After A Promising Start His Rookie Campaign, He Looks To Push His Duramax To The Podium | Cody Hawk UCC2026
About this episode
Cody Hawk talks through his second-year diesel competition push, including last year’s drivetrain failure and how the Duramax recovered enough to keep running. The crew lays out the build evolution—moving from a factory LB7 controller to a Bosch standalone setup—plus turbo and cooling upgrades aimed at track-ready power. With dyno testing, drag-strip passes, and a 2026 goal of “anything over 3000 horse again,” the team is chasing hardware while lining up event targets like Poland’s “make the hook.”
Cody Hawk! If you are into Duramax trucks, you know the name. He's Setting records of over 3,000 horsepower in a Duramax. Cody has switched up the mods on the LB7 this time around. He's got a secret up his sleeve being announced in a video on his social channels coming soon. What exactly? We are patiently awaiting to see as well. We are ready to see what she does for you this year at the 2026 AMSOIL UCC, Cody!
main shaft
"Me and my guys had an awesome time. I guess I would say our only goal last year is to make sure it drove back into the trailer. And it didn't exactly do that as we snapped the main shaft and the trans, so we had to winch it in, but it was running."
A main shaft is a key rotating part inside the transmission. If it breaks, the transmission can’t send power to the wheels, so the truck can’t drive normally.
The main shaft is a central rotating shaft inside a transmission. If it snaps, the gearbox can’t transfer power reliably, which is why the truck would need recovery rather than continuing under its own drivetrain power.
trans
"And it didn't exactly do that as we snapped the main shaft and the trans, so we had to winch it in, but it was running."
“Trans” is shorthand for transmission, the drivetrain component that manages gear ratios and transfers engine torque to the wheels. In competition, transmission failures are common when power and torque exceed what the stock or lightly built drivetrain can handle.
winch it in
"And it didn't exactly do that as we snapped the main shaft and the trans, so we had to winch it in, but it was running."
“Winch it in” means pulling the truck with a cable when it can’t drive itself. It’s a recovery method after something breaks.
“Winch it in” means using a winch (a powered cable system) to pull a vehicle into position when it can’t move under its own power. In motorsports or truck competitions, this often happens after drivetrain or transmission damage.
power steering
"We had the engine spinning to utilize the power steering in the brakes and just no power to the ground."
Power steering helps you turn the steering wheel with less effort. Here, the host is saying the engine could still spin enough to run that system.
Power steering uses hydraulic or electric assist to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheels. The speaker mentions using the engine spinning to utilize power steering, implying the truck could still operate some systems even though it lacked traction to move under its own power.
brakes
"We had the engine spinning to utilize the power steering in the brakes and just no power to the ground."
Brakes are what slow the truck down. The host is saying the truck could still use its braking system while it was being recovered.
Brakes are the system that slows and stops the vehicle by converting kinetic energy into heat. In this context, the host is noting that with the engine spinning, the truck could still use brake assist/hydraulics even though it couldn’t put power to the ground.
Duramax
"As anyone on Facebook that owns a Duramax probably knows me by now. At least I would hope."
Duramax is the name people use for a Chevy diesel engine. It’s a popular engine to modify and race, so you’ll hear it a lot in diesel truck communities.
Duramax is GM’s brand name for its diesel engines, best known in the U.S. for powering many Chevrolet trucks. In diesel-performance circles, “Duramax” usually implies the engine platform and the common aftermarket ecosystem built around it.
chassis dyno
"Last year we ended up setting the Duramax world record for horsepower on a chassis dyno at 3140 with my guy Moore Luke behind the wheel."
A chassis dyno measures power and torque at the wheels while the vehicle is loaded and running on rollers. It’s commonly used for tuning verification and for comparing builds because it reflects real drivetrain output rather than just engine output on a test stand.
V8 platform
"And since then we have tried to push it and learn more as we go and try to put a V8 back on the podium at UCC. ...like you're the first V8 that I've interviewed. Everybody else has had Cummins motors."
A “V8 platform” here means a competition category/build centered around a V8 engine configuration rather than the more common diesel setups discussed in the episode. The hosts use it to highlight that the guest is competing with a V8 while others have different engine families (notably Cummins).
