Power Driven Podcast

Power Driven
  • 5.0 (8)
  • AUTOMOTIVE

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.

  1. 5D AGO

    You DON'T Need a $6,000 Cylinder Head..

    Ever wonder if cylinder heads actually matter on your diesel truck, or if it's all just turbo talk? In this episode of the Power Jam Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of cylinder head performance after picking up a massive 73 horsepower on our short bed 12 valve Cummins with our stage two street performance head. For years, diesel guys have been told that boost solves everything. Got a restrictive head? Just add more boost and call it good. We're here to bust that myth wide open and explain why your engine actually cares about head flow, even when you're running a turbo. Whether you're driving a 12 valve, 24 valve, or common rail Cummins, understanding how air actually moves through your engine is the key to unlocking real power. We break down complex concepts like pressure differential, coefficient of discharge, and port velocity in ways that actually make sense. No engineering degree required. You'll learn why bigger valves aren't always better, why some expensive ported heads actually perform worse than stock, and how something as small as a valve job can make or break your entire build. This isn't just theory either. We talk real world results from trucks like Vendee, which is making 739 horsepower on a single turbo while staying remarkably clean. We discuss the differences between tow heads, street heads, and race heads, and help you understand which option makes sense for your application and budget. Whether you're building a dedicated sled puller, a reliable tow rig, or a street truck that needs to last, we cover everything from intake shelf modifications to induction hardened seats. We even tackle common questions about dimpled ports, oversize valves, and why some performance heads fail sooner than others. If you've ever wanted to understand what really happens inside your diesel engine and how to make smart decisions about cylinder head upgrades, this episode is for you. We keep it real, keep it practical, and give you the knowledge to make your truck perform better without wasting money on parts that don't deliver.

    58 min

  2. JAN 27

    We Tested Water Meth on 10+ Trucks: Here's What Happened

    Welcome to the Power Driven Podcast from Power Driven Diesel. In this episode, we're answering a listener question from SuperCalFragilisticExpialidocious7314 about different power adding systems for diesel trucks. We start by talking about our experiences with water injection and water methanol injection on multiple builds. Spoiler alert: water injection lost power on almost every truck we tested, from single turbo street trucks to triple turbo race setups. There was only one time it actually picked up power, and we'll explain exactly why that happened and what made it different. Then we get into methanol injection and why it can actually add real horsepower on certain trucks, especially those with fuel system limitations like VP44 pumps. We've seen methanol add anywhere from 40 to 100 horsepower depending on the setup, and we explain the science behind why it works, when it helps with EGT control, and when it doesn't. We also touch on propane injection, nitro methane testing we did on one of our old trucks, and why compound turbo setups sometimes respond differently to methanol than single turbos. The second half of the episode covers superchargers versus turbochargers on diesels. If you've ever wondered why superchargers are popular on gas engines but almost nonexistent in the diesel world, we break down the real reasons. We talk about parasitic loss, why diesels need way more boost than gas engines, and why that creates huge problems for superchargers trying to keep up. We also discuss some real world examples of builders who tried supercharger only setups and supercharger turbo compounds, including results from guys like Brad Ponzi and Crazy Carl's Turbos. The results might surprise you, but we explain exactly why turbos keep winning in the diesel performance world. If you've got questions about water meth, boost systems, or anything diesel performance related, drop them in the comments. We read every one, and yours might end up as a full episode topic.

    49 min

  3. JAN 20

    2800°F EGT showed up and here’s what actually melts..

    2800 degrees does matter. That will melt everything after the engine.” We kick this one off with a real story about a pegged EGT gauge and use it to crack open what exhaust gas temperature actually tells you and why placement matters. We explain EGT in plain terms and dig into the difference between reading pre turbo and post turbo, including the ballpark rule one of us saw when testing that showed roughly 100 degrees per 10 pounds of drive. Most light duty diesel folks read pre turbo, so the rest of the conversation stays there. From there we poke at the old 1250 safe myth and talk about why newer common rail trucks can see 1350 to 1400 on a hard pull while a 12 valve might not love that long term. Timing plays a huge role and we lay out how advancing timing can drop the EGT number while raising the actual heat the piston sees. That’s why a lower number isn’t always safer. We walk through the failures we’ve actually seen in the shop and at the track like melted turbine wheels and dividers when the hot side is the weak link versus pistons that scuff from heat and clearance. We also share a simple towing habit that helps, which is watching coolant as a proxy for oil temperature and backing off after a big climb instead of idling hot. If you’re fighting high EGT while towing we talk through fixes that work in the real world. The big one is getting the right turbo for your RPM and load because a mid sized single makes a truck smoky and hot. Freeing up the exhaust after the turbo helps drive pressure and spool. An upgraded intercooler can drop intake temps and we’ve seen that turn into a noticeable EGT reduction. Cylinder head flow and a sensible cam improve volumetric efficiency so the same fuel makes more power with less heat. We even get into water and water meth injection and where it can make sense. We wrap it with how we’d spend money on a tow build with tuning first then turbo then fuel and why that order worked on our own tow rig. If you care about towing, turbos, timing, common rail versus 12 valve behavior and real diesel performance, this episode is for you.

