Firing the Best Employee (And Getting Better Because of It)
About this episode
Dyno sessions and injector/shop decisions take center stage, from triple-turbo boost control tests to why “real data” depends on dyno acceleration rate. The hosts connect high-power tuning to safety—rail pressure, wastegate control, and avoiding dangerous cooling mistakes—while also zooming out to how injector rate trace, nozzle/seat failures, and fuel lubricity affect performance and reliability. Between technical deep dives, they pivot to leadership: firing a toxic employee can raise morale, and hiring decisions become a numbers-and-fit game.
dynoed
"And you had a video like when that's being dynoed. [22.9s] The video is really cool."
“Dynoed” means they ran the engine on a special test machine. That machine measures how much power and torque the engine makes, so you can compare results.
“Dynoed” means the engine was tested on a dynamometer (dyno), which measures output like power and torque under controlled conditions. It’s a common way to verify tuning changes and compare builds consistently.
triple turbos
"So this time we went down there with a couple of 85 [54.9s] mill turbos blown into a four point one. [58.9s] So triple turbos with the wastegate full, full, full open,"
“Triple turbos” means there are three turbochargers on the engine. They help push more air into the engine for more power, but the setup is more complicated.
“Triple turbos” means the engine uses three turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders. With multiple turbos, builders can tailor boost response and total airflow, but it also adds complexity to plumbing, control, and heat management.
wastegate full, full, full open
"So triple turbos with the wastegate full, full, full open, [62.7s] like mechanically held open."
On a turbo engine, a wastegate is like a valve that helps control boost pressure. If it’s “full open,” it’s set to let exhaust bypass the turbo as much as possible, usually reducing boost.
A wastegate controls boost pressure on turbocharged engines by regulating exhaust flow to the turbo. “Full open” means the wastegate is commanded to dump exhaust away from the turbo, which typically limits boost—so it’s notable when the engine still makes huge power.
atmosphere chargers
"So triple turbos with the wastegate full, full, full open, [62.7s] like mechanically held open. [64.5s] So the atmosphere chargers weren't going to drive hardly at all."
This sounds like a description of the turbo system they expected to make boost. In this test, the wastegate setup meant those turbos weren’t going to work much, so the engine’s behavior was different than normal.
“Atmosphere chargers” appears to refer to turbochargers/compressors that are intended to drive boost under normal control. The speaker says they “weren’t going to drive hardly at all,” implying the test setup (wastegate held open) prevented the turbos from producing much boost.
2450
"And it made 2450 [70.1s] And I kind of thought, oh, I got a little warm fuzzy."
“2450” is the measured result from the dyno test—usually a power or torque number. It’s basically the engine’s output rating from that run.
The “2450” is almost certainly the dyno result (typically horsepower or torque) from the engine test. In diesel/turbo tuning circles, dyno numbers are used to quantify how much output the build produces under the test conditions.
Hamilton CGI solid block
"It's a solid, it's a it's a Hamilton CGI solid block."
They’re talking about the engine’s cylinder block material. CGI (compacted graphite iron) is a stronger, tougher type of cast iron, and using a solid block helps the engine survive harder driving.
“CGI solid block” describes a cylinder block made from CGI (compacted graphite iron), a cast-iron material known for strength and heat resistance compared with many traditional cast irons. The speaker is referencing a specific engine block build using a Hamilton-supplied CGI block, likely for durability under high boost/load.
crankcase breathers
"into the crankcase, like where you feel the oil in, and it starts sucking from the crankcase breathers out all the hot air."
Engines build up pressure inside the crankcase. “Breathers” are the vents that let that pressure and gases escape safely, and here they’re used as a hookup point for a vacuum to clear out hot air.
Crankcase breathers are vents that let pressure and blow-by gases escape from the engine’s crankcase. In this segment, they’re being used as the connection point for a vacuum so the system can pull out hot air during inspection/testing.
vacuum cleaner
"So the first thing we do when we get done is we show a vacuum cleaner into the crankcase... while you're able to look at data, assess, make any tweaks..."
They’re using a vacuum to pull air out of the engine’s crankcase area while they check what’s happening. It’s a practical way to create suction so they can test and observe changes.
A vacuum is being used as a temporary tool to create negative pressure in the crankcase area. That lets the operator pull out hot air while they watch data and make adjustments, effectively turning the engine bay into a controlled test setup.
restrictor, which is a precision flow valve
"I had this little restrictor, which is a precision flow valve. But it was I mean, there's tons of adjustment to it."
This is a valve that controls the amount of flow through a line. By turning it a specific amount, you can fine-tune how the system behaves during testing instead of guessing.
A precision flow valve is a metering device used to control how much fluid or gas passes through a system. Here, the speaker adjusts it in turns to change engine behavior during testing, implying it affects boost/flow control and therefore how the engine responds under load.
running away
"And I was like, oh, dear God, like I thought it was running away."
“Running away” means the engine starts revving out of control and won’t respond normally. It’s a dangerous situation because you can’t just back off the accelerator to stop it.
“Running away” refers to an engine overspeed condition where it keeps accelerating uncontrollably, often due to unintended fuel/air behavior. In diesel contexts, it can happen if the engine starts feeding on something other than the normal fuel supply, so the operator fears the engine is no longer under throttle control.
boost
"100 and eighteen pounds of boost, you know, three K again. ... before I go straight from, you know, 3000 accidentally to 3500 and blow the thing up"
Boost is the extra pressure from the turbo that shoves more air into the engine. More boost can make more power, but too much can cause damage if the engine isn’t tuned for it.
Boost is the extra air pressure a turbocharger (or supercharger) creates to force more air into the engine. More boost usually means more potential power, but it also raises stress and heat, so it has to be tuned carefully.
rail pressure
"And basically in the fueling, it was we weren't able to maintain rail pressure and we didn't realize exactly why I was doing that."
Rail pressure is how hard the diesel’s fuel system is pushing fuel through the high-pressure lines. If it drops during a big pull, the engine may not get the fuel it needs and things can go wrong.
Rail pressure refers to the pressure of the fuel in the high-pressure fuel system (the “fuel rail”) on a diesel. If rail pressure can’t be maintained under hard pulls, the engine may not get the right fuel quantity, which can limit power and increase the risk of running into unsafe combustion conditions.
compressor wheel
"we're not spraying any water at the compressor wheel. And that's a no no at that level."
The compressor wheel is the turbo’s spinning part that squeezes air to make boost. Cooling it (or cooling the air around it) can help keep temperatures down when you’re pushing hard.
The compressor wheel is the rotating part inside a turbocharger that compresses incoming air before it goes to the engine. Spraying water near it is meant to cool the compression process and reduce the heat the turbo adds to the intake charge.
water injection
"we're not spraying any water at the compressor wheel. And that's a no no at that level. You really need to be spraying water injection at the compressor wheel."
Water injection sprays water into the intake to cool the air charge. Cooler air can help the engine tolerate higher boost without overheating or detonating.
Water injection is a cooling strategy where water (often mixed with other fluids) is sprayed into the intake system to reduce charge-air temperatures and help control knock/detonation risk under high boost. The host specifically mentions spraying at the compressor wheel, which is a common way to cool the air being compressed.
blow the thing up
"Like I want to go home and master this wastegate and have a real program before I go straight from, you know, 3000 accidentally to 3500 and blow the thing up"
“Blow the thing up” means the engine gets damaged badly, usually because the tune or boost is too aggressive. It’s the fear of pushing power beyond what the engine can safely handle.
“Blow the thing up” is slang for catastrophic engine failure—typically from extreme cylinder pressures/temperatures, detonation, or fuel/boost control going wrong. In this context, it’s tied to stepping boost/power too aggressively (3000 to 3500) without a safe tuning plan.
engine dyno
"because on an engine dyno, you know, it's only going to give you 200 and fifty engine RPM per one second. And that's a very different hit than a chassis dyno, right?"
An engine dyno is a machine that tests an engine by itself. It measures how much power and torque the engine makes while you control the RPM and load.
An engine dyno measures an engine’s output while the engine is mounted on a test stand. Because the engine is tested by itself, the RPM sweep rate and load are controlled differently than when the whole vehicle is on a chassis dyno.
RPM sweep
"Well, on an engine dyno, you know, 1000 RPM sweep at 250 per second. Like you're in that thing for seconds and it feels like minutes when you're at 3K."
An RPM sweep is how the dyno test moves the engine through different RPMs. How quickly it ramps up can change what the engine does and what the dyno records.
An RPM sweep is the controlled ramp through engine speeds during a dyno test. The sweep rate (how fast RPM rises) changes how the engine responds, which is why the speaker contrasts different dyno setups and acceleration rates.
slow down the acceleration rate
"But in order to get real data, you have to slow down the acceleration rate or it's not real data. Now, on chassis dynoing, that's become its own sport."
Acceleration rate is how fast the dyno pull ramps up. If it ramps too quickly, the engine doesn’t have time to behave normally, so the results can be misleading.
