In 2021, this high-horsepower Cummins build let go on the dyno at over 2,300 horsepower and 4,200 RPM. It was violent, loud, and destructive enough to twist the frame. We palletized the engine, shoved it in a corner, and swore we’d never look at it again.
Until now.
With the Ultimate Callout Challenge right around the corner, we finally break down the carnage from one of our most infamous engine failures. This isn’t just a teardown — it’s a forensic investigation. From valve flow testing to a cracked block, bent rods, and a camshaft that was literally ripped out, we’re putting all the pieces on the table.
Were there bad parts from the COVID shortage? A weak spot in the block casting? Or did we simply push it further than the platform could handle?
This engine still had some surprises for us. Some parts survived. Others, not so much. And by the end of it, we learned a few hard truths about what it takes to chase record-setting power.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a diesel engine is pushed past the edge, this is it.
Drop a comment below and let us know what you would have done differently — and don’t forget to subscribe for more diesel performance content, dyno runs, engine tear downs, and behind-the-scenes from Power Driven Diesel.
Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies.
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