Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Remembering HVAC

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hard to believe, it was 10 years ago we lost an unforgettable person and great champion of diesel performance, particularly 24-valve power. He pushed the limits of his '98.5 short box truck, aka The Red Rocket, and his infectious enthusiasm caused a lot of guys to get into this diesel performance thing. There will never be another Nowell Thomas, that's for sure, still miss you and think of you often buddy!

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?87615-Please-say-a-prayer-for-HVAC

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-HVAC-has-left-us-for-a-better-race-track&s=

 

[Bill Stockard]

Yep, quite a guy. My wife and I met him at a May Madness years ago when they were held at Carson City/Minden, NV.

Bill

 

[David_VT]

Vaughn,
I just popped in for some gen2 starting problems. Nice to see your post. I do miss him and that crazy truck!
David

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 12 vs. 24 valve post wars and the dyno days were memorable. He always maintained that 24 valves was the correct number, while I told him he was overvalved. I still believe 12 valves is correct...12 intakes, and 12 exhausts, lol.

 

[Mike B.]

I remember that cat & his Red Rocket from back in the early days of the 24 valvers.

 

[Sticks]

What ever happened to his truck? Anyone know if it's still on the road?

I vaguely remember something about another member here acquiring it.

 

[MRoberts]

What ever happened to his truck? Anyone know if it's still on the road?

I vaguely remember something about another member here acquiring it.

Hoss of NW Bombers ran/raced the Red Rocket for a number of years after Nowell's passing. He was running low 10's with it. Hoss ended up selling it a few years ago.

Do a You Tube search for The Red Rocket, there are some cool video's.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes the Red Rocket went back to Northern CA, don't remember who Hoss sold it to. Back in June 2000 I rode with Nowell from Manteca to Sonora in the Red Rocket and we probably set a record for the fastest time between those two cities, it was a wild ride!

 

[RVTRKN]

This happened before my membership in 05, any pictures of the Red Rocket or HVAC?