Gassers vs Diesel Pulling?

Just seeing the redneck crap that always turns up with the gassers is worth the admission to me.

If they want to play with us, fine, they can have FI and a cube limit. If they want to run alky, we run alky conversions with them.

I plan on hooking my truck with the NTPA 2wd trucks just to see how it compares.
 
I wish i could get a CAT 3512 to fit in my truck and make weight. hell the engine alone i don't think will make weight. 1400hp at 1800rpm and almost 5000 ft lbs of torque at 1400rpm and that is cat specs.
 
zstroken said:
I think you would be surprised in what some of the top pullers have in their engines. I mean you can't touch a 13mm Ppump for less than $3500.
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Oh, I am not ignorant to what it costs to play. Was just saying is all. I used to drag/street race a mustang I know its pricey. I just thought it funny when I used to say I was going to add this or that to my truck right away they would jump my case and say lets see what "The big bad diesel is realy worth and come pull". I have been tempted to lower it a lil and try pulling but why bother the truck I love how it sits now.
 
I pull both Gas and Diesel street and pilot a Superstock gasser as well. This ain't my first rodeo.

Things I've noticed:
The new kid on the block always gets hazed (momatter what class). There were VERY FEW diesel truck pullers in the 80's-90's (I give respect to all those that tried and stuck with it). Now you have every idiot and their brother with a "street" diesel that wants to pull. Many guys are new to the sport and want everything for nothing (don't want to contribute or help, just pull and take any point/money they get and leave). This creates anomosity for the other classes. Yes there are gassers who are D-bags (and always have been), but I see more newbie diesel guys that are worse (and their numbers are higher).

Guys in the gasser world learned how to wrench on their trucks, pull a motor, swap a cam, adjust lifters, timing, etc. Most even learned how to build their own tranny. In the diesel class you have the same type of guys pulling (many are converts or gearheads in general), but you also have alot of guys who don't know squat about a diesel engine (but can write a check) and can build a fairly stout street truck with very minimal wrenching. They haven't paid their dues, yet they want to reap the benefits (I don't blame guys for being a little put out by that).

In order for the sport to be successfull, both young and old, vets and newbies, diesels and gassers, trucks and tractors need to get along. The issue I see is alot of the veterans are becoming the D-bags and don't even realize it. They are the first ones to point out this one or that one is being a Prick or crybaby (most need to look in the mirror). I know pullers from lots of clubs and from all different classes and vehicle types and they are awesome people in general. It only takes a few bad apples to spoil it.

Nut up, Shut up, help your local/national clubs by helping your fellow pullers (nomatter what class), and STOP *****ING and I know you'll see the sport continue to grow. Continue the *****ing and it's going to go downhill (this caused the demise of several clubs across the states). Actions speak louder than *****ing. Anyone can *****, it's takes a dedicated puller to help out others (and the sport of pulling) even if the people they help don't appreciate it.......

Remember it's a show and fans pay the purse. We are here for them, not ourselves.

OK, off my soapbox now.
 
Good points leadfoot.

One comment. The 6200 open street classes here puts on an awful show. 80% of them hop really bad and the few that don't, rule the class and everyone hates them or thinks they're cheaters. the rest of them break stuff every other pull, generally from hopping. It's painful to watch. And this is where they get called "clowns" because the trucks pull like some moron prepped them (even if it did take a lot of work to get to that point)

Like a couple years ago, local superman Mark Petros went out and won almost every pull because he knew what the heck he was doing. Smooth pulls, good power, just like the average diesel class.

The street diesels generally put on a great show with minimal clownage.

If the gasser guys did the same, I think people would give them a bit more respect.
 
Leadfoot well said. around me one off the big guys putting pulls on is a die hard tractor guy but last year at a local fair he decided the street diesel class did not have enough pullers, yet he notice a big difference in attendance from not having this class. this year he had it and He said it was the largest crowed he has had and the was more pullers in the street diesel class then any other class, that night. hell i think he had more diesels in one class then all the gas truck that pulled that night.

I know of about 5 or 6 guys who pull both gas and diesel or tractors. also i have a couple older buddys who have pulled gas trucks for years and they are wanting to get back into pulling, but now want to pull diesels.
 
Leadfoot, great post.
Myself, I already wasted a lot of time locally trying to deal with gassers, and it went no where. Hasn't stopped me, still plugging away.

I know what you mean about the 'kids" showing up plugging a box in and having a beast, then demanding stuff. The early Diesel guys worked their trucks over, no plug and play.

If anything, the Diesel trucks have bridged the gap between trucks and tractors, but nobody can can fix the rif between gas vs Diesel. After 10 years of their stubbornness, why should I bother?
 
