Author Archive | Diesel Performance Truck

?Diesel Trucks – The New Mod Machines
The world of car modification or more commonly known as ‘modding’is one that has grown tremendously in popularity over the years. It involves
modifying or adding parts to the car to enhance either its looks, performance
or both.
This practice is commonly seen in sports sedans and hatchbacks. The ones who
are better off can even afford modding true sports cars and roadsters. Lately
though, diesel trucks have become a popular choice of car among motor-heads and
this has opened up a room for these trucks to be included into the modding
culture.
Some may not view trucks in the same category or species as normal everyday
cars but they are still metal boxes on four wheels. By simply being common in
that way, there is no restriction on diesel trucks to have their outsides,
insides and what gets them running from being modded.
Exterior modifications done on cars normally just include skirtings, bumpers,
hoods and aftermarket lamps. In the case of diesel trucks, there is a list of
different choices to add to the truck’s exterior. These include bed liners for pickups, bull bars, and high-powered
halogen lamps for the complete off-road effect. Parts like these of course, are
just impractical and may look ridiculous on normal hatchbacks and sedans.
On the inside however, the applicable modifications are very much the same in
all types of vehicles. That is with the exception of minor additions like truck
door sills. This is somewhat contributed by the fact that the diesel trucks of
today are designed to feel as close to driving a normal car as can be to lure
more people into liking and buying diesel trucks. These modifications include
fancy gauges, redesigned dashboard panels and leather finishes.
Under the hood is where modders show off their vehicle’s pride and joy and decide who the better modder is. Although this practice may
differ a little in diesel trucks, the essence of performance modification
remains the same. The number of addition and changes which can be done to a
diesel truck to enhance performance is a huge one and this type of modding
includes air intake modules, boost increase valves, performance inclined
clutches and most commonly in diesel trucks, turbochargers.
The involvement of diesel trucks in this field, though already at a respectable
level, is still far off from how it is in other types of cars. However, the
crowd is being more open to these vehicles as they are getting built to be more
likeable and stylish compared to the trucks of old which were simply built for
serving their purposes as trucks.
As diesel trucks make a name for themselves in the world of modding, you
shouldn’t be surprised to see more of these vehicles on the road in the near future
with roaring engines and fancy bodyworks. Who knows, maybe you might want to
give it a go as well.

?Diesel Trucks – The Essence Vs the Image
While diesel trucks are touted for their usefulness, some adopt them as a
symbol of pride, some for engineering enthusiasm and some simply to show off.
This creates a barrier between the true essence of diesel trucks and the image
of which is driving people to showrooms to get their own today.
Diesel trucks generally carry heavy loads and for them to do their jobs well,
they are normally fitted with engines of which capacities range from 3 to over
4 liters. Some Japanese trucks such as the Mazda B-series trucks even rely on
2.3 liter power plants sufficiently.
However, roads these days are filled with ‘glam’trucks. An example of this is the Dodge Ram which has a diesel engine almost
three times larger than that of the Mazda. Although bigger engines mean more
power usually, it is simply unnecessary and is a fine example of purely showing
off.
Trucks like this, the Ford F-350 and a certain few more sell on brute power and
the image it provides which is that of American muscle. These huge machines
normally struggle to get 15 miles to the gallon while the conventional pickup
truck as well as the older and not so fancy ones would do more than twenty
easily.
The measure of fuel efficiency normally gives us a rough idea on a car’s emissions. This also applies to the diesel trucks being discussed and while
average diesel trucks aren’t naturally good friends with Mother Nature, the ones that are bulky and brutal
are even bigger enemies.
There is also the price issue. A conventional barebones diesel truck which is
good enough to do the job would just cost $20000 more or less. These are
normally single cabs which run on 3 liter engines on average and are what true
diesel trucks have always been. As a point of comparison, a “Mega Cab” Dodge
Ram which has 6.7liters of engine under the hood costs around a whopping
$45000.
The automobile markets which vary from area to area also affect the balance of
trucks that are useful and conventional with the bold, powerful and costly
trucks. Depending on the market, some just looking for a simple truck to do the
job are forced to buy one with slightly more‘bling’ due to what the market has and doesn’t have.
All in all, the diesel trucks which are true to their essence are what we
really need and those towering and monstrous machines are what we really want.
Well, some of us I guess. If what you want really conquers what you need, at
least you’re paying money for your satisfaction.
If that is not the case, maybe you would try to consider being kinder to your
bank account and the environment.

