This document is a supplement to the F-150 Owner's Guide, specifically for the 1999 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning. It provides detailed information unique to this high-performance truck, focusing on its specialized features, technical specifications, and maintenance requirements. The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) established in 1991, is dedicated to creating "driver's cars and trucks" that achieve a balance of performance, substance, exclusivity, and value. The SVT F-150 Lightning embodies this philosophy, offering a sophisticated powertrain, significant interior and exterior enhancements, and upgraded suspension and braking systems.
Function Description:
The SVT F-150 Lightning is a high-performance pickup truck designed for enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of power, handling, and comfort. It is built to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the utility of a truck. The vehicle is equipped with a supercharged engine and a modified transmission to achieve its performance targets. Its design incorporates unique aesthetic and functional elements that distinguish it from standard F-150 models.
Important Technical Specifications:
Engine/Transmission:
- Configuration: Supercharged longitudinally mounted, 90-degree V8, single overhead cam, cast iron cylinder block and cast aluminum cylinder heads.
- Bore x Stroke: 90.2 x 105.8 mm (3.55 x 4.17 in).
- Displacement: 5409 cc (330.1 cid).
- Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
- Horsepower (SAE net): 269 kW @ 4750 rpm (360 HP @ 4750 rpm).
- Torque: 597 Nm @ 3000 rpm (440 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm).
- Redline: 5250 rpm (fuel shut-off at 5500 rpm).
- Specific output: 49.7 kW/L (66.7 HP/L).
- Valvetrain: Single overhead cam, silent-design chain drive, roller finger followers with hydraulic lash adjustment, ovate-wire valve springs, two valves per cylinder.
- Fuel system: Sequential electronic fuel injection.
- Ignition system: Coil-on-plug electronic ignition.
- Mass air sensor: 80 mm (3.15 in) diameter, high flow capacity.
- Throttle body: Twin 57 mm (2.24 in) diameter bore-simultaneously open.
- Supercharger: Eaton-Model 112, Generation IV, 55 kPa (8 psi) mechanical boost.
- Exhaust manifolds: Cast-high silicon, molybdenum iron.
- Exhaust system: Dual-stainless steel.
- Transmission: Modified 4R100 4-speed automatic with OD lockout.
Drivetrain:
- Rear axle: 9.75 in limited-slip differential with 3.55:1 final drive ratio.
- Driveshaft: Steel with hardened yoke.
- Gear ratios:
- 1st: 2.71
- 2nd: 1.53
- 3rd: 1.00
- 4th (OD): 0.71
- Reverse: 2.176
- 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph): 6.2 seconds.
- 400 meters (quarter mile): 14.63 seconds @ 156.7 km/h (97.4 mph).
- Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph).
- Braking, 100-0 km/h (60-0 mph): 41.8 meters (137 ft.).
- 183 meter slalom (600 ft.): 102.4 km/h (63.6 mph).
- 61 meter skid pad (200 ft.): 0.85 g.
Wheels and Tires:
- Tires: 295/45 ZR 18 BSW tires.
- Wheels: SVT-Signature style, 18 in x 9.5 in aluminum 5-spoke wheels.
- Spare Tire: 235/70R-16 on a steel wheel rim (temporary use only).
Usage Features:
The SVT F-150 Lightning includes several unique features for an enhanced driving experience:
- 5.4L 2V Triton Supercharged Intercooled V8 engine: Provides significant power.
- Modified 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission with OD lockout: Optimized for performance.
- Limited-slip differential: Improves traction and handling.
- Auxiliary transmission fluid cooler: Helps maintain optimal transmission temperature.
- Eaton supercharger: Boosts engine performance.
- Engine super cooling system: Ensures engine stability under demanding conditions.
- Heavy duty battery: Provides reliable power.
- Unique front fascia with integrated, round fog lamps: Distinctive styling and improved visibility.
- Unique upper and lower grilles: Enhances airflow and aesthetic appeal.
- Unique lower air deflectors: Improves aerodynamics.
- Unique cab rocker and lower box moldings: Adds to the distinctive appearance.
- 4-wheel ABS/4-wheel disc brakes: Superior stopping power and control.
