This Triple Turbo Diesel Setup Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Triple in-engine 6.4L Ford

A turbo -- shorthand for turbocharger -- is a turbine-driven, forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine's power output by forcing compresses air into the combustion chamber. By forcing more air and more fuel into the combustion chamber, it produces more energy. 

This concept of forced induction was conceived as early as the late 19th century by Gottlieb Daimler who patented the technique of using a gear-driven pump to force air into an internal combustion engine. That was in 1885! He had the right idea, and in the 21st century more power is being produced by means of turbo-diesel technology than he could ever have imagined.

Yesterday I came across a 2017 Diesel World article by Jason Sands about a three-turbo 6.4L Ford that cranks out 1,221 hp and a mind-blowing 2,532 lb-ft of torque. Just reading about it makes you want to catch your breath. It had been re-published on the Power Driven Diesel website because they were the team that did the work.

Sands begins by noting how much flexibility there is today with regard to diesel setups. It used to be that you had a choice between a single turbo and a compound two-turbo setup. "Today," he writes, 'there are virtually endless choices, from ball-bearing turbos to large but quick-spooling singles, to compound turbo setups that will support a vast amount of horsepower."

COMPOUND TRIPLE TURBOCHARGERS
Twin turbos have been around awhile, but sled-pullers have been running triple turbos and even quads for years. "It was only a matter of time before pickups followed suit." Here's why triple turbos have an advantage over two. It's not just because there are more of them. First, twin turbos need to make such massive amounts of horsepower that they can be hard to spool, and they make a dent in your wallet. "Instead of a 95 to 106mm turbo, the same amount of airflow can be provided by smaller frame 66 to 69mm turbochargers." In short, sometimes bigger isn't always better. And ultimately, you will have a better driving setup.

Got pipes?

The article then zeroes in on the setup for Power Driven Diesel's triple 6.4L setup. The client didn't just want power, he wanted 1200 horsepower, plus he wanted it to be a truck that could tow. PDD's owners --Will Terry and Todd Welch -- said they were up for it.

The rationale for selecting the BorgWarner turbos that they chose gets detailed, followed by all the decisions as regards how to mount them and run the piping. All of this is illustrated with photos. It was a pretty "wild creation" but they did it in two weeks. Then they tested it on the dyno. They nicknamed their beast "The Hulk." And yes, it delivered the goods.

THE COST
There's no free lunch in this realm. If you want to go big, you can expect to spend something more than a few pennies, but it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Will Terry of PDD says if you want to do a triple setup it will cost between $5,000 and $10,000. This was 2017, and since we haven't shopped around for what's available today, don't take that as Gospel. Nevertheless, it will give you something to compare against.

You can read the full story, along with numerous photos, here:
Triple Threat: Building a Triple Turbo Setup

Let's Stay the Course on Clean Diesel: Progress Is Being Made

A lot of Americans are unaware of how much progress has been made in terms of eliminating pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Did you know that the new diesel trucks are so clean that it would take 60 of today's new generation diesels to equal the emissions from one truck sold in 1988? New technology diesel engines and the increased use of biobased diesel have contributed to noteworthy carbon reduction and clean air gains. 

All this has been documented, according to a recent Earth Day announcement from the Diesel Technology Forum. "Today, diesel remains the dominant technology in long-haul trucking, powering 97 percent of Class 8 big-rig trucks in the United States. A growing percentage of diesel-powered commercial trucks rely on the newest-generation diesel technologies, which deliver near-zero emissions performance while using less fuel."

The announcement begins by acknowledging the new emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the climate challenge. To do this requires thinking through solutions and timetables that are customized to the realities of our time. Timetables have to correspond. But progress has already been extensive.

Today, more than 43 percent of commercial Class 3-8 vehicles utilize the newest generation technology (2011 and newer model years), up 6.8 percent over 2017. Since 2011, these nearly 5 million new-generation commercial diesel trucks "have already delivered reductions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2)) in an amount equivalent to eliminating 26 million light-duty vehicles from the fleet or converting those to all electric vehicles." In other words, more than 18 million tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 126 million tons of CO2 have been removed.  

In short, tremendous progress has been made, and there's more to come.

Furthermore, in addition to the reduction in greenhouse gases, the advances in diesel technology have produced significant gains in fuel economy. From 2014 to 2018 530 million barrels of oil were saved in Phase 1, according to the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Phase 2 rules will save nearly 2 billion barrels of oil from now till 2027.

