more on our duramax... empty

[dseabaugh]

why do we bomb?

We waste time bombing because testosterone makes more horsepower adictive!!!!! The more you get the more you want. I Just came back from Indiana tonight with a 32 foot goosneck loaded with fence grossing 32,000 lbs on a 97' 2500. Nothing like going up Goreville hill on I-57 and giving a little throttle at 1700 rpms in overdrive (AUTO 355 gears) and watching the speedo (and temp gauge) climb Oo. Oo. Last weeks trip to Nebraska Fuel milage suckeed big time because I had so much fun putting a LITTLE throttle to it and hearing that deap moan and watching the tach and speedo rise going up a hillOo. Same Reason we have a 525 horsepower ROME tractor and don't farm any more (rented it out) Real men need MUSCULAR toys!Probably the same reason my son just traded his pristine f-150 4x4 for a Ford Lightning Thank God for when the warranty expires and the bombing begins!

 

[dseabaugh]

bombed and loving it

amcintyre: fuel milage from Nebraska to SE Missouri and Evansville Indiana to Se Mo was 11, & 10. loaded , bombed , and having fun. Have gotten as high as 23 on trips to Florida empty. We get good milage too, Loaded, Bombed, Empty, and have FUN TOO!Pulling a Load Is BORING when you lose ten miles an hour on a steep grade! Been there, done that! That's why we bomb, We want to crank up the tunes, set the cruise, and enjoy the ride Even if the next hill is Mt. Everest.

 

[_MACKIN]

I'm familiar with why we BOMB... ... . There is no comparison to stock... ..... I just don't see to many stockers here saying the Whistled past a D-MAX camper... ... I'm sure there are some... But,you know what I mean ..... For instance --->



I ran into a stock D-MAX. He was on my tale @70. . I took off like I had Jet propulsion ... He probably went to the Dealer complaining ... . "WTF"... ... ... Never had a chance ... . So does that mean his truck doesn't make the grade? NOPE... ..... He should get his credit card back from his wife or something like that..... I couldn't resist, I mean he was chasing me... ... ... .

MAC





Gary - KJ6Q,



Can I put this on my SIG... ... LOL

CONVERT YOUR HOUSE TO BASE BOARD HEAT... CUMMINS NEEDS THOSE OLD CAST IRON RADIATORS TO MAKE MORE RECREATIONAL MOTORS... ... ..... LOL

I know you guys love this stuff... ... . You know I'm kidding... NOT

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

HEY MAC - put anything in yer sig ya WANT - as long as it's clean and not personally abusive!



Shucks, I think MOST of us will agree that in terms of out-the-factory-door power, the Dodge/Cummins is the clear underdog - which is probably ALSO why it creates such tight jaws among the Ford and GM camps when we bomb them a bit, and then use our "sleepers" to embarrass their bigger-engined truck owners!



Feel guilty? NOT A CHANCE!



We are giving away 2 extra cylinders and significant displacement with ours (do you Ford and GM owners feel guilty about THAT?) (I didn't THINK so... ) - and even AFTER bombing, STILL have a power plant that is more economical to operate and more durable and long-lived than the competition has proven to be. MANY fellas here have more than DOUBLED the power and torque of the Cummins, and drive them normally every day - wonder how many Ford and GM diesels have done that successfully - and had the engine LIVE thru it for a reasonable period of time?



As far as *I* am concerned, the Ford and GM diesels are great - but I sure have fun giving them a serious run for their money while pulling the grades up in the hills - and I *don't* "feel guilty", or hurry over to soothe their hurt feelings by pointing out my mods - any more than YOU, or they would if the situation was reversed!



When you challenge another driver out on the road or strip, ya takes yer chances - no whining or slobbery runny-nosed excuses if ya gets beat, ya simply takes it like a MAN, and either QUIT challenging or do yer OWN bombing routine to get competitive...



Of course, it HELPS to START with a solid, durable and proven powerplant KNOWN to be up to the level of bombing needed to stay ahead of the pack!

 

[Champane Flight]

Stock

I am stock still. It runs quite well. I do not need the latest in electronic gadgets on my diesel. Nor will I ever buy another V-8 diesel. I was an owner operator for 16 years and saw the coming (and going) of V-8s in road tractors. I saw them get lousy fuel milage, leak oil, get outpulled, and blowup at early ages. All I see now is more of the same, sure they have all the electronics and go fast between the lights. But, do they last? I have seen a few make it over 200,000 miles, and some over 300 .

