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:

The Stories Behind Our Favorite Diesel Builds Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

How Much Horsepower Do You Actually Need? Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

Cylinder Heads: The Key to Horsepower Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

Choosing the Best Turbo for Towing and Hot Street Performance Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Speed, Smoke, and Diesel Power! Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

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!

Make Your Dodge 48RE Transmission Bulletproof Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why we Race Turbo Diesel Trucks Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Aftermarket Parts Pitfalls Created by Mixing and Matching Parts Feb 13, 2025

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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.

How to 2x, 3x, or 5x Your Horsepower 12v Cummins Feb 07, 2025

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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

68rfe Dodge Ram 6 speed automatic Transmission Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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

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