 As diesel technology evolves, the four trends are defining the direction advances will take. First, increasing energy efficiency. Second, achieving low emissions. Third, expanding the use of renewable biodiesel fuels. And fourth, hybridization. We live in a world which depends on the transportation of goods. To effectively do this while meeting tomorrow's climate and clean air challenges will require continued innovation and efforts in trucking, marine, agriculture, construction and freight rail applications.

The steady progress in carbon reduction and clean air gains has been somewhat remarkable. It has also been fairly unheralded. This is why the Diesel Technology Forum strives to get the word out and works hard to increase awareness of its mission. 

Read the full Earth Day announcement here:  
ACCELERATING TURNOVER TO NEW TECHNOLOGY DIESEL ENGINES, INCREASED USE OF BIOBASED DIESEL FUELS ENSURE STEADY PROGRESS ON CARBON REDUCTION, CLEAN AIR GAINS 

Ram EcoDiesel Cruises 1000 Miles On A Single Fuel Fill

Early on in Dave Goldberg's February HotCars story he makes the statement, "Imagine driving from New York City with a full fuel tank and only having to stop twice to refill your vehicle on a journey to Los Angeles." When I try to imagine it, I can't help but think of all the times we'll need to stop for bathroom breaks and a bite to eat.

Naturally, he's highlighting the major feature of the 2021 Ram EcoDiesel. Fuel economy is what this year's Ram has been touting, and when you consider the size and Iron Man power, it's actually quite an achievement. The numbers speak for themselves. 33 miles to the gallon.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel pickup isn't on the road yet. Ram Trucks unveiled what's coming in February so as to whet our appetites, much like a restaurant that allows its aromas to waft through the atmosphere to increase our hunger before a sumptuous meal.

The rating of 33 mpg is a pretty healthy stretch so that when its larger-than-passenger-car tanks are full, the range of 1,000 miles is easily attained. To sink home its message, the trucks will wear the HFE badge. 

For the record, 33 mpg is more than double what the Ram TRX supertruck can give you, which is rated at 14 mpg, which is still two miles per gallon better than a '72 Ford station wagon I used to own.

For what it's worth, the Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel has a rating of 23 mpg for city driving, which gives it a blended 26 mpg rating. Compared to its competitors the Ram is equal to Chev's 2021 Silverado 3.0L Duramax on the highway mpg and surpasses the Ford F150 Power Stroke 4x2 diesel by four mpg. Neither of these other two can provide the 1,000-mile range that Ram is touting.

The Tradesman is a rear wheel drive truck with a crew cab body. The bed is 5 foot 7 inches. The 20-inch aluminum rims contribute to the truck's effectiveness. Like the keys on most keyboards, your color options are limited to ebony and ivory, or as Ram puts it, Bright White Clear Coat or Diamond Black Crystal. Yes, there are more styling features you can get, but they will all be extra. Here's your MSRP: $42,240. Additional charges may apply depending on where it is being delivered.

We live in a time where energy efficiency is increasingly valued. You can see it in the efforts manufacturers are taking to continuously improve on the work that has been done these past three decades. 

Read the full story here:

Ram EcoDiesel Pickup Promises 1,000-Mile Range

Related Story:

Two Diesel Stories About Ram Fuel Efficiency

Diesel Powered Vehicle of the Week: Seat Sport TDi Leon

The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) was just one of many venues where automakers have touted their prowess. The first was held in 1985 in conjunction with the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). Successful racing events bring together drivers, venues, organizers, sponsors and media. From 1985 there have been several iterations of the WTCC and ETCC, bringing much gratification to racing fans everywhere.

In 2007 and 2008 the Spanish automaker stunned the racing world by fielding 280-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel race cars. The Seat Sport TDi Leon created such a ruckus in racing that all the other manufacturers cried "Unfair!"

See the Car Buzz story for more. (Link at end of this post)

Seat had found a loophole in the rules and exploited it. They saw that with no limit on turbo pressure, the diesel cars could bear down and take advantage of the extra torque while accelerating out of corners. As a result, the Seat Leon took two championships in a row before the rules were changed. Afterwards, diesel-powered cars were limited to 1.6 turbocharged 4-cylinder engines making around 380 bhp.

León means Lion in Spanish. Introduced in 1998, the Seat León--a hatchback compact--is named after the city of León. Seat itself is owned by Volkswagen so the engineering meets the usual VW standards of excellence. The Seat has a spacious, well-designed interior as well. It has a sporty feel on the road and is not your usual "Box" car effort.

