We got the invite to light up the SEMA burnout pit, so we’re bringing the Junker drag truck and a street-driven mega cab named Ruby and seeing how much smoke and noise a couple of diesels can make before the tires give up.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast features Will, Meyer, and Todd bench-racing their way through a last-minute game plan for Horsepower Rodeo at SEMA alongside Weston Champlin and the Australian burnout crowd. It matters because the diesel community rarely gets to show what a Cummins can do in a pro burnout format, and the crew is honest about the tradeoffs. Burnouts are hard on parts, time is short, and the trucks are real. That tension between putting on a show and keeping the rigs alive is exactly what most blue-collar diesel folks juggle in their own shops.
You’ll hear the unfiltered strategy session for making instant smoke and keeping it controllable. The Junker’s rear brakes will be taken out of the equation with a simple ball valve or a drift handbrake so the truck can boost at the line and roll clean without dragging the engine down. Converter lockup, neutral-to-third experiments, and governor spring limits at roughly five thousand rpm all get kicked around, with the guys weighing clutch loads, sprag risk, and what happens if the forward clutch grabs before the direct. It’s equal parts courage and common sense, just like any backyard burnout plan that actually sees pavement.
Cooling and reliability are the next battle. Past burnouts cooked boots, melted lines, and lit things on fire, so the plan calls for forcing the fan on through tuning or a dummy coolant temp sensor, pulling the hood for airflow, and testing water-meth gear repurposed as a spray bar. Boost-activated switches at twenty to thirty-five psi will mist the intercooler or radiator, with staging jets sized to keep flow up without drowning anything. There is real talk about pre-turbo versus interstage injection, thermostat behavior and recirculation, and why higher coolant velocity through the radiator can still pull more heat. Cabin survival even comes up, from taping door jamb vents to running the HVAC on recirculate so the driver is not choking on his own smoke mid-show.
The look and feel matter too. A quick hood stack for velocity and spectacle is on the table, along with short-bed bedsides to tighten the wheelbase and make the Junker whip easier in the pit. Sway bars front and rear get the nod for stability, and the boys daydream a little about a Dana 70 or 80 wheelie bar with dually rollers just because it would be ridiculous and awesome. Tires may get overinflated into pie-cutter shape for quicker belt exposure, and there is even talk of a scoreboard showing wheel speed for bragging rights. Logistics are real as well. The Junker will be towed to Las Vegas, Ruby might get towed too, and the spares list includes boots, turbos, and whatever breaks on day one.
If you’re into diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel shop talk, Cummins 12-valve burnouts, turbo setup and cooling strategy, drag racing culture, and rowdy truck builds, you’ll feel right at home. Long-tail topics covered include SEMA burnout contest Horsepower Rodeo, diesel burnout setup with handbrake versus line lock, Cummins hood stack ideas, boost-activated water-meth spray bar for intercooler and radiator cooling, short-bed swap benefits for a drag truck, front and rear sway bar choices for burnouts, cooling fan override on a Cummins, and real-world burnout tire and wheel speed chatter.
Subscribe to the channel, follow the Power Driven Podcast for more episodes, and check out Power Driven Diesel for the parts, tech, and build inspiration that keep trucks smoky, loud, and alive.
We thought we had a built transmission until Willard’s converter started slipping on the highway with a trailer behind it.This episode of the Power Driven Podcast features Todd, Myer, and Will breaking down what built really means when you are talking transmissions on a VP44 powered second gen. Using our 2001 Ram tow rig Willard as the example, we talk through line pressure, torque converter lockup, and why some local shop builds feel fine on the dyno but fall apart in real towing. For anyone who relies on their truck to make a living or get the toys to the weekend, this stuff matters because heat, slip, and bad parts choices can ruin a trip fast.We start with line pressure and why a 47RE is usually around 100 to 110 psi in stock form, while many pan off kits on pre 03 trucks only bump that to roughly 120 to 130. More pressure can help clutches hold, but it also makes heat and steals cooler flow, so you have to balance power with reliability. Then we walk through the tow that exposed the problem. On the dyno Willard made about 450 horsepower on the big tune and about 430 on tune five with great EGT control. Hooked to the trailer at freeway speed, a 300 to 400 rpm flare under lockup told us the single disc converter clutch was slipping. We explain how to spot that, why cruise control can make it worse, and how backing the tune down saved the trip instead of making metal.From there we talk about what separates a true build from a parts list without going nuts on details. A good triple disc torque converter adds real lockup capacity. A billet input shaft and a stronger flex plate matter once you are past the mid power range. The valve body is where a lot of the magic happens, so we discuss testing on a stand, cleaning up leaks, keeping reverse pressure in check, and protecting cooler flow. At the big power end we touch on simple lube mods and rollerized planetaries so you do not friction weld expensive parts when you lean on it. If you have ever been sold a stage six without knowing what is inside, this will help you ask better questions and match the build to your goal.Along the way we naturally cover diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel, Cummins, VP44, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, truck builds, and long tail topics like what is a built transmission, 47RE line pressure, diagnosing converter slip while towing, triple disc torque converter upgrade, valve body test stand, cooler flow vs line pressure, and second gen tow rig setup.Subscribe for more episodes and follow the Power Driven Podcast for new drops, tech talks, and real world shop lessons from the Power Driven Diesel crew.