?Diesel Trucks – The New Mod Machines
“Modding” or car modification has become an increasingly popular hobby among
car enthusiasts. Modding refers to enhancing either the aesthetic value or
performance of a car by adding certain parts.
The most popular choices of cars that motor heads usually modify are sedans and
hatchbacks and those who have thicker wallets are capable of tuning
high-performance cars. Diesel trucks, however, are beginning to be more
prominent in the modding scene.
Although some people do not associate trucks with cars, they are both
essentially similar; both of them have four wheels, a motor and can get you
from point A to point B. This allows them to be modified similarly to cars with
no limitations, no matter whether it’s the interior, exterior or motor that is being modified.
In fact, the modification scope of trucks is much wider compared to cars. While
typical exterior modifications for cars comprise of spoilers, skirtings, fog
lights and neon lights there are various additional options for trucks. To add
the off-road, heavy-duty result for trucks, owners can add bull bars, bed
liners for pickups and high-powered halogen lights to their machines. If these
parts ere added on performance cars or sedans, it would just look ludicrous!
Interior modifications of trucks would be similar to those in almost any
automobile, with the exception of some minor parts like truck door sills. The
similarity in interiors between cars and trucks greatly increases the appeal of
trucks among the general public because they would enjoy the fact that driving
a truck feels similar to driving a car. Modifications such as custom gauges,
unique dashboard panels and leather upholstery can be used in trucks, similarly
to how they are applied in cars.
Although modders always compete to have a better looking interior and exterior,
the true battle is fought in the engine bay. Diesel engines require slightly
different modifications compared to typical petrol engines but essentially,
modders add air intake modules, boost increase valves, sport clutches and even
turbochargers to their diesel engines, similar to what they would add to their
petrol power plants.
Although diesel trucks are becoming increasingly popular in the modding world,
they still have a long way to go before becoming as prominent as other types of
automobiles. Nevertheless, their appeal among car enthusiasts is swelling as
today’s trucks are designed not only to serve their purpose as heavy-duty transport
vehicles but also to look more attractive, keeping in mind the aesthetic
value.
It would be no surprise to see more and more fancy-looking diesel trucks with
boisterously loud engines soon as trucks are becoming more prominent in the
modding scene. In fact, these unique trucks may appeal so much to you that you
may even decide to buy your own diesel truck and modify it yourself!

?Diesel Trucks – What Makes a Good Diesel Truck?
If you head to your local car dealership to look for a diesel truck, you may be
taken aback and even astonished at the multitude of diesel trucks available.
This is due to the fact that car manufacturers are becoming increasingly
competitive and want a bigger share of the diesel truck market and it’s no surprise to see each manufacturer have at least 3 or 4 diesel trucks in
their line-up. This causes potential buyers to ask themselves, “Which is the
better truck?”
In fact, a better question would be, “What makes a good diesel truck?” The word
“good” is very vague and subjective and to decide which diesel truck is better,
certain aspects such as performance, comfort, usability and economy must be
considered. After you decide which feature is more important and which is less
critical, it would be easier to decide which truck is better.
The most influential factor of a truck’s performance is its power plant. Thanks to technology, various types of diesel
engines have been developed, such as common-rail diesel engines, turbo-diesels
and combinations of both. However, only one type of diesel engine is commonly
used nowadays and they are only different in terms of cubic capacity. A higher
cubic capacity would result in a more powerful engine but in order to decide
which engine is most suitable for your needs, you should find the optimum
balance power with fuel economy.
Although you would probably use your diesel truck mainly to transport you and
your cargo from one place to another, you can now do so without compromising
comfort. Features such as cup holders, leather upholstery and armrests can be
added to your truck but this would result in increasing the overall price of
the truck. Nevertheless, as these additions are just options, you can still
choose whether you want to maintain your diesel truck as a functional vehicle
or as a luxurious one.
When you decide to purchase a diesel truck, you must also consider whether you
want a single cab or double cab. This decision will be influenced by how many
people you will usually transport in your truck; if you need to carry more
passengers or your family, go for the double cab. If not, stick to the typical
single cab as the weight of a double cab can greatly affect the truck’s fuel economy and performance.
Another element that needs to be taken account into is the accessibility and
space of the truck’s bed. Although they are generally similar in all trucks, some are compromised
by space intrusions from the back wheels while others come with a smooth
surface that would result in the cargo moving around a lot when the truck is in
motion. Not all trucks support canopies so if you are thinking of fixing one,
make sure that the model you intend to buy supports them.
Essentially, if you’re looking for a good diesel truck, find one that has a decent and versatile
motor and suits your needs. Even though the main purpose of a truck is to be a
practical tool that is capable of carrying you and your cargo, factors that are
usually applicable to cars such as fuel economy and comfort can also be
considered when choosing a good truck.

