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Owner Info:

Name: Wes Daiprai

Age: 28

Location: Eugene, MO

Occupation: Parts Manager

Vechile Info:

Year: 2001

Make: Ford

Model: F-150 Lightning

Hobbies: Raising my kids & any type of automotive racing.

When and how did you get into cars: _I’ve been into cars ever since I can remember. Since I was a little kid I wanted a Mustang, and GTO, and a big fast Ford truck. When I was 12 years old I started on my list. My mother bought me a 1969 GTO as a fixer upper. By the time I was 14 I had bought my second vehicle, a 79 Ford truck. It was lifted and had a big block in it and was actually more my style than the car.So within the next year I sold the GTO for some money to make the truck what I wanted.At 16 I bought a Mustang GT as a driver. The truck was way too expensive for a High School kid to try and drive daily. At this point I had everything I had wanted….until the 1999 Lightning was released.

Influences: _I remember reading an article in a Magazine featuring a Ford Lightning shootout. Johnny Lightning came out on top in that shoot out and I remember saying, “I’m going ot have a truck that will run like that”. A few years later, I have a JLP(Johnny Lightning Performance)built truck.

Previous vehicles owned: ___1969 Pontiac GTO, 1986 Ford Mustang GT,dozens of Ford pickups stock and not.Toyota Supra,Chevy pickup on the gas, couple sprot bikes, etc. I’ve probably had and driven 30 different vehicles over the past 10-12 years.

Other vehicles you own: __2003 Ford Lightning ( tow vehicle)_____Honda Civic (gas mileage/beater car) Lastly, the wife’s SUV.

Why did you buy this vehicle: ___This truck had huge potential. The previous owner had started on it and I like where it was going.The truck was super clean and very low mileage.Plus, it was my vehicle of choice to go fast in and it had style.

What made you start modifying your vehicle: ___I had the itch when I bought it. Its always been a natural thing for me to want to improve on whats already there. This was no different.

Purpose/goal of build: ___My original intent was to have a 10  second Lightning that I could cruise everywhere in comfortably. I’ve got that and am now working on going 9’s!! I’ve got the power now to do it, I’ve just got to make it work. The 10’s were accomplished on the old blower setup without the use of nitrous. Power at that point was 617rwhp and 719rwtq.

What problems (if any) did you encounter: _____Most of it has been pretty simple really. I’ve learned alot and had a bunch of support from the guys online on the Lightning sites. JLP has been a life saver too. I’d say the most difficult part of it all was figuring out exactly what I liked then trying to pay for it all. LOL!

How did you solve those problems: _______The problems I’ve encountered have been solved by either calling JLP for advice, talking with the guys I”ve met on the Lightning Forums, or just from trial and error. I’ve always figured it out one way or another.

What were the stages in which the car was built: ___Most of the build was done at once. Engine/tranny etc. Since then its been piece by piece. I’ve swapped blowers, added the fuel system, and a bunch of other stuff. Even had to rebuild the engine once since going built due to a cracked crankshaft.The latest thing I’ve done was to add the Expedition center console. In October the truck will be going to the chassis shop for a Moly 8pt cage.

Cost to build: Including the the cost of the truck….about $70k

Trophies/honors/awards: I’ve only put it in two different local car shows. It took 1st in its class in each of them.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of building a similar vehicle: Research, research, research. Parts and pieces for these trucks can get very expensive so you only want to do it once and with the right parts.

What are the most unique features about your vehicle:  Everything about this truck is me. It’s my vision. Its simple & slick and packs a bite.

What did you learn from building the vehicle: What havent I learned! I learn something everday I own this thing.

Future of vehicle: Its getting a roll cage then will find its way to a 9 second pass. After that it can take it easy.

 Any future project(s): I’d like to do a Fox body Mustang at some point

Thanks to: www.johnnylightningperf.com www.nloc.net www.lightningrodder.com

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