In Scotland the 170 hp 2.0 TDi León FR was named the "Diesel Car of the Year 2006." The car won many other awards as well.

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Related Links
For more about the Seat Leon, check out the following links:

https://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2006-leon_wtcc/

https://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/2005074.html

Article source: The Car Buzz feature Crazy Diesel-Powered Cars

Champion Blue Flame Named Official Oil of 2021 East Coast Diesel Nationals

Photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Here's another sign of spring, and evidence that things are opening up again for diesel enthusiasts and the economy.

This week Champion Oil announced that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has selected Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil of the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17^th  held at Numidia Dragway, 10 Dragstrip Road, Numidia PA. 

 

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. Diesel Motorsports holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year while also building a membership that offers benefits for business members as well as fans with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Diesel Motorsports events are all about diesels, and include a large Vendor Alley at each event. 

 

The prestigious event in Numidia, PA is Diesel Motorsports' biggest “diesel only” show of the year with drag racing, sled pulling, Show-N-Shine, dyno competition and more.  Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno and Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at  10am with pulling starting at 1pm. Visit the Diesel Motorsports website for specific class guidelines.

This year Champion Oil has designed a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here:  https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

Drag Racing Classes include:

• Street Truck: Competitors will run with street trucks with no times, just lane winner at end of track lights! Race against your buddies with no worries about anything but who the winner was on the pass!

• ET Bracket Class: Competitors race against their dial-in efforts to predict, react and perform better than the competition without breaking out from their timed number.

• 12.0 Quick Diesel: Indexed at 12 seconds, this class leaves the starting line together (heads-up style) and the first legal racer to cross the line without running quicker than the index wins.

• Heads-Up Truck: Full size trucks with proper safety equipment compete on an unlimited, heads-up racing in 1/8 and/or 1/4 track!

• Pro Stock: Fiberglass-bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads-up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4-mile action. 

• Top Diesel: Diesel dragsters designed for all out speed compete heads up in 1/4-mile action.

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited.

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

Sled Pulling Classes include:

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited. 

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

 

Champion Brands Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Motor Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion Brands Blue Flame® Diesel Motor Oil delivers unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Purchase oil here at  https://theblueflameblogger.blogspot.com/2021/

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

Intro to Diesel World's Chronology of Vintage Diesel Light Trucks

1959 Land Rover Series II long wheelbase pickup

The history of transportation is fascinating. One of the most intriguing transition points in that history was the invention of the automobile. Before cars and trucks, horses were the mainstay of transportation. When automobiles entered the picture, the only clue that horses preceded them was that we still use horsepower as a measurement.

Even though the diesel engine had been developed in the 1890's, the early 20th century became a battleground between gasoline powered engines and electric. In fact, electric cars were so popular that half of all automobiles were electric. The problem they had, however, was two-fold. They were not reliable, and there was a limit to how far you could drive on one charge, which was about 17 miles. A trip from New York to Boston would indeed be a problem. How many charging stations were there between home and any out of town destination?

Gasoline-powered cars weren't exactly safe either, though. If you've ever see old films from the beginning of the 20th century, you may recall seeing hand-cranks to start the car. More than a few car owners were crushed inside their garages when they cranked it, got it started and it lurched forward. The electric starter was a most welcome invention indeed. An oil boom made gasoline cheap and the path ahead became clear and easy. 

All these thoughts came to mind as I was reading the introduction to Jim Allen's 2019 Diesel World article "A Chronology of Vintage Diesel Light Trucks in America." His intro to the history of diesel light trucks begins with an important fact about diesel engines. In the beginning these beasts were massive. Allen writes, "In the early days of diesel engines, downsizing them was a huge challenge. Given enough capital, engineers can work through almost any technical challenge. But investors was a return on investment so there needs to be market incentive."

In short, the pace of development was dictated by market demand and the incentives weren't there. By the 1930s they could be fit into big trucks, some watercraft and other applications. Then the war came along, accelerating many new developments. After the war diesel engines were downsized enough to where a light truck market could development, but there were still further technical kinks to work out. 

The first issue was the problem of batteries. In frigid weather it took a lot of batteries to cold start a diesel engine. This mean that even though the engines were smaller, there still wasn't room in the engine compartment for those extra batteries. Starting a diesel engine wasn't so easy to begin with, and the public wasn't ready to embrace it. And initially, they didn't have the power we have all come to appreciate today. A V-8 under the hood could run circles around those 1950s diesels.

