A Wild Week In Indy

The latest in turbo, fuel system, and electronics technology was on full display last week at the PRI Show in Indy—and so was Wagler Competition Products’ new high-speed, billet-aluminum four-cylinder diesel known as the “½-Maxx,” shown here. Major show highlights included S&S Diesel Motorsport’s Ordnance 650 CP3, Fleece Performance Engineering’s soon-to-be-released L5P Cheetah (on exhibit next to Greg A.’s 3,337hp monstrosity, no less), and whispers (courtesy of Hardway Performance) that FuelTech may soon be an option in diesel engine control and management. Front and center at the Hot Shot’s Secret booth in Yellow Hall, Nick Bell’s fresh Pro Mod Cummins build drew a consistent crowd, while this year’s ODSS champions signed hero cards and conversed with show-goers. Over at the D&J and Exergy booths, Hunter Fitzgerald’s wild fifth-gen race truck and Garret Niss’s gold-themed, 2,000hp third-gen earned more than their fair share of well-deserved attention.

More From PRI

The Quickest Duramax On The Planet

Parked in the Wagler booth, passersby were privy to viewing the quickest quarter-mile diesel vehicle in existence: Paul Vasko’s 5-second, Duramax-powered rail. Graced with Wagler’s LBZ-based, billet-aluminum factory replacement block, S&S fuel, a Stainless Diesel GT55, M&M Turbo 400, and Hot Shot’s oil, Paul’s Precision Chassis-built dragster is also the quickest eighth-mile Duramax in the world, having gone 3.83 at 193 mph in 2024. Next season, look for his rail to mix things up in the PDRA and NHRA Top Dragster classes in addition to running the Outlaw Diesel Super Series’ Top Diesel category.

Industry News

S&S Hires The Quickest Man In Diesel

In a move that nearly went unnoticed, S&S Diesel Motorsport upped its game once more recently with another high-profile hire. This time, it’s Michael Cordova, driver of the world’s quickest and fastest eighth-mile diesel. After their longtime support of Michael’s drag racing program, the Seymour, Indiana based company was able to bring him on the inside. So, what will Michael’s role within S&S be? In short, and as should be no surprise given his relentless work ethic, he’ll be doing a bit of everything. From wiring to wrenching, and everything in between, Michael will have his hands in and/or on it, all the while raising the bar for the rest of the industry every time he hits the track.

Drag Racing

A New Look For A Proven Warhorse

Ben Francis’ short bed ’07 Dodge Ram 2500 has won ODSS 5.90 Index championships under both Rod MacMaster and Mark Rojee—and he recently decided to make the truck his own. Turning to Joy Designs, Travis Joy worked his fabrication magic under the hood, most notably reworking the hot-side intercooler pipe and adding a beautiful fender exit exhaust. It’s a sneak peek at what may lay ahead in the upcoming race season. For 2025, Ben will campaign this proven performer in the ODSS’s new, quicker 5.70 Index category. Look for him to turn a few win lights on and look good doing it.

Pro Tip

Change Your CCV Filter

Thanks to a PSA issued on social media by Howell Diesel Performance (and brought to our attention courtesy of Power Hungry Performance’s Vinny Himes), the number one cause of upper oil pan leaks on the 6.7L Power Stroke stems from a plugged crankcase ventilation filter. According to Howell’s, most Ford owners don’t even know their engine has a CCV filter, or that the factory one should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. On top of upper oil pan leaks, CCV filter neglect can push oil past turbo seals and even be misdiagnosed as an engine failure due to excessive blow-by. The big lesson here: Always replace your CCV filter at the proper interval.

Written by Mike McGlothlin