Episodes

4d ago

This one turns into a battle royale fast, with Myer and John wasting no time getting into a heated shop floor debate about extreme diesel performance and what really works when you are pushing the limits. The conversation dives straight into drag racing setups, large single turbo strategy, and the tuning challenges that show up when you are chasing real, repeatable power. A major focus is why mechanical injection setups often seem to extract more out of big single turbos compared to common rail, especially when dyno testing at higher elevation. For diesel enthusiasts who actually build, tune, and race their trucks, this matters because it directly affects spool, drivability, consistency, and whether a setup survives repeated passes or starts melting parts. One of the key discussions centers around a fuel only goal of 1,500 horsepower on a 6.7 Cummins running a 98mm GT55 style turbo. They break down how the dyno testing process worked by starting with low fuel quantity and timing, then gradually stepping things up until timing stopped making gains and fuel became the deciding factor. Myer explains why pushing past that range started to hurt the truck’s manners and why nitrous became the tool for setting peak power while keeping the truck responsive and controllable instead of lazy and unpredictable. They go deeper into why large single turbos struggle more at altitude, particularly on common rail trucks that burn fuel so efficiently in cylinder that there is not enough heat left to drive the turbine. The discussion covers attempts to tune around that limitation, including lowering rail pressure to mimic a more 12 valve style burn, the dangers of overfueling a big single, and why once the setup falls off there is often no saving it mid pull. They also talk through future plans like switching to a ten bar map sensor, experimenting with pressure and timing, and trying to find the balance between clean combustion and enough exhaust energy to keep the turbo lit. Real world shop experience is layered throughout the episode, including nitrous strategy for drag racing, why compound setups can feel more foolproof even with the added weight, and a nitrous backfire that blew an intake pipe off and dented a hood during testing. If you are into diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel shop talk, Cummins builds, VP44 discussions, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and truck builds, this episode delivers straight insight from guys who live it. Subscribe for more episodes and stay locked in with everything happening at Power Driven Diesel.

Dec 9

We break down how to build a clean street friendly 1000 horsepower 12 valve Cummins without the smoke show or sketchy manners. This Power Driven Podcast features Meyer with guest John Schroeder from Black Tie Race Fab, and the crew gets real about what it takes to cross four digits while keeping a truck fun in town, on the dyno, and at the strip. Instead of throwing the biggest parts at a 12 valve, they walk through the combination that actually works in diesel performance, from engine foundation and timing to turbo sizing, compound setups, fuel supply, and boost control. The first myth they crush is the idea that a giant 13 millimeter pump and huge injectors are mandatory. A well planned 12 millimeter with a 215 pump’s timing advance often makes more usable power with better manners. Too little timing creates what they call phantom boost because the burn finishes in the manifold, not the cylinder. Add sensible timing and boost can drop while power climbs because the work happens in the chamber where it belongs. On the hard parts, rods and rod bolts are smart for a torquey street combo, and the Junker’s proven recipe shows what survives at this level with piston to wall around ten to eleven thousandths and a wider top ring gap. Up top, a ported head with fire rings keeps power up and intercooler boots alive when boost hits triple digits, and quality valve springs with a moderate cam keep rpm happy without turning the truck into a picky race piece. Turbo sizing is where street trucks win. Oversized fuel with lazy air equals smoke and frustration. The team explains how a small responsive manifold charger like a 62 paired with a large atmosphere charger such as an Aggressor 98 on a GT55 lights early, pulls hard, and still delivers four digit results. Wastegate control can swing total boost from roughly the mid one hundreds down near one hundred without always adding power, which proves that airflow quality beats a big number on the gauge. Fuel supply is its own power adder on a P pump. You need volume to flush aeration between injection events, whether that is a strong mechanical lift pump or a smart boost referenced electric. An adjustable pump gear is cheap insurance against slipped timing and makes fine tuning fast and repeatable. If you care about Cummins tuning, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and real world truck builds, this episode delivers with takeaways like compound turbo street setup, 215 pump timing advance, lift pump volume for a P pump, and a ported 12 valve head with fire rings. Subscribe for more and follow Power Driven Diesel for the builds, parts, and testing that make these trucks fast and fun.