UCC podium push
"And since then we have tried to push it and learn more as we go and try to put a V8 back on the podium at UCC. ...it’s one Duramax versus 10 Cummins at a at a swing I feel."
They’re talking about trying to win (or place high) at UCC with a Duramax-based build. They also discuss how tough the competition is compared with other diesel setups.
This segment focuses on the guest’s goal of pushing a Duramax V8 build to podium results at UCC. The hosts discuss the competitive landscape and how the engine choice affects expectations.
Dirty Hooker diesel
"And it seems like a lot of those advancements have taken place with the boys over at Dirty Hooker diesel. You have a good relationship with the guys over there."
Dirty Hooker diesel is a company/team that works on diesel performance. In this conversation, they’re helping with what the Duramax builder is doing for racing.
Dirty Hooker diesel is referenced as a diesel performance shop or team that has contributed to development and knowledge sharing for the Duramax platform. The guest credits their advancements and assistance as part of what’s enabling the competition build.
UCC and drag-strip preparation
"I remember the Saturday being at UCC and watching you and the crew thrash on the truck... Then after we're happy in the dyno. I'll have roughly two weeks of going to look drag strip just laying in some passes really getting acclimated to how it's set up now."
They’re talking about getting the truck ready for racing. That includes dyno testing and then practicing with drag-strip runs so the tune and setup work as expected.
This segment focuses on how the team prepares the truck for competition, including timing the build, dyno testing, and then making drag-strip passes to learn the setup. It’s about turning a tuning plan into track-ready execution.
LB7 controller
"So that last year we were running a factory style LB7 controller. We got hooked up with the guys that actually this year and we went to a wash stand alone setup basically top tier control system you get the diesel game."
The LB7 controller is the truck’s factory computer for the diesel engine. It controls things like how the engine injects fuel, and it’s more limited than aftermarket tuning computers.
An LB7 controller refers to the factory engine control unit (ECU) used on the LB7 Duramax diesel. Using the stock controller limits how much the team can change fueling, timing, and other calibration parameters compared with aftermarket standalone systems.
stand alone setup
"We got hooked up with the guys that actually this year and we went to a wash stand alone setup basically top tier control system you get the diesel game."
A standalone setup is a different engine computer than the factory one. It lets the tuner control the diesel more directly and usually makes it easier to dial in performance.
A standalone setup is an aftermarket engine management system that replaces or bypasses the factory ECU. It gives the tuner direct control over key diesel parameters and typically enables more precise calibration and data logging.
fine tune
"There's a lot more control. We're going to be able to see a lot more data and fine tune it in. Last year we had we had it together until each before UCC and right now we're three weeks ahead."
Fine-tuning means making small tweaks to the engine settings after testing. It’s how tuners dial in the tune so the truck runs right in real conditions, not just on paper.
In engine tuning, “fine tune” means making small calibration adjustments after reviewing logs and dyno/track results. The goal is to improve how the diesel responds across different loads and speeds while keeping it consistent and safe.
LB7
"So obviously I love my LB7 so it's an LB7 based RMAX 7-1 stock stroke big four built from the guys of the DHT."
LB7 is the name of a particular diesel engine used in some Duramax trucks. People like it because it’s common in the performance world, so there are lots of parts and tuning options for it.
The LB7 is a specific Duramax diesel engine used in certain Chevrolet/GMC trucks. It’s a popular starting point in diesel performance because it’s well-known in the tuning community and has a strong aftermarket support base.
stock stroke
"So obviously I love my LB7 so it's an LB7 based RMAX 7-1 stock stroke big four built from the guys of the DHT."
“Stock stroke” means the engine is using the same basic crankshaft throw as it came from the factory. It’s a way of building for power without changing that internal dimension.
"Stock stroke" means the engine’s crankshaft stroke length is kept at the factory specification. That typically keeps the engine’s internal geometry closer to OEM while allowing other upgrades (like turbo and fueling) to drive power.
Rosler Turbo 400
"And we moved on from the 47 the DuraFlight the 47R8 the DuraFlight swap from the guys at Firepump and we ended up picking another transfer from the guys at Firepump, a Rosler Turbo 400."