However, most are traded at under 100,000 miles and given to the junkyard. The V-8 diesel is just fine for a stationary, low RPM application, not for road trucks.



My friend who goes to the car auctions took me to one the other day. There were 17 Ford PS,s that came through that day, all of them under 4 years old. And all of them smoking, missing, or not running at all. There were even three Duramaxes, one blown, and the others wrecked. There was one 92 CTD, it was beat to hell, with 310,000 on it, and still running good.



Now in the same note, most people will never get, or care how many miles they get on thier Duramax, or PS. They will trade them before they get two years on them. And the Duramax is proving to be a good engine (for a V-8). But Mac, you can keep it. And try not to get in my way on the mountain please. You will find that the juice is only good for a few miles, then the old cast iron heater will be on your butt.



It is also nice to know that for a minumum amount of money, I can have a truck that will take just about ANY other pickup out there. Now how many Duramaxs can make that claim? For less than three hundred dollars and two hours time, I can take any stock Duramax out there. Sorry, thats just the way it is. Enjoy your choice of trucks, but don't ask me to change stripes.

 

[_MACKIN]

Hope this don't get the tea pot steamed up....

Gary - KJ6Q,





Enlighten me sir:





As far as the wrapper is conserend ... . This is more of a I hate to use the word but "competition" between to diesel engine producers Cummins and ISUZU. Not CHEVROLET verses DODGE ... ... . The way I see it is two companies both that have a strong reputation in building commercial engines..... That have taken it to recreational uses..... Neither of these engines are being built in their (GM or DODGE) Engine plants..... Has Dodge ever built a Diesel? I don't think so. Hope not for your sake you might get a spare converted Caravan motors... .

Before you tell me GM owns ISUZU, I know. But they got controlling interest in just the past few years..... The Diesel engineers were in place and their technology too... .



This takes me to six cylinder verses eight cylinder. Is it not just about cubic inch displacement? 5. 9 verses 6. 6 liters... . You got bigger pistons, but I got more... . Whether the configuration is a V6,V8,or STRAIGHT 6 ? It is all about the application... . No?

Dodge went with Straight six Cummins and built their truck around it... ... . Chevrolet went with ISUZU, to build a V8 . The reason IMHO that the didn't rehash an existing ISUZU Straight six is: They wanted a quiet, smooth running, power house for the recreational consumer..... If I need to be straightened out on a few things give me a shot of cetane boost... ... .



Ps we got a better auto too... ... . LOL

MAC

 

[_MACKIN]

Champane Flight







But Mac, you can keep it. And try not to get in my way on the mountain please. You will find that the juice is only good for a few miles, then the old cast iron heater will be on your butt.





Now that's funny. LOL I'm not recruiting just learning other points of view... ..... Which your's like others makes a lot of sence. Thanks

MAC

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

MAC - as I'm sure you already know, the difference between engines in the Dodges and GM's, is that DC took an ALREADY PROVEN engine that was ALREADY in service for many years, and in many THOUSANDS of industrial, marine and commercial applications.



THEN, they actually DEtuned it for use in the Dodge, which reduces stress and enhances durability even more - at least until the bombers start in on them!



The Isuzu. as used in GM trucks, is NOT a time tested engine as is the Cummins, but a "newly developed, joint venture" between Isuzu and GM - as is the Allson transmission in the GM trucks. So, was the GM portion of that "joint venture" to STRENGTHEN the engine and trannies - or was it dictated and controlled by the bean counters to reduce cost REGARDLESS of long term durability?



*I* certainly don't know - and NONE of us will until LOTS more miles pass under those GM floorboards in daily use across the country by ordinary drivers.



You ask:



"Whether the configuration is a V6,V8,or STRAIGHT 6 ? It is all about the application... . No?"



Only to a degree - displacement is STILL the basic limiting tool of available power, assuming the basic engine is durable enough to withstand significant power increases - and no matter how fast you dance, the Fords and GM's STILL have substantially MORE displacement than the Cummins - and the Cummins continues to erase that displacement deficit on a regular basis out on the grades!



You have a nice truck - and you have every right to be proud of it - but it's highly unlikely that you'll find many here willing to convert to GM...



OH - and lest you think I'm anti-GM, go to the site posted in my sig, and look at the GM stuff I own along WITH my Dodge...

 

[PRout]

I wonder when Hyundai is coming out w/ a diesel.



Maybe it'll have the new, lightweight, "plastic" crankshaft...



They could call it the "MegaMaxStroker" Super-HD Diesel.