    55 min

  4. JAN 13

    Can a Diesel Pickup Really Get 30 MPG??

    Fuel mileage is one of those things everybody talks about, but when you start digging into it, you realize it is not just one magic mod. In this episode of the Power Driven podcast, the guys get into what actually moves the needle on diesel pickup fuel economy and why some trucks can pull off numbers like 30 miles per gallon when most people assume that is impossible. It kicks off with a FreedomWorks video where a built 12 valve Cummins shocks everybody by cracking over 30 mpg in a baseline run, and that launches the whole conversation. They talk about how that truck was not stock, it had things like timing bumped, bigger turbo setup, four inch exhaust, and it was a two wheel drive, which matters more than people want to admit. From there they get real about the biggest easy win, getting rid of waste, and a lot of that starts with how fast you are driving. Dropping speed to keep rpm down and cut wind drag can be the difference between a normal 16 to 17 mpg truck and something that starts creeping into the low 20s. Then they spend serious time on tires because the difference is not small. They explain why skinny tall tires like a 235 85 16 can help drop cruising rpm and rolling resistance, and they compare that to what happens when you go bigger and more aggressive. They also get into the reality of injectors and timing, and why more timing is basically step one across platforms, whether you are talking 12 valve, 6.0 Power Stroke, or common rail. They break down timing in plain terms, why emissions pushes timing in a certain direction, and how tuning decisions like timing split can make a truck efficient without being risky when you are just cruising. From there it rolls into airflow and turbo choices, why turbine side matters so much for efficiency, and how transmission lockup, rail pressure, and even smoke all tie back into fuel economy. The whole thing feels like a shop conversation that connects the dots between diesel performance parts and real world miles per gallon without pretending there is one simple answer.

    1h 1m

  5. JAN 6

    Is 2026 the Best Time to Start Diesel Drag Racing?

    Diesel drag racing is officially back, and 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for the sport. With new ownership, renewed momentum, and real effort being put into growing diesel motorsports nationwide, this episode of the Power Jam Podcast breaks down why now is the time to get involved and how anyone with a diesel-powered vehicle can jump in without it being intimidating. In this episode, the guys talk through what the changes in diesel racing actually mean for everyday enthusiasts, from the resurgence of organized events to the excitement around unified rules and growing participation. They reflect on how diesel drag racing exploded in the early 2000s, why it slowed down over the years, and why the conditions are finally right for it to grow again. The focus isn’t just on watching from the stands, but on encouraging more people to bring their trucks to the track and experience it firsthand. A big portion of the conversation walks through exactly how to get started racing, especially in the Sportsman class. They explain why you don’t need a fast truck, a massive budget, or race-only equipment to participate, and how consistency and reaction time matter more than horsepower. From tech inspection and staging lanes to understanding the tree, reaction times, and time slips, the episode removes the mystery around drag racing and makes it approachable for first-time racers. The discussion also covers how bracket racing works, how dial-ins and reaction times decide races, and why slower classes are often the most competitive and fun. As the episode progresses, they touch on moving up into faster classes, what changes as speed increases, and why learning the fundamentals in Sportsman sets you up for long-term success. If you’ve ever thought about racing your diesel truck but didn’t know where to start, this episode lays it out in real-world terms. It’s about growing the sport, helping new racers feel welcome, and keeping diesel motorsports alive by getting more trucks on the track.

    1h 22m

  6. 2025-12-30

    What 2025 Taught Us About Making Diesel Power

    We learned some things in 2025 that completely reshaped how we think about diesel performance, and a lot of it challenged what most people assume about power, smoke, and tuning. This episode of the Power Driven Podcast is a year end breakdown featuring the Power Driven Diesel crew reflecting on everything they tested, broke, and learned throughout the year. The conversation covers diesel performance across multiple platforms including 12 valve Cummins, common rail Cummins, and VP44 setups, along with what real dyno testing and track time revealed. From R&D and turbo testing to race truck builds and tow rigs, this episode explains why small details in air, fuel, and timing matter more than chasing parts alone. One of the biggest topics is smoke versus power and why adding fuel does not always mean more performance. They dig into the question of whether smoke adds power on a diesel and explain how different platforms respond, especially comparing older 12 valve technology to modern common rail engines. The discussion naturally leads into AFR tuning, running lean versus rich, and how nitrous diesel tuning completely changes the equation when it comes to heat, burn efficiency, and timing. There’s a deep look at nitrous on diesel engines, including why pulling timing with nitrous is critical, how automated nitrous control improves consistency in diesel drag racing, and why feed line size and solenoid flow actually matter. Turbo upgrades and truck builds are another major focus. The crew breaks down real dyno results from turbo testing on different trucks, including the Junker drag truck, Windy, and Willard. They talk through GT55 and Aggressor turbo results, injector sizing lessons, and how some setups made more power than expected without bending factory rods. There’s also insight into wastegate testing, comparing screamer gate versus hot pipe gate setups on compound turbos. The episode wraps with lessons on VP44 Cummins performance, towing capability, camshaft upgrades, cylinder head flow testing, and why there’s still a lot of untapped potential in Cummins head design. Subscribe for more Power Driven Podcast episodes, follow along for more diesel performance testing, and check out everything Power Driven Diesel is building next.