The acceleration rate is how quickly RPM and load change during a dyno pull. Slowing it down helps the test produce “real data” because it gives the engine time to stabilize and respond consistently, rather than spiking through the range too fast to measure accurately.
Joss McCormick
"Like there's guys that have that master. Joss McCormick has chassis dynoing mastered. There's plenty of guys that are at 3K and over, but you're not going to see any of that stuff."
Joss McCormick is mentioned as a top expert at using a chassis dyno. The point is that dyno testing is a skill, not just a machine you turn on.
Joss McCormick is referenced as someone who has mastered chassis dynoing. In this context, it’s an enthusiast nod to dyno technique and repeatability—how to run pulls so the data is meaningful.
dyno time
"I will pay Chad Perkins for the Chad Perkins dyno time. If you want to show up and bring a 64 pound nitrous bottle and give her a go just to take the title, like by all means, I'll cover the dyno time."
Dyno time is time on a machine that measures how much power an engine makes. It’s used to test and compare builds in a controlled way.
“Dyno time” means time on an engine dynamometer, where a vehicle’s power and tuning can be measured under controlled load. People pay for dyno runs to verify horsepower/torque claims and to compare setups fairly.
nitrous bottle
"If you want to show up and bring a 64 pound nitrous bottle and give her a go just to take the title, like by all means, I'll cover the dyno time."
A nitrous bottle is a tank of nitrous oxide that you inject to make more power. It’s like a temporary boost that can help you hit a higher number on a dyno or at the track.
A nitrous bottle supplies nitrous oxide (N2O) to the engine, which can dramatically increase power by adding oxygen and enabling more fuel to be burned. On diesel builds, it’s often used as a short-duration power adder for qualifying or record attempts.
motor scatters
"But if and when that motor scatters, you get to clean the entire dyno shop by yourself, you and your crew, Chad and I are going to sit and drink Coors Light."
“Motor scatters” means the engine fails badly, with parts breaking or coming apart. It’s the worst-case outcome when you push a build too hard.
“Motor scatters” is slang for catastrophic engine failure—internal parts break apart or let go under extreme stress. In high-power diesel contexts, it’s the risk when pushing beyond safe limits for fueling, boost, and cooling.
Columbus diesel 5250
"But, you know, now that thing, that motor is now made with a really, really, really old Columbus diesel 5250. It made like 2750 with two 14 millimeter pumps."
Columbus Diesel 5250 is the turbo setup the engine started with. The host is comparing it to a different turbo to show how the power and tune changed.
“Columbus diesel 5250” appears to be a turbo model/series used on the motor before switching to Hart’s. In this context, the host is comparing turbo hardware and how it affects power output and combustion behavior.
14 millimeter pumps
"It made like 2750 with two 14 millimeter pumps. Then we went to a Hart's 5.1 and didn't add any more fuel pump."
These are fuel pumps sized to move a certain amount of diesel. Bigger/more capable pumps can supply more fuel for higher power, but they also make it easier to over-stress the engine if everything isn’t tuned correctly.
“14 millimeter pumps” refers to diesel fuel pump hardware sized by plunger diameter (14 mm), which affects how much fuel the engine can deliver. More fueling capacity is often used to support higher horsepower, but it also increases the risk of overheating or engine damage if the tune isn’t managed.
Hart's 5.1
"Then we went to a Hart's 5.1 and didn't add any more fuel pump. And it made the exact same power, basically."
Hart’s 5.1 is a particular turbo setup used on the diesel. The host says it made similar power and changed how the engine burned fuel.
“Hart's 5.1” refers to a specific turbo setup (a “5.1” size/configuration) from Hart’s, used in this diesel build to change airflow and power characteristics. The host claims it produced similar peak power without adding more fuel pump, and it shifted combustion toward leaner/hotter behavior.
leaner and hotter
"Matter of fact, it went leaner and hotter because that turbo, even though it's only a 5.1 instead of 5.2, the new Hart's 5.1 is way more wicked than that old 5.2."
“Lean” means there’s relatively less fuel compared to the air/oxygen. “Hotter” means the engine runs hotter during combustion, which can be harder on parts.
“Leaner and hotter” describes combustion that has less fuel relative to available oxygen (leaner), which can raise exhaust gas temperatures (hotter). On forced-induction diesels, this can happen with changes in fueling strategy and turbo/airflow efficiency, and it affects both power and engine safety.
triple front pump cover
"So we tore the motor apart, took that front cover off, [487.9s] put the triple front pump cover on it, made a hit with a Hart's 3.6,"
It’s a custom part that changes how the engine’s fuel pump is set up. The goal is to let the engine feed more fuel so it can make more power—if the engine is built to survive it.
A “triple front pump cover” refers to a specific fuel-pump/cover configuration used on certain diesel engines to increase fuel delivery. More fuel can support higher boost and higher power when the rest of the engine is built to handle it.
Hart's 3.6
"put the triple front pump cover on it, made a hit with a Hart's 3.6, [493.2s] made 2250 ish, which is wicked wild."
“Hart’s 3.6” sounds like a specific turbo setup the builder uses. Bigger turbo hardware helps the engine move more air, which is what allows huge horsepower numbers.
“Hart’s 3.6” appears to be a turbo/boost hardware size or configuration used for making big diesel power. The host ties it to displacement-like sizing (“3.6…88 millimeters”) and then to peak output, implying it’s a key part of the turbo setup.
88 millimeters
"Like 3.6, that's like 88 millimeters naturally, you know, [503.6s] like no nitrous, no bullshit, and it makes 2250 horsepower."
That “88 millimeters” is a measurement of the turbo hardware. A larger size usually means the turbo can push more air into the engine, which helps it make more power.
“88 millimeters” is a hardware dimension (commonly related to turbo components like compressor/turbine sizing) that correlates with how much air the turbo can move. In high-power diesel builds, larger millimeter sizing generally supports higher airflow and therefore higher potential horsepower.
turbo game
"So the turbo game is really, really amazing now. [514.8s] Then Preston Collins had a 4.8 and we put it on that motor"
This is basically “how well the turbo setup is working.” The host means the turbo choice and tuning are what let the engine make huge power.
“Turbo game” is slang for the turbocharging strategy—choosing turbo size, setup, and tuning to maximize airflow and power. In this context, it’s being credited for the jump to very high horsepower without nitrous.
4.8
"Then Preston Collins had a 4.8 and we put it on that motor [520.0s] and it made 3,005 or 3,009 somewhere in that range."
“4.8” is used as a shorthand for a larger turbo/boost hardware configuration than the earlier “3.6.” The host then reports a big power increase after swapping to this “4.8,” implying it’s a turbo size step-up.
rev limiter
"Like that thing was beating off 6,800 RPM. [540.4s] The rev limiter is 6,800 RPM and it was pounding that thing."
A rev limiter is a safety/engine-control limit that stops the engine from spinning past a certain RPM. The host is saying this build was hitting that limit hard.
A rev limiter is an engine control feature that prevents the engine from exceeding a set RPM limit by cutting fuel/spark or otherwise interrupting combustion. The host says the engine’s rev limiter is 6,800 RPM and that it was “beating” that limit, indicating extreme RPM stress.
gate it off
"That's a lot of air. [563.8s] And then they gate it off."
It sounds like they’re limiting the engine’s airflow or power delivery after a certain point. That can help keep things under control or prevent damage while still making big power.
“Gate it off” likely refers to restricting or controlling airflow/fuel delivery after reaching a target airflow level. In drag/diesel tuning contexts, this can mean using a control strategy to manage how much air the engine gets at certain points to protect components or shape power delivery.
3,000 horsepower
"How about if we just, how about if we put 3,000 horsepower with the air [572.0s] on it, maybe 3,200 and then see what happens?"
Horsepower is a way to measure how much power the engine can produce. “3,000 horsepower” means the engine is making an extremely large amount of power.
Horsepower is a measure of how much power an engine makes. When someone says “3,000 horsepower,” they’re talking about the engine’s peak (or rated) power output, not just how fast the car feels.
stainless turbos
"Well, with 285 millimeter, like stainless turbos blown into a 4.1, [582.9s] it easily smacked 3K with, I mean, it was making like 3,000 foot pounds,"
This means the turbocharger is made with stainless steel parts. Stainless can handle heat better, which helps when you’re pushing the engine very hard.
“Stainless turbos” refers to turbocharger components made from stainless steel, typically chosen for better heat resistance and durability under extreme exhaust temperatures. In high-boost builds, material choice can matter because turbos live in a very hot, harsh environment.
285 millimeter
"Well, with 285 millimeter, like stainless turbos blown into a 4.1, [582.9s] it easily smacked 3K with, I mean, it was making like 3,000 foot pounds,"
That “285 millimeter” number is a size measurement related to the turbocharger. Bigger turbo sizes can move more air, which helps the engine make more power.
In turbo setups, “millimeter” sizing usually refers to the turbocharger’s physical dimensions (commonly the compressor or turbine housing/inducer size). Larger turbo sizing generally supports more airflow, which can translate into higher power—if the rest of the engine can support it.