Sledpuller said:
If anything, the Diesel trucks have bridged the gap between trucks and tractors, but nobody can can fix the rif between gas vs Diesel. After 10 years of their stubbornness, why should I bother?
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I hear you, I often times sound like a broken record and it sucks repeating the same things time after time. I guess the way I look at it is if I reach 1 guy/gal it's worth it as hopefully they will reach someone else. If we give up hope it doesn't set a good example to the newbies.

The one nice thing about the "diesel revolution" is that it has brought alot of new blood to the sport of pulling. Guys/Gals who would never have gone to a pull nevermind actually pull at one are coming out in big numbers (as seen by attendance and puller registration). This has been a blessing (more pullers and fans = more money), but also a curse (F'n Newbies :doh::blahblah1:). Somebody needs to steer them right. We have veterans who still have issues as they are set in their ways, I just hope we reach the newbies before they get there. I think of myself as in-between, been pulling for years and participating in making the "sport" better, but still don't have the years, seat time, or experience as many out there. I still learn things from them every year.

NWPADMAX

I agree with the "clowns" in the gasser class, but in all fairness it takes a ton of setup, research, and trial by error to get an old school gasser (especially in a non-hanging weight class) to not bounce (especially with bigger motors and good tires). I learned through failed attempts at what didn't work in my gasser (and what did) and over time figured it out. Suspension changes, shock changes, weight distribution, regearing, tire selection, etc.

To be completely honest I was in shock of how EASY it was to pull my diesel when I first started. Pulling my diesel was effortless, all I had to do what "set it and forget it". My biggest concern was watching the track and finding the best line, the truck did the rest. Drop bars and block the rear and your good to go. Stock shocks, any tire, etc. Granted it takes a good setup to win, but anyone could pull a stock diesel (at least the newer style which most are pulling with in the street class) and not look like a "clown".

I'll conceed that my gasser experience helped me set up my diesel rig, but I watch people who have never pulled before (and especially the powder puff pulls) and anyone can drive a given diesel truck. The guys come in off the street with their Banks/Bullydog/Diablo/SCT/PPE/Smarty/Edge/TST/Hypertech/etc tuner and pull it "as is". It may be a little different as you step up to bigger turbo's and more power, but up until 500RWHP a caveman can do it (with an auto). The only issue I have seen is the coil sprung Fords front ends oscillating or guys having trouble with a clutch/gearing in a manual truck, but other than that most people point and shoot. Even the guys with lifts don't have much of an issue.

I remember the days of wanting to see the lifted gasser trucks pull as it was almost a guarantee you were going to see some sort of hopping carnage.

Anyways enough rambling for now :blahblah1::blahblah1::blahblah1::lolly:
 
Gas vs Diesel

I can assure you that you DO NOT want a turbo on a gasser even at 360"! You won't like the results. Yes you could even drive it and get 20 plus mpg. For what these diesel's cost to build you could have a bad a$$ turbo gas motor. FWIW I pulled a gas truck (650") street truck no hanging weight and never hopped. It's all in the setup. Jeff
 
Cube for cube, in pulling, I would take the Diesel with a turbo over a gasser with a turbo.
Just call me crazy!!LOL

Jeff you are one of the few chea... I mean, exceptions, come on, I know you have cringed after watching 35 gassers bounce down the track, take a second try, all while you are waiting to hook and a storms coming in!!
 
i am one of the young "newbies" to the sport, as i am only 20. But i have learned one thing about pulling, Listen to the veterans! when they offer advice run with it! even if its not what you want to hear. i have gotten lucky enough to have been taught by an older sled puller rules and manner's of the sport. he is a diesel guy, and he helped me out purely because he wants to see the sport grow. otherwise i would probably be one of those jack***'s that leadfoot was talking about.i think that some of the younger pullers just need to be educated and mentored. just my 2 cents....
 
Leadfoot said:
I hear you, I often times sound like a broken record and it sucks repeating the same things time after time. I guess the way I look at it is if I reach 1 guy/gal it's worth it as hopefully they will reach someone else. If we give up hope it doesn't set a good example to the newbies.

The one nice thing about the "diesel revolution" is that it has brought alot of new blood to the sport of pulling. Guys/Gals who would never have gone to a pull nevermind actually pull at one are coming out in big numbers (as seen by attendance and puller registration). This has been a blessing (more pullers and fans = more money), but also a curse (F'n Newbies :doh::blahblah1:). Somebody needs to steer them right. We have veterans who still have issues as they are set in their ways, I just hope we reach the newbies before they get there. I think of myself as in-between, been pulling for years and participating in making the "sport" better, but still don't have the years, seat time, or experience as many out there. I still learn things from them every year.

