Had a Torque-out w/ a Powerstroke

[PRout]

A little tiddy. .

Last week while the wife & I were on vacation filled er up in Las Vegas to head north. Was pulling the 28ft 5'er for our week off, heading to the Sierras.

There was a guy w/ a newer model Ford pulling a 24ft 5'er (lighter than ours) fueling up next to us.

We both headed up hwy 95 together. We hit some super nasty headwinds that took alot more juice than normal to keep speed. Was listening to alot of turbo whine & rumble all the way. Hardly ever have to push it like that.

Anyways, I found that I could easily outpull the Ford on the grades although he insisted on keeping the speed at 70 on the flats (I kept it there in the hills - he couldn't). The cummins definitely had more pull power under a good load. hearing the turbo sing told me she was eating gas fast, so instead of making it to Hawthorne like normal, we had to stop earlier in Tonopah to refuel. Normally I get 12mpg on this run, this time we got 9. 75.

What was interesting is that the ford guy pulled in for fuel next to us again. I was pumping when he got out & said, "**** those headwinds were killing me!" I said, "yea same here, really sucked the gas". When we were done filling, he said "25. 9 gallons, and 224 miles, how bout you?" I said, 22. 9 (3 gals less). he asked what I normally get while pulling & I told him I get around 17 empty & 12 pulling. He said "yea, I get 15 empty & 10 pulling". So to be a nice guy I was saying he has a nice rig & stuff like that, but really, I was thinking... **** IM GLAD I OWN A CUMMINS.

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2k, 30k miles, QC, SB, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54, 285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), Sunnybrook 28' fiver, 16,780 lbs. 18mpg (unloaded), 12-14 mpg (loaded). VA, DD1's, PS Boost module & elbow, BD brake... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita). More BOMBING to come. .

 

[PRout]

By the way later on in the trip we were stopped for a rest, and a Ford was next to us trying to get it started in the cold weather (about 40 degrees). It finally fired up on the 5th try. It sounded like a really hard starter in the cold. Mine fired like normal. vadavoom-clatter-clatter! Gotta love it. #ad

 

[SOLER]

Nice story. I outpulled one three weeks ago up I-17 in Arizona. I'm glad, too, for the Cummins!! #ad


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Shane Oler
'01 2500 4X4 QC, ETH/DEE, Dark Garnet/Camel, ISSPRO Pyro (pre-turbo)and Boost Pillar mount, PE EZ, Cobra CB w/ Dual 4' Firestik II's, 4" DD exhaust, K&N, BIG-O 255/85R16 AT's, Custom stereo (nothing stock), Genuine Steel* Grill gaurd and nerf bars, 20K Reese 5er hitch

Other: '70 Olds Vista Cruiser 455 (future resto project)
30' Sandpiper 5er Super Slide bunkhouse(about 10k lbs. )

 

[Okie-Go]

I remember the hill on 17. Pulled it last year with the automatic. It is between Phoenix and Flagstaff. I need to take the 01 out to visit the wifey's sister again. It's a pretty good pull.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, lock-right locker, 3. 54 gears, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[Shawn.L.Turbo]

Hey wait a minute though...

To be fair... by the looks of your sig, it seems that you had a significant performance improvement over stock.

I still don't think it's fair to compare a modified Cummins with a stock anything else.

If that is fair, then it would be fair to say that a bombed PSD could annihilate a stock Cummins on a grade.

Sorry to rant, it's just one of my pet peeves around here.

Shawn

 

[PRout]

Interesting Point 1. ) I used less fuel (3 gals less in 225 miles) and had more power. Also, I was running heavier. I dont think it will be easy to match this performance, and keep the reliability of the cummins.

