1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Review

Ford has revived its F-150-based performance truck with all-new features like an Eaton supercharger, performance suspension and Z-rated Goodyear tires.

Take Ford's latest F-150 truck in shortbed, flareside form, add in a healthy mix of SVT philosophy and components, and Lightning will strike.

In this case, the spark is supplied by a reworked 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine with forged pistons, reduced compression, and a 112 Roots-type supercharger from Eaton. Complete with an intercooler and a two-channel throttle body, this engine belts out 360 horsepower (100 more than a standard 5.4-liter Triton) and 440 foot-pounds of torque. Aided by a beefed-up automatic transmission, 9.75-inch rear axle and 12.1-inch front-disc brakes, the Lightning guarantees a thrill ride with the first turn of the key.

SVT didn't stop with the drivetrain. To keep all those extra horses from getting out of sorts, a unique suspension setup was created for the Lightning. This includes a lower front and rear ride height, specially calibrated shock absorbers, and two antiroll bars. These components ride on 18x9.5-inch five-spoke wheels with 295/45-18 Z-rated Goodyear tires for extra stick during acceleration and handling maneuvers.

The standard cab holds a radically non-standard interior featuring black-on-white SVT instrumentation (complete with boost gauge) and black-and-white leather seats. The driver's seat is power-adjustable and an optional six-CD changer can be ordered to beef up the standard, premium sound system.

Exterior enhancements are limited to a special front air dam with twin driving lights, a black grille, custom rocker panels, the aforementioned 18-inch wheels, and twin ceramic exhaust pipes. Color choices are limited to black, red or white. A soft bed cover, as well as a Class III tow hitch can be added to accent the truck's looks and utility.

Ford's SVT continues to offer out-of-the-ordinary products for out-of-the-ordinary people. If a combination of performance and utility is what you seek, you'll want to test drive the '99 Lightning.