We finished 52 horsepower short of the goal at the Diesel Fam event in Cedar City, but that setback didn’t last long. In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, hosts Will and Myer sit down with Utah Custom Builder and Content Creator Wes Beaman to talk about how he brought his 6.7 Cummins build “Side Piece” to the Power Driven Diesel shop to finally hit the number he’d been chasing all season. Wes shares his background, his passion for teaching through social media, and the lessons learned from a year of testing, tuning, and racing that took him from a bare frame to a full blown competition truck.
Wes explains how he started out as a hot rod guy before diving headfirst into diesel performance, using his mechanical know-how to build a truck that could make real power and still hold together. He talks about rebuilding his engine under a tight 100 day deadline, bringing the truck to life just in time for the first dyno event of the season, and pushing it hard through a string of competitions. At the Diesel Fam event, “Side Piece” came up just 52 horsepower shy of the 2,000-horsepower goal. That shortfall turned into motivation, leading Wes to bring the truck to Power Driven Diesel, where he and the crew finally put the power down on the dyno and hit his target.
From there, the conversation digs deep into what it takes to build and keep a high horsepower Cummins alive. Wes, Will, and Myer break down the difference between forged and cast pistons, how ring pack placement affects bore pressure, and why certain piston designs can stress a block even when they sound like upgrades on paper. They cover injector size and fuel delivery rates, explaining how a quick fuel dump can cause a harsher pressure spike than a longer duration shot. Will adds his own dyno insight, talking about boost control, wastegate tuning, and what happens when you log 161 pounds of boost but still need the setup to stay reliable. Together, they show that smart tuning and mechanical balance matter more than chasing numbers.
The episode also hits on the competition side of diesel performance. Wes talks about jumping into drag racing, learning reaction times, and understanding cage and safety requirements as the truck gets quicker. Will and Myer share stories from their own racing experience and agree that races are won in the shop long before the burnout box. They highlight how consistency, testing, and seat time are the real keys to success, whether you’re racing in the eighth mile or just fine tuning your setup at home.
This episode brings together everything that makes the Power Driven Podcast stand out: real builds, real numbers, and real conversations about what works and what doesn’t. If you’re into Cummins builds, turbo upgrades, dyno testing, or drag racing, you’ll get an inside look at how to make horsepower the right way without sacrificing reliability.
Be sure to subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast for more episodes, follow Power Driven Diesel on all platforms, and drop a comment if you want to see more guest features like Wes Beaman.
We strapped our VP44-powered Cummins to the dyno and chased that rush we’ve loved since day one, but this episode is about the stories that started it all and why we still can’t leave these trucks alone. On this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, Will, Todd, and Meyer sit down to talk about where their passion for diesel really began. From their first rides and broken parts to the moments they realized diesel power was different, this one digs into the roots of why they build, race, and push these trucks the way they do.
Will remembers the early days of showing up to construction bids in a gas half-ton, getting out-pulled by the diesel guys, and realizing he needed a Cummins if he wanted to be taken seriously. That first 24 valve truck changed everything. Once he threw on an Edge Comp box and hit the dyno, he was hooked. Before long, he was racing it on weekends, wrenching late nights, and proving that a work truck could also be a street sleeper.
Meyer talks about growing up on the Missouri farm, learning what torque really meant while hauling hay and running feed with his dad’s VP44 powered truck. He laughs about fixing rusty fuel pickups and making a second-gen his first real project truck. It wasn’t about showing off, it was about keeping things running and making them better with every change. That practical mindset is still what drives him today, whether he’s testing turbos, dialing in tuning, or towing across the country.
Todd shares how his need for speed started on bikes before transferring to diesel. The moment he slid the fuel plate on his first 12-valve, he knew he’d found something different. The sound, the pull, the simplicity, it was addicting. He chased more power with compounds, dyno runs, and street testing, learning through broken clutches, failed parts, and the wins that make it all worth it.
Throughout the episode, the guys swap stories about early forum days, backyard builds, and the trial and error that shaped Power Driven Diesel. They talk about the mix of passion and practicality that comes with chasing horsepower while still keeping your truck ready for work. It’s about learning, testing, breaking, and coming back stronger, the same mindset that built the Power Driven brand and the diesel community around it.
If you’re into real world diesel performance, Cummins builds, VP44 tuning, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, or just want to hear what fuels the people behind Power Driven Diesel, subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast and keep up with every episode.
