Diesel Performance Podcast

Paul and Chris kick off a month of podcasts about one of the more popular topics in diesel performance - conversions! In this episode, the guys jump into the '85 square-body Scottsdale bolted onto an HD2500 frame with an LB7. What are the major challenges when you tackle a conversion project? It sure looks cool - but talk about headaches! For some, conversions represent the ultimate in motorsports with the greatest rewards - a real head turner that redefines diesel performance - one vehicle at a time. 

Meet Bill - he just bought a 2012 Cummins and needs advice. No problem. We've got two guys willing to help. In this episode, Paul and Chris go through the options available to the owner of a stock diesel RAM. It boils down to what the owner wants to do with the truck. Bill says he wants his 2012 to be as reliable as possible - last a long time. Who doesn't? Enjoy the conversation about what to do with a bone stock 2012 RAM.

Anthony joins the podcast to talk about drag racing and the up and down experience as a participant in the Ultimate Callout Challenge. Anthony describes the build and how busy it is to be a top racer in diesel performance. 

Paul and Chris talk about what you'd need to build a 600hp workstock sled pull truck. 

Paul and Chris welcome YouTuber Greg Alberalla joins the podcast to talk about his amazing channel and passion for Cummins. It all started with his brother's 1995 12V and never looked back. The guys dive into Greg's triple-turbo build and the other trucks - the Tow Rig and First Gen. It's really a good time and we'd encourage everyone to subscribe to Greg's channel!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BdTbRq-TwQdFPX_2AFcTw  

The Diesel Performance Podcast goes on the road. In this episode, Paul and Chris get behind the wheel of CPS' Twin Turbo, Emissions Equipped, 2015 Cummins RAM - affectionally known as the RAMBOX. This shop truck is a workhorse, but it's also a sweet ride, especially with the twin turbo kit from ATS. Paul and Chris take the truck out and put it to the test and talk about its features. Everything you'd want to know about emissions equipped twin turbo RAM is in this episode. 

Charlie Keeter joins Paul Wilson and Chris Ehmke for a rip-roaring good time with the two-time Diesel Power Challenge winner. How did he do it with a Ford 6.0? No doubt it takes skill to win the challenge two years in a row - but some of it was just dumb luck. 

Nick Canon's 1985 IDI beat everyone at the recent Diesel Days at the Byron Dragway in Byron, Illinois. It's an amazing story of an 18-year-old with a 21.6 ET defeating drag racing expert and Podcast host Danny Voss. 

In a rowdy interview, McCoy Black recounts what happened to his '95 12V 2500 after killing it on the DYNO with 1,500 horsepower before blowing a head gasket in the quarter-mile event. 

Mike Bunkelman drives a 2004 Dodge 3500 single rear wheel - a truck he says is a daily driver compared to those he's competing against. But that's ok, according to Mike. He's just thrilled to have been voted into the Diesel Power Challenge. Paul and Danny go through Mike's truck build and ask about his strategy for the event. He says his strongest event isn't going to be drag racing - but he's pretty excited about the trailer obstacle course. 

Shaun Doran drives a 2011 Ford F250 in the Diesel Power Challenge and took a few minute to talk to Paul Wilson just before the competition begins. 

Rich Strube lives about 20 minutes from New York City. He's participating in this year's Diesel Power Challenge with 2005 Duramax. 

The Diesel Performance Podcast continues its Diesel Power Challenge interviews with Patrick Whitcomb owner of a 2008 Ford 6.4L truck. And yes, he's from Wisconsin too! 

Wisconsinite Kevin Jacobs takes a minute to check with the Diesel Performance Podcast on Sunday, June 4, 2017, the day before the start of the Diesel Power Challenge. Kevin's truck is a 2005 RAM Quad Cab Short Bed with compounds, 100% over injectors and a lift pump, among other things. Unlike a few other competitors, Kevin is fuel only at the competition. 

The Diesel Performance Podcast presents a special Memorial Day episode featuring veteran interviews. In the first part, Nick Priegnitz and Jim Rendant interview representatives from the Tattered Flag Project, an organization working to raise awareness and funds to help veterans in need. The same for the Wounded Veteran's Foundation. We also visit with Cliff Hutton of Triple C Diesel who got his start in the Marine Corp.  casualtiesofwar.org woundedveteransfoundation.com    

Paul and Danny welcome a repost of one of the more popular podcasts - the 15K + 600 horsepower Budget Build episode that was uploaded way back in January 2016.  Find a used, light duty diesel pickup - spend 15K on mods and get it below 13 seconds in the quarter-mile. That's the focus of what we call our budget build episode featuring a lively and rowdy discussion between a trio of diesel heads: Pete "Shibby" Przybysz (Powerstroke), Chris Ehmke (Cummins), and Paul Wilson (Duramax). The group discusses how they would spend 15K on their build, explaining the logic behind their decisions, which the other participants cannot understand or agree. In the end, former DPP moderator Scott Henricks picks a "winner" and pisses everyone off.

Kelsie Epp joins the podcast to talk about her passion for diesel motorsports. The addiction began early in life when she bought her grandfather's Duramax. The truck needed repairs and she took it to a diesel performance shop and the rest is history. Right now she's getting ready for the race season. Kelsie says she makes 100 drag passes a season! For those interested in participating in the sport, Kelsie says to talk to someone first for some insight about the sport before making the first launch. Along with the drag racer, she has a triple turbo truck. Kelsie participated in the Diesel Power Challenge and says she may want to participate in the UCC. 

Shawn recounts the exhaustive, grueling three-day UCC and the toll the event took on his truck. He explains his build and the transmission that apparently let go and prevented his team from being as competitive as last year.  

Paul says the highlight of the Ultimate Callout Challenge was watching Team Triple Max's Wade Minter power down the sled track hitting more than 311 feet! It was quite an accomplishment for a Duramax - finishing in the top three overall! And it was Wade's first time "playing in the dirt!"     

Derek Rose placed second in the 2017 Ultimate Callout Challenge - a tremendous accomplishment. His Cummins with a billet common rail with a 12v head and compound turbos posted 9.16 in the drag race, 2,047hp on the dyno, and ended the event with a 312 foot run in the sled pull. In this episode, Derek talks about each event and how he managed to pull off the second place finish. Despite his success, Derek is uncertain about next year's UCC. He says it depends on location and a few other factors. Preparing for the event requires an enormous sacrifice and Derek's not sure he's up to the task in 2018.