Dec 2

One spec turbo, instant green starts, and a purse swelling toward one hundred grand turned this class into the wildest storyline in diesel drag racing. This episode of the Power Driven Podcast is hosted by Will and jumps straight into the future of diesel motorsports with Josh and Myers in the room. The crew uses the 72 Fast class that runs alongside UCC in Indianapolis as the case study for where the sport is heading and why it matters to anyone who cares about diesel performance and the community that builds, tows, tests, and races these trucks. They lay out the rules that make this thing so fierce. Every entry runs a VS Racing seventy two eighty T4 turbo and must weigh a strict six thousand pounds with no tolerance. It is fuel only, so no nitrous, no injectables, and no water to air intercoolers except where a factory six seven Power Stroke came with one. Factory pumps are required, a factory ECM is mandatory even if you swap brands, and there is no trans brake. There is a parc ferme style impound between rounds, no test passes in the days before the event, and an instant green start on race day. The entry options even included a package with the turbo, the purse began at fifty thousand, contingencies piled on, and the total payout grew toward one hundred thousand as the entry list capped at one hundred thirty five. From there it gets technical in all the right ways. The guys explain why common rail tuning windows and cylinder head airflow are a real edge over a twelve valve, how port velocity and reversion affect turbo efficiency, and why a P pump setup benefits from a larger turbine to deal with heat and drive pressure. Expect everything from eight or nine hundred horsepower to well past a thousand, and on an eighth mile you could see anything from six eighties to possible high fives depending on weight, power, and the leave. With foot brake only and an instant green tree, reaction time and a clean launch can beat raw power, which is exactly why this format pulls in racers from street truck roots to serious shop builds. Culture and logistics get their due as well. Burnout pits are drawing bigger crowds because fans can stand close and feel the noise and smoke, which makes them a real part of the show. There is talk of bringing an air limited, fuel only class out West, maybe pairing it with dirt drags or a street weight sled pull so the barrier to entry stays low. The no time format keeps scoreboards dark, but the tower still sees times and track officials have the final say, a reminder that safety, licenses, and sportsmanship still matter when serious money is on the line. Contingency bounties add even more spice, including brand versus brand bonuses when one platform sends another home. If you live for diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel tech, Cummins talk, VP44 history, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and truck builds, this conversation is packed with shop floor reality and race day strategy. Long tail topics woven throughout include 72 Fast class rules at UCC, VS Racing seventy two eighty spec turbo details, six thousand pound minimum weight, factory ECM only with no trans brake, instant green fuel only diesel drag racing, no test pass rule with impound, and eighth mile strategy on a budget. Subscribe, drop your take in the comments, and follow Power Driven Diesel for more episodes that keep you in the lanes and in the shop.

Nov 25

Diesel really is king when it comes to doing real work, and in this episode of the Power Driven Podcast the crew slows things down and explains why in plain language. The whole conversation kicks off because a viewer told them they were talking over his head, even though he is a car guy, so they decided to go back to basics, talk in a way everyone can follow, and break down why they love diesels, why they are better for work, and where all the old misconceptions came from. They start by going back to the nineteen seventies oil embargo, when fuel prices spiked and Oldsmobile rushed out those early diesel car engines that were basically gas designs turned into diesels. Those things were slow, unreliable, non turbo junk, and that is where the idea that diesels are noisy, smoky turds really stuck. From there they walk through why modern diesel performance is a completely different world. Higher compression ratios, no throttle blade to choke airflow, and a huge usable air fuel ratio range all add up to better efficiency and better fuel mileage. They talk real numbers on air fuel ratio for gas versus diesel, explain pumping losses, and compare BTUs in diesel and gasoline so you understand why ships, trains, and semis all run on heavy fuel and diesel instead of gas. The episode then moves into torque, dyno behavior, and how turbos change everything. The guys explain why a diesel can live all day in that sixteen hundred to twenty six hundred rpm power band and still pull hard, while a gasoline tow rig has to scream and constantly downshift to make the same horsepower. They dig into how turbochargers effectively multiply engine size, why compound turbos on a Cummins let you add air, run leaner, and pick up big power on the dyno without adding more fuel, and how that shows up on the road when you are towing a trailer up a grade. There are real towing stories about EcoBoost and half ton gas trucks struggling with plugged converters and heat, compared to turbo diesels that just chug along and even get more efficient as you add load. They also touch on modern emissions systems, cold running exhaust, short trip driving, and why older seventies diesels feel weak while newer pickup and semi truck engines are built robust with heavy rods, pistons, and high pressure fuel systems that make serious diesel performance possible. If you are into Power Driven Diesel tech talk, Cummins trucks, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing with tow rigs, or just want a clear diesel vs gas towing and fuel economy explanation, this back to basics episode is a solid listen. Subscribe for more Power Driven Podcast episodes, follow along for more diesel performance content, and keep up with the latest truck builds, towing tests, and shop stories from Power Driven Diesel.