4.1
"Well, with 285 millimeter, like stainless turbos blown into a 4.1, [582.9s] it easily smacked 3K with, I mean, it was making like 3,000 foot pounds,"
“4.1” is the engine size—about 4.1 liters. A bigger displacement engine can generally move more air, which helps it make more power, especially with a turbo.
“4.1” is almost certainly the engine displacement in liters (a 4.1L engine). Displacement strongly influences how much air and fuel the engine can ingest, which affects how much power and torque it can make—especially when boosted.
3,000 foot pounds
"it easily smacked 3K with, I mean, it was making like 3,000 foot pounds, [588.8s] you know, torque and horsepower across at 5250."
Foot-pounds is how you measure torque, which is the twisting force the engine produces. More torque usually means stronger pull when you accelerate.
Foot-pounds is a unit of torque, which measures rotational twisting force. In boosted engines, torque is often what you feel most in acceleration, and it’s also a key stress load on the crankshaft, rods, and drivetrain.
torque and horsepower across at 5250
"you know, torque and horsepower across at 5250. [592.9s] And it was, it was legit."
They’re saying the engine makes strong power around 5,250 RPM. If power is strong across a range of RPMs, it tends to feel quicker and more usable.
“Across at 5250” implies the engine is making strong torque and horsepower at around 5,250 RPM, not just at one narrow point. A broad powerband (power spread over a range of RPMs) usually makes a car feel more responsive and easier to drive hard.
oil filler cap
"I haven't posted this video yet, but I walked out of the dining room [618.7s] and I grabbed the oil filler cap and it's still running."
The oil filler cap is where you add engine oil. If you take it off while the engine is running, you can sometimes tell whether the engine is venting too much pressure or vapor from inside the crankcase.
The oil filler cap is part of the engine’s lubrication system and provides access to the oil fill opening. Removing it while the engine runs can reveal crankcase ventilation behavior (for example, whether there’s excessive blow-by or crankcase vapor).
crankcase vapor
"I took the oil filler cap off. [624.7s] There's no crankcase vapor. [626.6s] I set the oil cap back down and it was just sitting there, like not bouncing"
Crankcase vapor is gas that should stay inside the engine’s bottom end. If you see a lot of it, it can mean the engine isn’t sealing well and combustion gases are getting past the piston rings.
Crankcase vapor refers to gases escaping from the crankcase, often related to blow-by (combustion gases leaking past piston rings). Excess crankcase vapor can indicate ring wear, cylinder wear, or other issues that also correlate with oil contamination and pressure buildup.
motor is really tight
"I set the oil cap back down and it was just sitting there, like not bouncing [630.8s] around at all. That motor is really tight. [633.1s] So knock on wood, it's holding together really good."
“Tight” usually means the engine is sealing well inside. Less leakage past the pistons can mean fewer crankcase gases and a healthier-running engine.
“Motor is really tight” is enthusiast shorthand for the engine having good internal sealing and low internal leakage. In context with “no crankcase vapor,” it suggests minimal blow-by and healthy compression/ring sealing.
Dodge Charger
"...ng to learn how to master the wastegate with a 36 charger on it. Because even if I screw up, it's only make..."
The Dodge Charger is a car built for performance, meaning it’s designed to be fast and fun to drive. People often change parts to make more power, including parts that help control engine boost. That’s why it can show up in a conversation about tuning and getting boost control right.
The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused sedan (and in some generations, a muscle-car style car) known for strong powertrains and a big aftermarket following. It’s the kind of platform people often modify for boosting and engine tuning, which is why it comes up in a discussion about mastering boost control components like a wastegate. In a diesel/performance podcast context, it’s likely referenced as a project car where tuning and hardware setup matter a lot.
wide open throttle
"And now you're you're going to arm wrestle with me for seconds. Now wide open throttle and it's it's gut wrenching, man. Love it, though. It's super cool."
Wide open throttle means the accelerator is fully pressed. It forces the engine to work at its hardest, which is why people use it to test how the car performs under maximum load.
Wide open throttle (WOT) means the driver requests maximum airflow by fully opening the throttle plate (or equivalent control). It’s a common test condition because it pushes the engine and turbo system to their limits, revealing how well boost control and fueling strategies work.
super stock
"What's the ultimate goal with that engine? To run super stock reliably, competitively with common rail injectors in it, you know, it's going to take three pumps."
Super Stock is a racing class with specific rules about what the car can be modified to. The goal is to be fast, but also consistent enough to finish and compete reliably within those rules.
Super Stock is a motorsport class designation that sets rules/constraints on what modifications are allowed and how vehicles are prepared. When someone says they want to run “super stock reliably,” they’re usually talking about meeting class requirements while still achieving consistent competitive performance.
common rail injectors
"To run super stock reliably, competitively with common rail injectors in it, you know, it's going to take three pumps. But, you know, I've talked to you before about rate trace."
Common rail injectors are how a diesel sprays fuel into the engine. They use a high-pressure fuel system to deliver fuel more precisely, which helps the engine make power reliably.
Common rail injectors are fuel injectors used in many modern diesels, where a high-pressure “common rail” supplies fuel to multiple cylinders. They’re known for precise control of injection timing and quantity, which helps power and drivability—especially important when aiming for reliable competitive runs.
three pumps
"To run super stock reliably, competitively with common rail injectors in it, you know, it's going to take three pumps. But, you know, I've talked to you before about rate trace."
“Three pumps” means the engine is using multiple fuel pumps to move and pressurize fuel. The idea is to make sure there’s enough fuel available when the engine is working hard.
“Three pumps” implies a multi-pump fuel system setup, typically to supply enough high-pressure fuel for heavy diesel performance demands. In practice, more pumps can help maintain pressure and flow under high load, but the exact architecture depends on the build.
rate trace
"Yeah, like we've been looking at rate trace with that big fat crayon, [749.9s] like lots of smoothing to it, and it's kind of like clean looking. [753.6s] And we're tightening that up so we can see more detail"
A rate trace is a graph that shows how an injector sprays fuel over time. It helps you tell exactly when the injector starts and stops, not just the total amount of fuel.
A rate trace is a graph of how quickly an injector’s output changes over time—basically the “shape” of the injection event. In diesel tuning and testing, it helps you see details like when the injector starts flowing and when it stops, not just how much fuel it delivers.
ball comes off the seat
"we're going to be able to see when the ball comes off the seat, [773.9s] when the ball lands back on the seat and it's going to look busier in the graph."
Inside many injectors there’s a valve that seals shut and then opens to let fuel through. When the valve lifts off its seal, spraying starts; when it closes again, spraying stops.
This describes the injector’s internal valve action: a “ball” seals against a “seat” to control flow. When the ball lifts off the seat, injection starts; when it returns and reseats, injection stops—key events you want to see clearly in the rate trace.
top dead center
"And reality is the piston makes compression at top dead center. [813.4s] And as soon as that piston goes away from dwell time, you're losing impression."
Top dead center is the point where the piston is at its highest position in the cylinder. It matters because the engine’s compression happens around this part of the cycle.
Top dead center (TDC) is the crankshaft position where the piston is at its highest point in the cylinder. The speaker ties this position to compression timing, emphasizing that the piston’s motion relative to TDC determines how effectively the engine compresses the charge.
dwell time
"And reality is the piston makes compression at top dead center. [813.4s] And as soon as that piston goes away from dwell time, you're losing impression."
Dwell time is the “hold” period before the injector’s effective spray timing. If that timing is wrong, the engine doesn’t get the fuel when it needs it, so power drops.
Dwell time is the period during which the injector is commanded/held in a state that allows it to build flow before the effective injection event. If dwell time is off, the injector may start or stop too early/late relative to the piston’s position, reducing how much useful compression and power you get.
rate of injection
"Injection on time, injection off time, the rate of injection. We need to be the best in the business of that game."
Diesel engines spray fuel into the cylinder. The injection rate is how fast that fuel gets sprayed, and it strongly affects how well the engine burns the fuel and how much power it makes.
In a diesel engine, the injection rate describes how quickly fuel is delivered into the cylinder during the injection event. Tuning injection rate affects combustion quality, power output, and emissions, especially under high load and high RPM.
injection off time
"Injection on time, injection off time, the rate of injection. We need to be the best in the business of that game."
Fuel injection has a start and a stop. Injection off time is when the engine tells the injector to stop spraying fuel, which changes how the engine burns and how hot it gets.
Injection off time is the moment the diesel fuel injector stops delivering fuel. Along with injection on time, it helps determine the total fuel quantity and the shape of the combustion event, which can influence cylinder pressure and exhaust temperatures.
exhaust gas temperatures
"So if we can manage exhaust gas temperatures, cylinder pressure and timing in that game, we don't have other challenges."
EGTs are how hot the engine’s exhaust gets. If they get too high, it can damage parts and it usually means the engine isn’t burning efficiently.
Exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) are the heat levels of the gases leaving the engine. In high-RPM diesel competition, managing EGTs is critical to avoid overheating components and to keep combustion under control.
timing
"So if we can manage exhaust gas temperatures, cylinder pressure and timing in that game, we don't have other challenges."
Timing is about when the engine injects fuel during the cycle. If it’s too early or too late, the engine can make less power and run hotter.
Timing refers to when key events happen in the combustion cycle—most importantly, when the diesel fuel is injected relative to piston position. In diesel performance, adjusting timing can change cylinder pressure, EGTs, and power.
cylinder pressure
"So if we can manage exhaust gas temperatures, cylinder pressure and timing in that game, we don't have other challenges."
Cylinder pressure is how much force is created inside the engine when fuel burns. Higher or poorly controlled pressure can mean the engine is working too hard or burning inefficiently.
Cylinder pressure is the pressure inside the combustion chamber as the fuel burns. Diesel tuners watch it because it correlates with how hard the engine is working and can indicate whether timing and fueling are producing safe, efficient combustion.
ECM
"man, I'm looking to spend a quarter million dollars between a motor and your injectors and all this other stuff, ECM and what have you, I want to be able to confidently steer them in the correct direction"
The ECM is the engine’s computer. It decides things like how much fuel to inject and when, based on sensor inputs.
ECM stands for Engine Control Module, the computer that controls engine functions like fueling and timing. When someone budgets for “motor and your injectors,” the ECM is often part of the tuning and control strategy to make the setup run correctly and safely.
two wheel drive
"do you remember seeing my little two wheel drive 2005 short bed truck with the flag painted on the back of it?"
Two-wheel drive means the truck only powers one set of wheels. With big power, that can make it easier to lose traction compared to driving all four wheels.
Two-wheel drive (2WD) means power is sent to only one axle, typically the rear axle on many trucks. In high-power diesel builds, 2WD can be harder to control because it has less traction than all-wheel or four-wheel drive setups.
Cummins common rail
"So we're going to go after the world record for a Cummins common rail, whatever. Fuel only chassis dyno, that's going to be we're shooting for that."
“Common rail” is a modern way of feeding fuel to a diesel engine. It keeps fuel at high pressure in a shared “rail,” so the engine can inject it more precisely—often making it easier to tune for power or records.
A “common rail” diesel system uses a high-pressure fuel rail that supplies fuel to the injectors. “Cummins common rail” refers to Cummins’ implementation of this system, which is popular for tuning because it supports precise control of injection timing and pressure.
chassis dyno
"Fuel only chassis dyno, that's going to be we're shooting for that. Whatever that number is, we're going to try and make that record ours by the end of this summer"
A chassis dyno is a test setup where the car sits on rollers and the wheels are loaded. It helps measure how much power the car actually makes to the wheels while it’s under resistance.
A chassis dyno measures engine output while the vehicle is loaded on rollers, so the drivetrain and vehicle aerodynamics/rolling resistance are part of the test. It’s commonly used for real-world tuning because it reflects how power reaches the wheels under load.
exhaust valves
"But when you're working on boost intake valves and exhaust valves to make that all happen, your engine's got to be perfect. Your combustion process has to be perfect."
Exhaust valves are the engine’s “exit doors” for burned gases. If you’re pushing boost hard, the exhaust side has to work well too, so the engine can breathe and stay stable.
Exhaust valves regulate how exhaust gases leave the combustion chambers. With high boost and aggressive tuning, exhaust valve flow and timing matter for keeping cylinder temperatures and pressure under control and for maintaining consistent combustion.
injector on time off time
"Your combustion process has to be perfect. Your injector on time off time has to be perfect."
This is about exactly when the fuel injector turns on and off. The timing controls how much fuel gets injected and how well it burns, which matters a lot when the engine is heavily boosted.
“Injector on time/off time” describes the injector control pulse width and timing—how long the injector is commanded to spray fuel and when it turns off. Precise on/off timing is critical for diesel combustion because it determines fuel quantity and spray behavior, especially under high boost.
methanol
"So I am now going to go after the world record boost only, you know, no, no nitrous, no propane, no other fuels, no methanol, just diesel for my fuel."
Methanol is a different fuel than gasoline or diesel. In performance setups it can be added to change how the engine burns, but the host is saying they’re not using it for this record.
Methanol is an alternative fuel that can be used in some performance diesel setups as an additive or secondary fuel. It changes combustion characteristics (including flame speed and oxygen content), so avoiding it here reinforces that the record attempt is diesel-only.
dynamite diesel injectors
"And a lot of them are running dynamite diesel injectors. And I thought like with that event coming up, you know, like what you're building there for this engine..."
Fuel injectors are the parts that spray fuel into the engine so it can burn. In a diesel, they’re especially important for power and smooth running, and the host is talking about a specific injector brand that racers use.
“Diesel injectors” are the components that meter and spray fuel into a diesel engine’s combustion chamber. In this segment, “dynamite diesel injectors” refers to a specific aftermarket injector brand used by racing teams to support higher power and more precise fuel delivery.
fuel injectors
"it’s got to be cool to see a lot of these guys are trusting their fuel injectors to dynamite diesel."
Fuel injectors decide how much fuel the engine gets and how well it sprays. Better injector setups can help a diesel make more power and burn fuel more cleanly.
Fuel injectors control how much fuel goes into the engine and how it’s atomized (broken into a fine spray). On high-performance diesel builds, injector choice and tuning can strongly affect power, throttle response, and smoke/combustion quality.
Fast 72
"Now that UCC is going to split the weekend with the Fast 72 thing, like that is going to be an extremely tight event because now competitors only get two hits to go drag racing..."
Fast 72 is described as a drag-racing event format where competitors get a limited number of “hits” (runs) and then the schedule shifts to additional track time. The host is using it to explain how tight the weekend becomes when it’s split with another event.
UCC
"Now that UCC is going to split the weekend with the Fast 72 thing, like that is going to be an extremely tight event..."
UCC is the name of a racing event in the diesel-truck world. The host is saying it’s sharing a weekend with another event, which makes the schedule tighter for racers.
UCC is referenced as an event that will split a weekend with Fast 72. In this context, it’s part of a diesel-truck racing calendar, and the host is discussing how the split affects competitors’ run opportunities and preparation time.
two hits
"because now competitors only get two hits to go drag racing and then they've got to get ready for the next day..."
A “hit” here means one race run down the track. If you only get two, you have less time to fix problems, so the truck has to be dialed in quickly.
In drag racing, a “hit” typically means a run/attempt down the track under race conditions. Getting only two hits increases pressure on setup, tuning, and reliability because there’s less opportunity to correct issues between attempts.
drag race truck
"It's never, it's going to be a drag race truck all the way from now on. So it's just beautiful. It's turning out really nice."
A drag race truck is a truck built to go fast in a straight line for short races. The goal is quick acceleration, often with changes that help it hook up and launch.
A drag race truck is a pickup or truck configured to accelerate as quickly as possible over a short straight-line distance. That usually means focusing on traction, power delivery, and gearing rather than everyday comfort or handling.
dyno guys
"So it's from drag racers to dyno guys to truck pull guys. Like this has been my passion for 26 years."
“Dyno guys” are people who use a dyno, which is a machine that measures how much power and torque a vehicle makes. It’s a way to test and tune cars or trucks more precisely than just driving them.
“Dyno guys” refers to people who spend time on a dynamometer (dyno), where a vehicle’s power and torque are measured under controlled conditions. Dyno culture is common in diesel and performance circles because it helps compare setups and tune for real-world drivability.
truck pull guys
"So it's from drag racers to dyno guys to truck pull guys. Like this has been my passion for 26 years."
Truck pulling is a competition where a truck drags a heavy sled and tries to go as far as possible. The people who are “truck pull guys” focus on making the truck put power to the ground and keep pulling.
Truck pull is a motorsport where a truck tries to pull a weighted sled over a track, with the challenge being traction and sustained pulling power. “Truck pull guys” are competitors and builders focused on setups that keep the truck moving under heavy load.
Ford Excursion
"Like this has been my passion for 26 years. Like this is, you know, I've taken my children to these events when they were three and four and five in a Ford excursion and then truck pulled with"
The Ford Excursion is a big SUV built like a truck. It’s the kind of vehicle that can handle towing and long trips, and the host is saying they used one to bring their kids to events.
The Ford Excursion is a large, body-on-frame SUV built on a truck platform, known for its huge size and towing-friendly layout. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the family vehicle the host used to take kids to motorsports events.
90 horsepower nozzles
"like seeing dynamite diesel, like 90 horsepower nozzles for 67 power strokes [1383.6s] and like, or for 67 Cummins and one of my friends got them."
Diesel engines use fuel injectors to spray fuel into the engine. “Nozzles” are the injector tips, and “90 horsepower nozzles” is a tuning term meaning a nozzle upgrade that’s marketed to make more power.
