Hello all, I'm new here. I run in this forum several times the last weeks while doing research on our project. I'm part of a race team down here at the Baja, in La Paz, Mexico.

I posted the same on another Dodge Diesel forum, but not much return on info. Maybe I get more here. it seems like everybody is very hesitant to even talk about our plan. Maybe we just lunatics?? On the other side - as VW or Team x-raid started running diesels in the Dakar most people had a lame smile in the face the most. What the diesel can do was how at last yeasr Baja 500 with an guest appearance of the VW, running far in the front against Trophy Trucks with 3x as much power.

We been running a Class 8 truck,last year Baja 1000 second place, won some smaller races like Costera 250, second in Dos Mares. Now we re-organize team as well we want to build a new truck. ( We been running a F-150 tweaked to the max. more or less.... ).

The team principal is also owner of a larger development company and is promoting "green building" etc. - and also builds houses that way.

We figured it would be somewhat controversial to do that and at the same time do more or less the opposite when racing. That and seeing the performance of the VW in last years Baja 500 and at other offroad series as Dakar we want to go this way. Build a Class 8 with a Cummings in it. We went in touch with KORE that races also diesel yet they do 4x4 3/4 tons and we like to stay with the rest, basically motor Cummings, as much as possible as Class8 common - 4x2.

So any feedback or suggestions somebody come up with - we are glad to look into. It seem not so much out there in that field. the biggest problem we see at the moment. If configure similar as the KORE RAM's on the engine side (600hp), and we do not want to use a5-speed standard as they do - who builds performance auto trannies that can handle the torque for RAM's?? Any pointer would be helpful.

Otherwise nice forum, for sure will stop by here more often, lot's to read....

 

First off if you want a resonse you have to spell it correctly: Cummins (no G).

There are plenty of Cummins out there running 600hp through a Goerend automatic transmission holding up just fine on the sled pulling and drag race circuit so no trouble there either. Remember a diesel with 600hp is going to have close to 1200lb/ft of torque, much more than a gasser motor.

Do a search on puke bottle relocation - probably necessary in your application.

Other than a very large and at every pit stop replaced air filter, the only other issue could be reinforcing the truck to handle the torque, and the weight of the engine (which is probably 50% greater than a similar displacement gas motor, or close to a an old big block iron motor).

Good luck with it, doesn't sound like too many challenges really.

 

Sorry about the G - is it acceptable to say: english is not my first language and in German the pronouncation is like it has a G at the end.....

Anyway - I understand the torque issue, puke-bottle for inside-out guts is secured.

Transmission - well, I dont question at all the trannies holding up to the hp/torque at a pulling event or drag-race yet the requirements on the type of racing are just different.

No problems to find people to cooperate - yeah right. You say : Cummins and they back off...... maybe give you a humble grin.....

Greetings from La paz

 

Admin: Well, I'm sorry - did not see any announcements one cannot put link to own Racing team website out. I tough that is the sport section here.

Do we make money with the team??? Heck no, it's a little bit the other way around - so how can that be a advertisement link?

However. Your board - should write that down somewhere - maybe I just did not see it if it's announced.

 

2wd will be hard because of the front end weight. The front axle of my truck weighs over 4400lbs. I don't remember what class 8 is, that is stock frame correct? I think you are going to be stuck with 4wd If so the front axle will need reinforcment. I don't remember what team it was but they run a cummins and bent the front axle getting airborn. Run a huge trans cooler and tell whoever builds the trans what you are using it for. Baja is brutal, I used to work with a class 1 unlimited buggy team. If it can be broken it will be. Supersize everything in the front suspension.

 

yes, KORE is running 3/4 ton - 4x4 - 5-speed. We are in contact with them.
Their truck weight in about 7000 pound....

Their suggestion is go 4x4 or at least use that setup with the 4x4 axle yet "empty", no DS, TC etc..

Yes, Class 8 is frame stock to certain extent. Information I got is the cummins is about 700 pounds more as the 460 V8 we run in last years truck.

The bad thing in that matter is also SCORE rules only give +/- 1 inch on orginal engine mounting position.

I seen about the breaking stuff....... seen steel broken I could not break in purpose......

 

I would run 4x4 You could run open diff in the front a locker or spool in the rear and run a transfer case with low range removed and have the case locked into 4w hi so it wouldn't come out without tools or removing a pin or something. I don't think you would be able to get ample weight to the rear of the truck with the rules you have to deal with. I drive alot out on the beach and can tell you these trucks plow with the front end in soft sand when not useing the 4wd.

on the broken stuff. we had a driver hit a cactus at about 120 with one of the front suspension A-arms. Folded that thing up like a toy. Im sure you have seen them thay arent built very lightly. Luckily another team had a spare.

 

Here are few to start with for a transmission.
http://www.goerend.com/
http://www.dieseltrans.com/dodge/index.htm
http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats_new/
Good Luck
Cory