Nov 18

Scrat, a 1996 second gen Dodge, is headed to the Ultimate Callout Challenge 2026 with Myer at the wheel, and the plan is simple. Build it in the shop, keep it serviceable, and make it live through the dyno, the drag strip, and the sled pull. This episode of the Power Driven Podcast features Will and Todd with Myer talking through the UCC plan, why it matters to diesel fans, and how it stacks up against King of the Streets. The focus is on real shop work, quick turnarounds, and a strategy that favors reliability without taking the fun out of pushing hard. Scrat is getting a back half and four link while keeping a steel cab and a straightforward layout. The goal is to be around four thousand six hundred pounds with driver, chase a five forty in the eighth mile, and make a strong dyno number with a clean nitrous plan. Tuning talk stays practical, from common rail control to the debate between an 06 to 07 Bosch 849 and a Bosch motorsport standalone, with Haltech pieces already in play. Transmission work is front and center as well, taking lessons from Josh and The Godfather into a forty eight based setup aimed at holding power without slipping. The conversation hits safety and prep too, from blown tire lessons on the chassis dyno to smarter safeguards that do not get in the way of a good pull. Competition looks stout with names like Lenny Reid in the mix, which is exactly the kind of field that makes UCC worth the grind. Testing in Vegas, engine work in house, and steady progress updates will lead up to the first week of June 2026. If diesel performance, Cummins power, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and real truck builds are your thing, subscribe to the channel, follow the Power Driven Podcast, and keep up with Power Driven Diesel as Myer gets Scrat ready for the Ultimate Callout Challenge.

Nov 11

An 850 horsepower Cummins that tows, daily drives, and still rips the tires at 80 miles an hour. This episode of the Power Driven Podcast is all about building a real 850 wheel horsepower street truck the kind you can hook to a trailer, commute in, and still line up next to the neighborhood Corvette with a smile. The Power Driven Diesel crew walks through proven recipes across 12 valve, VP44, and common rail platforms and explains what actually keeps a combo reliable at this level. It matters because most diesel enthusiasts want the do it all truck that hits hard without turning into a fragile race only build. The guys start by setting expectations for a street friendly 850. Bottom ends are tougher than most people think, so you usually do not have to crack the pan, but you do need to address head sealing. At this power, a firing head gasket is the long term answer, with O rings workable if you keep timing and low rpm torque in check. A mild port job helps drop boost and pick up drivability, and a street cam like a Colt Stage 3 type grind noticeably improves the way the truck comes on. They hammer home a big lesson on compression too. On a 12 valve, a 6.7 crank in a 5.9 for a six point one stroker bumps compression and makes chargers light quicker, which is why higher compression often drives better and lives better well past the four digit mark. Fuel and air are where the recipe really comes together. For a 12 valve, think quality lift pump with a boost referenced return regulator so base pressure cruises in the low 30s and rises into the mid 50s to 60 under load. Pair that with a 215 style P pump build and clean streetable injectors such as a Power Jet Stage 2 or Stage 3 so you get heat control without haze. Factory lines are fine at this goal, and delivery valves around 055 keep manners sharp. On the turbo side, this is a compound conversation. Setups like a 62 67 over a 476 or stepping the atmosphere to a 480 make the truck faster and cooler on the same tune, carry power further in each gear, and tow easier because you are not forcing the intercooler and radiator to soak up unnecessary heat. They do not skip the parts that keep the whole package alive. Stronger valve springs and pushrods are a must, billet freeze plugs are cheap insurance, and the intake plenum gasket needs the later steel shim style with sealant so it does not blow out when boost climbs. Intercoolers become a wear item above roughly 60 pounds, so plan to upgrade and use quality boots. Transmission wise, a manual needs a serious dual disc and upgraded shafts, while a street tuned 47 or 48 with billet input and output, a good converter and flexplate, and firm but livable line pressure lands right in the sweet spot for an 850 setup. If you are chasing the same number on a VP44 or common rail, the strategy adjusts but the goal stays the same. A VP44 can get there with more air than you think and very careful tuning, while a common rail likes MLS gaskets with real studs, 60 to 100 percent over injectors sized for street use, a healthy lift pump, and a ten or twelve millimeter CP3 depending on air. The third gen compound recipe that keeps the stock charger and adds a 476 underneath remains a tow ready crowd favorite. If you are searching for diesel performance ideas, Power Driven Diesel guidance on Cummins combos, VP44 tips, dyno testing insights, turbo upgrades that actually help, drag racing realities, and streetable truck builds, this episode is packed with long tail takeaways like building an 850 horsepower Cummins street truck, choosing a compound turbo 62 67 over 476, planning a firing head gasket 12 valve, and dialing a boost referenced lift pump regulator for clean power. Subscribe to the channel, follow the podcast for new episodes, and check out more Power Driven Diesel content for the parts, testing, and real world data that make your next build run hard and last.

Nov 4

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.

Oct 30

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.

Oct 21

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.

Oct 14

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.

Oct 7

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.

Sep 30

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.

Sep 23

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.

Sep 16

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.

Sep 9

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.

Sep 2

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.

Aug 26

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.

Aug 19

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.

Aug 12

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.

Aug 5

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.

Jul 29

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.

Jul 22

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

Jul 15

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.

Jul 8

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.

Jul 1

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.

Jun 24

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.