In diesel tuning, “nozzles” are the injector tips that control how fuel is atomized and sprayed into the combustion chamber. When people say “90 horsepower nozzles,” they’re usually referring to higher-flow injector nozzles marketed to add power on a specific engine family.
diesel injector products
"You're going to buy more dynamite diesel injector products. So I make money off of that."
A diesel injector is a part that sprays fuel into the engine. The “products” part means they sell injector replacements or upgrades for diesel engines.
Diesel injectors are the fuel-delivery components that spray pressurized fuel into the engine’s combustion system in precise amounts and timing. “Injector products” here likely refers to replacement or upgraded injector assemblies sold to shops and dealers.
behind the scenes
"Do you think that's a major, like how, how things have changed over the years or people, by people, I mean like dealers and shops in this case. They want to see more behind the scenes."
They’re talking about showing what’s really going on inside the business—how the product is handled and supported. For shops and dealers, that builds trust that problems will be handled quickly.
“Behind the scenes” is used to describe operational transparency—showing the infrastructure, people, and process behind the product. In the injector business, that kind of visibility can influence dealer/shop trust because it signals how support, troubleshooting, and fulfillment work in practice.
code
"But if you buy six injectors and one of them last three months and he's got a code, he's like, it keeps her on a code. It runs, but it's just keeps her on this, go get a new injector."
A “code” is an error message the car’s computer saves when it finds a problem. If the code keeps coming back, it usually means the fix didn’t fully solve the issue.
A diagnostic trouble code (often just called a “code”) is an error identifier stored by the vehicle’s engine computer when it detects a fault. Persistent codes can mean the problem isn’t fully resolved, even if the engine still runs.
DFC diesel
"Maybe my truck's not stock or I tow heavy with it. [2477.8s] I don't want to go back with just a stock engine. [2479.8s] DFC diesel is a sponsor of the podcast."
DFC Diesel is the company sponsoring this episode. They’re presented as a source for rebuilt diesel engines and technical help.
DFC Diesel is the podcast sponsor mentioned in the segment. The host frames DFC Diesel as a supplier of remanufactured diesel engines and as a partner that helps answer technical questions for listeners.
Duramax
"They have a complete lineup of Cummins, Duramax and Powerstroke remanufactured [2491.3s] engines that are set to a standard of ISO 9001 2015 standards, which is a huge"
Duramax is GM’s diesel engine line for trucks. If you’re looking at a remanufactured Duramax, you’re talking about rebuilding that specific GM diesel engine.
Duramax is GM’s brand name for its diesel engine lineup, most commonly associated with the Duramax inline-six used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks. In the remanufactured-engine context, it signals a specific engine platform with its own fitment and calibration needs.
remanufactured engines
"They have a complete lineup of Cummins, Duramax and Powerstroke remanufactured [2491.3s] engines that are set to a standard of ISO 9001 2015 standards, which is a huge"
Remanufactured engines are rebuilt using a mix of reused and replaced components to restore the engine to a specified standard. Compared with a used engine, remanufacturing typically includes controlled machining, part replacement, and testing to reduce the chance of repeating the original failure.
Powerstroke
"They have a complete lineup of Cummins, Duramax and Powerstroke remanufactured [2491.3s] engines that are set to a standard of ISO 9001 2015 standards, which is a huge"
Powerstroke is Ford’s diesel engine line for trucks. A remanufactured Powerstroke means that Ford diesel engine has been rebuilt and tested for reuse.
Powerstroke is Ford’s diesel engine brand, used in many Super Duty trucks. Mentioning “Powerstroke remanufactured engines” points to a particular diesel platform with distinct components and service procedures.
ISO 9001 2015
"engines that are set to a standard of ISO 9001 2015 standards, which is a huge [2496.8s] deal in the aftermarket and there's certain levels of quality testing"
ISO 9001 is a quality standard that companies follow to make sure their processes are consistent. If an engine shop is ISO 9001 certified, it generally means they have structured procedures to build and test engines the same way every time.
ISO 9001:2015 is an international quality-management standard that focuses on consistent processes, documentation, and continuous improvement. In an engine remanufacturing context, it’s used to support that the rebuild process is controlled and repeatable, not just “fixed by feel.”
quality testing validation
"standards, which is a huge [2496.8s] deal in the aftermarket and there's certain levels of quality testing [2500.2s] validation that are required for that."
They’re talking about testing and proof that the rebuilt engine meets the right standards. The goal is to make sure it works correctly and doesn’t fail again soon.
“Quality testing” and “validation” describe the process of proving that rebuilt components meet required specs and will function as intended. In engine remanufacturing, this is meant to reduce the odds of repeat failures by confirming performance and fitment before the engine ships.
warranty
"So, you know, when you get one of those engines, the type of quality that's built [2505.4s] behind it with an industry leading warranty that's really comprehensive."
A warranty is the promise that if something goes wrong, the company will cover repairs or replacement. Here, they’re saying the reman engine comes with strong coverage, so you’re not stuck paying for another failure.
In this segment, “warranty” refers to the coverage provided with the remanufactured engine, which matters because it shifts some risk away from the buyer if the engine fails again. The host emphasizes that the warranty is “comprehensive,” implying broader protection than a minimal parts-only guarantee.
OEM engine
"sometimes the options [2514.3s] out there, it's just, it's a basic OEM engine. [2516.7s] You want a little bit more."
An OEM engine is the same type of engine the truck originally came with from the factory. The host is saying sometimes people want something beyond the basic factory-spec engine, especially if their truck is modified or used heavily.
An OEM engine is an Original Equipment Manufacturer engine—built to match what the vehicle came with from the factory. The host contrasts “basic OEM engine” with wanting more capability or durability, especially if the listener’s truck isn’t stock or they’re using it harder than factory conditions.
speed of air series
"So there's a bunch of different series of engines that they have from core street tow hull and also the speed of air series, which we've covered on the podcast before, there's a lot of really cool benefits to it."
They’re talking about a specific engine setup/line called “speed of air.” The idea is that it helps the engine move air more efficiently, which can help it make power and run better.
“Speed of air” is being discussed here as an engine-related series/approach, likely tied to how air is managed for combustion. In practice, these kinds of product lines usually aim to improve airflow efficiency so the engine can make power more effectively and potentially run cleaner.
speed of air pistons
"Also, they're working with speed of air pistons, which it's the only piston that pays for itself and there's a lot of really cool technology behind it."
They mention “speed of air pistons,” which are a particular brand/style of piston used inside the engine. Pistons are the parts that move up and down to compress the fuel-air mix and make power.
“Speed of air pistons” refers to a specific piston product line being sold as part of an engine build. Pistons are critical internal components that directly affect combustion efficiency, heat handling, and how much stress the engine sees.
lack of lubricity
"And the main reason that we have these issues is a lack of lubricity."
Lubricity is how well diesel fuel can “lubricate” the moving parts inside the fuel system. If the fuel doesn’t lubricate enough, those parts wear out faster and can cause costly breakdowns.
Diesel “lubricity” is the fuel’s ability to lubricate the high-pressure components in a diesel fuel system. When lubricity is too low, it can accelerate wear in parts like fuel pumps and injectors, leading to expensive repairs.
hotshot secrets
"Our friends over at hotshot secrets have developed a formula that boosts"
Hot Shot’s Secrets is a brand that makes diesel fuel additives. They’re saying their product helps diesel fuel lubricate better so the fuel system parts don’t wear out as quickly.
Hot Shot’s Secrets is being referenced as a company that developed a diesel fuel formula intended to improve lubricity. Fuel additives like this are commonly used to reduce wear-related damage in diesel engines when the base fuel is insufficiently lubricating.
fuel systems
"California for turbos and fuel systems. But we kind of run into this issue with injectors."
Your fuel system is everything that gets fuel from the tank to the engine. If it’s not working right, the engine can run poorly and can even damage other parts.
A fuel system is the set of components that stores, pumps, filters, and delivers fuel to the engine in the right amount and at the right time. On diesel engines, fuel system health strongly affects starting, smoke, power, and injector wear.
EO number
"like our six liter injectors that have that carb testing or that EO number, something that you really looking into now you may look into in the future..."
An EO number is basically a code that identifies the exact version/spec of an injector. It helps make sure you’re working with the right matching part.
An “EO number” is an identifier used to track a specific injector/part variant and its calibration or specification. In practice, it helps shops source the correct replacement or rebuild parts that match the original design.
Siemens
"And the six liter injector originally came from Siemens. The nozzle was pretty dang good."
Siemens is the company that originally made these injectors. Different injector designs from different makers can fail in different ways and may be easier or harder to rebuild.
Siemens is the supplier mentioned as the original source of these six-liter injectors. Injector manufacturers matter because internal design details (like seat materials and nozzle geometry) affect rebuildability and failure modes.
delaminates
"But inside where the needle valve meets the seat, the seat of the injector nozzle delaminates. Now I've got a grinder and I could regrind that."
Delaminates means the surface layers start peeling apart. On an injector, that can ruin the seal and make the injector spray and leak incorrectly.