Sitting in the dentist’s chair turned into a full blown debate about the best diesel trucks you can actually buy right now without spending a hundred grand and which generation of Dodge Cummins is still king of the road. In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, the crew sits down to talk through the best used diesel trucks for real world owners. They focus on Dodge because that’s where their experience runs deepest, covering everything from the old school 12 valve and VP44 setups to the newer common rail Cummins engines. The guys also touch on Fords and Duramax trucks, but most of the conversation centers on what makes each generation of Dodge unique, how they perform on the dyno, how they tow, and what to watch out for if you’re looking to buy one.
The conversation starts when one of the hosts is asked by his dentist which truck he should buy for a daily driver and weekend warrior. That simple question turns into a deep dive through the generations, starting with the first generation classics and moving through the second and third generations that shaped modern diesel performance. The crew explains why the 1998 half year trucks are so special, how the shift from mechanical to electronic injection changed the game, and why the 98 12 valve with quad cab doors is still one of the most sought after Cummins trucks ever built. They also break down what makes the second generation platform so popular among diesel enthusiasts while pointing out the little quirks like vacuum boost brakes, steering slop, and aging wiring that every owner eventually learns to deal with.
As the talk moves into the third and fourth generation years, the team digs into the big improvements that came with common rail Cummins engines and stronger automatic transmissions. They explain how the 48RE and later 68RFE transmissions changed towing for good, making it easier to handle heavy loads without beating up the drivetrain. There is also a real world discussion about emissions systems, from the rough years when DPF filters caused endless frustration to the more refined setups found on 2013 and newer trucks. The crew doesn’t sugarcoat anything, they call out what works, what fails, and why 6.7 Cummins engines with proper tuning and maintenance have become a favorite for serious towing setups and daily driving reliability.
Throughout the episode, the guys talk about dyno testing, towing with built second gens, and the importance of building your truck for your purpose. Whether you are chasing horsepower numbers, towing your camper across the country, or just wanting a reliable Cummins to drive every day, this discussion covers it all. They also touch on the modern 2019 and newer trucks, explaining the problems with roller lifters and the lighter CGI block and why some owners are already converting back to old school solid lifters to keep their engines alive.
This Power Driven Podcast episode is packed with hands on knowledge, no nonsense advice, and plenty of stories from the shop and the track. If you are into diesel performance, turbo upgrades, dyno testing, drag racing, and real world Cummins truck builds, this one is for you.
Subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast on YouTube and Spotify, drop a comment about your favorite generation, and follow Power Driven Diesel for more truck builds, tuning discussions, and honest diesel talk from guys who live and breathe this stuff every day.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast features Will, Todd, and Meyer sitting down with Josh after his record setting dyno hit. They cover the whole story from his three thousand horsepower number at UCC to the follow up run in Richfield where he picked up uncorrected power and set a new benchmark. They also dig into why corrected versus uncorrected numbers always stir debate and how altitude, air density, and weather factor into the Dyno sheet.
Josh explains what it is really like strapping in for a pull at this level, running full safety gear including a fire suit, helmet, suppression system, driveshaft loops, scatter shields, and even a plate carrier. The team also laughs about viral comments, correction factors, and the reality that after a record hit, the truck still has to drive onto the trailer.
On the hardware side, the build is based on a cast Cummins block with a deck plate, forged internals, upgraded pushrods, and ported headwork that really shined on the exhaust side. A Steed manifold and smart waste gate setup helped improve airflow, while a refreshed transmission with a tighter converter and updated clutch packs put more of the power to the rollers. The combination came together cleanly, making less boost and drive pressure than before, but more horsepower on the sheet.
The episode also covers the Dyno process itself, how the rollers measure torque and rpm, how correction factors are applied, and why a one second pull can carry so much weight in the diesel performance world. For a full second, Josh’s truck held over three thousand horsepower and climbed through the fours, leaving the shop silent and then cheering.
This is diesel performance at its wildest, record breaking Dyno numbers, Cummins power pushed to the limit, and shop talk that blends serious tech with real world racing stories.
Subscribe to the channel, follow the Power Driven Podcast for more episodes, and check out Power Driven Diesel for the testing, tech, and parts that keep this community moving.
We took a slammed short bed second gen Dodge that used to blow the tires off in overdrive and turned it into a four wheel drive street truck that rips no prep airstrips and accidentally does four wheel drive burnouts. What started as a 12 valve five speed Shorty evolved through an auto swap and a clean common rail conversion that made 1,061 horsepower on its first dyno event, grew into compound turbos, broke parts, got better parts, and finally landed where it needed to be all along, four wheel drive and actually usable on sketchy surfaces.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast tells the story of the Shorty, a truck that went from a chopped two wheel drive hot rod to a Duramax chassis swapped Cummins that can finally hook on the street. The guys share how the build came together, from cutting down frames and moving torsion bar mounts to dealing with CV axles pulling apart when the front end was lowered. These are the little challenges that only come from real shop time, and solving them made the truck ride right without losing its daily manners.
On track the results speak for themselves. With a Power Driven Diesel Aggressor 98 over a 467 compound setup, the Shorty went 7.12 in the eighth mile on its first solid pass, cutting a 1.66 sixty foot on a no prep surface. Later it even raced eliminations in the rain and ran a 7.33 against a fast F-150, something it could never have done back when it spun all the way down the track as a two wheel drive. Now it leaves straight, carries speed, and does it with a full interior and street friendly setup that you can still drive every day.
The crew also shares updates on pushing the limits of block strength. After breaking more than a few 12 valve and 5.9 Cummins blocks, testing has shifted to a 6.7 base under a 12 valve head. Welding coolant passages, experimenting with girdles, and chasing fuel only horsepower in the 1500 range shows how far development has come. The focus is always on real power that lasts, with parts anyone can buy and run on their own builds.
If you are into diesel performance, Cummins builds, dyno testing, drag racing, turbo upgrades, and truck builds that prove themselves on and off the track, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast, follow for more episodes, and check out Power Driven Diesel for the tech, tuning, and parts that keep this community moving forward.
Nothing changes a diesel like a turbo, and in this episode of the Power Driven Podcast the crew digs into the setups that make the biggest difference.The guys cover it all, from simple single turbos to massive big frame upgrades and compound builds that completely change the way a truck drives. They are not guessing or repeating internet myths. This is real shop experience backed up by dyno pulls, towing miles, and years of pushing trucks to their limits.You will hear how chargers like the Aggressor 98 and GT55 open the door to huge top end power, why compound turbos are proving themselves on more than just race trucks, and what makes variable geometry setups either a solid choice or a constant headache. Every point ties back to how the truck feels in real life, whether you are towing heavy, daily driving, or looking for that edge at the track.The takeaway is clear. The right turbo setup can turn an ordinary truck into a clean, powerful, and reliable machine that is simply more fun to drive. The wrong setup will waste your time and money.If you care about diesel performance, dyno results, turbo upgrades, and truck builds that actually work, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast and follow Power Driven Diesel for more no-nonsense talk, proven parts, and results you can count on.
Mechanical pumps are making a comeback, and this episode proves they still have a place even as common rail dominates diesel racing.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast features our crew with special guest John Schirado from Black Tie Race Fab. John is a seasoned racer and fabricator who helped build the Godfather race truck, and he joins us to debate mechanical pump trucks versus modern common rail setups. It’s a back and forth that matters for anyone in diesel performance because it digs into what it really takes to build, tune, and race at a high level.
John shares why he has stuck with a mechanical truck for more than twenty years even though common rail offers easier tuning and consistency. For him it’s about the challenge and the satisfaction of making old school fueling work in today’s competitive scene. We dive into why part selection is everything on a pump truck. Injectors, pump profile, turbo choice, and gear train all have to be perfectly matched because unlike common rail there’s no laptop tune to smooth things out.
The crew also talks about nitrous, automation, and why consistent 60 foot times are the key to winning. John explains how his setup still relies on timers and hand controlled switches while many racers are moving toward bump boxes, staging limiters, and automated nitrous control. That leads to a bigger discussion on how mechanical trucks can adopt some of that tech without losing their raw hands on feel.
Reliability is another big topic. We cover how 12 valve blocks can split around 1500 horsepower, why 6.7 blocks hold up better, and how custom gear cases with straight cut gears become mandatory at the top levels. These are the kinds of hard lessons you only learn from years of racing, wrenching, and breaking parts at the track.
If you’re into diesel performance, Cummins drag racing, Power Driven Diesel, P pump setups, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, and truck builds that push the limits, this episode delivers real shop floor wisdom and racing stories you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast and follow Power Driven Diesel for more episodes, dyno sessions, and builds that keep the diesel community moving forward.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast brings in guest John Schirado of Black Tie Race Fab to stir the pot and talk real-world six liter Powerstroke performance with the crew while Will is out of town. From shop banter and fabrication chops to why some folks swear the 6.0 was peak diesel engineering, we get into what actually matters for reliability, towing manners, and going fast. If you’ve ever argued brand loyalty in the bay or on the starting line, this one hits home.
You’ll hear how John’s six liter became the perfect antithesis to a common rail first mindset. He’s towed to races, clicked off multiple seven-one passes, and then hooked the trailer back up to head home. The guys stack that experience against a 6.7 Cummins build and talk about what changes when you rely on high pressure oil to fire injectors. They dig into why monitoring is everything on these trucks, covering FICM voltage targets, oil pressure behavior, and IPR duty cycle so you can spot issues before they strand you. They also talk head studs and O-rings, why the 14 millimeter hardware and stout bedplate are big wins for the platform, and how a well set up compound arrangement with the factory VGT on the manifold and a big charger out front keeps the truck happy at altitude and under load.
There’s plenty of street and strip reality too. Meyer shares a 7.12 airport drag pass in his own project and John fires back with times from his tow pig, which trap-calculated to the high nine hundreds. That sets up a practical discussion about converters, stall speed, and why density altitude changes everything when you live and race in the Rockies. The crew also gets into cab-off service myths, why six liters aren’t actually miserable to work on when you know the platform, and the never-ending debate over Excursions, chassis feel, and what makes a true work family hauler. By the end, you’ll understand why a cleanly tuned six liter with the right heads, studs, compounds, and monitoring can be both a dependable tow rig and a legitimate race truck.
Long-tail topics you’ll hear discussed include six liter Powerstroke compound turbo setup with factory VGT, FICM voltage monitoring at 48 to 49 volts, IPR duty cycle and high pressure oil troubleshooting, Ford Excursion diesel towing reliability, and head stud and O-ring strategies for six liter longevity. It’s the kind of shop-floor conversation that makes you want to roll a cart under the truck and start wrenching.
Subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast, follow for more deep dives, and check out the latest builds, testing, and parts from Power Driven Diesel. More shop debates, more dyno pulls, and more hard data are on the way.
This episode of the Power Driven Podcast is all about the ultimate working man’s tow trucks. After one of our listeners suggested it, the crew sat down to dive into the tow rigs we use to haul race trucks, trailers, and everything in between. These aren’t dealership stock trucks, they’re purpose built, hard working rigs that blur the line between daily hauler and performance build. Towing is a huge part of what we do, and when you’re moving 20,000 to 30,000 pounds through mountain passes, the right setup makes all the difference.
Todd kicks things off with his well known 2006 Mega Cab Dodge 2500, which has seen everything from drag racing to hauling triple axle trailers. Under the hood is a 6.7 block with upgraded rods, cam, ported head, dual CP3s, and 200% over DDP injectors. His compound setup pairs a 467.7 over a brand new Aggressor 98mm turbo, testing a kit that’s just about to release. Backing it all up is a 1500 horsepower transmission that’s as fun as it is reliable, complete with the kind of shifter that even gets cops asking questions.
Meyer breaks down his 6.7 truck with a 68RFE six speed. It runs compounds with a new VGT 63mm turbo paired with a 480, plus a billet actuator that’s proven to be a game changer for both reliability and exhaust braking. His hot street build makes towing look easy, even when he’s dragging 30,000 plus pounds up long grades. The six speed lockup strategy and added transmission cooling keep everything smooth and in check.
Will joins in with the low power tow rig of the group, but don’t be fooled, his truck still runs a new PD charger and tows like a champ, even at 300,000 miles on the factory head bolts. He shares how sway bars, upgraded brakes, and a weight distribution hitch transformed his trailer handling, making towing safer and more stable in crosswinds and traffic.
Along the way, the guys get real about what matters most in a tow truck. Yes, power is fun, especially when you’re blowing past campers and even the occasional Kia on a mountain pass, but brakes, suspension, and cooling upgrades are what keep you safe when towing heavy. From airbags and sway bars to big brake kits and onboard air systems, they cover the essentials every diesel enthusiast should think about before hitting the road with serious weight behind them.
If you’re into diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel, Cummins engines, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and real world truck builds, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re daily driving a third gen, fine tuning a 68RFE, or dreaming of compound turbos for your tow rig, there’s something here for every diesel enthusiast.
Make sure you subscribe to the Power Driven Podcast and follow along for more episodes featuring shop talk, truck builds, dyno results, and racing stories. Check out Power Driven Diesel for more content, products, and performance upgrades to make your truck tow, race, and perform better than ever.
We just got back from Montana and man, what a weekend. This episode of the Power Driven Podcast is all about going fast, breaking parts, fixing parts, and figuring out what it really takes to push a diesel truck down the drag strip. Between the three of us we hauled almost 10,000 horsepower to the track and it was a mix of personal bests, new records, and a couple engines that did not quite make it to the end.
We talk about Uncle Rico, our old school 12 valve four wheel drive truck. It has always been a fighter and this time it finally dipped into the fives with a 5.75 in the eighth before crankcase pressure and a blown gasket ended its weekend early. Then there is the Cummins Cart, our single cab long bed running a Hamilton 6.7 block, big compound turbos, and nitrous. That truck flat out ripped, going 5.17 at 139 mph which is the fastest we have ever been in a mechanical pump truck before a converter issue put it back on the trailer. And Meyer’s 96 half common rail build was lighter, faster, and smarter than ever. First time out with new brakes, new transmission setup, dump valve, and an air shifter, he ended up taking the 590 index class win on a hole shot by less than two hundredths. That is about three feet at the stripe.
This was not just about sending it. We break down what really goes into these passes. We are talking sixty foot times, spooling strategies, nitrous control, converters, and why data logging changes everything. You will hear what worked, what did not, and why sometimes the hardest part of racing is keeping the truck alive long enough to use all the parts you have installed.
We also cover the burnout contest, the long nights in the pits, and what it feels like lining up next to someone in a true heads up race. If you have ever wondered what 130 psi of boost, 1800 horsepower, or a compound turbo Cummins feels like in an eighth mile pass, this is the episode you will want to hear.
And here is the thing. You do not have to have a 2000 horsepower truck to get in on this. There is a class for everyone. We saw guys out there running their tow rigs in sportsman. We saw mid seven second trucks hot lapping and having the time of their life. We also saw some of the fastest diesel drag trucks in the country. The truth is the most fun we had was lining up, cutting a light, and going fender to fender with somebody all the way down the track.
At the end of the day that is what keeps us hooked. The late nights, the busted knuckles, the wins, and even the heartbreaks. Racing diesel trucks is addicting and every event we go to just makes us want to build it bigger, stronger, and faster.
So if you have been thinking about getting your truck to the track, stop waiting. There is nothing like it. Listen in as we recap one of our wildest weekends yet and maybe you will catch the bug too.
If you own a diesel truck, you have probably heard the endless debates about EGT or exhaust gas temperature. Is 1250°F the magic number? Will running too hot melt your pistons? Does turbine inlet temperature tell you more than your standard gauge? In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast we cut through the myths and share real-world experience from years of towing, racing, and building everything from stock 12-valves to four-digit horsepower competition trucks. We explain what EGT actually measures, how it relates to turbine inlet temperature, and why oil temperature often plays a bigger role in piston survival than EGT alone.
We dive into what normal looks like on stock trucks, why the 1250°F limit is not one-size-fits-all, and how changing your timing can make your gauge read cooler without actually reducing the heat stress on your engine components. You will hear how we use EGT as a load monitor when towing, from spotting a dragging brake or boost leak to adjusting gears to keep the motor happy on a long pull. We talk about how turbo sizing and your truck’s RPM range are directly tied to exhaust temps, and why a bigger turbo can sometimes make EGT higher if it is not matched to your operating range. We also explain how compound turbo setups completely change the towing game by widening the RPM range where the engine runs cool and efficiently under heavy load.
From cross-country hauling stories to trackside failures, we cover lessons learned the hard way such as melting turbine wheels at only 1800°F in high-boost race applications or watching EGT drop as the big charger lights under a heavy tow load. We break down the basics of air to fuel ratio for diesel and why more fuel usually means more heat until you go rich enough that it actually starts cooling things down. We also share how compounds, intercooling, and water or nitrous injection can be used to control heat in both towing and racing.
Whether you are hauling a camper through mountain passes, tuning your tow rig for better fuel economy, or pushing a drag truck to the limit, this episode will help you read your EGT gauge with confidence and make smarter decisions for performance and reliability. We cover why one truck can live at 1400°F all day while another melts expensive parts at lower temps and how to spot the difference. If you have ever wondered when high EGT is a real threat and when it is just a number, you will get the answers here backed by years of hands-on diesel performance experience at Power Driven Diesel.
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, Will and Meyer dig into a topic that often gets overlooked but plays a huge role in any serious diesel build: the drivetrain. While most people focus on engines and transmissions, it’s the transfer case, axles, driveshafts, and U-joints that ultimately keep power on the ground and prevent parts from failing when things get rowdy.
They begin by breaking down the differences between the 241 DLD and 241 DHD transfer cases found in second generation Dodge Rams. You’ll learn how to identify each one, what sets them apart, and why chain width, output shaft diameter, and gear ratios all matter. They also discuss common upgrades like swapping in a 271 or 273 transfer case, what it takes to make them fit, and whether they’re truly necessary for your build.
From there, the focus shifts to rear axles. Will and Meyer explain the differences between Dana 70 and Dana 80 setups, including the hybrid Dana 80 found in manual transmission 2500s. They cover axle shaft strength, ring gear sizes, spline counts, and how tube diameter and housing design affect long-term durability. You’ll hear about real-world failures and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to broken shafts, twisted yokes, or worn-out gears.
Driveshafts and U-joints also get their time in the spotlight. The guys explain why they prefer non-greaseable Spicer joints over aftermarket versions, how slip joint design can become a weak link, and when it makes sense to step up to 1480 or even 1810 series joints. They talk through the importance of matching your components to your horsepower level and why some problems come down to poor setup rather than part strength.
Additional topics include CAD deletes, front axle upgrades, vibration diagnosis, bearing wear, and how to prevent common drivetrain issues before they start. Whether you’re building a drag truck, a dedicated pull rig, or a reliable high-power street setup, there’s something here for every diesel enthusiast looking to get more from their drivetrain without unnecessary failure or overbuilding.
If you’re running 500 horsepower or pushing well past 1,500, this episode delivers practical knowledge and hard-earned insight to help you make smart, effective decisions for your build. These are the lessons that come from years of breaking parts, testing combinations, and learning what actually works in the real world.
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, Todd, Will, and Meyer share some of the wildest stories from their years of building, racing, and blowing up diesel trucks. It’s all about the parts and setups they got away with, until they didn’t. From running big horsepower through stock head bolts to pushing factory transmissions way past their limits, this one is packed with real experiences that every diesel enthusiast can relate to.
They dive into the sketchy builds that somehow worked, the forum advice that didn’t hold up in the real world, and the moments when things failed in the most dramatic ways possible. Whether it was blowing up a turbo with no wastegate, trusting a junkyard CP3 that destroyed a brand-new set of injectors, or melting stacks while trying to show off, these stories are honest, technical, and a little bit ridiculous. You’ll hear why some stock Cummins parts can handle insane abuse, how weight and RPM play a bigger role than most people think, and why pushing parts too far always has a cost.
The guys also talk about things like crankshaft failures in 6.7 engines, the hidden risks of reusing old components, and how poor engine clearances or improper torque specs can wreck a build fast. There’s plenty of discussion about valve float, clutch slip, flexplate failures, and why getting away with something once doesn’t mean it’ll work forever.
Whether you’re building a race truck, towing heavy with your street setup, or just starting your first diesel build, this episode will give you a ton of insight into what actually works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth doing right the first time. It’s a great mix of technical info, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of behind-the-scenes stories you only get from guys who have broken just about everything in the name of diesel performance.
If you’ve ever thought “it’ll probably hold,” you’ll want to hear this one. Like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments what you’ve gotten away with or what blew up before you made it home.
Will and Myer hit the Dyno with one goal in mind. Find out if external wastegates actually help make more power on a compound turbo setup or if they’re just adding extra complexity for nothing. After 43 pulls on Will’s 6.7L Cummins race truck, they’ve got some answers and a few surprises.They tested screamer pipes and hot pipe gates, played with turbine housing sizes, swapped cams and valve train parts, and tried different control strategies to get this setup to break past 1800 horsepower on fuel only. Some combos picked up power. Some didn’t. And a few just made things harder to tune.In this episode you’ll hear- How screamer pipes compared to hot pipe gates in real-world Dyno testing- What boost and drive pressure numbers actually meant for power- Why a 900 horsepower street truck might benefit more from gating than a full race build- How housing changes made the gating more or less effectiveWhat the data told us about controlling the manifold charger without snuffing itWill also shares his theory on why this truck might be capped just short of 2000 horsepower and what it’s going to take to push past it.Myer brings in insight from testing smaller builds like the Junker and the VP Dually and how they responded to different wastegate setups.If you’re building a high horsepower truck or just trying to get your setup dialed in, this one’s worth a listenSubscribe to the Power Driven Diesel YouTube channel for more Dyno testing and real-world tuningShop the parts we used at www.powerdrivendiesel.comDrop a comment if you want more live streams or have questions for Will and MyerShop the parts we used at www.powerdrivendiesel.comDrop a comment if you want more live streams or have questions for Will and Myer
In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel Podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common questions we get from guys in the diesel performance world. What’s the real difference between O-rings and firings, and which one should you be running in your build? Whether you’re building a weekend warrior, daily driving your truck, hauling heavy loads, or chasing horsepower numbers with compound turbos, the type of head sealing setup you use can make a big difference in performance and reliability.
We break down what each option actually is, how they work, and what kind of situations they’re best suited for. O-rings and firings both have their place, but they serve different purposes. If you’re planning to run big boost and serious horsepower, firings might be the better choice. But that doesn’t mean they’re the right call for every truck. Firings are great for power but can be tricky when it comes to sealing coolant and surviving daily street use. O-rings, on the other hand, are more forgiving and easier to work with. They offer solid reliability and can handle a good amount of power without needing a ton of machine work or specialty gaskets.
We talk about the importance of proper machine work, how far things have come with modern equipment, and why precision matters more than ever. We also explain what hot torquing is, how to do it right, and why proper torque specs are crucial if you want your engine to live under pressure. You’ll hear real-world stories from the shop, examples from customer trucks, and even some of our personal builds that have seen everything from daily towing duties to full race setups making over 1800 horsepower.
This episode came straight from a YouTube comment, and we appreciate the feedback. If there’s something you want us to break down or explain in a future episode, drop us a comment. We read every single one and we’re always looking for new ideas. Make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with your buddies in the diesel world. Whether you are new to performance builds or a seasoned gearhead, this episode has plenty of useful info to help you get the most out of your truck.
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we are diving into one of the most requested topics from our listeners: how to tune your own common rail diesel truck. If you just picked up a 2006 Dodge 5.9L Cummins or you have been around common rails for a while, this episode is packed with the information you need to get started the right way.
We break down what it really takes to tune your truck using platforms like EFI Live, MM3, and HP Tuners. This is not a simple plug-and-play walkthrough. It is an honest conversation about learning from scratch, the mistakes we have made, and the things we wish someone had told us earlier. We talk about fuel limiter tables, rail pressure strategies, injector duration, timing maps, and how to build safe, functional tunes that make real power.
You will hear why tuning your own truck is not going to save you money, but why it might still be worth doing if you are the type of person who enjoys learning, experimenting, and dialing in a setup that feels exactly how you want it. We talk about using five-position switches to test different timing curves, how to recognize when you are running into limiters, how to work with data logs, and what to adjust when your truck is hazy at idle or surging down the road.
This episode covers the differences between tuning platforms, the basics of setting up your tables, and how to stay out of trouble while making your first tuning adjustments. We also touch on more advanced topics like lope tunes, pilot injection strategies, fuel pressure scaling, and the limits of factory ECMs as you push for higher horsepower.
Whether you are chasing a cleaner idle, better drivability, or trying to break into four-digit horsepower territory, we walk through the mindset, tools, and steps needed to get started in custom tuning. This episode is for the diesel performance enthusiast who wants more than a cookie-cutter tune and is willing to put in the work to build something personal.
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, the crew digs into one of the most common and frustrating issues that diesel enthusiasts face: when a truck simply does not make the power it should. Whether it is a fresh build that underwhelms on its first test drive or a reliable setup that suddenly starts to feel sluggish, the team breaks down how they diagnose and solve low-power conditions using real-world experience and proven techniques. With years of dyno testing, street tuning, and customer support under their belts, the Power Driven team shares the process they rely on to get trucks back on track and performing at their best.
Listeners will hear about the full spectrum of potential culprits, starting with the basics like throttle cable slack, improperly reinstalled shut-off solenoids, or overlooked fuel delivery problems. The crew explains how something as simple as a missing washer or loose linkage can limit rack travel and leave hundreds of horsepower on the table. From there, the conversation moves into deeper mechanical issues such as AFC housing problems, star wheel misadjustments, and governor spring configurations that limit RPM and fuel delivery.
The episode is packed with shop stories, including firsthand experiences with Frankenstein, the team’s well-known compound turbo build, and other trucks that taught valuable lessons through trial and error. Listeners will learn why monitoring fuel pressure under load is critical, how to read smoke output for tuning clues, and what happens when boost leaks or exhaust restrictions choke performance. The crew also shares practical methods for diagnosing these problems without a dyno, using data from the street, stopwatch tests, and careful observation.
Throughout the episode, the Power Driven team emphasizes the importance of understanding the interaction between airflow, fueling, and timing. They explain why timing slip can silently kill power, how turbo systems respond to small leaks, and how small changes to star wheels or diaphragm preload can have big impacts on drivability. This kind of deep mechanical insight is rarely shared outside of professional shops, making this episode a valuable resource for builders, tuners, and weekend warriors alike.
If your diesel is not performing like it should, or if you are planning your next build and want to avoid common pitfalls, this episode delivers the insight you need. With real advice from professionals who live and breathe diesel performance every day, it is the ultimate guide for diagnosing and fixing low-power issues the right way.
In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel Podcast, we’re jumping into one of the most important and overlooked parts of diesel performance, building your engine the right way. Whether you’re putting together your very first motor in the garage or you’ve already built a few and want to step things up, this episode is packed with real-world advice on setting up a reliable bottom end.
We talk through everything that matters when it comes to getting your clearances right, including piston to wall, ring gap, bearing choices, and proper bore finish. We also share a lot of personal experience, including what we got wrong on our early builds, what we’ve learned since, and how it’s shaped the way we put engines together today. This is the kind of information you won’t always hear unless you’re working in the shop every day.]
If you’ve ever wondered whether your local machine shop is doing things right, what tools you actually need to measure piston clearance, or if that old three-stone hone is good enough, we break it all down. We talk about real horsepower goals and what kind of clearances actually hold up, whether you’re building a 600-horse daily driver or chasing four-digit power on the dyno.
We also cover the differences between cast and forged pistons, gapless versus conventional rings, and the truth about how much contamination in your bearings it really takes to ruin a fresh build. From micrometers and profilometers to plastic gauge and feeler gauges, this episode covers both budget-minded builds and pro-level machine work.
The goal is simple. We want to help you avoid costly mistakes and build something that lasts. We’ve been through the failures, cracked blocks, broken pistons, and trashed bearings so you don’t have to.
If you’re serious about performance diesel, especially Cummins engine builds, this episode is a great one to dig into. Drop your questions in the comments and let us know if you want a follow-up. There’s still a lot we didn’t cover like head studs, torque specs, and top-end setups, and we’re just getting started.