Interesting point 2. ) My stage "1" (only) injectors cost somewhere around 500 bucks. Do you know what it costs to change injectors on a PS?? LOTS. A VA box is considered by many to be a minor mod. A boost module is also a minor mod. Nothing major done to my rig, as the sig was intended mostly as humor (I know its stupid, but was fun making it)

Interesting point 3. ) The guy did mention that his brother has a cummins dulley, and loves it. He also mentioned that he had considered getting a dodge, but needed the 4 full doors for his family. Could he have been inferring that he wasn't totally satisfied w/ his ford?? He sure wanted to compare his to mine, even followed me (notice he was behind) to the fuel pumps. . hmmm. . I'll be darned...
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2k, 30k miles, QC, SB, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54, 285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), Sunnybrook 28' fiver, 16,780 lbs. 18mpg (unloaded), 12-13 mpg (loaded). VA, DD1's, PS Boost module & elbow, BD brake... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita). #ad
More BOMBING to come. .

[This message has been edited by Shortshift (edited 05-04-2001). ]

 

[BIG BOB]

Shawn. L. Turbo,

Come on, you got to be kidding me! The Cummins is giving up 2 cylinders, 80 cubic inches, and 1. 4 liter. The Cummins has 20% less displacement than a PS. Please explain how a stock PS vs. a stock Cummins is a equilvant match? Ever been to Drag races, motorcycle races, car races or how about boxing or wrestling. They all have classes equal in displacement. What about a stock Corvette and a stock Chevy Chevette, are those both of equal performance and class?

Let say that you weigh 200#, and you had to wrestle a guy that was in equal physical condition and experience, but he has 40# on you. Do you think you would have a chance? I doubt it!

Let's get real! The Cummins is the smallest displacement diesel motor of the top 3, and with minimal effort it will eat any of the others without blinking an eye!

Sorry, but I disagree with you completely.

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<font color=blue>"WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, HX-40 Turbo, HOT Power Edge, PE EZ, Bully Dog Stage III injectors, South Bend Ceramic Puck Clutch, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), Bar II Brush Guard with KC Daylighters and Fog lights, Ultra-lite guages with blue bulbs. </font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9265455&f=0" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>New Pictures of my "White Obsession" and Dyno Run</A></font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9815423" TARGET=_blank><font color=green>BD Dyno Days 10/28/00</A></font>

<font color=purple>

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)<font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 05-04-2001). ]

 

[Archive]

Big Bob... very well said. In any of your examples, all kinds of people would cry "foul".

 

[pwr2tow]

I will have to agree with Shawn. If it were stock to stock the story might have been different (might not either). Not flameing anyone but adding approx. 100 HP will out pull any production medium duty truck. I like the story though as any time a furd or chitty gets taken down by a Hang'em head Dodge is great.
Ron

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1999, 3500, 6x6, slt, auto, 3. 55, Qd cab, ISB cummins, Isspro transmission temp, EGT, Boost gauges on A-piler, fuel prssure gauge, DD stage 1, DD TTPM, modified banjo bolts, K&N 0880 with prefilter, triple trailing 2001 26RKSS Tahoe 5th wheel, 1999 120hp 1800 bayliner. 20,000 lbs GCW.

 

[PRout]

Why is it that we always assume a ford is stock???

Is it because it is more difficult/costly to improve performance on the ford?

Is the ford as reliable as a cummins after it has been bombed?

Is this an important consideration when deciding on a truck?

yes, no, and yes...

"Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? Cummins, cummins, hurray!!" #ad
#ad

 

[PRout]

Originally posted by Shawn. L. Turbo:
Big Bob;

I mean seriously now, if two guys towing up a grade, one in a Cummins, the other in a different brand, and the other brand beats you to the top, it don't matter who is running less cylinders or displacement, cuz HE STILL BEATS you to the top, right, and that's all that usually matter to most people at the end of the day.
Shawn

Shawn,

1. Must I remind you, I was the first to the top (with more load).

2. Delude? Where is the delusion? Seems to me were documenting why cummins is the preferred motor for doing work (for a long time / reliably / economically / less fuel = more environmentally friendly / for the children, & their children :rolleyes #ad
.