Jun 19

In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel Podcast, the team recaps everything they experienced at the Ultimate Callout Challenge, the most intense diesel performance event of the year. From powerhouse builds to catastrophic failures, this episode is loaded with insight, real talk, and valuable lessons for anyone serious about diesel horsepower. Whether you are a tuner, racer, builder, or just a diesel enthusiast, there is something here for you. The crew dives into what makes UCC such a game-changing event, bringing together the best minds and machines in the industry. Companies like Fleece, Firepunk, and Hamilton came out strong, but the biggest takeaways came from conversations behind the scenes. These included breakdowns of tuning strategies, nitrous setups, engine failures, and cylinder pressure data that reveals what is really happening inside these high-horsepower builds. One of the most important topics covered is ignition timing and how it must be adjusted when nitrous is used. Many competitors at the event were running fuel-only timing while spraying large amounts of nitrous, which caused serious engine damage. Timing needs to be retarded significantly to prevent early cylinder pressure spikes that lead to cracked blocks, broken pistons, and failed valves. The discussion digs into what the top-performing teams are doing differently and how this knowledge applies not just to dyno runs, but also to drag racing and sled pulling. The podcast also explores valve float, spring pressure, fuel injector sizing, and the effect of turbocharger selection on timing requirements. They compare single turbo, compound, and nitrous-assisted setups, explaining how each affects combustion and power output. The guys also discuss drivetrain durability and how many trucks are slipping something on the dyno, whether it is a converter, clutch pack, or tire. They even analyze the dramatic failure of a drag radial that exploded during a dyno pull at nearly 200 miles per hour. This episode captures both the chaos and the innovation happening in high-level diesel competition. It is a blend of hard-earned lessons, shop-tested data, and real-world experience that you will not get anywhere else. Tune in to learn what worked, what failed, and how the industry is evolving. Subscribe for more in-depth episodes covering the cutting edge of diesel performance.

Jun 12

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we sit down with Josh McCormick, the 2025 Ultimate Callout Challenge Champion, to break down everything that went into his winning weekend. From setting a 3000+ horsepower dyno number to surviving one of the toughest diesel competitions in the country, Josh walks us through the full experience. We talk about what it takes to stay competitive across drag racing, sled pulling, and the dyno, and how his Cummins-powered setup held strong through all three events. Josh shares what his prep looked like going in, how things unfolded day by day, and the moments that nearly derailed everything. You’ll hear about the long hauls, the behind the scenes chaos, the victories that didn’t make the highlight reels, and how he kept his truck running clean and consistent from start to finish. We also get into the current state of competition diesel. From the evolving truck builds to standout performances from other drivers, this episode gives a real look at how high the bar has been raised and what it means to keep up. If you’re into diesel drag racing, dyno tuning, sled pulling, or just want to hear how top-level trucks are built and run at elite events like UCC, this is the episode for you. It’s informative, entertaining, and packed with insight from someone who’s earned his spot at the top. Make sure to subscribe for more in depth episodes, and leave a comment with your questions, thoughts, or what you’d like to hear in a future episode.

Jun 5

Welcome back to the Power Driven Diesel podcast. We’ve had quite a few people ask for more Common Rail content, so we figured it was time to dive in. In this episode, Meyer joins us to walk through a bunch of topics that matter if you’re running a Common Rail Cummins or thinking about building one. We get into tuning strategies, CP3 fuel systems, turbo behavior, and how it all works together when you start pushing power. We kick things off with tuning basics. Meyer explains fuel timing and duration in a way that makes sense, especially if you’re new to this stuff. There’s a good breakdown of what it means when a truck is injecting fuel after top dead center and why emissions tuning often does that. We talk about how shortening duration and improving injection rate helps power, efficiency, and driveability. We also get into pedal maps and how your throttle input turns into actual fuel output. That part gets overlooked a lot, but it has a huge effect on how the truck feels behind the wheel. From there we get into VGT turbo tuning. Will shares what happened when he upgraded the turbo on his wife’s Excursion and how the truck felt super lazy until he figured out the vane control. Just closing the vanes to make more boost actually slowed the truck down, and once he opened them back up, it ripped again. That’s a good lesson for anyone who thinks boost equals speed, because the truth is it’s all about balance and airflow. We also talk about CP3 pump setups. For a long time, making big power meant running two or three pumps, but that has changed. Nowadays, a single 14mm pump or a dual CP3 setup can support big numbers, depending on what you’re doing. Meyer and Will both have experience running different setups and share what works better for street trucks versus all-out builds. The bottom line is, if you’re adding hard parts like injectors or turbos, you’ve got to retune or you’re going to leave a lot on the table. Toward the end, we get into block design and why we’ve moved to using 6.7 blocks in most of our race engines. They have more material between the cylinders, stronger cooling, and we’ve seen them hold up better than older 5.9 blocks when pushed hard. That does not mean the 12-valve stuff is bad. It just means that newer options give you more room to grow, especially when you start mixing parts like 24-valve heads or building hybrids. There is still a lot we did not get to, like transmissions and more platform-specific tuning, so if you have questions, let us know in the comments. We read those and we’re always down to do a follow-up. Thanks for listening, and we will see you in the next episode.