Early direct injection Mercedes-Benz OM 352

Then there was that other hurdle to get over. The infrastructure for diesel fueling was not yet in place either. That's one of the factors that killed the enthusiasm for electric cars in the first decade of the century, and diesel owners faced the same dilemma. 

By the 1970s, Allen write, the U.S. diesel market was at least 20 years behind where our European counterparts were. And then the 1973 gas crunch his. Suddenly, diesels began getting some respect for their fuel economy benefits. Until that time, light duty diesel trucks were something only nerdy people appreciated. Afterwards, the perception was that these people had been quite forward looking. And once infrastructure development was in place, it was possible to have a serious diesel car and truck market.

Not every move toward diesel went smoothly though. Oldsmobile's diesel cars were not a high water mark for the Oldsmobile brand. Allen calls that effort part of Olds' "Days of Infamy." Fiasco, disaster and a few other words come to mind, with much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But the diesel light truck market came through alright, even if U.S. diesel cars never fully realized their potential. 

Against this backdrop, Diesel World presents an overview of the various vintage diesel trucks that were part of our history. It's a little like researching one's genealogy. With the exception of a few "oddballs" they've dug out all the important contributions that were made through the decades. 

Part one of that story can be found here:
https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-trucks/vintage-diesel-light-trucks-part-one/

Even Natural Disasters Won't Stop a Diesel Jeep Gladiator

On April 15 & 16, two stories caught my attention, in part because they both involved the deep freeze disaster that occurred in Texas this winter. To describe the mid-February drop into single digits as unexpected is an understatement. The devastating consequences were unimaginable, until we learned the details in the aftermath. 

When the temperatures dropped, a series of events occurred. Electricity demand climbed at the same time as critical equipment to generate electricity failed. Gas production likewise was pinched as well and 4 million Texas homes lost power, which impacted 11 million people. In addition to the loss of more than 100 lives, the economic losses were somewhere between 80 and 130 million dollars.

It was against this backdrop of devastation that Derek Price's Cargazing column in the GazetteExtra came across like a breath of fresh air. The title of the piece was Go anywhere confidence: Jeep Gladiator pickup delivers even in disasters.

The story begins with the deep freeze. The author was unable to start his brand new diesel Jeep Gladiator 4x4. Like most Texans, Price was unprepared for what he called snowmageddon. Gelled fuel doesn't flow and as nice as the vehicle looked in the driveway, it wasn't of much use if he couldn't get it started. 

Fortunately he had a neighbor who had a few tricks up his sleeve. (He must have lived in Minnesota or Wisconsin at one time.) After warming up the engine block and adding a little anti-gel chemistry to the fuel, the Gladiator sprang to life "like magic." The Jeep was "ready to do the job it was built for: getting people anywhere they need to go, even when there aren't roads."

Price tells how Texas looked like Siberia, but even with no visible roads his Gladiator Rubicon took it all in stride. There were few cars on the roads, but his 4x4 went wherever he wanted to go in spite of the conditions. 

Another luxury he enjoyed was using a remote to power up, then watching the ice melt off the windshield. True, that's not a feature he will use much in Texas, but it's nice to know you have it when you need it, whatever part of the country you live in. 

His enthusiasm for the Jeep seems boundless as he describes the reassurance it gives you in all types of conditions. 'Hurricanes, floods, ice storms and tornadoes create conditions on the ground that require vehicles like this with ridiculously high ground clearance, four-wheel-drive grip, traction-control wizardry and tires that can claw their way through all kinds of muck.'

The Gladiator's tenacity is in part due to the stout diesel power plant that gives it its oomph. It generates 260 horsepower and 442 foot-pounds of torque. It "pulls like a tugboat" yet still gets great fuel efficiency: 28 mpg on the highway as opposed to 22 with a V-6 gasoline engine.

This year is the 80th anniversary of the Jeep, so the manufacturer has added berber floor mats, special badges and 18-inch wheels with a Crystal Granite finish. The author confides that although he has been a sports car type of car enthusiast all his life, this Gladiator has won his heart.

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You can read the full story here:
Go-anywhere confidence: Jeep Gladiator pickup delivers even In disasters

Here's the story from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas about the February weather fiasco.
Cost of Texas' 2021 Deep Freeze Justifies Weatherization

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