Sled Puller
Don't get us wrong, we'd love to build a Pro-Modified truck with a fiberglass body, a tube-chassis frame, and hang all kinds of weight out front, but the 2.6-inch-diameter inducer class is where it's at for the mainstreamer. We would opt for a second-generation Dodge 2500 extended cab.
First, we'd take our second-gen to a well-known shop in Terre Haute, Indiana, and let Dan Scheid turn our 12-valve into a high-rpm screamer. We would opt for a custom 66mm S400 turbo from Scheid, a Scheid-built, streetable 913 P-pump (Lightning pump) with the fuel plate set conservatively, Scheid injectors, 5,000rpm governor spring kit, head studs, fire-ringed head, the works. There's no doubt in our minds that Scheid Diesel could build us a 700hp 2.6 truck.
An NV4500 five-speed transmission and a double-disc Southbend clutch would get us off the line. We would outfit the front Dana 60 with an ARB Air Locker, and the rear Dana 80 with a spool. We would also go with 4.10 axle gearing, and pull in 4-Lo, Fourth gear.
Granted, this has been done before, but that is the point. You can be competitive with nearly any setup you want, be it a Duramax running a turbo reducer, a common-rail Cummins, or an old-school P-pumped 12-valve. Oftentimes in the 2.6 classes, the difference between First Place and Fifth Place is only a few feet! That's how competitive and fun this class is becoming.
Truck: '94-'02 Dodge 2500
Engine: 5.9L Cummins 12-valve
Performance modifications: 13mm P-pump (Lightning Pump) with laser-cut delivery valves, 5x.015 Scheid injectors, S400 turbo by Scheid, a 5,000rpm governor spring kit, head studs, fire-ringed head, Arias forged pistons, Crower connecting rods, street-pulling cam
Estimated HP: 700 hp
Transmission: NV4500 (South Bend double-disc 3850 Street Comp clutch)
Transfer case: NP 241
Front axle: Dana 60 with ARB Air Locker
Rear Axle: Dana 80 with spool
Suspension: Stock
Tires: 33x13.50x16 TrXus STS from Interco, 8-ply for durability and 10-inch tread width for traction
Wheels: 16-inch beadlocks
Chassis modifications: Custom ballast, which can be used up front or mounted in the bed (depending on given track rules)
Body Modifications: Plain-jane paint job, sleeper until spooled and leaving the line
Why it will work: Big P-pump with plenty of fuel, broad rpm range, and Scheid-built