Automotive

Power Driven Podcast

Welcome to the Power Driven Podcast, where we dive deep into the thrilling world of horsepower. Join your hosts, Todd and Will, as they engage with employees, industry experts, and special guests to explore the pulse-pounding stories, cutting-edge tech, and the raw power behind everything that goes vroom. Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual enthusiast, or just love the roar of an engine, this podcast is your pit stop for all things horsepower. Visit powerdrivendiesel.com to explore our latest products, special offers, and more.

Latest Episodes:

Building the Perfect Tow Rig for Diesel Performance Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

We Hauled 10,000 HP to Montana: Diesel Drag Racing at Its Wildest Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

Safe EGT for Diesel Towing and Racing Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

How to Make Your Drivetrain Survive 1,000+ Horsepower Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

What We Got Away With Until We Didn’t Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

Are Waste gates Worth It or Just Wasted Time? Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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

The Head Gasket Hack Every Diesel Guy Needs to Know Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

DIY Diesel Tuning for 5.9L Common Rail Cummins Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why Your 12-Valve Cummins Isn’t Making Power Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

First Engine Build? Don’t Make These Mistakes Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

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