8. Long Hauler
Driver: James Dow Hometown: Fall River, Massachusetts
Firefighter James Dow traveled more than 1,000 miles to compete in the Diesel Power Challenge, but his journey started at the age of 14. That's when he started building turbocharged gas engines before he worked his way up to a twin-turbo, small-block Dakota. The Super Duty became part of the fleet when he needed better fuel economy while towing his dragsters. It wasn't long before the diesel was getting all the attention and James was becoming the "misplaced redneck" at the end of a street occupied by little Nissan Altimas and Chevy Trackers. Now that he's gotten a taste of diesel power, James wishes he had bought a diesel to begin with. Blue Oval fans can believe it or not, but this winter he plans to swap a 12-valve Cummins engine into the Super Duty.
The Truck
truck: '99 Ford F-250 Super Duty extended cab shortbed
Engine: 7.3L Power Stroke
Odometer reading: 105,000 miles
Turbo: Stock with Banks housing and wastegate
Injectors: CMP 160cc
Injection pump: Stock
Lift pump: Aeromotive
Programming/chip: DP four-position
Air intake: AEM
Intercooler: Banks Technicooler
Exhaust: 4-inch downpipe to 5-inch system
Nitrous: NOS 75 hp
Water/methanol: Snow water/methanol
Propane: No
Transmission: Manual
Torque converter/clutch: South Bend clutch
Axle ratio: 4.56
Tires: ProComp XT 325/80/16
Wheels: Mickey Thompson Classic Locks
Suspension: ProComp 6.5-inch