Wide Open Performance Building an Evil 7.3L Diesel Gen 1 Lightning Running 116 PSI of Boost

Diesel engines have emerged as an excellent drag racing engine package in the past couple years. While they still may be a little out of reach for small-tire racers due to their overabundance of torque, they can still make some killer power in an economical package. A ton of guys will go right for the Cummins or Duramax, but this Ford faithful crowd is using none other than the good old 7.3L Powerstroke. It’s original white color was a pretty sleek look, but the flat black treatment gives it the sinister touch this truck needed.

Check out this sweet diesel Lightning build at the National Lightning Owners Club message board.

Twin Turbo’s are a favorite in the gas engine ranks no doubt, and the same is true with the diesel crowd. This Powerstroke diesel is crammed with an almost unheard of amount of boost – 110-116 PSI on their race-day setup depending on track conditions and how much nitrous they’re squirting in. With all that heat in the combustion chambers you’ve got to keep it cool somehow – in this case a custom water injection system is being used. Underneath the rig is a heavily modified 4R100 transmission that still retains the overdrive option if a little cruise on the highway is in order.

Now that some shakedown licensing passes have been made with the truck, the Wide Open Performance crew can finally go after the low 9-second time-slips they’re seeking. This identical combination in a heavier 4×4 on street tires got them going low 10’s with ease, without a doubt their low 9 second ET should be an easily accomplished goal. The diesel class they plan on running requires a minimum weight of 4500 lbs, so a bit of weight is going to need to be added to it, but either way, 1000 Horsepower/2000 Ft. Lb’s of torque should be a fun ride.

About the author

Chris Taylor

Chris is an avid drag racing enthusiast. He follows closely anything related to door car series racing and prides himself on finding unique content.
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