In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in diesel performance: why do diesels smoke? Whether you’re running a mechanical 12-valve or a high-pressure common rail, this episode unpacks the science, tuning strategies, and real-world variables behind black smoke, haze, and combustion efficiency.We break down the fundamentals of air-fuel ratio (AFR), Lambda, and stoichiometric combustion in a way that makes sense for performance diesel applications. You’ll hear why even at a perfect Lambda of 1.0, diesels can still smoke, and how the fuel itself, injection timing, and in-cylinder mixing all play a role.From the factory smoke limits and emissions standards to 1,200+ horsepower race setups, we compare how gasoline and diesel engines burn fuel differently, and why gas tuners often misinterpret smoke as bad tuning. Spoiler: diesel makes peak power around the same Lambda values as gas, but with very different combustion behavior.We also dive into the role of swirl, piston bowl design, injector size, and pilot injection in controlling visible smoke and maximizing power. You’ll learn how boost, compression, and injection pressure change combustion characteristic, and why tuning a common rail is a completely different animal than dialing in a mechanical truck.The conversation covers everything from sled pull smoke strategies to nitrous-assisted drag passes, and why some trucks need excess fuel to manage heat under extreme load. We even tackle the misconception that visible smoke is worse for the environment than clean-burning high-fuel-consumption setups, turns out what you can’t see may be doing more damage.Whether you’re trying to keep your daily driver clean or pushing a race truck to its limits, this episode offers insight backed by dyno testing, Lambda data, and decades of hands-on diesel experience. We’ve spent years tuning around this exact issue, and this episode puts it all on the table.
In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we sit down with none other than Lenny Reed from Dynomite Diesel Products (DDP), one of the most respected names in diesel injector technology. This conversation dives deep into the evolution of diesel performance, from the early days of sled pulling with janky setups and burned clutches, to today’s cutting-edge common rail injector strategies, EDM precision, and the science behind why extrude honing might be killing your power.Lenny shares raw stories about how he got started, the hard lessons learned from broken parts and bad advice, and how those failures led to the injector advancements we all rely on today. We talk about the horsepower arms race, how to make 1,200hp streetable, and why your injector spray angle might be silently sabotaging your build. The episode also covers the big-picture stuff, emissions regulations, the real reason trucks cost six figures, and how American manufacturing can (and must) evolve.If you’re into tuning, dyno battles, injector flow rates, or just want to hear two OGs talk shop about what it really takes to go fast and not blow it all up, this is one you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a daily driver diesel guy or a full-on competition builder, there’s something in here for you. Want more raw diesel talk? Hit that subscribe and fire off your questions in the comments.
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1:51:29
Is More BOOST Always More POWER? Diesel Myths Exposed
Welcome back to the Power Driven Podcast—this time broadcasting straight from the shop floor! In this special “Diesel MythBusters” episode, the team dives headfirst into some of the most common (and controversial) diesel performance myths that float around forums, social media, and garage talk. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does more boost always mean more power?” or “Do 215 pumps really retard timing?”—this episode is your definitive guide to separating fact from fiction.We kick things off with the myth of dual-feeding P-pumps and whether or not your 12-valve needs it. Spoiler alert: probably not, unless you’re pushing serious horsepower. From there, we explore the science behind boost, efficiency, and how drive pressure really impacts head gaskets. It’s not just about throwing bigger parts at your build—understanding how airflow, fuel delivery, and timing interact is key to dialing in performance and reliability.The conversation heats up with a deep dive into Speed of Air pistons—those dimpled marvels generating buzz across the diesel industry. Are they the future of combustion efficiency or just expensive snake oil? The team weighs in with real-world experience, engineering insight, and a hefty dose of skepticism.We also take on the age-old air-to-air vs. water-to-air intercooler debate, breaking down the pros and cons in terms of temperature management, power gains, packaging, and complexity. Plus, we unpack whether aftermarket intake horns actually add horsepower—or just dress up your engine bay.As always, it’s equal parts technical knowledge and real shop banter. Expect laughs, a few friendly roasts, and a whole lot of diesel talk you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re building a 1,000+ hp race truck or just tuning your daily tow rig, there’s something in this episode for every diesel enthusiast.Stick around to the end as we address the myth that performance upgrades always kill fuel economy—plus, why injector size might be hurting your horsepower more than helping it.
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1:07:35
How to Build a Real 500HP Cummins
This is one of the most common questions we get at Power Driven Diesel. What does it actually take to hit 500 horsepower with your truck? In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we go step by step through each Cummins platform. From First Gen to Common Rail, we cover what it takes to make that power and keep the truck usable.We start with the early trucks. If you have a First Gen with a VE pump, 500 horsepower on fuel only is a tall order. Most guys end up swapping to a P-pump to get there and still have some reliability. For 12 valve trucks, it is a doable goal with the right combination of fuel, air, and timing. We lay out what size injectors, delivery valves, and turbo it takes to make it clean and strong. We also talk about the difference between a street build and a tow build, because those are not the same thing.Moving on to the VP44 trucks, things change a bit. Some of these pumps hit a wall, especially the high output models. We go over tuning boxes like the Quadzilla, why lift pump pressure matters, and what it takes to make real power without hurting drivability. If you are running a VP truck, this section will save you time and money.Then we get into Common Rails. If you have an 03 to 07 truck, this is the easiest way to get to 500. A tune alone can get you close, and a small turbo upgrade will make it clean and responsive. You can keep the stock injectors and CP3 pump. We do cover what to upgrade if you plan to tow at that power level or run the truck hard.No matter what truck you have, we talk about key things like head gaskets, studs, valve springs, fuel systems, and building a transmission that can take the power. This is not about throwing parts at your truck. It is about doing it right so it stays together and works for what you use it for.If you want a reliable 500 horsepower build that can still pull trailers and get you home every time, this episode is for you.
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1:12:57
The Stories Behind Our Favorite Diesel Builds
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.
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.
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