Lightning Block for Under $2000

[0'Lightning]

I'm wanting to buy a short block for my 00' Lightning for under $2000
I am wanting to start to build a block over the next year or so, so when mine blows, I have a built block to throw in. I don't make a lot of money so I'm having to slowly build the motor over the next year or so.
Cash in hand!

Cutter
972-765-2270

[BC Lightning]

Going rate for a stock Lightning long block is $1500


I'm wanting to buy a short block for my 00' Lightning for under $2000
I am wanting to start to build a block over the next year or so, so when mine blows, I have a built block to throw in. I don't make a lot of money so I'm having to slowly build the motor over the next year or so.
Cash in hand!

Cutter
972-765-2270

[L8 APEX]

You can get a bare block for 500, junk yard block for 3-400, pull out as Mike posted 1-2000. In late 02 they made the blocks thicker and stronger. There is a way to look at the side webbing to see if it is a heavy block or not. I would only build a heavy block.
Then an internals kit is about 2k... It is actually cheaper to buy a built studded short block when you need one. They start around 3,250 or so which is cheaper than you can build it.

[Mark #2]

In late 02 they made the blocks thicker and stronger. There is a way to look at the side webbing to see if it is a heavy block or not.

How do I know if the one on the stand is a heavy block?

[L8 APEX]

There may be something online. I forget exactly. There are X's along the block for webbing. Then there are two casting lines that run parallel front to rear. The heavy blocks have thicker lines that go all the way front to rear.

I think the lighter blocks the casting lines are not continuous front to rear. Ford added the 15lbs of steel for flex issues and the subsequent NVH's...
Scroll down to 02-04 NVH version 5.4L no close up but at least they identify it as a NVH block.
http://www.karkraft.com/bare_blocks.htm
Sean Hyland says 18lbs more steel.
http://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/gt500_engine_components.shtml

http://f150online.com/fordnews/view.cfm?nnum=112

[Ohmsby]

How do I know if the one on the stand is a heavy block?

Thinking about a bigger plant for it??

[jmlay]

Another option is a FRPP short block for ~$2700, butter if you know someone. Some may argue but it is rated to 650HP & will be good enough for 90 % of the Lightnings out there.

Mike

[L8 APEX]

Can you post a link to that motor? I didn't know Ford Racing offered built L motors.knana

[jmlay]

List is $3150. pg 81 I believe, m-6009-c54sc2.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/2010-catalog/default.asp

Mike

[Mark #2]

Thinking about a bigger plant for it??
No it is TV stand now and has a larger TV on it.:D

I am thinking of putting the built motor in before blowing up the stock block, but the stock runs so well and the built motors don't seem as smooth.

[0'Lightning]

Thanks for the info guys!

So far I have found a lot of blocks from guys on forums. What seems to be the best bang for my buck is from a guy in Shreveport from another forum that says he will sell me a long block, with some head problems for $800, and states the following:

"I have the stock longblock with 41,xxx miles. I pulled it out running when i went built. The shortblock is perfect. The heads are another story, they are 8 thread heads but they have bearings for the cams. Ford did that when rebuilt the heads, but some of the bearings were lost in the disassembly. Plus one head has a burnt valve. Just saying the heads will require work, but if your going built you'll probably be using aftermarket heads anyway. But i have a mint shortblock with low miles."

" ..I noticed something the other day when i went looked at the motor. When i pulled the motor, i pulled both heads just to look inside of the block and heads. On one cylinder it looks like something fell into the cylinder and pitted the piston and head up. Not terrible but noticeable. But as i asked before if you was going with different pistons and head i wouldn't worry about that. But i do know the block itself is in perfect condition. Also i had very low compression on one cylinder and that was one of the reasons for pulling the head. I did not see any damage in the block or the head. Which leads me to lean towards a broken compression ring, but more towards a burnt exhaust valve. I'm just trying to give you all the info on the motor so you don't feel like I'm trying to screw you over. I'm not like that. Anyway that's about all I remember. Any questions feel free to ask."



I'm looking at this block for a few reasons.
1: Sounds like a good deal...

2: I just spent $1k on these new TEA stage 3 heads off LR.com yesterday :icon_mrgreen:...

http://www.lightningrodder.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29034

http://www.totalengineairflow.com/products/fordhead/ford46pi2v/

...so I've spent about half my cash I planned on spending on mods for the month.

I know its a lot less expensive to buy all this in a already built long block, but I'm 22, in college, and my income is not the highesthttp://www.talonclub.com/forum/images/smilies/redface.gif. Thanks to my parents, my dad bought me these heads for Christmas, and my mom gave me a small amount to throw in on a block. I'm slowly building the rest, piece by piece, over the Spring. Starting with some rods, and piston, then a stage 2 or 3 Comp Cam.


3: I found 7 JLP rods and 7 JLP Pistons from another guy for $600, and JLP will sell me a rod and piston for $164 total. Which would save me about $250 on the rods and pistons...


I really appreciate the suggestions guys... Let me know what yall think about the route I'm taking. Any advise is appreciated.