That aught to "hype" up some more sales.

 

[PRout]

Forgot my sig...



Dodge-Cummins Diesel, Strong and Simple.

 

[rob10858]

they already have, mostly three cylndr farm and ag applications. anyway, i have to agree with those who have resisted the urge to turn " old reliable" into a drag racer. the trucks that we've kept, after being retired at 185000 are two first generation ctds. one is now a dumptruck, and one is a last resort tow backup. last resort only because it isnt as pretty or fast as the new trucks. it wont ever whistle by any ps or dmax up, or down a grade, but after 356000, will yours? if and when that happens i'll be the first to say congrats... by the way how about boost and egt gauges for the duramax? ours has a factory transmission gauge, that i like, how about something else gauge wise to monitor this motor?

 

[hammersley]

amcintyre is right about....

I think he hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that GM wanted to go after the recreational buyer. And I think they are trying to attract the new buyer who would never convince his wife to buy an engine that sounds like our Cummins. I have a guy who rides with me and he can't understand why I like the noise. He just doesn't get it, and a lot of others don't as well. Under no circumstance would they ever buy a Cummins, now maybe one of the new 2003's they will accept. I think GM was after that market and will try to share that with the new mix of diesels to come. BTW - the big truck mfgs are selling a lot of new trucks to folks who don't want to face the new (EPA) engines. That will last for some time, but eventually they'll be in the market. Let's be honest - the GM appeals more to the female in the house than our Dodge, and they are the ones who must usually OK a deal.

 

[_MACKIN]

Gary - KJ6Q,







I know you are not anti GM... . Just a straight shooter tell it like it is no BS well maybe a little LOL ... . Thanks... ...



Oo.



hammersley,



You're probably right ... But it hurts ... . LOL

Ok wait she aint looking... ...

I where the pants in my house... ... ... LOL

MAC

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Hey Mac - over in that "other" forum, a while back, you said:



"Tomorrow I go hill climbing if it dries up... ..... For you CT... people You all no Southington, MT... ... The one where the Dodges, well one that I know , (the quickest around here runs it near a 100) I'm gonna see what I can do on "THE JUICE". Man I am so thrilled word's cannot explain it... ..... "



SO, have you caught up with that nasty 'ol Dodge yet?





IF not, keep us posted on results!



Mac, it's good to see ya here - we need a little good clean fun and prodding to keep us on our toes - I pretty much like ALL brands - had my share of Fords and Chevies - all were good, no real complaints - was NEVER a DC fan until my current truck, and I love it to death - primarily for the Cummins, but the REST of the truck is absolutely flawless as well. There wasn't much real competition for what I considered a "real" serious tow vehicle back in '91 - but we have more choices now, undoubtedly due to DC's use of the Cummins, which in turn forced Ford and GM to improve THEIR offerings as well... Competition is GOOD!



NOW, if only the "other" board was as willing to take a little needling, criticism and honest questions as THIS one is, *I* would still be active over THERE as well - but they don't, and I'm not... BUT, most here WILL freely admit, and complain about the MANY faulty transmissions, lift pumps, brake systems and such that DC has put out in past years - we just don't get paranoid and in denial over the fact - and we don't kick folks off the board who DO complain - or demand VIN #'s and dealer names and work order #'s...



Instead, we try to maintain the maturity to realize and acknowledge that ALL brands have their inherent faults and failures - and that SHARING these problems - AND their cures, benefits us all! Ya MIGHT disguise UGLY, but STUPID stays right out there to soon be seen and found out - so there's little point in trying to surpress faults and failures, or to attack and censor those who attempt to reveal them - WE found that out long ago - and the others will eventually come around as well - and be better sources of helpful info to their users when they do!

 

[Breck]

Correct me if I am wrong; but are not I-6's inherently more balanced then v-8's? If I remember correctly, I-6's, flat 6's, and v-12's are naturally balanced????? and v-8's, v-6's and I-4's are not?



Speaking of running empty: I ran into a Dmax a few months ago that ran a lot stronger then a stock one? from 80 on up it pulled REAL STRONG! Nice for racing on the highway but for pulling a trailer??????? I prefer the grunt from 1300-2200 when pulling; (RPM's of the Cummins).