May 29

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we’re taking it back to where it all started—our early days competing in the Ultimate Callout Challenge. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a competitive UCC truck from the ground up, this episode is for you. We get into the gritty details of how we turned a mechanical 12-valve Cummins into a full-blown competition monster, and the chaos that came with trying to keep it alive through dyno runs, drag racing, and sled pulling. We talk about the early struggles of building with limited resources, how we learned to dial in mechanical fueling on the edge of disaster, and what it was like pushing a triple turbo setup to its absolute limits. From camshaft failures to cobbled together fixes in the pits, we lay out everything we went through just to stay in the fight. You’ll hear how we went from unknowns with a budget build to a team that people started watching closely, especially when we dominated the sled pull with a setup no one expected to work. This episode isn’t just a look back. It’s a deep dive into the mechanical mindset, the strategy behind each event, and the lessons we learned through trial and error. If you’re into real diesel performance, mechanical builds, or just love hearing what happens behind the scenes at big time diesel events, you’re going to want to listen to the whole thing. We appreciate everyone who’s followed us since those early UCC days. This is the story of how Power Driven Diesel earned its place in the competition world through busted parts, long nights, and a lot of determination.

May 22

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast , hosts Todd, Will, and Myer welcome special guest Damian, the man who went from enthusiast to event promoter with the launch of the first-ever Southwest Truck Fest. Recorded just weeks after the dust settled, we pull back the curtain on what it took to organize a diesel truck event from scratch, and what he’d do differently next time. We break down the real-world challenges of launching a grassroots diesel event: securing city permits, dealing with insurance, managing vendors, and coordinating logistics like dyno scheduling, vendor placement, and traffic flow. Damian shares the three-month sprint from idea to execution and how Southwest Truck Fest attracted trucks and fans from across the U.S., including builds from Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, California, and even Washington. We also talk horsepower, dyno numbers topping 2,400+ HP, what it takes to impress at a show-and-shine, and how event culture has changed in the post-COVID era. And yeah, we get real about the negative press, afterparty burnout fiascos, and what those viral moments mean for the future of diesel events in small towns like St. George. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start a diesel truck show, or you just want to hear how the performance diesel scene is evolving, this episode is packed with insight, entertainment, and honest talk from guys who live and breathe this world. Whether you’re into dyno days, vendor row, burnout pits, or just rolling coal with your buddies, this is the podcast for you.

May 15

You’ve seen the SmokeStang light up burnouts on YouTube—now hear the backstory straight from Westen Champlin himself. We’re talking about how a $1500 junkyard 12-valve turned into a 1200+ horsepower weapon, what really goes down behind the scenes, and why building fast diesel rigs usually ends with something on fire (or broken). From transmission failures and sketchy last-minute wiring to full-send dyno runs and burnout comps, this episode covers the kind of chaos that comes with chasing big power on tight timelines. Westen shares what it’s like growing a YouTube channel while juggling builds, towing rigs across the country, and trying to keep it all from blowing apart. We get into the crossover between diesel drag racing, truck pulling, and burnout culture—and how U.S. events are finally catching up to the Aussies when it comes to putting on a real show. We’re also talking about the upcoming Horsepower Rodeo going down May 24th in Winfield, Kansas—30+ pro-level builds, blown methanol setups, diesel trucks, and zero lift off the throttle. If you’re into diesel performance, race builds, YouTube truck content, or just want to hear what happens when you stop caring about rules and start chasing horsepower, this one’s worth your time.

May 8

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast , we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in diesel performance: why do diesels smoke? Whether you’re running a mechanical 12-valve or a high-pressure common rail, this episode unpacks the science, tuning strategies, and real-world variables behind black smoke, haze, and combustion efficiency. We break down the fundamentals of air-fuel ratio (AFR), Lambda, and stoichiometric combustion in a way that makes sense for performance diesel applications. You’ll hear why even at a perfect Lambda of 1.0, diesels can still smoke, and how the fuel itself, injection timing, and in-cylinder mixing all play a role. From the factory smoke limits and emissions standards to 1,200+ horsepower race setups, we compare how gasoline and diesel engines burn fuel differently, and why gas tuners often misinterpret smoke as bad tuning. Spoiler: diesel makes peak power around the same Lambda values as gas, but with very different combustion behavior. We also dive into the role of swirl, piston bowl design, injector size, and pilot injection in controlling visible smoke and maximizing power. You’ll learn how boost, compression, and injection pressure change combustion characteristic, and why tuning a common rail is a completely different animal than dialing in a mechanical truck. The conversation covers everything from sled pull smoke strategies to nitrous-assisted drag passes, and why some trucks need excess fuel to manage heat under extreme load. We even tackle the misconception that visible smoke is worse for the environment than clean-burning high-fuel-consumption setups, turns out what you can’t see may be doing more damage. Whether you’re trying to keep your daily driver clean or pushing a race truck to its limits, this episode offers insight backed by dyno testing, Lambda data, and decades of hands-on diesel experience. We’ve spent years tuning around this exact issue, and this episode puts it all on the table.