The Rosler Turbo 400 is a turbocharger. A turbo forces more air into the engine, which helps the engine make more power—especially on a diesel when the fueling and tuning are set up to match.
The Rosler Turbo 400 is a specific turbocharger unit used for diesel performance. Turbochargers compress incoming air to increase the engine’s oxygen supply, which enables higher fueling and power when paired with the right ECU and supporting hardware.
shaving about 4 to 500 pounds
"We're estimating we're shaving about 4 to 500 pounds on the truck."
Lighter weight helps the truck accelerate and stop more easily. Cutting a few hundred pounds can make a real difference on track.
Reducing vehicle weight improves acceleration and braking because there’s less mass to move and slow down. In racing, even a few hundred pounds can noticeably affect how quickly the truck reaches speed and how consistently it performs.
3,000 horsepower
"[620.8s] which we talked about doing what I'm mentioning coming back from the less, [627.1s] guys at less performance fence out in Wyoming last year when we made our 3,000 horsepower. [632.6s] It was kind of like an off-handed comment. We're talking about it."
“3,000 horsepower” means the truck is making an enormous amount of power. Getting there usually takes a lot of upgrades, not just a simple tune.
“3,000 horsepower” is an extreme power target that typically requires major modifications to a diesel truck’s engine and supporting systems. At this level, builds often involve upgraded fueling, turbo/boost control, cooling, and drivetrain components to handle the stress.
pull the engine out
"[641.9s] Mori Loge and Josh shot kind of just work. [644.8s] Said they're going to work on the truck for the weekend, pull the engine out, [647.5s] get it up so we can get refreshed and everything."
“Pull the engine out” means taking the engine out of the truck. That’s usually done when the work is too big to do with the engine still in place.
“Pull the engine out” means removing the engine from the truck so the team can access internal components or perform major repairs/modifications. It’s a sign the build work is beyond quick bolt-ons and likely involves deeper engine or fueling/boost system changes.
stop engine back in
"[688.0s] It's just a lot more extra work. If we wouldn't have done this, [690.8s] we would have had the truck ready to like three months ago. [692.7s] But we had to do a stop engine back in and go and it's a whole other level."
This means they took the engine out, then put it back in. After that kind of work, it usually takes extra time to get everything working right again.
“Stop engine back in” (likely “put the engine back in”) refers to reinstalling the engine after removal. In performance diesel builds, this often follows a teardown for refresh work—reassembly and re-tuning can take significant time compared with normal maintenance.
six 27
"You were eighth in racing. You ran a six 27. The truck made 1,930 horsepower."
In drag racing, people talk about how fast the car runs in seconds. “Six 27” means the truck ran in about 6.27 seconds for the race distance.
“Six 27” is shorthand for a drag-racing elapsed time in the 6.27-second range. It’s typically the car’s time to cover the quarter-mile (or another set distance) from a standing start, used to compare runs.
100 miles an hour
"What happened from then to going on the dyno in Wyoming to make that big power number to you now, just like, Hey, like 100 miles an hour, all, all flames lit."
“100 miles an hour” is a speed reference likely tied to drag-racing trap speed (the speed at the end of the run). Trap speed helps indicate how well the car is accelerating and whether the power is being carried effectively to the finish.
flames lit
"What happened from then to going on the dyno in Wyoming to make that big power number to you now, just like, Hey, like 100 miles an hour, all, all flames lit."
“Flames lit” means you can see flames coming out of the exhaust. It usually happens when the engine is running extremely hard, and it can mean a lot of heat and fuel is involved.
“Flames lit” describes visible flame/afterburning at the exhaust during aggressive acceleration or high fueling. On diesel builds, it often points to very high fuel delivery and combustion behavior that can be tuned, but it can also correlate with heat and stress on exhaust components.
pass
"So when I made that, that six 27 pass, that was my fifth pass ever on a drag strip."
A “pass” is just one run down the track during drag racing. Teams care because they want the car to do well repeatedly, not only once.
