HEADLINES: Diesel’s Presence At Battle Of The Thrones
Diesels find success at Battle of the Thrones, a long-revered (and P-pumped) Duramax is listed for sale, and a wild 7.3L Power Stroke build aims to set new eighth-mile records.
If Jonathan Montesino’s “Cuban Missile” continues on its current path, this is the only view anyone will ever see when they line up against his Cummins-powered Ford Ranger. With Hardway Performance’s Ryan Milliken on the keyboard at the Battle of the Thrones event in Rockingham over the weekend, Jonathan made significant improvements in the truck. How about going from a 1.15-second 60-foot to a 1.07 by weekend’s end? One timeslip even shows a 2.81-second ‘330 and a 4.22-second eighth-mile at 174 mph… Unfortunately, the progress Jonathan was making behind the wheel came to an end earlier than expected after a brush with the wall, but thankfully the driver was unscathed and the Ranger’s damage appears to be primarily cosmetic.
The Modified Classifieds
Rare, P-pumped Duramax Puller Goes Up For Sale
We wish it weren’t so… but the Watson family has listed “Super Max” for sale. The brainchild of the late Chris Watson—and built back when online diesel forums were king—it was one of the most-followed, homegrown truck builds we’ve ever seen. The one-off, tube-chassis, tilt-body, Super Stock Chevrolet Silverado project packs a mechanical Duramax V-8 with a massive inline P-pump consuming much of the lifter valley. From the weight box to the hitch, it’s a build that epitomizes craftsmanship, class, and attention to detail. Whoever ends up with this unique piece of history, PLEASE campaign it.
Drag Racing
Jelibuilt Performance Readies Its 7.3L For More Records
It’s a build that’s been in the works for some time but is now nearing completion. It’s Brian Jelich’s (Jelibuilt Performance) 2000 F-350 and it has a lot of parts in common with today’s fastest diesel Pro Mods. A stand-alone ECU, a TH400 in place of the 4R100, QA1 coil over shocks, and 9-inch axles. The front 9-inch shown here sports a Moser Engineering housing with 3.40 gearing, Jeep JK outers and hub bearings, and 31-spline axle shafts. The steering rack is off of a two-wheel drive Dodge. With a competition-ready 7.3L Power Stroke built by Kill Devil Diesel also on the way, you could be looking at the truck that will challenge Zack Pierce’s current 4×4 7.3L record (5.13 in the eighth-mile).
OEM News
Important PSA From Hassler Diesel
If you own a 6.7L Power Stroke equipped Super Duty and you don’t like being stranded, this is a mandatory upgrade you need to make. The plastic factory cold-side intercooler tube is prone to cracking and/or blowing out due to boost pressure and material breakdown caused by heat and engine oil. As Hassler Diesel puts it: “It’s not a matter of if it’s gonna fail, but when it’s gonna fail.” This peace of mind mod represents the best $300 you can spend on your late-model Ford. Several versions, all of which integrate seamlessly with the factory water-to-air intercooler system, are available in the aftermarket. Simply take your pick.
Ram’s 2024 Heavy-Duty Off-Road Option
You still can’t buy a Power Wagon with a Cummins from the factory, but you can buy a Ram 2500 Rebel with one, which the brand says offers increased off-road performance and towing and payload capabilities for the ’24 model year. Maximum towing checks in at 16,870 pounds and payload tops out with a 3,140-pound capacity in the 6-foot, 4-inch bed. Exterior styling is still shared with Power Wagon for ’24, but Rebel models retain their sport performance hood, unique badging, rear electronic locker, 33-inch tires on 20-inch wheels, and fuel tank and transfer case skid plates as standard equipment. An integrated, front-mounted 12,000-pound Warn Zeon winch remains available also.
Written by Mike McGlothlin