May 1

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we sit down with none other than Lenny Reed from Dynomite Diesel Products (DDP), one of the most respected names in diesel injector technology. This conversation dives deep into the evolution of diesel performance, from the early days of sled pulling with janky setups and burned clutches, to today’s cutting-edge common rail injector strategies, EDM precision, and the science behind why extrude honing might be killing your power. Lenny shares raw stories about how he got started, the hard lessons learned from broken parts and bad advice, and how those failures led to the injector advancements we all rely on today. We talk about the horsepower arms race, how to make 1,200hp streetable, and why your injector spray angle might be silently sabotaging your build. The episode also covers the big-picture stuff, emissions regulations, the real reason trucks cost six figures, and how American manufacturing can (and must) evolve. If you’re into tuning, dyno battles, injector flow rates, or just want to hear two OGs talk shop about what it really takes to go fast and not blow it all up, this is one you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a daily driver diesel guy or a full-on competition builder, there’s something in here for you. Want more raw diesel talk? Hit that subscribe and fire off your questions in the comments.

Apr 24

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.

Apr 17

This is one of the most common questions we get at Power Driven Diesel. What does it actually take to hit 500 horsepower with your truck? In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we go step by step through each Cummins platform. From First Gen to Common Rail, we cover what it takes to make that power and keep the truck usable. We start with the early trucks. If you have a First Gen with a VE pump, 500 horsepower on fuel only is a tall order. Most guys end up swapping to a P-pump to get there and still have some reliability. For 12 valve trucks, it is a doable goal with the right combination of fuel, air, and timing. We lay out what size injectors, delivery valves, and turbo it takes to make it clean and strong. We also talk about the difference between a street build and a tow build, because those are not the same thing. Moving on to the VP44 trucks, things change a bit. Some of these pumps hit a wall, especially the high output models. We go over tuning boxes like the Quadzilla, why lift pump pressure matters, and what it takes to make real power without hurting drivability. If you are running a VP truck, this section will save you time and money. Then we get into Common Rails. If you have an 03 to 07 truck, this is the easiest way to get to 500. A tune alone can get you close, and a small turbo upgrade will make it clean and responsive. You can keep the stock injectors and CP3 pump. We do cover what to upgrade if you plan to tow at that power level or run the truck hard. No matter what truck you have, we talk about key things like head gaskets, studs, valve springs, fuel systems, and building a transmission that can take the power. This is not about throwing parts at your truck. It is about doing it right so it stays together and works for what you use it for. If you want a reliable 500 horsepower build that can still pull trailers and get you home every time, this episode is for you.

Apr 10

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we’re taking it back to our roots and talking about some of the most memorable trucks we’ve ever built. These aren’t just polished showpieces—they’re real-deal builds that have seen the street, the strip, and everything in between. Todd kicks things off with Ruby, his 2006 mega cab tow rig that started as a learning truck for common rail tuning and turned into a 1500 horsepower beast that can still hook up to a trailer. We also dive into the story of the Junker Drag Truck, a $1700 Craigslist find that turned into a legend after years of weekend wrenching and figuring things out the hard way. Then there’s the Shorty, a chopped 12-valve that’s now riding on a Duramax frame, four-wheel-drive, slammed low, and still making big power with compound turbos and a 6.7 Cummins common rail under the hood. Throughout the episode we talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned from blowing head gaskets, snapping shafts, breaking blocks, and learning through it all. These builds weren’t done overnight, and none of them came easy. But every mile, every busted knuckle, and every late night in the shop was worth it. If you’re building your own truck, working with what you’ve got, or just looking for some real stories from guys who live and breathe diesel, this one’s for you.

Apr 3

Welcome back to the Power Driven Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into a question that comes up almost daily — how much horsepower do you actually need? With social media hyping 1000+ horsepower street trucks like it’s the standard, it’s easy to get caught chasing big numbers before really thinking about what you want your truck to do. That’s why we brought in Griff, our head salesman at Power Driven Diesel, to talk through what he hears from customers and help break down the real-world difference between building a fun, usable truck and building something that ends up spending more time in the shop than on the road. Todd, Will, and Myer join the conversation, sharing their own stories from years of building everything from 500HP tow pigs to 1500+HP dyno monsters. This episode covers it all — why 600 horsepower might actually be the most enjoyable setup for daily driving and towing, what tradeoffs come with making four-digit power, and how your truck’s platform and goals should shape your build. We get into turbo sizing, engine clearances, cam choice, and how to avoid common mistakes like overbuilding an engine for a truck that’s never going to use that power. From sketchy street passes and blown-up builds to the sweet spot where power, drivability, and reliability all come together, this is the kind of honest, unfiltered conversation you can only get from guys who’ve lived it. Whether you’re just getting started with your first diesel build or looking to fine-tune a truck that’s already making power, this episode is full of real advice that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. So how much horsepower do you need? That’s up to you — but we’re here to help you figure it out and enjoy the ride along the way. Let us know your power goals in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and call us if you need help dialing in your build.