?Diesel Trucks – The Essence Vs the Image
Although most people purchase diesel trucks for their versatility and
heavy-duty capabilities, some choose to buy them because of their
state-of-the-art technology while some use them as a tool to boost their ego.
This has resulted in a contradicting purpose of diesel trucks.
Most diesel trucks are equipped with large capacity motors, that are usually 3
to 4 liters but some Japanese trucks such as the Mitsubishi Storm run
adequately on a 2.5 liter motor.
Some diesel trucks such as the Dodge Ram are fitted with power plants that are
nearly three times larger than the one used in the Mitsubishi, yet most of the
extra power produced is superfluous as some people don’t even carry any loads on their enormous diesel machines. Thus, these people
buy diesel trucks mainly as a medium of showing off.
Despite soaring fuel prices, the Dodge Ram and other American-made trucks are
still in high demand as they portray the image of the American muscle. These
gas-guzzling machines barely get fifteen miles to the gallon while more
practical trucks are capable of getting twenty miles to the gallon.
The gas-guzzling engines of diesel trucks are definitely not very “green”
because of their higher emissions. Why buy such powerful diesel trucks that
release ridiculous amounts of carbon dioxide and other polluting gases when a
conventional pickup could get the job done?
Also, why would you want to pay a preposterous $45000 for a “Mega Cab” Dodge
Ram which has a 6.7 liter power plant while a typical diesel truck with a
single cab and a 3 liter motor costs less then half of the Ram?
The demand of the local community also affects what the car dealership has to
offer. For places like Chicago and New York City, some may be forced to buy the
outrageously large diesel trucks, even though they’re looking for a more conventional and practical pickup as the majority of the
population of New York City and Chicago would prefer trucks that are flashier
and capable to make them get noticed.
Most things in this world are divided into two categories, which are things
that are necessities and things that are luxuries. The same can be said for
diesel trucks as the original, practical diesel trucks can be assigned to the
necessities category while enormous, uneconomical diesel trucks are categorized
under luxuries. If you prefer to splurge on luxuries, then you would be buying
to satisfy your lust.
If not, then why not choose the conventional diesel pickup that would not only
save you loads of cash but would make you a better friend of Mother Nature.

?Diesel Trucks – As High Performance Vehicles
The typical function of a diesel truck is to transport heavy loads from one
place to another. As times have changed, so has the function of the diesel
truck. Modern diesel trucks have evolved so much from the first diesel trucks
that our parents or even grandparents used to drive.
Diesel trucks have been developing continuously from the moment they were
conceived and today, it is no surprise that they are improving tremendously in
terms of performance. In fact, they have become so powerful that some of them
are even categorized as high performance machines.
A typical diesel engine is 3 liters and that is sufficient for the diesel truck
to do what it was built for. As trucks became increasingly larger, their
engines have grown exponentially, and the power produced by these enormous
power plants are actually superfluous. Today, a 5 liter engine would be
adequate and anything above 6 liters is unnecessary.
Turbochargers which were once an option have become an integral part of diesel
engines. In fact, certain truck enthusiasts do not consider a diesel truck a
truck unless it is equipped with a turbocharger to enable the truck to overcome
harsh conditions.
Additional parts such as higher grade air filters, intake modules and even
sophisticated intercoolers systems are installed under the hood. Regular diesel
engines are gradually being replaced by common-rail diesel engines which are
more powerful.
The versatility of diesel trucks allows it to be used both off and on road,
whether to conquer the jungles of the Amazon or to cruise on Interstate 212.
The diesel truck has therefore combined the functions of two separate vehicles
which are the SUV and roadster.
The modern cabin of diesel trucks has been designed to be similar with that of
a normal car and this has further increased its on road appeal. The more
refined cabin makes the driver feel like he is driving a car instead of a truck
on the road and thus gives him a greater sense of confidence.
As a conclusion, diesel trucks have evolved to become more versatile than ever,
thanks to their continuously improving performance. This ensures that the
demand for diesel trucks will continue to increase in order to fulfill the need
for speed for many drivers out there. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see not a Ferrari, not a Porsche but a Dodge Ram 3500 zooming
past you on the highway.