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Make no mistake about it the issues that most serious diesel fans expect in our WORK trucks are:



1. POWER!

2. ECONOMY!

3. DURABILITY!

4. RELIABILITY (the other 3 are worthless, UNLESS they can be relied upon without reservation!)



The inline, long stroke engines, such as the Cummins, have traditionally delivered ALL 4 of those characteristics flawlessly. The inherent design of the long stroke, inline engine pretty much drops it down a notch or two where rapid accelleration and "snappy" empty, around town performance is concerned, compared to shorter stroke V8 diesels.



BUT, that snappy V8 performance comes at a PRICE - and that price has generally been proven to be economy, gut-pulling raw POWER, and to a degree, durability and reliability. The 18-wheel crowd fell for the V8 hype for a while - but they smartened up REAL fast when they saw their bottom line shriveling up and disappearing - and it's a RARE V8 diesel you'll see hauling serious freight out on the freeways today!



Now, If *I* could find a diesel engine as quiet as a Ford or GM, and with the empty, around-town performance of those V8's - but STILL with the OTHER characteristics of the inline sixes like the Cummins, I'd take one in a heartbeat!



But so far, there's NO SUCH ANIMAL - and since *MY* priorities are still based upon PROVEN durability, economy, raw low-RPM torque and reliability - my choice is still Cummins!



I'd rather FIGHT than switch!

 

[rdanley]

WELL MACKIN

I WAS PULLING MY FIVER UP TOGOWOTEE PASS GOING INTO THE TETONS THE PASS IS 17 MILES STRAIGHT UP WITH 6% GRADE, A 1/4 THE WAY UP I CAME UPON TWO D-MAX'S NOW I KNOW IT WASNT FAIR BUT THEY WERE TOWING SOMEWERE AROUND 5 TO 6K TRAILERS. AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT I WAS RUNNING 25MPH PUSHING THE CHEVYS UP THIS PASS WITH 11,600K ON MY TAIL FINALLY THEY GOT THE HINT AND PULLED OFF TO LET ME PASS AND REGAIN MY 50MPH CLIMBING SPEED. THAT WAS WITH A PLAIN STOCK 99CTD 5 SPEED. AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MY NEXT VACTION.



IT IS FUN TO WATCH THE CHEVYS AND THE FORDS INHAILING MY BLACK SMOKE



IF CHEVYS AND FORDS ARE YOUR THING THAT IS FINE BUT A V-8 IS A V-8.



NOW LETS ASK THE QUESTION MACKIN WHY ARE YOU JUICED:--)

 

[_MACKIN]

"JUICED"

rdanley,

WHY IS MACKIN "JUICED"

Well,





Not because I need to or have to... ... . My D-MAX ran strong to begin with guess it's the "OLE" ADAM & EVE thing. Temptation... ... Like all men and "TOYS," work or play, cannot leave them alone..... We all know that there is room built in for one up min ships year after year in model year production, so I went for the FULL MONTY with the JUICE... The most the stock transmission will take. . It runs "SWEET"..... In my opinion.



So I guess I just wanted to... ... Not to mention there is some pretty fast BOMBED Cummins in my area... ... . I didn't want to be denied the thrill of owning a DIESEL to be reckoned with... ...

That's it... .....

MAC



Courtesy OF THE TDP>>>>>>>Did you happen to see the dyno run #'s that the D-MAXES ran at BD's Dyno Day this past weekend? One GENT put down 358 Hp with a 120 VA BOX and a Kiss of cooking gas, not to bad..... HEADS IN TACT. . He needs some transmission upgrades..... I was one to think the Allison would not need it, Friggen GM... ..... I guess the never expected us to need 400+ HORSE'S... . LOL

 

[Sky]

Interesting thread. I give GM credit when credit is due. After a good 10 years of POS diesels they finally got a half decent one. This is Gm's year to shine in the diesel market. Do you think Cummins could have had a 300+ stock HP motor out by now? Heck ya, but why would they there was no competition. Now that the DMax is out guess what... ..... Dodge/Cummins will be back at the top again in 2003, I am going to order the 2004. 5 with the common rail injection. I should have a good 200+K on my 2001 by then. Competition is great! Helps us all. Oo.



Like said earlier Dmax is more for the recreational person. Its still a light duty truck. Our CTD are medium dutys. Our trucks are work horses. And yes GM is really marketing the Quietness of there truck. Did anybody ever see that commercial with the PS, CTD and the Dmax? They had them all running and turned them of one by one. If your concerned about noise buy a gasser.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

HEY Mac - don't cheap out, we Dodge herders have to beef up OUR trannies TOO when we bomb 'em, so welcome to the club - beef that Allison, add some propane, line up with some of those nasty Dodges, and let us know how ya make out...