In drag racing, a “pass” is a single timed run down the track. Drivers and teams track each pass because consistency (repeatable times and speeds) matters as much as one big number.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...guys, they start with the old, old, like four gen Camaro or something. They got from their own foot and ma..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sports car that was made in different generations over many years. When people talk about older Camaros, they often mean the earlier versions that are popular to modify for more power or better performance. The podcast’s “four gen” comment is referring to one specific era of the Camaro model line.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has gone through multiple generations since its early models. In a diesel performance context, it may come up because older Camaros are often used as project platforms—people swap in modern powertrains or build them for stronger acceleration and drivability. The “four gen” reference points to one of the Camaro eras that enthusiasts commonly discuss when talking about how these cars are built and modified.
full trial by fire
"And I kind of decided to do full trial by fire and try to put my, my full fully built race truck as fast as I could, but with no experience behind, behind the wheel."
“Trial by fire” here means jumping into high-stakes racing with little experience and learning through real competition. In motorsports, that approach increases the risk of mistakes and mechanical stress because the driver and setup haven’t been dialed in yet.
DHT
"He's been day in, day out with me ever since we started this on the guys up at DHT. Again, they're one call away from answering anything I got..."
DHT sounds like the team or shop helping with the truck project. The speaker credits them for being available and supporting the build.
DHT is referenced as a group or shop the speaker’s been working with since the start of the campaign. In this context it’s functioning like a team/vendor that supports the build and provides help when questions come up.
feel injectors
"I got guys that dynamite build the, the biggest and baddest feel injectors on the planet."
Injectors control how diesel fuel is sprayed into the engine. Upgraded injectors are often used when people want the truck to make more power.
“Injectors” are fuel-delivery components that meter how much diesel fuel gets sprayed into the engine. The speaker’s “feel injectors” appears to be a transcription error for a specific injector brand/type, but the key idea is that they’re talking about upgraded injectors as part of making big diesel power.
Exergy
"Guys at Exergy, Jeff has been one call away ever since we decided to go down the Bosch route. [1128.5s] Bosch route."
Exergy is a company that makes performance parts for diesel trucks. Here, they’re being credited with fuel-system hardware that helps the truck make a lot more power.
Exergy is an aftermarket diesel-performance company known for supplying high-end fuel-system components. In this segment, they’re mentioned as the source of pumps that support high-boost, high-fuel setups.
Bosch
"Guys at Exergy, Jeff has been one call away ever since we decided to go down the Bosch route. [1131.5s] They're awesome humans."
Bosch is a well-known parts maker for cars and trucks. In this episode, they’re talking about choosing Bosch components for the diesel fuel system.
Bosch is a major automotive supplier that also makes diesel fuel-system components used in performance builds. The “Bosch route” here implies they chose Bosch parts for the fuel system rather than another supplier.
intercooler
"The guys that shied, we ended up getting one of their intercoolers this year. [1143.4s] It's quite cool. [1144.3s] It's quite beefy."
An intercooler is like a radiator for the air going into the engine. It cools that air so the engine can burn fuel more efficiently and handle more power.
An intercooler cools the compressed intake air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. Cooler, denser air improves combustion and helps the system survive higher boost and fuel levels.
200 PSI
"It's quite beefy. [1146.3s] Hopefully it'll hold the 200 PSI we're planning to throw at it. [1152.3s] Yeah."
PSI is a measure of pressure. When they say “200 PSI,” they mean they’re planning to run the system at a very high pressure and want the parts to handle it safely.
PSI (pounds per square inch) is a pressure unit. In diesel performance builds, targeting a specific pressure like “200 PSI” typically refers to the fuel-pressure or boost-pressure level they expect the hardware (like pumps/intercooler-related system components) to withstand under load.
leak
"I'd say that all handed leak. [1154.2s] Right. [1154.7s] That's, that's the way we ended up seeing last year."
A leak in a diesel performance fuel/boost system can cause pressure loss, poor fueling/air control, and even safety issues. The segment suggests they previously saw a leak-related problem and are trying to improve the setup this time.
AMSOIL UCC
"But I think what I'm most looking forward to, if you can carve some time after the AMSOIL UCC, maybe we can schedule a time to get on another podcast and do it fresh"
AMSOIL UCC is a competition/event that people in diesel performance circles follow. They’re talking about doing another interview after that event.
AMSOIL UCC is referenced as an event/series the guest is involved with. The host is asking to schedule another podcast after the event.
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