Mar 27

In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel Podcast, Will, Myer, and Todd dive deep into everything cylinder heads—what makes them tick, what causes head gasket failure, and how to make serious horsepower. Whether you're just trying to keep a head gasket sealed or chasing four-digit horsepower, this episode covers it all. The guys break down the real differences between head stud materials, head bolts, O-rings, and fire rings, and share hard-earned knowledge from years of testing, tuning, and racing. Todd shares dyno stories and real-world examples, while Will and Myer go full nerd on airflow, valve spring pressures, fire ring groove design, and why coefficient of discharge actually matters. The team discusses the myth: “boost blows head gaskets” and they then explain why torque is the real head gasket killer. You’ll hear about their CNC porting journey, how they’re pulling huge gains from factory castings, and why a properly ported head is one of the only upgrades with no downsides—more power, better spool, improved drivability. Whether you're building a street truck, tow pig, or race rig, this episode is your one-stop-shop for understanding the top side of your engine and how to make it bulletproof.

Mar 20

Turbo sizing is one of the most common (and misunderstood) topics in diesel performance. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out stock turbo or upgrading for more power, the right choice depends on your horsepower goals, driving style, and how you use your truck. In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about single turbo setups, from common upgrade mistakes to real-world performance insights. One of the biggest misconceptions in the diesel world is that bigger is always better. While a large turbo can support more horsepower, it often kills low-end response, making your truck sluggish—especially if you tow. We discuss the differences between drop-in replacements, S300s, and S400s, explaining when each one makes sense and how to avoid the dreaded lag-to-power ratio mistake. We also share our personal turbo experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we’ve learned from testing everything from Holset HE 351-based turbos to massive Garrett GT55s. For those looking to upgrade their work truck from the stock turbo, we cover the best options for 300-500 horsepower and the ideal single turbo setup for 600-700 horsepower. We also dive into why compounds almost always outperform big singles for a street-driven truck. Plus, we break down how to calculate turbo airflow and horsepower potential, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before making a change. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the right turbo for your goals, avoiding costly mistakes and maximizing your truck’s performance. Need help picking the perfect turbo? Call Power Driven Diesel, and we’ll get you dialed-in. Subscribe now for more expert diesel insights every week! Our new Stainless HX35 Exhaust Elbow: https://powerdrivendiesel.com/product/pdd-stainless-hx35-exhaust-elbow-bundle/

Mar 13

The Desert Diesel Nationals in Phoenix was an all-out diesel showdown, and the Power Driven Diesel crew was in the thick of it. Todd, Will, and Myer break down everything from record-breaking passes to the wildest burnout contest the event has ever seen. With thousands of spectators, packed pits, and some of the fastest trucks in the country, this event brought back the old-school diesel racing energy. Todd hit a personal best 60ft time of 1.27 seconds, proving his truck is dialed in, but transmission issues cut his weekend short. Will locked in the 590 class victory, running smart and staying consistent to take home the win. Myer, despite some solid passes, learned firsthand how crucial reaction time is in a close race. The burnout contest stole the show, bringing an Australian-style burnout pit where trucks whipped around, roasted tires, and put on a wild display of power. Will’s junker truck disappeared in a cloud of smoke before flames ended his run, while Myer’s new build ran into mechanical issues before he could really throw down. The contest was a fan favorite, proving that burnouts belong at diesel events. Beyond the racing and burnouts, the event was packed with vendors, insane builds, and non-stop diesel talk. Whether it was discussing turbo setups, tuning tricks, or suspension tweaks, the pits were buzzing with knowledge and inspiration. If you missed this one, don’t worry—more races are coming, including Tulsa in May, Billings in August, and World Finals in Texas this September. Tune in for the full recap, behind-the-scenes stories, and everything you missed from one of the best diesel events of the year!

Feb 27

In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel podcast, Todd, Will, and Meyer break down everything you need to know about the 47/48 Dodge 4-speed transmissions—whether you're using them for towing or racing. They cover common issues, maintenance strategies, and essential upgrades that will keep your transmission running at peak performance. The team digs into why these transmissions get a bad rap, busts the myth that changing the fluid causes problems, and explains how to keep your system healthy. They talk about fluid changes, filter maintenance, and the role of bands and torque converters in making sure your truck can handle the power you’re pushing. If you’re building a solid tow rig or pushing 500+ horsepower, they cover the necessary upgrades and maintenance steps to keep your Dodge 47/48 in top shape. They also explain the key differences between the 47 and 48 transmissions, so you’ll know which is best for your setup. For those pushing serious power, Todd, Will, and Meyer get into the heavy-duty parts like torque converters and steel planetaries. Whether you're doing it yourself or getting expert help, this episode lays out the facts on what you need to make your transmission perform.

