Even if you’re new to the diesel game, you’ve probably heard of a chassis dyno. In its most common form, a dyno consists of a roller (or rollers) that measures how fast your vehicle can accelerate, then uses weight (or load) to calculate its horsepower and torque. In addition to measuring horsepower, chassis dynos can also be used for tuning purposes, can learn transmission shifting, may be used for emissions purposes or fuel economy testing, and more.
Understanding The Numbers Behind Compression Ignition
In a day of small-turbo economy cars, diesel numbers are almost always big. For many aftermarket enthusiasts, 500 rear-wheel horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque are sort of the starting performance benchmarks. Whether you’re good at math or not, numbers infiltrate virtually every aspect of the diesel market—so let’s have a look at them! We promise to try and keep it basic.
Setting up Project 600-HP 7.3L with a 300-amp Alternator from Mean Green
Unless you’re one of the few who actually has the “Ambulance Package” that door stickers always warn us about, your charging system isn’t designed to handle many more electronic devices than what’s already installed in the truck from the factory. Adding an aftermarket stereo with subs? Some LED lights? Or maybe a winch? The OEM alternator cannot handle that load for very long. A good high-output alternator and quality batteries are a must for any vehicle with additional electronic accessories.
They’re cheap for a reason. They’re nothing but problems. They’re junk. We’ve heard it all before. These words of warning are common for any prospective buyer of a used 6.0L Power Stroke. After all, the Navistar-built V8 offered in ’03-07 Ford Super Duty’s, was plagued with a slew of design flaws from the very beginning. However, there’s something about paying $10-12k for a low-mile, four-wheel-drive, crew cab diesel that continues to lure people in.
7.3l Power Stroke In-Tank Upgrade for A Better Fuel Supply
After more than a few years on the road the Ford 7.3L’s in-tank fuel filter clogs up, restricting fuel flow. But Ford designed this system with another fault. The return is too close to the fuel pick-up which means the fuel supply to the engine is generally full of air bubbles. This hinders performance and the longevity of the fuel system. The fix can be found using a kit made by Driven Diesel.
Project Old School - Electric Fuel System, New Tank & Sump Install
Thanks to the components installed in Parts 1-4 of this series, our ’97 F-350 has a brand-new suspension, air helper springs, a heavy-duty Class V hitch, and a 6.0L transmission cooler onboard. Now it’s time to complement all these tow-ready mods with an upgraded fuel supply system. To start fresh, we contacted Irate Diesel Performance for one of their competition fuel systems—a top-of-the-line kit built around the use of an ultra-reliable Fuelab lift pump and durable stainless steel regulated return setup.
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