Purchasing Lightning

BananaMan

New Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
6
Location
Calgary, Canada
Im going to look at a 04 sonic blue lightning this week. 87000Km/54000mi
Any suggestions on what to look for? it doesn't say its been modded, but it doesn't say it hasn't been either. I'm hoping to get the VIN before hand an get a dealership oasis, and a carfax report.
Because its a 04 I'm not worried about the Leakey intercooler, or the plug thread issues, from the earlier models. The truck has a colour matching spray in bed liner with makes me hesitant that there may have been some rust issues. I guess my biggest fear is that it has been someone else's abortion, and I end up with a expensive hunk of scrap metal.
any suggestions of things to look out for would be great. Thanks
 

CobraBob

Authorized Vendor
Established Member
Premium Member
Single Barrel Sirs
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
105,349
Location
Cheshire, CT
Well, this link is from my Terminator FAQs, but most of the recommendations can apply to any vehicle. Follow the link below.
Terminator FAQs
.
.
 

BananaMan

New Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
6
Location
Calgary, Canada
Perfect, thanks.
Im going to take a look at it of Friday, with the check list.
I also called the local Ford, my concern at the time was, if this vehicle had had a tune put on it, how hard would it be to put it back to stock. they put my worries to rest.

I was informed that this is the engine where the VCT solenoids, cam phasers and timing chains can be an issue. The individual I talked to, informed me this is between roughly a $1500 - $1800 repair. (Canadian $) has anyone had any issues of their own? (I Probably should have started a new post for this one)
Thanks in advance
 

GAGT1

New Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2018
Messages
3
Location
Roc, NY
Perfect, thanks.
Im going to take a look at it of Friday, with the check list.
I also called the local Ford, my concern at the time was, if this vehicle had had a tune put on it, how hard would it be to put it back to stock. they put my worries to rest.

I was informed that this is the engine where the VCT solenoids, cam phasers and timing chains can be an issue. The individual I talked to, informed me this is between roughly a $1500 - $1800 repair. (Canadian $) has anyone had any issues of their own? (I Probably should have started a new post for this one)
Thanks in advance

In my limited research I have not heard of such things. Usually people push too much power and put a rod through the block thou! I just upped mine with a ported supercharger and a +8lb lower pulley (plus supporting mods) and I beat it to death relentlessly. JJ @ WMS has given me a solid tune to keep her running happy.
 

Goindeafonmtx

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
1,629
Location
Evansville, IN
Perfect, thanks.
Im going to take a look at it of Friday, with the check list.
I also called the local Ford, my concern at the time was, if this vehicle had had a tune put on it, how hard would it be to put it back to stock. they put my worries to rest.

I was informed that this is the engine where the VCT solenoids, cam phasers and timing chains can be an issue. The individual I talked to, informed me this is between roughly a $1500 - $1800 repair. (Canadian $) has anyone had any issues of their own? (I Probably should have started a new post for this one)
Thanks in advance

This is incorrect. The person you talked to is mistaken. The Lightning is a 2v, which means no cam phasers or fancy witchcraft. The dealership person was thinking of a 3v.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

AB-Sonic

New Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2019
Messages
1
Location
Central Alberta
New here and not sure how to send you an IM.
Don't know of anything specific to offer you
Good luck, if it is not what you are hoping for send me a message I have almost the same thing that I am going to list soon.
 

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