NWPADMAX

I agree with the "clowns" in the gasser class, but in all fairness it takes a ton of setup, research, and trial by error to get an old school gasser (especially in a non-hanging weight class) to not bounce (especially with bigger motors and good tires). I learned through failed attempts at what didn't work in my gasser (and what did) and over time figured it out. Suspension changes, shock changes, weight distribution, regearing, tire selection, etc.

To be completely honest I was in shock of how EASY it was to pull my diesel when I first started. Pulling my diesel was effortless, all I had to do what "set it and forget it". My biggest concern was watching the track and finding the best line, the truck did the rest. Drop bars and block the rear and your good to go. Stock shocks, any tire, etc. Granted it takes a good setup to win, but anyone could pull a stock diesel (at least the newer style which most are pulling with in the street class) and not look like a "clown".

I'll conceed that my gasser experience helped me set up my diesel rig, but I watch people who have never pulled before (and especially the powder puff pulls) and anyone can drive a given diesel truck. The guys come in off the street with their Banks/Bullydog/Diablo/SCT/PPE/Smarty/Edge/TST/Hypertech/etc tuner and pull it "as is". It may be a little different as you step up to bigger turbo's and more power, but up until 500RWHP a caveman can do it (with an auto). The only issue I have seen is the coil sprung Fords front ends oscillating or guys having trouble with a clutch/gearing in a manual truck, but other than that most people point and shoot. Even the guys with lifts don't have much of an issue.

I remember the days of wanting to see the lifted gasser trucks pull as it was almost a guarantee you were going to see some sort of hopping carnage.

Anyways enough rambling for now :blahblah1::blahblah1::blahblah1::lolly:
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Another great post!!! X2!
 
Stingpuller said:
I can assure you that you DO NOT want a turbo on a gasser even at 360"! You won't like the results. Yes you could even drive it and get 20 plus mpg. For what these diesel's cost to build you could have a bad a$$ turbo gas motor. FWIW I pulled a gas truck (650") street truck no hanging weight and never hopped. It's all in the setup. Jeff
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I used to have a turbocharged 351W in my old 91 F250 4x4, it was pretty crazy to drive but got no where near 20mpg, it was actually lucky to get 12mpg. It was a very strong running truck though, but it just burnt too much fuel and was very touchy with tuning. I pulled the 351w out and put a 7.3l with a turbo in there and I enjoy the truck much more, it makes a nice Farm Truck/ Work Truck, when I don't want to get my 04.5 cummins all nasty.

BTW it tooks lots more tuning to get that turbo gas even close to running right, I put the 7.3L in there and had it running great right off the bat, well, that is not a good comparison, the 351w was totally electronic FI and everythign was controlled by one "brain" so it was lots of tuning compared to an old 7.3L
 
Sledpuller said:
Cube for cube, in pulling, I would take the Diesel with a turbo over a gasser with a turbo.
Just call me crazy!!LOL

Jeff you are one of the few chea... I mean, exceptions, come on, I know you have cringed after watching 35 gassers bounce down the track, take a second try, all while you are waiting to hook and a storms coming in!!
Click to expand...

It would be real interesting to see someone (who knows how to build a turbo gasser) build a 360 gasser and run it with a 5.9L cummins with the same turbo restrictions and see how they would do. Interesting to see cost involved including initial engine price (at "retail" rates so it's a good gauge for the guy who has nothing and needs to pay for everything including machining).

My concern would be with the strength of the gasser block once you get up to the big chargers, but say given a 2.6 inducer and same exducer dimensions, which one would make more power and/or get it to the ground better.

Doubt we'll ever see it, but would be a good comparison and settle some of the armchair debates :woohoo:
 
A SBC Chevy builds pretty cheap in comparison..... perhaps we could do new "off the lot" trucks, tuner and turbo of choice, no one gets inside the engine!
No one turns more than 4000 rpm.:evil:evil:evil

That would knock out 99% of the gas pullers right there.. Ya mean we unz can't use the Holley Double Pumper???LOLLOL
 
Does the gasser have to use a turbo? How bout a roots type blower on the gasser... If so, thinks could get real interesting!
 
FWIW

FWIW, I talked with one of the ITPA officers this season, and the 4wd superstock and the 2.6 diesels pull the same sled, and the 4 pro and the 2.8 diesels pull the same sled most of the time. So that kind've lets you know how things compare in Indaian. Now, as the 2.6 and 2.8 classes progresses I have no doubt the sled settings will change.
 
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