having a good time whether it's at the track, car shows or just kicking back at home. I just bought my first house so modifying the house is quickly becoming a new hobby.

6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC?

I’ve been a user of NLOC since 2002. There is such a great wealth of knowledge available here and is by far the best site for Gen 1’s.

7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?

I think the site is great as it is. Good job everyone!

8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?

I bought my truck from a guy whose screen name was AZL so I just used that and added a 93 to it.

9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?

I really have a lot of plans for the truck… I have a 4-bolt Motorsport block in the garage. I’ve also collected a set of Yates C3 heads, a Yates EFI intake and T&D Rockers. I was planning to have the new motor together this summer, but that won’t happen with the new house now. I want to sanitize some stuff in the engine bay and probably set up a 50 wet shot now in hopes of making L-fest. I really want to see how far I can push it on stock suspension.

10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.

Thanks to Mike Smith and MNR Images for photography MNR Images
Arizona Lightning Owners Club Arizona Lightning Owners Club
Credits:
Philip Joyal – Engine
Steve Kleva – Roll Bar
Richard Chiara – Bodywork
Freddie Nandin – Paint
Greg Dix – R&D

RhinoRacing · 07-01-2007, 09:16 AM

Congrats Rob! Sweet Truck!

LW93Rcode · 07-01-2007, 10:26 AM

Congrats! Great looking truck!

e9tac · 07-01-2007, 01:20 PM

Congrats Rob!!!!

Your truck looks awesome and very sanitary...WTG!

KCBOLT · 07-01-2007, 04:19 PM

Congrats!! Very nice!

Scuba-Matt · 07-01-2007, 07:25 PM

Congrats Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats one mean lookinig Lightning.

plum360415 · 07-01-2007, 11:41 PM

nice L, congrats.
Kerry

SVT150TIM · 07-02-2007, 12:38 PM

Congrats Rob...that is one very impressive truck you've built. Absolutely beautiful to look at....and also throw's done the numbers.
Great Job,
Tim

lightning_2000 · 07-02-2007, 01:34 PM

sweet truck. thats a great job well done.

trixxstyles · 07-02-2007, 01:52 PM

WOW super clean congrats!!!!!!!! ITS a red one!!!!!!! got to love red

EZ SPEED · 07-02-2007, 02:19 PM

Congrats !!
Always been one of my Favorite Gen !'s !!!

badpony93 · 07-02-2007, 03:02 PM

nicely done. way to go on the truck Rob, now lets get the motor in so you can sell me the pickrel LT's

99_venum · 07-02-2007, 04:20 PM

Rob,
Great job, it is one sweet truck...

Congrats.

SLVRLTNG · 07-02-2007, 10:07 PM

Beautiful truck you have there Rob

95lightning1 · 07-02-2007, 10:15 PM

Man thats a bad ***** truck.

