When Ford introduced the current generation Lightning, it was to the overwhelming approval of an enthusiastic market. However, all wasn't perfect, as any Lightning owner who has raced can attest to the Lightning's propensity for heat soaking the intercooler, rendering it nearly useless. Because of this heat issue on the supercharged and intercooled Lightnings, owners who rip repeatedly down the track have been awaiting an answer.
Enter SVC Motorsports, who, with Sport Truck Direct's involvement, developed such a system for those who run Lightnings hard and put them away wet. Using Sport Truck Direct's '02 project Lightning as a test bed, SVC Motorsports was able to produce an effective product. Dubbed the InterChiller, this system incorporates dual 440-cfm electric fans, mounted to an aluminum housing.
These fans are designed specifically for use in high-demand automotive applications and are a perfect fit for the InterChiller kit. The complete assembly installs easily to the existing factory intercooler and only requires connecting two wires.
This kit greatly reduces heat soak associated with repeated hard runs, providing a cooler, more dense air charge. Since one horsepower is gained with every seven degrees of intake temperature reduction, it also adds always-important horsepower.
Follow along as SVC Motorsports prepares the Lightning for better driveability and lower e.t.s through use of the InterChiller. This guide is only an overview of actual installation and any technical questions should be directed at the manufacturer.
First, the Lightning was secured...
First, the Lightning was secured on the lift.
The plastic upper and lower...
The plastic upper and lower fasteners were then removed from the splash shields.
Next, the large rubber splash...
Next, the large rubber splash shield was removed and discarded.
Once access was gained to...
Once access was gained to the factory intercooler, the top heat exchanger bolts were removed with a 10mm socket.
The InterChiller kit was fitted...
The InterChiller kit was fitted and installed using the top 10mm bolts in the pre-drilled holes.
Then, the lower splash shield...
Then, the lower splash shield was attached to the fan kit housing, reusing the stock hardware
On some trucks, it may be...
On some trucks, it may be necessary to move the coolant pump bracket away from the fan assembly for proper clearance. Note that no hoses should be touching the fan assembly.
Next, the two wires were connected....
Next, the two wires were connected. In this picture, the pink wire runs from the fan relay and connects to the pump motor wire. Heavy-gauge wire was run to the main power distribution box.
In this picture, you can see...
In this picture, you can see the pink wire attached to the pump motor supply wire, using the supplied blue scotch lock connector.
The main power wire runs from...
The main power wire runs from the fan relay to the power distribution box, located on the driver side.
After opening the lid, the...
After opening the lid, the power supply lug at the rear of the box was located and the nut removed. The main power wire was attached to the lug and the nut refastened.
Once installed, the modification...
Once installed, the modification was nearly invisible
Here is what the finished...
Here is what the finished product will look like, when installed on the Lightning.