The Ultimate Callout Challenge has been coined one of the biggest diesel performance events of the year. Not only does it bring the east and west coast crews together, but it also brings spectators from all over as well. We’ve made a point to stroll around the event looking for some of the coolest builds that spectators bring to the show. Even though we thought the attendance would lack due to the weather, believe it or not, there were still a ton of cool builds around Lucas Oil Raceway.
The rain may have dulled the detail on some of these builds, but we still found some of the finest creations of the weekend. Check out the Duramax-swapped Suburban, a 50’s model Chevrolet with 800+ horsepower, and even more.
Hunter Inman’s Sleeper Duraburb
The more builds like this we see, the more we wish they just came off the showroom floor like this. The Duramax-swapped Chevrolet Suburban is a growing fad and when we saw this in the pits, we couldn’t pass it up. A funny, coined name “Duraburb” is obviously the name of both chassis and engine combined.
Inman’s displayed project is a 2004 Suburban with a 6.6-liter, LBZ Duramax engine stuffed inside. Although a swap alone would be cool, the additional turbocharger from Deviant Race Parts and some powder coat push this swap over the top. This LBZ features a compound turbo system that utilizes an S475 atmosphere turbocharger building enough boost for all kinds of fun.
Other features that hold this truck to the ground are Calvert Trac Bars, Dirty Hooker Steering Brace, Deviant Tie Rod Sleeves, 22-inch by 12-inch XD Grenade wheels wrapped in 305/45R22 Nitto 420 S tires.
We spoke with Inman to get the full build list and as it seems, no expense was spared. “Among the Deviant compound kit, we also have PPE up-pipes and manifolds, Exergy Performance 10-MM CP3, ARP head studs with Merchant Grade C gaskets, Merchant motor mounts, and is all backed by an in-house built Allison transmission,” said Inman. “Inside the Allison is Adrenaline clutches with Suncoast 1058 torque converter, PPE deep pan, Adrenaline transfer case brace, and is CCT tuned.”
Old School Ride, New School Technology
Cruising through vendor alley and we see the beauty in the distance. Over at the Duramax Tuner booth, they had a 1958 Apache truck that was restored and it was amazing to see. We stopped in and talked with the Duramax Tuner sales associate, Jim Rendant, to get the scoop.
“This is certainly one of the crowd favorites. The truck features an in-house built transmission, a built engine, a 67-MM turbocharger, 100-percent over fuel injectors, and a 12-MM CP3 injection pump from Exergy Performance,” said Rendant. “Also, with an air-to-water intercooler, this truck made 836-horsepower.”
836-horsepower in something like this is nothing short of badass. One other feature of this build is that it utilizes the all-new Edelbrock Duramax Cylinder Heads. These heads have been the talk of the town as of late, and to see these on there it’s great to see them being put through the paces. “After putting these cylinder heads on from Edelbrock, we picked up 15-horsepower average and we’re glad we used them,” said Rendant. “This truck is fun to drive and perfect for a cruiser.”
We wanted to touch base on these new Edelbrock heads for the Duramax trucks. They have been tested on this truck and according to the Duramax Tuner crew, they picked up 77-lb/ft of torque and an average of 15-horsepower on the dyno. Not only can you revamp your engine, but you can also increase the power, too!
Duramax-Powerd Hummer Wagon
When you see a Hummer, you think of one thing. Military. Well, this is no different except when one is chilling at the Duramax Tuner booth with the hood flipped up. We stopped in and saw Duramax Tuner sales associate Jim Rendant to get the scoop on this Hummer. “The Hummer is a pretty cool project. It runs really well for being as heavy as it is,” Rendant said.
Other features of the Hummer include an XHD conversion and suspension kit, 12K driveline, and some monstrous Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires. Something this heavy requires some power and it has just that dialed in at 75o-horsepower.
This Hummer is powered by a fully-built LBZ, 6.6-liter Duramax engine with plenty of extra ponies under the hood. This engine build featured a VVT Stealth 67G2 turbocharger, Exergy Performance 60-percent over fuel injectors and a 10-MM CP3 injection pump. Behind this LBZ is a built DT750 Allison transmission harnessing all of the power and applying it to the pavement.
Allison Transmission Swapped Heavy Duty Ram
CA Conversions is no rookie to unique things in the diesel world and this isn’t their first trip the Ultimate Callout Challenge. While they are coming out with new and exciting things all the time, they had one of their most prized possessions on display this year. Their prettied-up, late-model Ram 3500 HD was posted up next to the booth, but something was off.
We’re checking it out, having a look-see at their aftermarket wheels and tires, and notice something above the iconic Cummins badge. That’s right, an Allison Transmissions badge. We talked with the crew at CA Conversions about this truck and whether or not this was a booming idea.
Somewhere, there are die-hard Cummins fans that are biting their tongue.
Their answer? Yes! According to CA Conversions, the Allison Cummins combination is the “Million Mile Solution”. Can the Dodge transmissions be rebuilt to be as strong as an Allison? Their answer? Absolutely not. If you look at the sheer size of an Allison, and it’s internal components, versus a Dodge unit, you can easily see that the Allison is built two to three times stronger all around.
Displayed here was a common rail Cummins engine with the full CA Conversions kit applied. It sure does look good. What would you do?
These are some big claims coming from these die-hard Allison fans. What about you guys that are happy with your 47 and 48RE’s? I think putting these two to the test back to back would be a pretty awesome time. What do you think?
FASS-Backed Ford Ranger
This Ford Ranger isn’t like your grandpa’s ranger. This mini-truck is powered by a D & J Precision Machine Predator engine that’s making enough power to put it into the stacked Pro Mod class. The truck is owned and driven by Houston native, John Montesino. Montesino has been into trucks for some time as he works in Houston for Power Stroke Enginuities.
Although this is a fresh build, things are looking up for the FASS/PSE team as they’re getting things lined out quick.
Montesino’s Ranger is sponsored by FASS Fuel Systems and features this built-up 6.7-liter Cummins engine. This big time build features a stage-3 D & J cylinder head, Stainless Diesel exhaust manifold, Garrett Turbochargers GT55 turbo, and custom tuned by Ryan Milliken at Hardway Performance. On the fueling side, Montesino trusts S&S Diesel Motorsport on the fuel injectors and to control is Bosch digital dash and data logger.
With the powerplant it has out front, and the traction it has out back, these dual parachutes are a must for this lean, mean Ranger. Other features on this truck include a Rossler Transmissions TH400 transmission, SunCoast Diesel Transmissions Zero-Drag torque converter, and a fully prepped, race-ready chassis by Signature Metal Fab.
We can’t wait for another year at the Ultimate Callout Challenge here in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about any of these companies tagged, check out their links. For more information about the Ultimate Callout Challenge, be sure and check out their website. Stay tuned to Diesel Army for the latest events, news, and coverage. What was your favorite build from UCC 2019? Let us know in the comments below.