?Diesel Fuel and Taxation
Diesel fuel taxes are higher then other types of fuel in the Untied States. There is untaxed diesel fuel which is also known as “off road” which can be used in the United States. It is often used for tractors, RV’s or utility vehicles. The vehicles which qualify to use “off road diesel” must not use these vehicles on public roads and they must be used primarily for agricultural purposes.
Untaxed diesel fuel is allowed to go over the limits for sulphur which were established in 2007. “Off road diesel” is the color red because it has been dyed. If this fuel is found in the possession of a person that does not have rights to it, they can be levied heavy fines, up to $10,000.
“Off road diesel” fuel is also known as red diesel in parts of the world such as Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. It is used to heat homes, refrigerated trucks and in vehicles used for farming and in boats. In Ireland, this same type of fuel is dyed green.
While the prices of diesel gas in the United States is more expensive then traditional gasoline, this is not the case everywhere. In India, the price for diesel fuel is cheaper then gasoline. It is used in most of the company’s transportation vehicles and thus are priced more cheaply. The same is true for the country of Germany. Their diesel fuel taxes are cheaper then those placed on gasoline.
As individuals are looking for alternative diesel fuel sources, biodiesel is being discussed more and more. Biodiesel taxes in the United States differ greatly depending on the state. In the state of Texas, biodiesel is not taxed at all and the taxes are lower on biodiesel fuels that use blends. Other states do indeed tax biodiesel.
A big factor in the price of diesel fuel is taxation. Fuel, both diesel and gasoline is taxed by numerous sources. This includes the state and federal excise taxes. Some state’s taxes are a lot higher then others. For example, the average state excise tax for biodiesel fuel is around $.22 cents. In Washington state, this figure is $.34. This has a big effect at the pump.
Not all diesel fuel is taxed. Off road diesel is not taxed. Off road diesel fuel is used for farming equipment, recreational vehicles and other vehicles which are not used on public roads. This fuel is typically made red with dye. If an individual is found with off road diesel in their possession unlawfully, they can be heavily fined. In some states in the U.S. biodiesel is not taxed at all. In other states it is.
Red diesel is not just used in the United States but in other countries around the world. In the United Kingdom they use it to heat homes, as fuel in refrigerated trucks and in farming equipment and boats. In India, this type of fuel is used a great deal in their transportation vehicles and is cheaper as not to financially overburden companies or the government.

?Diesel Fuel Filters
Diesel fuel filters can help protect your fuel injectors from damaging contaminants. Using a quality diesel fuel filter can just about double the life of your fuel pump and injector. Very good filters will remove the vast majority of particles which can damage your fuel pumps and injectors. It is a good idea to make the investment in top notch diesel fuel filters. It will save you money and trouble in the long run. Filters help to protect your vehicle’s fuel injectors and pumps.
Many vehicles that use diesel fuel find that fuel filters which are inconsistent can become troublesome. The longevity of a fuel filter will be influenced by the oxidative and thermal stability of the fuel that is being used and filtered. Some diesel fuels will create a substance that is similar to tar when it gets heated up. This type of fuel will plug up the filters more easily then fuels which don’t produce such substances.
Additives have been used for a long time to help keep the fuel system clean and to increase fuel stability. Fuel additives can help filters last longer by helping to keep the fuel clean. Studies have shown that the use of additives significantly increase the life of diesel fuel filters.
When choosing a fuel filter, it is important to know what its’ capacity is. Capacity is how much a particular filter can retain at a rated flow and its’ given restriction point. It is measured in grams.
A primary fuel filter protects the transfer pump. It also helps to lightens the load of a secondary fuel filter when needed. It is placed on the suction side of the fuel pump. Most primary fuel diesel filters come with a nominal rating of ten to thirty microns.
Secondary fuel filters are placed between the injectors and the transfer pump. They help to protect the fuel injectors. Secondary filters have to handle more pressure then primary filters. They typically have ratings of two to ten microns.
Diesel fuel filters help to protect the diesel engine’s injectors and pumps. They have a very important job to do, so it is vital that diesel engine owners pick quality diesel fuel filters. This is a place to skimp on. Spending money well here will help you protect your larger investment, which is your engine. One noted problem with fuel filters is that has been hard to predict how long they will last.
One way to increase the life of a diesel fuel filter is to use an additive. Additives help to keep the fuel cleaner which makes the job of diesel fuel filters much easier. Because the fuel is cleaner, the filters do not have to filter so much gunk, which increases their longevity. All vehicles should come with filters. However, when it is time to get them replaced, make sure that you choose a good filter. They only require a small investment, they are not expensive. However, they can make a world of difference for your vehicle.