“Delaminates” means the injector’s seat surface layers separate from each other. When the seat delaminates, the needle valve can’t seal properly, which can lead to internal leakage and degraded spray quality.
regrind
"nozzle delaminates. Now I've got a grinder and I could regrind that."
Regrinding means grinding the damaged surface back to the right shape. The idea is to restore a good seal so the injector can work properly again.
Regrinding is a machining process used to restore a worn or damaged sealing surface by removing material to bring it back to the correct shape. In injector work, it’s often used to fix seat geometry so the needle valve can seal again.
case hardened
"The problem is when it delaminates, it's because the, it's case hardened. And the hard part flaked off, like chrome would flake away."
Case hardening is a way to make the outside layer of a metal part super hard, while the inside stays tougher. The problem described here is that the hard outer layer can start peeling/flaking off, which makes the part wear out quickly.
“Case hardening” is a heat-treating process that makes only the outer layer of steel very hard, while the inside stays tougher and less brittle. In this segment, the host says the hard outer “case” can delaminate and flake away, which ruins the surface hardness needed for the part to survive.
rock well
"Like that used to rock well at 55, 57. And now you're grinding into something that's going to rock well around 18 to 25."
Rockwell is a lab test that measures how hard a metal is. The host is saying the part needs to be very hard (around 55–57 on the Rockwell scale), but after the hard layer flakes off it drops to something much softer (about 18–25), so it wears out.
Rockwell (often shortened to “Rockwell”) is a hardness test method that reports how resistant a material is to indentation. The host is comparing Rockwell hardness targets—about 55–57 versus roughly 18–25—to show that once the case-hardened layer is gone, the part becomes far too soft for the job.
needle valve
"So the needle valve is going to pound its way into the injector nozzle. And the other, there's a bunch of like Italian stuff that's coming."
A needle valve is the tiny moving valve inside a diesel injector that controls when fuel is allowed to spray. If the metal surfaces aren’t hard enough, the needle can hammer and wear them down over time.
In a diesel injector, the needle valve is the small, precision-moving valve that opens and closes to control fuel delivery. The host warns that if the injector’s internal surfaces aren’t hard enough, the needle valve can pound/wear into the injector nozzle, degrading spray and fueling performance.
injector nozzle
"So the needle valve is going to pound its way into the injector nozzle. And the other, there's a bunch of like Italian stuff that's coming."
The injector nozzle is the part at the end of the diesel injector that sprays fuel into the engine. If it gets worn or damaged, the injector can’t spray correctly, and rebuilds may fail sooner than expected.
The injector nozzle is the tip of a diesel injector where fuel is atomized into a fine spray. The host’s point is that worn or improperly hardened nozzle components can be damaged by the needle valve, which can lead to injector rebuilders struggling with warranty claims.
six liter injectors
"And now I'm making nozzles for a lot of guys that build six liter injectors. And we're probably going to have them on our website as well, because if a guy"
“Six liter injectors” means injector parts meant for a diesel engine with about a 6.0-liter size. The host is saying they make nozzle parts that other shops can install into those injectors.
“Six liter injectors” refers to injector sets intended for engines with a 6.0-liter displacement (common in certain diesel applications). The host is saying they’re producing nozzle blanks that can be installed by injector rebuilders on those 6-liter injector systems.
carb testing
"And as long as we make stock flow rate stuff, then we can apply to get the carb testing for that or the EO testing for that."
CARB testing is emissions testing required for parts sold in California. The host is saying they can go through that process if their replacement parts match the original fuel delivery closely enough.
CARB testing refers to emissions compliance testing under California’s Air Resources Board. The host is describing a regulatory pathway for aftermarket parts, where approval depends on the parts meeting emissions requirements—especially when they match stock-flow behavior.
stock flow
"And as long as we make stock flow rate stuff, then we can apply to get the carb testing for that or the EO testing for that."
“Stock flow” means the fuel injector delivers the same amount of fuel as the original factory setup. The host is saying they can get the required approvals/testing if the replacement parts behave exactly like the originals.
“Stock flow” means matching the injector/nozzle’s fuel flow rate to the original factory specification. The host says they can pursue emissions-related testing/approval (“carb testing” and “EO testing”) as long as the parts are exactly stock-flow, because that keeps performance and emissions behavior aligned with what regulators expect.
EO testing
"then we can apply to get the carb testing for that or the EO testing for that. And that's a very easy process as long as it's exactly stock flow."
EO testing is emissions approval testing so aftermarket parts can be legally sold/used. The host is saying it’s easier when the parts deliver fuel like the original equipment.
“EO testing” refers to emissions certification/approval testing under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Emissions Order/Executive Order framework for aftermarket parts. The host is tying it to stock-flow parts, implying that staying within factory-like flow characteristics makes the approval process easier.
Dodge trucks
"And that that goes along with all the old trucks, dude. Like, yeah, the old Dodge trucks, like we're still burning up approximately 4,000 nozzles every 90 days for them old trucks..."
They’re talking about older Dodge diesel trucks that are still working a lot. The point is that these trucks can need frequent maintenance on fuel-related parts. That’s why the speaker doesn’t think they’re “set it and forget it” reliable.
The speaker is referring to older Dodge diesel trucks that are still in heavy use. In this context, they’re discussing frequent replacement/consumption of injector nozzles, which points to how older diesel fleets can require ongoing wear-item service. Dodge’s diesel trucks are commonly associated with mechanical-era fuel systems that can be maintenance-intensive.
DPF
"You can't call any truck with a DPF reliable. Like I've got multiples here. ... So how do you call anything with a DPF reliable?"
DPF means a diesel particulate filter. It’s a part on many diesel trucks that catches the smoky soot in the exhaust. If it gets clogged, the truck may warn you and limit power to protect the engine and emissions system.
DPF stands for diesel particulate filter. It traps soot from a diesel engine’s exhaust and periodically burns it off (regenerates) to keep the filter from clogging. When a DPF needs regeneration or gets restricted, it can trigger warning lights and “limp mode” behavior.
Ram 3500
"I've got my Ram 2400 or my 24 3500 Ram. That thing lives with the check engine light on."
They’re talking about a Ram 3500 they have. They say it constantly has the check-engine light on, meaning it’s not staying problem-free. That’s their argument against calling these trucks truly reliable.
The speaker also mentions a Ram 3500, describing it as living with the check engine light on. Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty diesel platform often used in demanding work, so recurring warning lights can be a major operational headache. The point is that even heavy-duty trucks can have ongoing fault conditions.
limp mode
"Like they're safe ish, you know, as long as it don't do the lit mode."
Limp mode is when the truck limits power to keep things from breaking. It usually happens after the computer detects a problem, often related to emissions parts. The truck still runs, but it won’t feel as strong until the issue is fixed.
“Limp mode” is a protective driving mode where the engine and emissions systems limit power and sometimes change how the transmission behaves. It’s triggered by faults (often emissions-related like DPF issues) to prevent damage and to get the vehicle to a safe service location. Drivers feel it as reduced acceleration and a generally “de-tuned” response.
VP 44
"But the old VP 44 is the old seven threes, the old six O's. The old common rail five nines, the old, you know, LBC seven, LLY, LBZ, Duramax's, those are reliable."
VP44 is the name of an older diesel fuel-injection pump system used on some Duramax engines. The host is contrasting it with newer setups and saying the older VP44-era trucks were generally more dependable.
VP44 is a Bosch inline-pump diesel injection system used on some older GM 6.6L Duramax applications. It’s mentioned here as part of the “older” truck/engine setups that the host considers reliable.
tuner
"That's what we would wait for the companies to come out with a tuner or injectors or a turbo. It was always the newest model, but then it really switched with the DPF trucks."
A tuner is an aftermarket tool that changes how the engine computer runs the diesel. In this context, it’s something people hoped companies would release for the newest truck models.
A tuner is an aftermarket device/software used to reprogram engine control parameters (like fueling and boost targets) to change how the diesel runs. The host frames it as part of the “latest and greatest” truck ecosystem people waited for.
Ford F450
"So, you know, I just recently bought back my old 2012 F450 and we've, we've actually got a part coming for that."
A 2012 Ford F-450 is a big, heavy-duty truck. People buy it when they need something that can tow a lot and handle tough use, and the host says they’re adding a part to make it work better.
The 2012 Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty pickup built for towing and work use, and it’s commonly chosen by owners who want a robust platform. In this segment, the host is talking about buying it back and adding a new part to improve how it behaves day-to-day.
mass produced
"We're having those mass produced right now. That part's going to be wicked."
“Mass produced” means the part is being manufactured in large quantities using repeatable processes rather than being one-off custom work. For automotive parts, that usually implies more consistent fitment and quality control compared with small-batch fabrication.
truck bed camper
"I've got this like host cascade, you know, truck bed camper. And I'm basically going to say, okay, I'm picking like this state and I'm going to drive around all the four garages..."
