Banks Blast!
The Banks Sidewinder S-10 ran a spectacular 7.87 seconds at 175.45 mph in a quarter-mile run at the National Hot Rod Diesel Association's "Desert Diesel Truck Nationals" at Speedworld Dragstrip in Wittmann, Arizona, recently. Driven by drag-racing veteran Wes Anderson, the dark red pickup truck just keeps getting faster.
Behemoth Dynos
Not everybody needs a tri-axle dynamometer for testing 120,000-pound off-road construction equipment, but for the few that do, Land & Sea Inc. builds them! Its DYNOmite Dynamometer super-duty AWD assembly features six eddy-current absorbers, providing more than 30,000 lb-ft of low-rpm loading capability for crawler gear testing. Configured as standard with 28 channels of DYNOmite data acquisition, every test can be fully instrumented, including exhaust temperature, turbocharger boost, charge air temperature, air/fuel ratio, multiple pressures, air and fuel flows, and much more. Real-time and post-test data presentation, manipulation, and reporting is second to none. Land & Sea Inc.'s DYNOmite Dynamometer pit-mounted units are equally suitable for drive-on testing of over-the-road trucks. Above ground (including the drive-up ramps), cradle-mount style, and dual-axle configurations are also available.
Are You High?
In the ongoing quest to build the highest pickup truck, some people keep trying to find the limit. This one found it.
Real Diesel Speed
The Scheid Diesel Silverline diesel dragster made history at the Muncie Dragway, October 18, 2008, in Muncie, Indiana, and is now the official DHRA National Record holder for the fastest diesel-powered vehicle in the quarter-mile. Scheid Diesel Silverline Race Team driver Bo Layne made the diesel record-breaking quarter-mile run of 6.908 seconds at 203.71 mph. This is the first, and currently the only, diesel-powered vehicle to break the 200-mph barrier in the quarter-mile. To see a complete schedule of upcoming diesel drag events, visit the Events/Motorsports page at www.silverlineexhaust.com.
Aerodynamic Drag
There are few topics more rampant and heavily discussed than soaring gas prices, and the effect they have on today's trucks and SUVs. Since aerodynamic drag and weight are two critical factors that impact fuel efficiency, truck owners are now seeking ways to reduce these variables. We got this cool graphic from Amp Research in regard to its Power Step and we immediately saw the connection. Amp Research mentions that even minor changes can make air flow more smoothly under and around your truck. Here, let's let them tell us. "The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) conducted a study on the effect tonneau covers have on the aerodynamics of pickup trucks in January 2007, proving that all covers significantly reduce the coefficiency of drag because they create a smooth surface for unimpeded airflow. Similarly, wind tunnel tests on pickups equipped with power-deploying running boards have shown improved airflow under the truck with less drag and turbulence, providing better aerodynamics than any other running boards or tube steps on the market. Here's why: when retracted, AMP's Power Step tucks up under the vehicle, streamlining both the sides and underside, creating a smooth, even surface that reduces turbulence and drag for increased fuel efficiency." Sounds good to us!
Whole New World
"The M.1b Performance Computer is the most technological way to view all of your vehicle's functions, without cluttering your A-pillar or dash with multiple gauges and gauge pods," is what the press release said, and we were hooked. While you can't monitor timing, air-intake temperature, throttle position, fuel mileage, and other information with traditional gauges, the M.1b allows you to monitor, display, and data log all of the same vehicle functions that your vehicle's ECU sees from virtually any LCD screen, including some factory navigation screens.
In addition, the M.1b allows you to customize the gauge style, skin, layout, text, and colors, and can display a maximum of five functions for each display screen. Furthermore, the M.1b is easy to use and connect, according to the manufacturer. Simply plug it into your vehicle's diagnostic port and 12-volt power outlet. Then connect the video cable, and you're set. Other functions such as boost and fuel pressure that require external sensors, can easily plug into the M.1b to add to your display. If you want to monitor your performance, the M.1b is equipped with a dynamic horsepower and torque gauge so you can evaluate performance upgrades with reliable data.
For more information on the M.1b, log onto www.magden-auto.com or contact Magden Automotive, 949/599-0301.
Mud Meter
So you want to go out muddin' but you're not sure where the best place to go is? Visit www.themuddinreport.com. Virgil Nethercott brought our attention to his website with the fancy Mud 'o Meter icon and we thought it was a fun site. Check it out!
Canadian Life
"First of all, I like your magazine, it is the best diesel mag going," wrote Rob Byzitter. "I have an idea for an article that many Canadians and Midwest Americans would appreciate. I think 8-Lug should send a team up this December and do an article on The Life of Sledders. If you go to Revelstoke, B.C., Canada, on any given weekend, you will see hundreds of the baddest diesel trucks in Western Canada. It is the life a hardcore snowmobiler must live."
Sleds are a lot like trucks. Men love their sleds and right when you think you are having the most fun high-marking the hill, another mod sled comes in and one-ups ya. It is the same in the parking lot as it is on the hill. Sledding in the mountains is a very expensive sport and people that can afford to spend $500-$1,000 per weekend in the mountains sledding can also afford to build the baddest trucks around. "I live in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and I think I have one of the baddest trucks in town," Rob says. "When I get to Revelstoke, I park in a dim-lit corner away from all the big guns. I can promise you the article would be a hit! I actually have two trucks dressed up the same as above. The other one is black. Some of us local enthusiasts would love to take you guys and show you the way of the Western Canadian sledder.
My truck is an '08 F-350 Forest Green with an 8-inch Rize Lift, 24-inch chrome KMC Rockstars with 38-inch Kuhmo MTs, RBP grille and side vents with custom lights,a Spartan controller, Flo Pro exhaust (DPF delete), a Volant intake pushing well over 500 rhwp, a Sony Playstation 3, a JL stealth console sub, a JL amp, and Kenwood navigation."