Whether you own a Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel pickup or are just a fan, you should know about the Turbo Diesel Register (TDR). It’s the only owners’ club, magazine and online publication dedicated solely to Cummins-powered Dodge Rams.
In previous TDR magazines, I have touted that the 6.7-liter Cummins engine that was introduced in January of 2007 is already 2010 emissions compliant. The proven Dodge/Cummins powertrain gives the truck an advantage over the competitive Ford and GM products.
Back in Issue 64, we wrote about the Ford and Navistar divorce that was reported in January of 2009. January, 2009 . . . only a year away from the 2010 truck introduction. What would Ford have to offer for 2010?
I laughed out loud at the title and wondered how it was that Ford was successful in selling the previous truck with the Navistar engine. Did the prospective owner not know about the 6.0-liter and 6.4-liter Navistar problems?
On the other hand, the loyal Ford owner could point to the GM's and Chrysler's bankruptcy fiascos and wonder why one would purchase a truck from a company that has an uncertain future. Yet again, how secure is Ford? I digress. I looked in the mirror and the laughter subsided.
Back to the Richard Truett report. Truett writes, "The first thing you notice about Ford Motor Co.'s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel truck engine is how quiet it is. Standing next to it, you wouldn't know it was a diesel unless someone said so.
"The engine debuts early next year in Ford's revamped line of Super Duty pickups. Ford won't talk about horsepower and torque until the Texas State Fair on Sept. 24. But auto writers recently got a preview.
"The engine is important. Ford lost customers because of quality problems with the current diesel, which is supplied by International Truck and Engine Corp. Ford produces the new diesel itself.
"Ford engineers designed the new Power Stroke with various innovations:
- Fast-acting piezo fuel injectors supplied by Bosch deliver as many as five shots of fuel per piston stroke. This nearly eliminates the familiar diesel clatter, improves performance and cuts emissions.
- Aluminum cylinder heads with inward-facing exhaust ports reduce noise.
- A single, sequential turbocharger with twin impellers delivers performance at low and high engine speeds, reducing turbo lag. The turbocharger, made by Honeywell, is mounted in the "V" between the cylinder heads.
- A block made of lightweight compact graphite iron helps cut 160 pounds of weight compared with the outgoing 6.4-liter International diesel block. Ford buys the block from Tupy SA, of Brazil.
- A urea injection system, also from Bosch, helps neutralize emissions of oxides of nitrogen. It's the first Detroit 3 engine to use urea. The chemical will be available at Ford dealerships, truck stops and auto parts stores. The urea tank must be refilled every 7,500 miles.
"The engine is designed to last 300,000 miles without major service, says Adam Gryglak, the Power Stroke's lead engineer.
"It has been in development for four years. It will be built in Chihuahua, Mexico.
"The diesel is one of Ford's most expensive options. The current base F-250 Super Duty starts at $26,275 including delivery. The diesel engine package adds $9,325, which includes a bigger engine cooling system, a stronger transmission and bigger brakes.
"Ford says 60 percent of Super Duty F-series pickups are sold with Power Stroke engines, or about 175,000 units last year."
On behalf of the TDR audience, over the past two years I have quizzed industry contacts about Ford's diesel engine for the future. I am amazed that they have been able to keep stories about the engine's development quiet. I look forward to the official unveiling of this engine at the Texas State Fair on September 24, 2009.
The Turbo Diesel Register is a community of Dodge diesel truck enthusiasts who work to support each other while having a lot of fun with our trucks. We received the following letter from a TDR Member requesting help for his local dealership, a dealership that has supported the community for over fifty years. So if you are in need of a new truck or service, consider contacting the folks at Quaden Dodge in Okauchee, Wisconsin.
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Mr. Patton,
Often and regularly at TDR we, the members, are asked or offer to help someone in need. We love to do it, volunteer our time, efforts, and resources. We know people who need it, and wish that we can do so for everyone. I wouldn’t ordinarily ask for something like this, to be applied to a business. But in this case, I would at least like to share the information.
Our local dealership, Quaden Dodge, in Southeast Wisconsin’s Waukesha County, has been designated by the Dodge to be closed. This comes over the manufacturer’s decision in light of the economic developments. They contacted John, and gave them a strict time line in which to cover the inventory expenses, and basically offered no help in moving any parts, vehicles or otherwise support. Either they are stuck with a lot full of product, or do whatever to try and break even, or go bankrupt. I really don’t know, but the options are few. Quaden is a family business, and what you’d call a “mom and pop” operation. They have offered great service for about 50 years, and catered to our military veterans and public safety professionals. I, as one of their Diesel junkies, have always been happy and treated well. Despite the changes, Quaden will stay open to offer the same great service, without the “Dodge.”
Maybe we can spread the word around, and have members visit the dealership. They have inventory on good pricing in the lot, and parts department. We can even make a regional even and get together. It is a beautiful drive this time of year from any point in Midwest, or wherever your piece of heaven may be. Any thoughts you have, please let me know.
Thank you for your help and great work as always. If you think this should be printed or posted in forums, please do as you wish.
Sincerely,
Steve R,
TDR Member, rabsyeeha
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We appreciate Steve's letter and encourage you to contact the folks at Quaken Dodge if you're in the area and in need of a truck or parts. Thank you, Steve, for exemplifying what the TDR is all about!
DEALER INFORMATION: John Quaden Dodge 127 E Wisconsin Ave Okauchee, WI 53069 Phone: (262) 367-2626
So this guy comes into Dunkin Donuts in his AIG sweatshirt, and his date has on a Merrill Lynch ball cap. I guess there was something about the couple that just caught my eye because I see them over and over and over again.
It is just me, or do those reminders of AIG and Merrill Lynch and their recent corporate blunders raise your blood pressure up a notch or two? You kind of want to go over and say, "Folks, I don't like your company and I doubt I'd like your company for a cup of coffee either."
That got me to thinking. How does America feel about me and my Chrysler/Dodge ball cap, jacket, t-shirt and officially-licensed Mopar underwear?
Just something to think about and respond to after you read the Wall Street Journal's "Mean Street" editorial. Take a few minutes to read. This link will take you to the Wall Street Journal Online's piece, "Chrysler's Italian Job."
So, before you leave the house today, will you grab that Chrysler-logoed ball cap?
Not knowing much about Fiat, I asked Automotive Journalist Greg Whale to comment. I will present his blogitorial (hey, a new word), then we will open the forum to your responses.
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The Turbo Diesel Register is a community of Dodge diesel truck enthusiasts who work to support each other while having a lot of fun with our trucks. We received the following letter from a TDR Member requesting help for his local dealership, a dealership that has supported the community for over fifty years. So if you are in need of a new truck or service, consider contacting the folks at Quaden Dodge in Okauchee, Wisconsin.
So this guy comes into Dunkin Donuts in his AIG sweatshirt, and his date has on a Merrill Lynch ball cap. I guess there was something about the couple that just caught my eye because I see them over and over and over again.