A truck bed camper is a camping unit that sits in the back of a pickup truck. It lets you sleep and travel with the truck, but it also adds weight that can change how the truck feels when driving.
A truck bed camper is a camper setup that mounts in the pickup’s bed, turning the truck into a small mobile base for camping. It changes how you load the vehicle and can affect towing and handling because the camper adds weight high and toward the rear.
side by side
"And if I'm going somewhere mountainous or whatever, then I'm going to take my side by side."
A side-by-side is an off-road vehicle you drive like a small car, usually for trails and rough areas. The host is saying they’ll use it for mountainous trips instead of relying only on the truck.
A side-by-side (often called an SxS) is a two- or four-seat off-road utility vehicle with a steering wheel and roll cage. It’s typically used for rough terrain where a pickup might be less convenient, and it can be towed or transported alongside the main truck setup.
6.7 liter
"But it's going to be a cool part and it makes the 6.7 liter truck quite a bit more reliable."
“6.7 liter” is the size of the engine. Bigger engines often make it easier to pull heavy loads, and the host is saying the part they’re adding will make that truck run more reliably.
“6.7 liter” refers to the engine displacement, meaning the total volume of all cylinders in the engine. In heavy-duty diesels, a larger displacement like 6.7L typically helps provide strong torque for towing and can affect how the engine is tuned and how parts (like emissions or fueling components) change reliability.
test stands
"I've told you now several times that I've ordered new test stands, stands. They showed up in their crap. So we're gutting one of them."
A “test stand” is specialized equipment used to run and measure components under controlled conditions. In this segment, the host is talking about benches that are intended to generate accurate data, but currently don’t measure accurately enough to trust.
billet
"like I really want somebody to build a super badass, you know, like billet Duramax thing that can take that kind of abuse"
Billet means the part is made by cutting it out of a solid piece of metal. For high-power engines, that can make parts stronger so they survive harder driving.
Billet refers to parts machined from a solid block of metal rather than cast or stamped. In diesel performance builds, “billet” components are often used to improve strength and consistency when the engine is pushed to extreme power and heat.
eight injectors
"like billet Duramax thing that can take that kind of abuse because they got eight injectors, not just six."
Saying “eight injectors” is shorthand for a diesel engine configuration that uses more injector events per cycle than a six-injector setup. More injectors can help support higher fuel delivery and finer control, which matters when chasing very high horsepower.
idle
"I have this much time at idle, but I have this much time at wide open throttle to make that all happen correctly."
Here, “idle” means the engine is running at low power with minimal fuel being injected. The host is comparing how much time the engine has to manage injection at idle versus full power.
In this context, “idle” refers to the engine’s low-load operating condition where injection timing and fuel quantity are much smaller. The speaker is contrasting available time at idle versus at wide open throttle to explain how injection control affects combustion.
common rail bench
"Um, you can measure rate shape in a common rail bench pretty easily."
A “common rail bench” is a lab test rig for diesel fuel systems. It lets you test how an injector performs and measure things like spray timing and fuel delivery without driving the truck.
A “common rail bench” is a test setup used to evaluate diesel injectors and fuel delivery on a common-rail system. It lets you measure injector behavior (like rate trace) under controlled conditions without needing the full vehicle running.
injector bodies
"So what we have to do is think about our injector bodies. Now years ago, I took my ISB bodies, the ISB 24 valve and body, you know, it's got a connector tube and it goes into the side of the injector"
On a diesel, the injector body is the part that channels fuel inside the injector before it reaches the tip. Changing its internal shape can change how much fuel it can deliver and how effectively it sprays.
In a diesel, the injector body is the internal housing that routes fuel from the supply into the injector’s nozzle. Its internal passages strongly affect how easily fuel can flow and how well the injector can deliver high flow rates for big power builds.
1.6 millimeter passage
"Well, then we, the Bosch body has a 1.6 millimeter, uh, passage that goes down and feeds the nozzle through the body."
That “passage” is the internal fuel channel inside the injector. A bigger passage can let more fuel through, which is why changing the millimeter size affects how much fuel the injector can deliver.
A “passage” is the internal fuel channel inside the injector body. The host is describing how Bosch’s injector body uses a 1.6 mm passage to feed the nozzle, and how changing that internal restriction (e.g., to 1.9 mm) increases fuel flow potential.
Bosch body
"Well, then we, the Bosch body has a 1.6 millimeter, uh, passage that goes down and feeds the nozzle through the body."
Bosch is a company that makes injector parts. Here the host is talking about a Bosch injector body design and how its internal fuel passages affect how much fuel it can feed to the nozzle.
Bosch is the supplier of the injector hardware being discussed, specifically the injector body design with a measured internal passage. In performance diesel work, the internal geometry of the injector body (from the supplier) can determine how easily you can scale up nozzle flow.
1.9
"Well, I was like, well, I'll make a 1.9. That's a big, you know, big volume jump."
“1.9” is a measurement the host is using to describe a bigger internal fuel passage. Making that passage larger can help the injector deliver more fuel.
“1.9” here refers to increasing the injector-body passage diameter (from 1.6 mm to 1.9 mm) to raise fuel flow to the nozzle. The host ties this directly to test results, showing how small dimensional changes can have big effects on injector capability.
pop tester
"Well, then you put on the pop tester, we could, we could actually hit the nozzle harder and you can tell on the pop tester."
A pop tester is a device that checks how an injector behaves on the bench, like when it opens and how forcefully it does it. It helps you see if an injector setup is working correctly before installing it.
A pop tester is a bench tool used to measure diesel injector opening pressure and spray/valve behavior. In this segment, the host uses it to verify whether the injector can “smack” the needle valve hard enough as nozzle size increases.
dual feed
"So here's the new drawing, make these bodies. That needs to be 125 thousandths going into a dual feed. And now I've got a 1.6 and a 1.9 hole heading down to lift the needle valve off the seat."
“Dual feed” means the injector gets fuel through two supply paths instead of one. That can help the injector deliver fuel more consistently.
A dual-feed injector design uses two fuel feed paths to supply the injector. The goal is usually more consistent pressure/flow to the nozzle so the needle lifts more reliably and quickly.
edge filters
"So on a small nozzle, that works for efficiency. But if you put a big nozzle on it, it's going to flow a lot more fuel. So it's going to be less efficient. Um, the edge filters in the 94 to 98, we've been monkeying around with different style edge filters for the 94 and 98."
Edge filters are fuel filters that catch dirt before it can clog or damage the injector. Different filter designs can change how well fuel flows while still filtering contaminants.
Edge filters are filtration elements used in certain diesel fuel systems to trap debris before it reaches sensitive injector components. The host says they’ve been experimenting with different filter styles for specific model years to improve flow and/or protection.
open hole
"So those are just an open hole. So we've been working on mechanical bodies to get those, what I would call perfected."
An “open hole” means there’s no filter restriction in that part of the fuel path. That can make flow easier, but it also means there’s less built-in protection against dirt.
“Open hole” is the host’s description of an unfiltered, unobstructed passage in the diesel injection hardware. In this context, it means the flow path is more direct, which can affect efficiency, spray behavior, and how well the system tolerates debris.
mechanical bodies
"So we've been working on mechanical bodies to get those, what I would call perfected. Um, we've also got three different sack volumes available for all the old mechanical trucks."
In a diesel injection system, the “body” is the main housing/part that contains the moving or metering surfaces. The host is saying they’ve been improving that part so the fuel flows and meters more correctly.
“Mechanical bodies” likely refers to the physical injector/valve body components in a diesel fuel-injection system. The host is saying they’ve been refining these parts to improve how the fuel passage works—essentially optimizing the internal geometry for better results.
sack volumes
"Um, we've also got three different sack volumes available for all the old mechanical trucks. So like a five by 95 by 10, five by 11 is going to go in a really small sack..."
A “sack” here is a small chamber inside the injector that holds fuel right before it’s sprayed. Different sack volumes can change how the fuel sprays, which can affect smoothness and efficiency.
“Sack volumes” refers to the volume of the injector’s internal chamber (often called the nozzle “sac”) where fuel is held before injection. Changing sack volume can affect spray formation, combustion efficiency, and how responsive the injector is under different operating conditions.
gas mileage
"And he was like, Hey, I want this thing to get the best gas mileage possible. And I'm like, okay, cool."
“Gas mileage” just means how far the truck can go on a given amount of fuel. When people tune a diesel, they often want better mileage, not just more power.
“Gas mileage” is the real-world fuel economy metric, usually expressed as miles per gallon (or liters per 100 km). In the context of diesel modifications, it’s a key outcome measure for whether changes like injector/injection hardware updates or camshaft swaps actually reduce fuel consumption.
camshaft
"So we put a camshaft in his truck and I'd done that cam before and it always made people happy."
The camshaft is the engine part that times the opening of the valves. Changing it can change how the engine breathes and can make the truck run better or more efficiently.
A “camshaft” controls valve timing by opening and closing engine valves via lobes and followers. In diesel tuning, swapping a camshaft can change when fuel/air events happen, which can improve drivability and efficiency depending on the rest of the setup.
