The stock transmission and rear end would turn to pulp if they were subjected to this type of power, so Dill made sure the running gear was fortified to handle all of the grunt. A new 4R100 transmission was procured from Brian's Truck Shop, as well as one of BTS' 2,600-rpm stall converters. An aluminum driveshaft went behind the tranny to link the trans up with the 9.75-inch rear, which now sports a Truetrac differential and a set of 4.10 cogs.
With all of this power on tap, a few changes were needed to get the truck to hook on the track as well as cruise and tow in relative comfort. The stock springs, shocks, and sway bars remained, but Air Ride airbags now raise and lower the hind end. A set of JLP chrome long bars can be found under the truck, as well as a chrome rearend girdle that gives off a bit more flash. The stock braking system still resides on all four corners, and the truck rolls on Status 20x9 rims shod in Kumho 305/50/20 sneakers all around. When it comes time to switch the street shoes for the track cleats, a set of Bogart wheels featuring Mickey Thompson skinnies are up front and Hoosier 30x10x15 gumballs in back. This hauler has a best e.t. of 11.06-seconds at 125 mph.
Since we already mentioned that Dill bought his Shelby with the intent of entering it in a car show or two, you can bet that all the stops were pulled when it came to the truck's looks, both inside and out. Dill bought the truck mostly complete, adding his own little touches. On the outside, the truck's flanks were shot with Bright Tangerine Orange paint. Combined with the shine from the aforementioned Status wheels and blackwall Kumho's, it sets the truck off like a bright orange sunset. Adding some flash to the hue are the billet upper and lower grilles, as well as the billet antenna and the hard bed cover, which is painted to match the rest of the truck. When it comes time to pop the hood, the Nostril hood opens more like a Vette, tilting forward, thanks to a custom tilt kit.
Inside the cabin, the SVT stitching on each seat is now the same orange as the exterior, and Auto Meter boost and fuel pressure gauges grace the A-pillar in their respective housings. An air/fuel gauge has a special home on the steering column, and a Pioneer head unit improves the sound coming out of the speakers. Finally, a custom center console separates the driver and passenger, and the console lid is covered with the same fabric as the seats.
When all is said and done, Bob Dill's '01 Lightning is set and ready to make a statement each time it goes down the track or hauls its blown brethren down the road. Either way, this Clementine fell from the horsepower tree and turns the rest of the competition into pulp.
Bob Dill's '01 Lightning is...
Bob Dill's '01 Lightning is hard to miss with its Bright Tangerine Orange hue. Adding some streamlined looks to the truck is the hard bed cover. Throw in some billet grilles and other shiny exterior appointments, and this truck looks as good as it books.
Dill added his own custom...
Dill added his own custom touches to interior of the truck. A set of Auto Meter gauges grace the A-pillar, while a Pioneer head unit broadcasts the tunes. Throw in a custom-made center console, and the cabin has just enough without being over the top.
A custom tilt-hood kit allows...
A custom tilt-hood kit allows the Nostril engine lid on Dill's truck to flip forward `a la Corvette.