My Last Ride - 2001 SVT Lightning

[OldTimer]

I just sold my Lightning a few weeks ago after a 10-year partnership with it. Started modding almost the first month, not to be a drag racer, but more of a great handling, very fast, unique looking ride. Suspension wise, Belltech 2" drop spindles, Ground Force 1" coils, Bilsteins, last summer... all new ProForged steering components, new upper/lower control arms, all fresh bushings, cam bolts, clunk washers. Rear had Hotchkis TVS leafs, Strange Adjustable Shocks, all new bushings. Drop was 3" front, 4" rear.

Engine had all the bolt-ons; Full Bassani (Headers, hi flows, catback), shift kit, 6# lower with cog belt drive for 16# boost, Magnum Powers blower upgrade, SBTB, CAI, SCT 2600 MAF, JLP super plenum, made about 440 RWHP/550 RWTQ.

Can't say enough about how much I enjoyed taking that truck on long trips, especially on nice winding roads. Not a track racer, but very unexpected handling for a 5000 pound brick LOL.

So now the hunt is on for a Camaro or Mustang fastback from the '60's. I've never owned one of these, so this will be my bucket list ride. I like muscle cars but lean towards the lowered, better handling "pro-touring" style. Budget is limited, but I think I'll find a good starter and tweak it over the next 10 years!

Mike

[Josh@Ridetech]

The Lightning's are a blast! Good luck on the search for a new project.

[Protour_Pinto]

A friend bought a first year lightning, it was a great truck. He didnt believe me about the Emergency Flashers, He lost his licence soon after he tested my theory.

[OldTimer]

Here's a couple pix of the beast:

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Won a lot of trophies at shows, but like I said... driving it was more fun than showing it. -Mike

[OldTimer]

A '65 Mustang would be awesome! One of the originals..

It seems it's more difficult to find a restomod 64-69 Mustabg Fastback than it is a comparable 67-69 Camaro. I had a line on one in Ohio, it lasted 18 hours on CL. I emailed the seller 12 hours after posted, then called following morning, it already had a deposit sight unseen.

Generally speaking, most of the Camaros seem to have more done to them for the same general asking price. SBC motors have so many aftermarket parts it's easy to see why owners mod them like crazy. I don't intend to drag race or autocross whatever I buy, and numbers-matching only means higher asking prices... so I try to avoid a car that has been restored to factory code specs. For instance, I'd rather have a 383 stroker crate motor or a 355 in a *******ized Z/28 than a factory spec 302. And although I loved my cars that had the old Muncie 4-speeds, I'd just as soon have a 5 or 6-speed Tremec with an overdrive.

So the search continues, and I'm not limiting myself to New England. I'm looking hard all around the country for the car that fits my needs. Meanwhile, weathers getting nicer and I miss the Lightning a little!

Mike