07-01-2007, 09:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
madramper Supporting Vendor Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alloway, NJ Posts: 11,493 NLOC member #: 937 View this user's gallery iTrader: 43 / 100%	July 2007 Gen 1 TOTM - Congratulations to Rob "93AZ-L" Parsons! (NLOC #2411) ...July 2007 Gen 1 Truck Of The Month – Congratulations Rob (93AZ-L) Parsons! (NLOC #2411) Rob's truck shows what the right combination of modifications can do to a Gen 1 Lightning! His 93 is clean and fast! What he has accomplished with his truck is amazing. What is even more amazing is that this kid is only 20 years old and a full time college student! He definitely has a fast future ahead of him... and he's already been on tv with this truck! *1. What sparked your interest in the Ford Lightning?* As funny as it sounds, I had always wanted a 3rd Gen Camaro. When I finally got my driver’s license I picked up an 87 IROC Camaro. After about 6 months of owning it, it had started burning oil and my dad and I replaced a head, then the transmission let go. I was working construction and needed a truck. Having seen a couple Gen 2s around, a Lightning was the obvious replacement. I quickly realized I couldn’t afford a Gen 2 and started to look for an older generation which is where I found NLOC and info about the Gen 1. I found a bone stock 93 with 102k for sale in Tucson, AZ, about a 3 hr drive from home. I had a good chunk of the money and convinced my dad to go look at it and help me make up the difference. Well, that’s just where this sickness began … *2. Do you have any interesting stories about previously owned vehicles, before becoming a Lightning owner?* Nothing really special… I sold my Camaro in such short order I didn’t have much time to make any really great stories. *3. What modifications have you made to your truck since you have owned it...both show and go?* That’s really going to be quite the list I think it would almost be easier to list what hasn’t been modified. I started out with a Powerdyne supercharger back in the day and after a while it had a fuel starvation issue and cracked a piston. I called Philip Joyal and he designed a nice 393 stroker combination. While Philip was working on the motor, I called up Dave Pickrel and got one of his exhaust systems on the way. Now I had a nice little daily driver. It ran consistent 12.9s to 13.0s on 5psi of boost. Not to long after I added 75 dry shot on top of it and made a few 12.0 passes. That was cool for a while but I wanted to do something bigger and better. I sold the Powerdyne and bought a new Novi 2000 and a PSD intercooler. With a bracket template from Greg (dogman) I assembled my own kit. I took the nitrous kit off and got back to the 12.0s on boost. Wanting those 11s, I added a Hughes converter and a set of Raceline wheels and finally got that 11.9. Over the summer, I took out a bunch of weight and put on a smaller pulley. I made it down to 11.0s where I gave in and put in a roll bar after being kicked out of the track numerous times. As another summer rolled around, we started cleaning things up and doing body work. With the help of a few friends, we tubbed the bed, shaved the gas doors, stake holes, cab seams, cowl, badges and front bumper. At the same time a friend and I cut out the existing roll bar and built a new one out of chromoly. We painted the truck in the factory vermillion red, but it is now sporting a couple coats of clear. We wet sanded it for a mirror finish and painted the new roll bar red to match. The roll pan and front bumper are lightweight fiberglass and I coated the bed with lightweight chip guard. The transmission is rebuilt with some extra goodies and I just installed a Detroit locker and Huffentuff95 axle last month after grenading the Auburn ECTED I had. The truck sits on a set of Gen 2 replica chrome 18” wheels with Nitto DRs out back and at the track runs a full set of Racelines with MT ET Drag Slicks. The 393 now is managed with ProM mass air and has one of Philip’s custom cams in it. It sports AFR 185 heads and an E-honed lower intake but retains the stock upper and throttle body. I changed the intercooler again and installed yet a smaller pulley getting the ET down to a best of 10.61 @ 125 mph. *4. Do you have any interesting stories about your Lightning?* I’ve done my share of stupid things in the truck which makes for some interesting stories… I don’t think I’m ready to admit to all of them. I made it from San Diego to Phoenix in four hours once (normally takes 6). That was a wild ride. We averaged right around 100 mph and had to stop for gas three times!!! Another time, I decided to cook off a set of tires leaving school for my buddies to video tape. With my luck, a cop came around the corner as I was rolling away from a 100 yard cloud of smoke. He pulled me over and my buddies drove by with the video camera videotaping the ordeal for like 20 minutes. Let's just say I didn’t get a ticket, but it made for a killer video and an even better story. *5. Tell us about yourself, your hobbies, business or work, sports, family, etc.* Well, I’m 20 years old and a full time college student at Arizona State University. I’ll be 21 in less than a month and will be finishing off my last year of college starting in the fall. I work at ASU as a Network Technician. I have another part time job that helps fund my truck and racing. In general I just like hanging out with friends and having a good time whether it's at the track, car shows or just kicking back at home. I just bought my first house so modifying the house is quickly becoming a new hobby. 6. How long have you been a user of the NLOC.net, when did you become an NLOC member, and why did you choose to become a member of NLOC? I’ve been a user of NLOC since 2002. There is such a great wealth of knowledge available here and is by far the best site for Gen 1’s. *7. What suggestions do you have to make the NLOC.net website easier to use and navigate?* I think the site is great as it is. Good job everyone! *8. Why did you pick your board user name (screen name)?* I bought my truck from a guy whose screen name was AZL so I just used that and added a 93 to it. *9. What are your plans for future changes to your truck?* I really have a lot of plans for the truck… I have a 4-bolt Motorsport block in the garage. I’ve also collected a set of Yates C3 heads, a Yates EFI intake and T&D Rockers. I was planning to have the new motor together this summer, but that won’t happen with the new house now. I want to sanitize some stuff in the engine bay and probably set up a 50 wet shot now in hopes of making L-fest. I really want to see how far I can push it on stock suspension. *10. This is where you link favorite websites, your website, family pictures and add any other comments.* Thanks to Mike Smith and MNR Images for photography MNR Images Arizona Lightning Owners Club Arizona Lightning Owners Club Credits: Philip Joyal – Engine Steve Kleva – Roll Bar Richard Chiara – Bodywork Freddie Nandin – Paint Greg Dix – R&D