Feb 20

Myer, Todd, and Will share experiences about their first time racing their turbo diesel trucks. Is diesel truck racing the ultimate pursuit of speed and power or is this just another fun hobby? Listen carefully to learn what drives each of us to continue racing. Does it have to be fast to have fun? Do you have to win to have fun? Tune in and find out.

Feb 13

Navigating the perilous Aftermarket Performance Parts Scene. Who's to blame when things go wrong? Who's left holding the bag when your mixed bag of parts fails? It's probably You! In this podcast Will, Todd and Myer discuss perilous pitfalls that commonly occur when mixing and matching parts from various sources and suppliers. The aftermarket is wonderful but it must be navigated carefully to create the perfect truck build or automotive repair. Follow along as the team relates stories and experiences related to performance aftermarket truck and auto parts.

Feb 7

In this podcast, Todd, Will, and Myer react to a 7 year old YouTube video about doubling the horsepower on a 12v Cummins. The team then discusses how they would double, triple, or even 5x the horsepower of a 12v Cummins using new turbo and fueling technology that has come out over the past few years. Order your double the HP kit here: https://powerdrivendiesel.com/product/diesel-tech-fuel-package/?mot_tcid=9407ee85-6219-4ff5-aec7-c3bb772560b0 Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Jan 30

In this podcast, Myer, Todd and Will discuss the notorious 68rfe 6 speed automatic transmission that came behind Dodge Ram Cummins trucks from 2007 thru 2024. Is this the best towing transmission or should you consider the AS69 or the Allison 1000 swap? Listen for all the details on the common failure points and gremlins that have hurt the reputation of this wonderful transmission! Order your 68rfe valvebody here: https://powerdrivendiesel.com/product/68rfe-high-pressure-valve-body-bundle/ Order your pan-off upgrade kit here: https://powerdrivendiesel.com/product/68rfe-pan-off-upgrade-kit/ Save on the best performance parts and products in our shop: https://powerdrivendiesel.com/shop/ Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Jan 23

In this podcast, Will, Todd, Tony, and Lonnon discuss the origin of AFC, the best in-cab tuner for the 12v Cummins engine platform. The team then discusses the turbo tuner and how to use it to control the internal wastegate on Holset HX35 and HE351 factory turbochargers. Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Jan 16

In episode 8 of the Power Driven Podcast, Will & Todd discuss spark ignition timing and how it relates to diesel fuel injection timing. They discuss the best timing for fuel economy, and/or maximum performance? If you've ever wondered how much timing you should run in your street hotrod or tow truck, listen to this podcast and find out! Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Jan 10

In episode 7 of the Power Driven Podcast, Will, Todd and Griffith dive deep into the Bosch VP44 injection pump and that was factory equipped on 1998 thru 2002 Dodge Ram 24v Cummins pickup trucks. The guys discuss common failure points that give the venerable VP44 its poor reputation as well as highlight the positives of VP44 trucks. The team discusses everything from reliability mods to high performance tuning and turbo selection. Tune in to learn more about the VP44! Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Jan 2

In this episode, the guys from Power Driven discuss everything from truck modifications to driving strategies that promote maximum miles per gallon while towing. Todd provides some interesting insights on Smiles per Gallon as well.

Dec 26, 2024

In this episode, the guys from Power Driven Diesel discuss controversial topics in the performance industry related to chassis dyno marketing and SAE correction factors. We dive deep into how to make repeatable dyno runs for actual testing and then we cover helpful tips and tricks for both first timers and big dogs swinging for dyno records.

Dec 19, 2024

In this episode, Myer, Todd, and Will discuss everything related to towing with a light duty diesel pickup truck. How much EGT is too much when hauling loads down the highway? Tune in for a lengthy discussion on exhaust gas temperature and other helpful towing tips and tricks. Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies. Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Dec 12, 2024

In this podcast episode, Todd, Will and Myer discuss everything compound turbos. You the audience asked and the team responds to questions about compound turbo sizing, how they work, and why we all love them! Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies. Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel

Dec 6, 2024

In episode 2 of the Power Driven Podcast, Will, Todd and Myer discuss everything you need you know before buying your first 12v Cummins. Have you ever wondered which model year is best, or whether you should buy an automatic or manual transmission? How many miles are too many for a good running 12v Cummins Ram Truck? Tune-in to learn everything you should look out for when buying your first 12v Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Nov 27, 2024

In this first podcast the guys from Power Driven discuss which Cummins platform is best for making reliable horsepower. Will the ultra reliable 12 Valve Cummins remain king of the horsepower war, or is there room at the top for the more modern Common Rail 24v Cummins? Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies. Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ https://www.instagram.com/powerdrivendiesel