?Are Diesel Engines More Efficient?
When many people think of diesel engines, they think of huge semi-trucks and huge gas prices. However, diesel engines can be very efficient. An increasing number of high-end vehicles are creating their cars to run on diesel fuel. Mercedes and Jetta are two companies that have done so.
Vehicles with diesel engines tend to have increased fuel efficiency. In fact, many of the are on par to smaller cars when it comes to gas mileage. Diesel engines are able to burn fuel at increased temperatures, higher then traditional gas engines. This helps the engine become more fuel efficient. The more efficient the fuel is, the greater it lasts. Drivers will be able to drive longer or less fuel. As gas prices, including diesel fuel, continue to rise, the more miles a car can run, the money that has to be spent on fuel.
Diesel is also more dense then regular gas. It takes a lower amount of fuel to achieve the same power as traditional gasoline. This greatly increases the efficiency of diesel fuel which makes it an attractive alternate to regular gasoline.
Even with all of these benefits, diesel engines have not become especially popular in the United States. For one thing, prices for diesel fuel are higher then regular gasoline. Also, not every fueling station has a diesel pump, although more and more then are popping up. Diesel engine vehicles may also get a bad rap from problems associated with earlier models, namely that they were loud and gave off a lot of soot. Technology has sensed remedied a great deal of these problems. Diesel engines which are manufactured today are quite, burns clean and not much soot is anywhere to be found. Also today, only clean diesel fuel is used in the United States.
While diesel fuel is more expensive then regular fuel, there are some real advantages. Diesel fuel burns clean and is more efficient then regular gasoline. However, the high prices of diesel fuel make purchasing a diesel engine car less attractive. There are diesel engine alternatives that can make fuel cheaper. Biodiesel is one of those options.
Because diesel fuel is more dense then regular gasoline, it takes less of it to achieve the same power. This accounts for its’ better fuel efficiency. However a major disadvantage to using diesel fuel lately is that it is more expensive.
It will cost more to purchase diesel fuel. For many people, with gas prices already being so high, the idea of purchasing a car that runs on diesel is unappealing. This was not always the case. Diesel, historically was cheaper then gasoline. It has only been the last few years where diesel costs have eclipsed those of gas.
Individuals that already have diesel engines may be looking for alternatives to decrease their costs. Biodiesel is one of the options that is receiving increased consideration. Biodiesel uses cooking oils to fuel diesel engines. These oils can be gathered free from restaurants or include left over oil that a person has used themselves. Because the materials to create biodiesel can be had cheaply, it is becoming an attractive option for more and more individuals.

?Alternatives to Diesel Fuel
Biodiesel fuel involves the process of taking various kinds of oil and converting it into an alternative fuel. Biodiesel can be purchased or it can be made. Some countries have already updated their vehicle warranties so that it covers the use of biodiesel fuels. Not all biodiesel fuels are covered however. Rapeseed methyl esters are usually covered but fuels such as soy biodiesel often are not covered. These countries have recognized biodiesel as a legitimate fuel source. In fact, many gas stations have begun to sell biodiesel in countries such as Germany.
Biodiesel is cheaper then it’s diesel fuel counterpart. While it is yet to reach the states, it is expected to hit our shores fairly soon. However, it is believed that biodiesel fuel will cost more then simple diesel fuel in the United States, perhaps to discourage it’s use.
The good news is that biodiesel can be used in any car or truck that uses diesel fuel. Even better news is that biodiesel can be made from scratch. You don’t have to buy out and thus can save a ton of money. There are plenty of great recipes that can be found on the web which will allow people to make quality-grade biodiesel. However, it is important that one finds a legitimate recipe which includes safety precaution.
Creating biodiesel can be dangerous if the directions are not followed properly. In fact, it can even cause death. There have not been many document cases of grave or serious injury but the potential is there for it to take place. Millions of people make biodiesel everyday without any problems.
Biodiesel uses many household ingredients. In fact, a great deal of materials can be found at the grocery store. Ingredients such as lye (drain cleaner) and methanol (stove fuel). As you can see, while at first glance, these ingredients may be intimidating, there is no reason for them to be since many of us use them everyday, we just do not know it.
While diesel fuel has many positive attributes, it is more expensive then regular gasoline. For this reason many individuals are looking for alternative fuel sources. Biodiesel fuel is one of the most popular alternative choices. This is partly because individuals can make it themselves and use cheap ingredients such as vegetable oil. The price for biodiesel processors will differ. It is a good idea to look around online and do some comparison shopping.
To make biodiesel correctly, it is important that a person understands what they are doing. They must find a good recipe and then follow it to the letter. While many of the ingredients are those that are commonly used in households, if a person is not cautious, they can be hurt. There are many great biodiesel plans online.
Machinery is not required if you are going to make it in small batches. However, if a person gets really good at creating biodiesel, they may want to make a profit by selling it to others. In this case, a processor may be needed. Individuals can build their own or purchase one online.