Diesel Performance Podcast

The codes pop up on a Duramax when there's low fuel rail pressure: P0087 or P1093. Usually, the truck is performing at its maximum and unable to keep up with what's commanded. The common rail fuel system operates at 28 - 29,000 psi and needs to drop only 2,200 psi to trigger the trouble code. Once the pressure drops, the Duramax goes into limp mode. In this episode of the Diesel Performance Podcast, Paul welcomes back Calibrated Power Solution's service manager, Phil Grandinetti to diagnose the symptoms and propose solutions for low fuel rail pressure on the Duramax. Troubleshooting P0087 or P1093 is not that straight forward. The stock fuel system on a Duramax includes both high and low-pressure sides with each generating its own set of symptoms. Paul and Phil go into detail on the symptoms, diagnostics, failures, causes, fixes and prevention. This is a must-listen for every Duramax owner.

The legendary Gale Banks returns to the Diesel Performance Podcast. In this episode, Paul, Danny, and Nick Priegnitz learn about Gale's work with the new Duramax engine, the L5P. This episode examines the L5P's bottom end, along with the engine's amazing performance potential. Gale hopes to use the new design to reach 400 mph with a diesel at Bonneville The credit goes to GM, according to Gale. All the new and improved features on the L5P grew from GM's own design team.

Gale and Nick then get into the weeds on DYNOs - a mutual passion. Gale believes DYNOs should focus on measuring the horsepower and torque for specific performance applications, like drag racing, sled pulling or engine design. He cannot understand the usefulness of the so-called DYNO-Queens or trucks built for the purpose of hitting a number only.

The podcast with Gale concludes with a detailed discussion about air density in diesel performance. Gale also describes a new device that will measure boost air density called the iDash C(2)i - which stands for command, control, and information.

The ultimate diesel performance event gets underway in less than six months. Six months - a half-year - that's nothing when it comes to prep time for this years' participants in the Ultimate Callout Challenge. The 2017 event takes place at the Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis, Indiana April 21 - 23 and promises to live up to the title - ultimate. Organizer Brandon Pierce joins the podcast to talk about the event - its founding and growth into what has been called the "Olympics of Diesel Motorsports." The Diesel Performance Podcast also announces its participation as the official podcast for the UCC, a true honor. Brandon explains how UCC trucks are selected for the invitation-only motorsport and why the Challenge has become the biggest and badest of its kind in the nation.

For more information, contact Brandon Pierce

UCC Tickets and Information

Ultimate Callout Challenge on Facebook

The Diesel Performance Podcast welcomes the legendary engine builder and performance visionary Gale Banks of Banks Engineering. Wow! That's the best word to describe this podcast. Danny, Paul and Nick Priegnitz spend more than an hour downloading Gale's vast memory - nearly 60 years - of innovation in diesel performance on both land and water. Gale's first experience with turbocharging dates back to 1966; first twin turbo engine in 1969 - it was a marine application. In 1978, Gale turbocharged GM's 6.2L diesel. In 1987, he built the powertrain behind the world's fastest passenger car - a twin-turbo build that hit 283 mph at Bonneville. Today Banks Engineering develops military applications for the latest diesel from GM, the L5P. Specifically, Gale is developing powertrains for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for military vehicle builder Oshkosh. The spectrum of topics includes an insightful discussion about air-fuel ratios, DYNOS, and the decision to use Duramax engines in military vehicles instead of Cummins. If a podcast could make you gain weight, you'd put on several pounds with this episode. It's a full, seven-course meal of knowledge and information that gets a little rowdy. Enjoy.

The Diesel Performance Podcast welcomes Phil Grandinetti, a GM transmission expert and service manager for Calibrated Power. The Allison transmission is purpose-built to handle the torque supplied from the Duramax engine, a job it does very well. But once you modify the engine and add extra horsepower, things can go wrong if you fail to consider what those changes do to the transmission. Phil gives Paul and Danny insight into how to best troubleshoot transmission issues. They describe transmission symptoms and fixes along with preventative maintenance every Duramax owner should perform. This is an excellent podcast for those new to diesel performance as well as the experienced Duramax owner.

Caleb McKinney joins the podcast to talk about his diesel passion - something he's had since he was seven years old. Caleb's specific interest is the 2015 Cummins - a truck his wife uses as a daily driver. Being no stranger to diesel trucks, Caleb contacted the podcast through Facebook with a list of questions and comments about the future of his truck. What he's looking for is reliability, towing power, and whatever else the guys could recommend. Danny and Paul go into detail and bust a handful of myths along the way. This is one of our best truck advisors.

The lift pump is probably one of the most important bolt-ons you can get for your diesel truck. Lift pumps help the CP3 maintain fuel pressure, remove impurities, and seem to add life to the high-pressure side of the fuel system. The manufacturers say lift pumps improve mileage through anecdotal claims, mostly. So what are the other benefits of lift pumps? Hosts Danny Voss and Chris Ehmke talk in great detail about the lift pump and explain why it should be your first bolt-on. They talk about the two top manufacturers - Air Dog and Fass - and explain the important of filling out and sending in the damn warranty card.

Diesel Power Magazine editor KJ Jones visits the podcast where he explains everything you ever wanted to know about the Diesel Power Challenge. KJ also explains what you need to know to be considered for the challenge.

The Diesel Performance Podcast returns with a new budget build episode. The budget is $30,000.00 with the objective to hit 750 RWHP. Nick Priegnitz of Calibrated Power tackles an '06 LBZ Duramax; Tim Slatter of Centurion Fleet Services builds a Powerstroke 6.0, and Danny Voss of builds a '06 Cummins. In the end, Paul Wilson picks a winner based on whether or not he would buy the vehicle once the build was complete. This is one of the rowdiest episodes yet - guaranteed to make you laugh and day dream about your own build project.

Calibrated Power's Chris Ehmke joins the podcast to talk to Caden Hess - a diesel tech with a well know heavy equipment company in his home state. Caden also runs a small, one bay shop near his home near Cadillac, Michigan. Caden and Chris talk about the diesel industry and how things have evolved over the years. While rolling coal was once really cool - it isn't now, according to Caden who consults with customers about staying away from mods that draw attention. Caden's girlfriend Meagan joins the conversation and explains how diesel parts and dating go together, if at all.

Thanks again Chris for jumping in to do a quick podcast...