07-01-2007, 01:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
e9tac Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,455 View this user's gallery iTrader: 4 / 100%	Congrats Rob!!!! Your truck looks awesome and very sanitary...WTG! __________________ 95 \| Black #957 03 \| DSG #4018

07-01-2007, 11:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
plum360415 Mopar and Fords!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Canton, IL Posts: 1,993 View this user's gallery iTrader: 5 / 100%	nice L, congrats. Kerry __________________ Former Gen1 owner..... 1994 #1665 5-sp gen 1 L.... Replacment 97 Cobra #799

07-02-2007, 02:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
EZ SPEED Boost Kills !!!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oxford, Alabama Posts: 2,640 View this user's gallery iTrader: 24 / 100%	Congrats !! Always been one of my Favorite Gen !'s !!! __________________ SOLD - 2003 Lightning # 1180 SOLD - 1993 Lightning # 5173 2005 Pontiac GTO 2004 Mustang Mach1 2004 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 CrewCab Diesel

07-02-2007, 04:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
99_venum Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 139 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Rob, Great job, it is one sweet truck... Congrats. __________________ Jim '00 Lightning #4265 of 4966 Best ET 11.37 123.68 '99 Cobra Coupe #582 of 4040 11.93@ 118.06 '08 F-150 Lariat Limited Super Crew #1548 of 5000 '08 Mustang GT-California Special Vert '71 Mustang Coupe 351C - Next Project How Big Can You Dream? http://rpmdreams.com




Home \| Classified Ads \| Gallery \| Join the Club \| Register on the Forum \| Merchandise \| Supporting Vendors \| Chat

07-01-2007, 09:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
RhinoRacing Team Vortech Paid Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 2,588 NLOC member #: 387 View this user's gallery iTrader: 7 / 100%	Congrats Rob! Sweet Truck!

07-01-2007, 10:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
LW93Rcode Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Merchantville, NJ Posts: 3,938 View this user's gallery iTrader: 4 / 100%	Congrats! Great looking truck!

07-01-2007, 04:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
KCBOLT 405/489 @ 12.76 1/4 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Shawnee, Ks Posts: 2,771 View this user's gallery iTrader: 12 / 100%	Congrats!! Very nice!

07-01-2007, 07:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Scuba-Matt Boosted by Whipple Paid Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Florida Posts: 4,149 NLOC member #: 2117 View this user's gallery iTrader: 15 / 100%	Congrats Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats one mean lookinig Lightning.

07-02-2007, 12:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
SVT150TIM Team Procharger Paid Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Riverside, CA USA Posts: 995 NLOC member #: 124 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Congrats Rob...that is one very impressive truck you've built. Absolutely beautiful to look at....and also throw's done the numbers. Great Job, Tim

07-02-2007, 01:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
lightning_2000 Stroked & Blown Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: McMinnville, Tn Posts: 3,187 View this user's gallery iTrader: 21 / 100%	sweet truck. thats a great job well done.

07-02-2007, 01:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
trixxstyles Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 50 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	WOW super clean congrats!!!!!!!! ITS a red one!!!!!!! got to love red

07-02-2007, 03:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
badpony93 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: phoenix az Posts: 2,787 View this user's gallery iTrader: 3 / 100%	nicely done. way to go on the truck Rob, now lets get the motor in so you can sell me the pickrel LT's

07-02-2007, 10:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
SLVRLTNG Moderator Paid Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Redmond, Wa Posts: 6,199 NLOC member #: 714 View this user's gallery iTrader: 6 / 100%	Beautiful truck you have there Rob

07-02-2007, 10:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
95lightning1 The Young One Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lebanon, Indiana Posts: 352 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Man thats a bad ***** truck.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode