About this episode
Welcome back to the Power Driven Podcast—this time broadcasting straight from the shop floor! In this special “Diesel MythBusters” episode, the team dives headfirst into some of the most common (and controversial) diesel performance myths that float around forums, social media, and garage talk. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does more boost always mean more power?” or “Do 215 pumps really retard timing?” —this episode is your definitive guide to separating fact from fiction. We kick things off with the myth of dual-feeding P-pumps and whether or not your 12-valve needs it. Spoiler alert: probably not, unless you’re pushing serious horsepower. From there, we explore the science behind boost, efficiency, and how drive pressure really impacts head gaskets. It’s not just about throwing bigger parts at your build—understanding how airflow, fuel delivery, and timing interact is key to dialing in performance and reliability. The conversation heats up with a deep dive into Speed of Air pistons—those dimpled marvels generating buzz across the diesel industry. Are they the future of combustion efficiency or just expensive snake oil? The team weighs in with real-world experience, engineering insight, and a hefty dose of skepticism. We also take on the age-old air-to-air vs. water-to-air intercooler debate, breaking down the pros and cons in terms of temperature management, power gains, packaging, and complexity. Plus, we unpack whether aftermarket intake horns actually add horsepower—or just dress up your engine bay. As always, it’s equal parts technical knowledge and real shop banter. Expect laughs, a few friendly roasts, and a whole lot of diesel talk you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re building a 1,000+ hp race truck or just tuning your daily tow rig, there’s something in this episode for every diesel enthusiast. Stick around to the end as we address the myth that performance upgrades always kill fuel economy—plus, why injector size might be hurting your horsepower more than helping it.