where to start, building a pulling motor

stillsmokin

stillsmokin

all out of fuel
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
228
After 3 years of searching for a reasonably priced core I finally bit the bullet and bought a 96 12v core engine. Its a virgin 160hp motor which came with the pump.

I have plenty of experience with gasoline competition engines but, there aren't a whole lot of people willing to help point a guy in the right direction (unless you're the check writer type of diesel performance guy of course). I'm looking to build a pulling motor and really need to do this mostly on my own (read, not running against Haisley or Scheids). I just don't have that kind of cash, or need that kind of power to run around these parts, and we don't have much for prize payouts here.

I need to figure out how I start my build, as in what component do I decide on first and design my build around. Since I really don't have to be that crazy I could let the 3850 DD be the focus (power limit) of my build. I'm thinking: cam other than reground, fire rings/copper head gasket, serious head mods, ceramic coated pistons/maybe drop compression, and obviously a turbo.

I'll have to build almost everything myself(including the pump and have it bench tested). Some of you might cringe at this, but I have done plenty of pump work over the years, including the pump I'm running now. Since I'll probably have to keep the pump I have now (160 p7100) that may be the focal point of the build (cc of fuel delivery available). I was thinking 13mm quick recovery out of the pump i have now, I may get by with 12mm P&b's though in these parts, but the 160 pump cam should probably be relieved of it's duties.

Whats the skinny on the marine rods vs stock truck rods? Is the 24/7 (continuous duty) block used on industrial applications that much stronger than what I have?
 
What class are you planning on running? Most build ups I think are based mostly on the rpm range and the turbo size you are going to run for that class.
 
Not going to stay with the VE pump? Its a sad day to see a 1st gen deflowered. lol
 
Classes around here are not too specific. I am sure a 3" inducer will be the charger. Not sure which one just yet.
RPMs as much as he can.
Similar to DHRA street.

Still working with the ve, but the p-pump motor will eventually lead to the demise of the ve. The new motor will be built as funds are available so it won't go in tomorrow.
There is still power to be found in that ve. We talk about ideas daily. We just need some time to test these ideas. That and some time to put in the powerstroke intercooler and custom fuel system.
 
THE TANK said:
Not going to stay with the VE pump? Its a sad day to see a 1st gen deflowered. lol
Click to expand...

I think I'm going to do some more experimenting with the VE, 4200 rpm on a budget is pretty cool. I Probably will make some new DV's and try them this spring. I started cutting a huge experimental set tonight. But, I figure I'll have to go to a P7100 eventually, besides the motor came with it. There could be some engineering involved on the p7100 motor to make the pump work correctly.
 
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I'm thinking 3" inducer, RQV governor with delete kit possibly, classes are so screwy around here we'll just not discuss that part.
 
keep the ve i have a ve flowing 520cc now and i have not got my higher lift camplate in the mail yet that should lead to some good power numbers i do a little pullin but am plannin on killin the ve power record so kta can have an excuse to get ol yellow back goin
 
Screw a VE or p-7100. GO SIGMA AND SPANK SOME A$$ lol. Yea thats a little over kill, huh?
 
Your looking for a good place to start with your build up? Think about balancing the rotating assembly.
That 3850 clutches threshold depends so much on the driver. I'm gonna guess you'd like to achieve 750ish? The P7100 for the fuel system is the logical choice. I think it's great that you like to do all the hands on work. Thats what makes it yours.
And on a side note. That truck in the avatar. NICE.
 
You asked about rods...factory CR rods seem to be working good at high RPM...that's what I would use!

Chris
 
6k is high rpms

Every thing is relitive, Figure out what rpm your going to turn so that means you need to figure out what turbo and that will determine the comp ratio and caming is also rpm important. Your gearing is also an issue with turbo size and rpm. Dedicated puller? Set truck up to run direct gear through trans and change diffs to make overall gear right for turbo and rpm.

Or just wing it and see what happens

IKE
 
IKNOWEVERYTHING said:
6k is high rpms

Every thing is relitive, Figure out what rpm your going to turn so that means you need to figure out what turbo and that will determine the comp ratio and caming is also rpm important. Your gearing is also an issue with turbo size and rpm. Dedicated puller? Set truck up to run direct gear through trans and change diffs to make overall gear right for turbo and rpm.

Or just wing it and see what happens

IKE
Click to expand...


Just wing it that always works good:hehe:
 
There are only a few people in mod class running aftermarket rods! Stock rods will be plenty sufficient for ya. You need to do some prior planning to save you some aggrivation. What cam are you planning on using? That will tell you what to have the pistons cut for the valve relief. If you don't want to mess around with that; haisley's has a truck pull cam that doesn't require any valve releif. If you want to decompress it with a low buck budget . Cummins industrial pistons are the ticket. The machine shop can can cut them for you then send them to swain tech for coating. That will cost you about a 3rd of what Arias, or Ross pistons will cost you . There are alot of variables in building a motor. Money being the biggest drawback...lol. I highley recommend calling Van Haisley; tell him what you have, what you want, and how much money you want to invest and he will seriously help you. He has helped us greatly for our new motor. Him and patti, and curt are some of the greatest people in the sport! They will help out anyone that asks them! Good luck with your build!
 
Aren't the new CR rods powdered metal, and not forged? If that is the case I would go with forged rods!
 
Never heard that before...maybe one of the CR guys will chime in and educate us.

And I'm with you, if that's the case, I'll change my mind;)
Chris
 
well, I haven't heard of alot of 12 valves and VP 24v's singing rods, but I have heard of quite a few CR's with peep holes in side of the blocks cuzz the rods desided they wanted a breath of fresh air.
 
How many of them were under 1000hp??

24v VP trucks haven't made enough power to sling rods...and 12v have RPM, which will ease cylinder pressures, and make the bottom end live longer (to a point of course...spin it too fast, boom!!)

The CR's are making massive power at low RPM, which can't be good on the rods. Bump the power up in the range 1000RPM and I'll bet the factory rods would still be fine...of course the problem then is that the CR's would make even more power, so the rods would still break:D:D

At least that's my opinion:D
Chris
 
I know of 3 that were under 1000, and one just had a couple boxes stacked on it. the other 2 were single charger trucks with mild injectors. Probably around 550-650hp range. But your theory on the RPMs does make sence.One thing I have never understood is if the D-Maxes are running as much as 5500rpm with the basically the same Fuel system as the CR cummins, then why can't the CR Cummins run as much RPM?
 
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