    1h 5m

  7. 2025-12-23

    We Had to Pick Just 3 Tow Truck Upgrades… Here’s What Won

    If you had to pick just three upgrades to make your tow truck better, what would they be? In this episode of the Power Driven Podcast, Will, Todd, and Meyers break down their own personal tow trucks and go head to head choosing their top three favorite upgrades. They turn it into a white-elephant style game where once a mod is picked, nobody else can use it, forcing each guy to really think about what has made the biggest difference in how their trucks tow, drive, and survive long miles. This conversation hits home for diesel enthusiasts because it focuses on real world diesel performance, not bench racing or internet theory. The episode kicks off with tuning as a must-have upgrade and why controlling fuel, power delivery, and transmission behavior is step one for any modern Cummins tow rig. They explain how multiple EFI Live tunes allow different transmission pressure strategies for towing versus street driving, and why constant high line pressure is a fast way to create unnecessary heat and wear. From there, turbo upgrades come into play, including variable geometry turbos with billet actuators and how a stronger, more consistent exhaust brake can completely change downhill control and driver confidence. As the picks continue, the conversation moves into built transmissions with second gear lockup, lower stall torque converters, and why factory shift strategies fall apart once you add power. They also dig into suspension upgrades like airbags and onboard air systems, explaining how leveling the truck and controlling tongue weight makes towing safer and more predictable. Exhaust brakes, rear sway bars, headlights, brakes, shocks, and tires all come up as critical upgrades that reduce stress when towing heavy through wind, traffic, mountains, and backroads. Over the course of the episode, the conversation naturally bounces between real world diesel performance, Cummins tow rigs, tuning strategies, turbo setups, and what actually makes a truck nicer to live with when you’re towing heavy. It’s the kind of discussion that comes from years of hauling trailers, breaking parts, fixing mistakes, and figuring out what upgrades actually make a difference.

    47 min

  8. 2025-12-16

    What It Really Takes to Make Reliable High Horsepower Diesels

    This one turns into a battle royale fast, with Myer and John wasting no time getting into a heated shop floor debate about extreme diesel performance and what really works when you are pushing the limits. The conversation dives straight into drag racing setups, large single turbo strategy, and the tuning challenges that show up when you are chasing real, repeatable power. A major focus is why mechanical injection setups often seem to extract more out of big single turbos compared to common rail, especially when dyno testing at higher elevation. For diesel enthusiasts who actually build, tune, and race their trucks, this matters because it directly affects spool, drivability, consistency, and whether a setup survives repeated passes or starts melting parts. One of the key discussions centers around a fuel only goal of 1,500 horsepower on a 6.7 Cummins running a 98mm GT55 style turbo. They break down how the dyno testing process worked by starting with low fuel quantity and timing, then gradually stepping things up until timing stopped making gains and fuel became the deciding factor. Myer explains why pushing past that range started to hurt the truck’s manners and why nitrous became the tool for setting peak power while keeping the truck responsive and controllable instead of lazy and unpredictable. They go deeper into why large single turbos struggle more at altitude, particularly on common rail trucks that burn fuel so efficiently in cylinder that there is not enough heat left to drive the turbine. The discussion covers attempts to tune around that limitation, including lowering rail pressure to mimic a more 12 valve style burn, the dangers of overfueling a big single, and why once the setup falls off there is often no saving it mid pull. They also talk through future plans like switching to a ten bar map sensor, experimenting with pressure and timing, and trying to find the balance between clean combustion and enough exhaust energy to keep the turbo lit. Real world shop experience is layered throughout the episode, including nitrous strategy for drag racing, why compound setups can feel more foolproof even with the added weight, and a nitrous backfire that blew an intake pipe off and dented a hood during testing. If you are into diesel performance, Power Driven Diesel shop talk, Cummins builds, VP44 discussions, dyno testing, turbo upgrades, drag racing, and truck builds, this episode delivers straight insight from guys who live it. Subscribe for more episodes and stay locked in with everything happening at Power Driven Diesel.

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Power Driven
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Power Driven
  • Show Website
    Power Driven Podcast

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