Toyo mud terrains
"I walked outside and I was like, well, when did you buy the brand new Toyo mud terrains?"
Toyo makes tires. “Mud terrain” tires have chunky tread for off-road use, and they often make the truck use more fuel on the road.
Toyo is a tire brand, and “mud terrains” refers to an aggressive all-terrain/mud-terrain tire style with deeper tread blocks. Those tires usually increase rolling resistance and can hurt fuel economy compared with lighter, more road-focused tires.
BF Goodrich
"I'm like, those tires probably weigh 30 pounds more per tire than the BF Goodrich all terrains that you had that were, you know, damn near worn out."
BF Goodrich (BFG) is a tire brand. The point here is that the tires you choose can affect how much fuel your truck uses.
BF Goodrich is a tire brand (often shortened to “BFG” in conversation). In this segment, the host contrasts BF Goodrich all-terrain tires with heavier mud-terrain tires, tying the change to worse fuel economy.
reciprocating mass
"I'm like, dude, how it's reciprocating mass. How, yes, I'm confident."
Reciprocating mass means the engine parts that move back and forth inside the motor. If that “moving around” costs more energy, the engine can end up using more fuel.
Reciprocating mass refers to parts in an engine that move back and forth (like pistons and connecting rods). More reciprocating mass can increase internal friction and energy required to accelerate/decelerate those components each cycle, which can affect efficiency and drivability.
lift your truck
"And I'm like, yeah, there you go. You know, like, so when you lift your truck, when you put some big bullguard bumper on there, when you put, you know, like I've got fusion bumpers on my stuff, I add the weight of a winch and the weight of a bumper"
When you lift a truck, you raise it up. That usually means bigger tires and more drag/rolling resistance, which can make the truck use more fuel.
“Lifting” a truck raises its ride height, which commonly leads to larger wheels/tires and changes in aerodynamics and rolling resistance. Those changes can reduce fuel economy, especially with heavier, more aggressive tires.
Ford Fusion
"...r on there, when you put, you know, like I've got fusion bumpers on my stuff, I add the weight of a winch ..."
The Ford Fusion is a regular passenger car (a mid-size sedan) made for everyday use. In your quote, it sounds like the discussion is about using Fusion parts—like bumpers—and adding equipment such as a winch. Adding a winch can change how heavy the front of the car is and how the setup needs to be handled.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that’s commonly discussed as a practical platform for everyday driving and light customization. In the context you provided, it’s mentioned alongside “Fusion bumpers” and adding weight from a winch, which points to how vehicle modifications can affect weight and setup. That kind of detail matters for how the car behaves under load and how accessories are mounted.
winch
"I add the weight of a winch and the weight of a bumper compared to like the factory bumper that weighed like 19 ounces."
A winch is a powered tool with a cable that can pull a vehicle out of trouble. It’s heavy, and that extra weight can make the truck less efficient.
A winch is a motorized cable-retrieval device used to pull a vehicle out of mud, snow, or a ditch. It adds front-end weight, which can increase fuel consumption and change how the truck accelerates and brakes.
injectory efficiency
"I'm not going to fix what you've already screwed up with my injectory efficiency, but, you know, I think most of our recipes, we've tried to make sure, you know, they don't smoke unneeded, like, unless you buy"
Diesel injectors spray fuel into the engine. If they don’t spray or time it well, the engine doesn’t burn fuel as efficiently, which can hurt mileage and cause extra smoke.
“Injectory efficiency” refers to how effectively a diesel engine’s fuel injectors deliver fuel at the right time and in the right spray pattern. If injection isn’t optimized, you can get worse combustion efficiency, which can increase smoke and reduce fuel economy.
Lucid Air
"...trying to make whatever horsepower that we had to air for. And I drove that truck and I was like, Oh, t..."
The Lucid Air is an electric car, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. Because it uses electric motors, it can deliver strong acceleration when you press the pedal. That’s why it may come up when someone is talking about how much horsepower they’re trying to achieve.
The Lucid Air is an electric luxury sedan built around delivering high power and strong efficiency. It’s often discussed in performance contexts because its electric motors can produce substantial horsepower on demand, which makes it a good reference point when talking about power targets and driving feel. In a podcast, it may be mentioned as an example of how much power an EV can deliver in real-world driving.
throttle response
"I drove that truck and I was like, Oh, this thing is disgusting. And it didn't want to rev up. It had no throttle response."
Throttle response is how fast the truck feels like it’s reacting when you step on the gas. If it feels slow or lazy, something in the fuel or engine control isn’t working right.
Throttle response describes how quickly and predictably the engine reacts when you press the accelerator. On diesels, poor throttle response often points to fueling control issues, air/fuel imbalance, or worn/dirty injectors.
smoke
"It had no throttle response. It just kind of wanted to be lazy and smoke."
Smoke from a diesel usually means the fuel isn’t burning as cleanly as it should. It can happen when the engine is getting the wrong fuel/air balance.
Diesel smoke is an indicator that combustion isn’t happening as cleanly as it should. Excess smoke often comes from too much fuel for the available air (or poor atomization), which can also correlate with sluggishness and power loss.
bigger injectors
"So I called him, I said, Hey man, like they're free. Like if you need to go faster, I am willing to put bigger injectors in this thing."
Bigger injectors can spray more fuel into the engine, which can make more power. But if the engine can’t burn that extra fuel cleanly, it may smoke or run poorly.
“Bigger injectors” means injectors with higher fuel delivery capacity, allowing more diesel to be injected per cycle. On a diesel, that can increase power, but it also raises the risk of smoke or drivability issues if fueling isn’t matched to air and engine control strategy.
edge comp box
"But right now with your edge comp box, this thing still makes like 400 horsepower."
An Edge Comp Box is a plug-in tuning device for a diesel that changes how the engine runs. It can make the truck feel stronger, but it also depends on the engine’s condition (like injector health).
An Edge Comp Box is an aftermarket diesel tuning module that changes engine fueling and boost behavior to increase power and improve drivability. Because it alters how the engine is controlled, it can mask or amplify issues like injector wear and can affect how much power the truck makes.
pyro
"He's like, I don't need a pyro anymore. Like this thing doesn't get hot."
“Pyro” is shorthand for an exhaust temperature gauge. It helps you make sure the engine isn’t getting too hot in the exhaust while you’re driving or tuning.
“Pyro” here refers to an exhaust gas temperature gauge/sensor (often called an EGT “pyro”). People watch pyro/EGT to avoid overheating the exhaust and to tune fueling and boost so the engine stays in a safe temperature range.
seven primaries plus two pilots
"And the best part about that truck is we now put seven primaries plus two pilots. And those things, it was eerie how quiet that truck operated."
This is about how the engine injects fuel in stages. More “pilot” and “primary” injections can make the diesel burn smoother and help keep exhaust temperatures under control.
“Primaries” and “pilots” refer to staged fuel injection events (multiple injections per cycle) used to shape combustion. Adding more pilot/primary events can improve smoothness, reduce harshness, and help control exhaust temperatures—especially during transient throttle changes.
fuel economy
"Yeah, it's I think a lot of times we can lose sight of all the different parts of a truck that go into fuel economy."
Fuel economy means how far the truck can go on a given amount of fuel. If something changes—like tires or how the engine is running—it can make the truck use more or less fuel.
Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle turns fuel into distance—typically measured as miles per gallon (or liters per 100 km). On a diesel truck, small changes in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, tires, and rolling resistance can noticeably affect it.
ride height
"And it's like you said, like, well, about your tires, what about the ride height? What about the bumpers?"
Ride height is how high the truck is from the ground. Changing it can affect airflow under the truck and how the tires roll, which can change fuel usage.
Ride height is how high the truck sits relative to the ground. It affects aerodynamics and underbody airflow, and it can also change tire contact/rolling resistance and how the suspension behaves—so it can influence fuel economy.
bolt them on
"they're buying $17 nozzles and they're bolt them on used bodies and it's cheap."
The phrase “bolt them on” means swapping parts quickly without careful setup. With diesel injectors, the details matter—if parts aren’t matched or set up right, you may not get the fuel-savings you expect.
“Bolt them on” here describes a quick, do-it-yourself style injector/nozzle swap rather than a properly matched, calibrated repair. In diesel systems, fitment and calibration matter because spray performance and fueling strategy depend on correct components and setup.
stock set of injectors
"But if you've got a stock set of injectors in it, like, am I going to be better? I'm going to have more power every single time."
“Stock” means the factory parts that were originally installed. Here, they’re talking about whether keeping the factory injectors limits performance compared to using a different injector set. Even if upgrades can help, results can vary.
A stock set of injectors means the original, factory-spec fuel injectors that came on the engine. The discussion contrasts that baseline with an upgraded injector setup, implying that changes to injector hardware can alter engine behavior. The host also notes that improvements in power and economy are not guaranteed, highlighting the role of calibration and matching parts.
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