 

[JyRO]

I'm mostly in agreement with Shawn. My truck is in stock form. If I get beat by the off brands, I'm not going to be thinking, "it ain't fair, he should have to unplug two injectors. " None of that crap. I'll be thinking: Hey man, he's got 85 cubes on me (1. 4 L), and 2 more cylinders, that's just the way it is. I'd rather compare wallets after a fuel stop and 300,000 miles. #ad
But I bet most of you guys can't fathom having a truck with high miles, so the 300,000 mile thing probably doesn't mean much to you. As for the off brands, high mileage means - when the factory warranty is over.

If I can't handle the little piddly issue of another truck out running me, then I can bomb. But I didn't buy mine for outrunning the other brands, and I didn't buy mine so I just to go buy a couple thousand dollars worth of crap just so I can brag about out-running the other brands.

I bought my for the true reasons the Cummins is superior.

1) Simpler design
2) More reliable
3) Greater longevity
4) Greater fuel efficiency
5) Easier to work on
6) Superior cold weather performance
7) More enjoyable engine accoustics
8) Vastly larger potential for modifications
9) Best looking TRUCK body
10) Most affordable (at least in my case)

I'm sure their are more REAL reasons why the Cummins is superior, but this is why I bought mine.

But I did like the original post. To be able to outpull and still use less fuel, with a simpler smaller engine RULES. My thumbs up to you ShortShift.

Ram Ahead!

- JyRO

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Y2K 2500 Cummins ETC/DEE, SLT+, 4X4, Quad, LB, Intense Blue Sport, 3. 54 LSD, rear aux. springs (camper special), sliding rear window, all options except cab clearance lights including agate leather, totally stock engine, silencer ring removed, "stealth," mod to run fogs with high beam. (20. 8 mpg @ 70 mph) Since everybody else listed their toys, I will too.

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 4L V6 (25. 5 mpg @ 65 mph)
1990 Toyota Celica STX, FWD, 5-speed, 1. 6L I4 (36+ mpg @ 65 mph)
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL Limited Edition RWD, 5-speed, 1. 1L Wankel (For sale)
No auto trannies in my home! Just say, "No!" to auto trannies.

 

[PRout]

Thanks Jy,

Shawn, you do have a good point. If we were both stock, he should have the edge on the grades w/ the headwinds. After going back and re reading all the posts here, everyone has something valid to add.

I am impressed with the difference in mileage though. I'm remembering the times when we put pistons, ported heads, added edelbrock torquemaster manifolds, jetted carbs, added methanol vapor injectors, & on & on for more power, and ended up sucking the gas.

This is cool. Add a few PLUG-IN mods, and we not only get a rig that runs so much better, but gets impressive mileage too. I only hope they dont outlaw diesel on us.

[This message has been edited by Shortshift (edited 05-04-2001). ]

 

[Dr.Evil]

I guess We're all looking for a certain amount of acceptance by others that We did the right thing by plunking down $40K on a truck... . A smelly noisey old truck, and it probably makes us feel better when Our truck exceeds Our expectations and performs better in one of the areas We used to justify it's purchase. And if performs even better than the Other choices we could have made, It really makes us feel good. I guess it all depends on "What Floats Your Boat!" #ad


------------------
Denny - '96 F-250 reg. cab 4X4 PSD 5-speed
151,000 mi. NO PROBLEMS!

 

[PRout]

Right on Doc.

And, its not only what floats your boat, but what PULLS your boat that really matters.

 

[BIG BOB]

Originally posted by Shawn. L. Turbo:
Big Bob;

You know what, the guy who bought his truck to pull a load really only cares about pulling a load. So what if it has two less cylinders.
The fact of the matter is that the engine in the truck is what it is. I couldn't care less if the Cummins was 2 cylinder. The bottom line is the same.

