February 2008
Ford 7.3L Sled Puller
The Baddest Power Stroke On The Planet
The title says it all, it's "The Baddest Power Stroke on the Planet." Ben Miller, the owner of Double Overtime added a compound-turbo setup and a mechanically injected fuel system to his 7.3L Power Stroke in order to keep his Ford sled puller competitive, and brand-loyal. The 444ci displacement gives it an 85ci advantage over the 5.9L Cummins. This truck features a 21/2-ton Rockwell rear axle and custom heads, which were cut and re-welded to accommodate the new fuel system powered by a Scheid-built V-Pump, which is basically a Bosch P-pump-style injection pump. The stock Ford frame was retained.
July 2008
6.4L Diesel Street Rod: An International D-39
Loaded With A Two-Turbo Maxxforce V-8
Diesel is expanding into the hot rod community. The American Speed Company and International restored this D-39 International pickup in order to promote its LoneStar semi, which relies on the older truck for styling. This street rod is notable on its own, but with the 6.4L Power Stroke engine, it's legendary. The combination of a truck without an identity crisis and a no-nonsense turbodiesel creates a following. There is speculation that International is working on a new production pickup, and projects like this one only fuel that rumor.
August 2008
#28 Cummins Diesel Special At The 1952 Indy 500
The success of the #28 Cummins race car built by Kurtis Kraft shows diesel has strong roots, and no matter the economic weather of the moment, the inherently potent and powerful diesel engine will survive. In 1952, diesel stepped out of its normal skill set and jumped right into a niche segment and competed well. Cummins was the first Indy Car with a turbo, and the first to use aerodynamic testing in a wind tunnel. History is repeating itself when we compare the Cummins racer with today's Audi R10 TDI.
June 2008
Solid Axle Addiction
Maurice Rozo, owner of Off Road Unlimited, wanted his new Chevy 3/4-ton truck equipped with a reliable, strong, solid front axle. Since GM quit making this an option around 1991, he bought a two-wheel-drive '07 Silverado 2500HD and added a Dynatrac Pro 60 (Dana 60 front axle). The kit Rozo designed features 21/2-inch King coilover shocks, hydraulic bumpstops, a sway bar, and limit straps. An Atlas II transfer case is divorce-mounted to the Allison 1000 automatic transmission.