- Heavy duty front and rear shock absorbers: Enhanced ride and handling.
- Unique electro-luminescent instrument cluster with SVT signature white-faced gauges, including vacuum/boost gauge: Provides clear, performance-oriented instrumentation.
- Unique 60/40 leather/cloth seats with accentuated seat back and cushion lateral bolstering: Offers comfort and support during spirited driving.
- Standard 6-way power driver's seat: Customizable driving position.
- 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel: Comfortable grip and sporty feel.
- Leather-wrapped door trim inserts: Premium interior touch.
- Premium electronic AM/FM stereo/cassette clock radio, including speed-compensated volume control: High-quality audio experience.
- Sliding rear window: Practical for ventilation and access.
Options, Color and Trim:
- Options: Tonneau cover, 6-disc CD player, Trailer tow package.
- Exterior Colors: Black Clearcoat, Oxford White, Bright Red Clearcoat.
- Interior: Medium Graphite Leather/Cloth.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides specific maintenance information and part numbers for the SVT F-150 Lightning:
Refill Capacities:
- Brake fluid: High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid, fill to line on reservoir.
- Engine oil (includes filter change): Motorcraft 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil, 5.7L (6.0 quarts).
- Engine coolant: Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color), 24.1L (25.5 quarts). DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color).
- Intercooler coolant: Premium Engine Coolant, 4.0L (4.2 quarts).
- Power steering fluid: Motorcraft MERCON® ATF, fill to line on reservoir.
- Rear axle lubricant: Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant, 3.3-3.8L (7.5-8.0 pints). Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole. Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. The synthetic rear axle lubricant is considered lubricated for life and does not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required, or the axle assembly has been submerged in water.
- Fuel tank: 94.6L (25.0 gallons).
- Transmission fluid: Motorcraft MERCON® ATF, 15.0L (15.9 pints). Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCON® and MERCON® V are not interchangeable.
- Windshield washer fluid: Ultra-Clear Windshield Washer Concentrate, 4.0L (4.25 quarts).
Motorcraft Part Numbers:
- Air filter element: FA-1634.
- Fuel filter: FG-986B.
- Battery: BXT-65-650.
- Oil filter: FL-820S.
- PCV valve: EV-233.
- Spark plugs: AGSF-12E or AGSF-12FM12. Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark plug gap information. If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the same cylinder. Use only AGSF-12FM1 spark plugs for replacement.
Octane Recommendations:
The vehicle is designed to use "Premium" unleaded gasoline with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or higher for optimum performance. The use of gasolines with lower octane ratings may degrade performance. The manual does not recommend the use of gasolines labeled as "Premium" in high altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings of less than 91. If engine knocking occurs with recommended fuel, consult a dealer or technician.
Tire Rotation:
The vehicle is equipped with unidirectional tires. For vehicles with a full-size spare, it can be driven with the unidirectional full-size spare, rotating counter to the directional arrow on the tire sidewall. For best performance, remounting the tire to the wheel may be necessary to permit tire rotation with the directional arrow on the tire sidewall.
Warranty Coverage:
The F-150 Lightning carries the same warranty coverage as other Ford F-150 models, detailed in the Ford Motor Company Warranty Guide. It can be serviced under warranty at any Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealer nationwide. SVT does not recommend modifying or racing the vehicles, as they are designed and built to be driven as delivered from the factory. Repairs are not reimbursable under warranty if required due to abuse, misuse, racing, fire, negligence, accident, modification, natural disaster, or installation of a non-Ford part.
SVT Ownership Benefits:
- Dealer Network: Approximately 600 specially trained and certified SVT dealers dedicated to customer support.
- SVT Information Center: Ongoing support from SVT at 1-800-FORD-SVT, including technical seminars and training.
- Certificate of Authenticity: Provided to owners/lessees, including VIN, production sequence number, and date of manufacture.
- SVT-specific apparel and accessories: Available through SVT dealers or direct order (1-888-490-6837).
- The SVT Enthusiast: A publication from SVT Headquarters with technical information, interviews, and suggested drive routes.
- Driving School Discount: Opportunity to attend The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, AZ, at a 20% discount (1-800-842-7223).