Power Driven Podcast

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 u...

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 r...

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 throug...

In this episode of the Power Driven Diesel Podcast, the team recaps everything they experienced at the Ultimate Callout Challenge, the most intense diesel performance event of the year. From powerhouse builds to catastrophic failures, this episode is loaded with insight, real talk, and valuable lessons for anyone serious about diesel horsepower. Whether you are a tuner, racer, builder, or just a d...

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we sit down with Josh McCormick, the 2025 Ultimate Callout Challenge Champion, to break down everything that went into his winning weekend. From setting a 3000+ horsepower dyno number to surviving one of the toughest diesel competitions in the country, Josh walks us through the full experience. We talk about what it takes to stay competitive across drag...

Welcome back to the Power Driven Diesel podcast. We’ve had quite a few people ask for more Common Rail content, so we figured it was time to dive in. In this episode, Meyer joins us to walk through a bunch of topics that matter if you’re running a Common Rail Cummins or thinking about building one. We get into tuning strategies, CP3 fuel systems, turbo behavior, and how it all works together when...

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, we’re taking it back to where it all started—our early days competing in the Ultimate Callout Challenge. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a competitive UCC truck from the ground up, this episode is for you. We get into the gritty details of how we turned a mechanical 12-valve Cummins into a full-blown competition monster, and the chaos tha...

In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast , hosts Todd, Will, and Myer welcome special guest Damian, the man who went from enthusiast to event promoter with the launch of the first-ever Southwest Truck Fest. Recorded just weeks after the dust settled, we pull back the curtain on what it took to organize a diesel truck event from scratch, and what he’d do differently next time. We break down the...

You’ve seen the SmokeStang light up burnouts on YouTube—now hear the backstory straight from Westen Champlin himself. We’re talking about how a $1500 junkyard 12-valve turned into a 1200+ horsepower weapon, what really goes down behind the scenes, and why building fast diesel rigs usually ends with something on fire (or broken). From transmission failures and sketchy last-minute wiring to full-sen...

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 (AF...

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 prec...

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...

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 p...

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 turn...

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 Pow...

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 bo...

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 mistak...

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 en...

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, bu...

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.

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 crea...

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/...

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 68rf...

In this podcast, Will, Todd, Tony, and Lonnon discuss the origin of AFC, the best in-cab tuner for the 12v Cummins engine platform. The team then discusses the turbo tuner and how to use it to control the internal wastegate on Holset HX35 and HE351 factory turbochargers. Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com https://powerdrivendiesel.com https://www.facebook.com/powerdrivendiesel/ ht...

In episode 8 of the Power Driven Podcast, Will & Todd discuss spark ignition timing and how it relates to diesel fuel injection timing. They discuss the best timing for fuel economy, and/or maximum performance? If you've ever wondered how much timing you should run in your street hotrod or tow truck, listen to this podcast and find out! Contact Us: 435-962-9555 info@powerdrivendiesel.com h...