I mean seriously now, if two guys towing up a grade, one in a Cummins, the other in a different brand, and the other brand beats you to the top, it don't matter who is running less cylinders or displacement, cuz HE STILL BEATS you to the top, right, and that's all that usually matter to most people at the end of the day.

Shawn

Shawn,
I guess if we are comparing thing not being equal, it doesn't matter how many cylinders or displacement he is running, then it doesn't matter if it is BOMBed, it's a matter of who make it to the top first!

Enough said!

 

[Shawn.L.Turbo]

Bob, you are missing the point.
The point is that I am talking about the fact that 95% of the folks running the trucks are running stock. This is the comparison point.


I think of this akin to an athlete. Sure, the human body is capable of phenomenal physical feats, especially when on steroids (BOMBED). But then don't go around saying that you can outdo your competition, cuz it ain't apples to apples anymore. And remember, we are only the minority 5% who are upgrading these things.

You know, a Kenworth can outpull you too. But since it doesn't matter what the differences are, it doesn't matter what you compare, right? (if this is what you're saying)

I guess I am just sick and tired of guys on the TDR boasting about "out-dragging" or racing other stockers, when they are heavily modified. No kidding, would you expect anything elese? It's simple physics, and the results are rhetorical.

As a group, we have to remember that WE ARE the minority of CTD owners, and the majority aren't modified. Running around boasting that we can blow away all of the competition is not proving a whole lot, other than physics.

It's just like when I see weightlifters taking drugs boasting they can outlift another... it's just kinda like... DUHH!!!!!

Of course, this is my opinion, and in no way represents the opinion of others #ad



Shawn

 

[LarryB]

One big point to remember is that the B Cummins puts out 370hp stock at 100% duty cycle (Diamond B). The Dodge application has been detuned to comply with emmissions and to save the light duty drivetrain. Far as I'm concerned the Cummins in my rig is still below stock power at around 325hp. I pull with the best of them, better than most. All the others are light duty #ad


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1972 Chinook class C with 96/215 5spd, 4/5" exh, 4"BD, MagHytec, 85gal fuel, K&N RE0880, AutoMeter, 370's, BD gov kit, BD afc kit, 16cm, 16%btdc, yada-yada-yada
www.fostertruck.com/cummins

 

[Shawn.L.Turbo]

Big Bob;

You know what, the guy who bought his truck to pull a load really only cares about pulling a load. So what if it has two less cylinders.
The fact of the matter is that the engine in the truck is what it is. I couldn't care less if the Cummins was 2 cylinder. The bottom line is the same.

I mean seriously now, if two guys towing up a grade, one in a Cummins, the other in a different brand, and the other brand beats you to the top, it don't matter who is running less cylinders or displacement, cuz HE STILL BEATS you to the top, right, and that's all that usually matter to most people at the end of the day.

I love my Cummins as much as you guys, and wouldn't trade it for the world, but I don't delude myself.

Shawn

 

[BIG BOB]

Shawn,

It gets under my skin when you want to compare a Cummins that, like I said before is 84 cubic inches smaller (1. 4 liter)and minus 2 cylinders, with a larger displacement motor, and then you cry FOUL to anybody that installs 275 injectors and a VA to level the playing field! You can't compare the stock motors as being equal!

Come on Shawn, I realize that there is no way to compare these motor no matter what you do to them, as being equal, but for you to get upset because someone increases the performance of his truck to level the playing field is not justified.

I quess that we will agree to disagree!

I haven't miss the point, we are comparing the Cummins motor to the Powerpuke and Duracrap. We are not comparing their owners! I would venture to say that the majority of the Cummins owner do not know about TDR or the performance products for their Cummins. If they did, I would bet that you would see a big increase in the sale of performance accessories.

Shawn, you keep yours stock, but for me I have leveled the playing field! COME ON Powerpukes and Duracraps! I'm READY for you!



[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 05-05-2001). ]