Dear DT,
My new pickup is only getting 12 miles to a gallon. These EPA people should be put in jail. And I don't even live near a city for it to be blamed on city driving.
David Hammond
Via email
Bureaucrats must love irony, because legislation like these emissions regulations is full of it. Sure, the new diesel engines from the Big Three may not smoke, but they're burning about 35 percent more fuel in the process. That makes sense. -Ed.
Dear DT,
I have a question that I have never seen addressed before. After purchasing my `07 Dodge 2500 I began searching for an aftermarket air filter kit. As there are many fine filters on the market to pick from, it dawned on me that some come with a box to replace the stock air box and others come with an open filter that is surrounded by a panel that seals against the hood as the K&N FIPK does. My question is which is better, box or no box? I really enjoyed your magazine and will be subscribing soon. Keep up the good work.
Via email
On the Dodges, most of the aftermarket intakes that have the open filter that seals next to the hood show the highest power gains. There are some that are just open filters with no enclosure; they tend to draw hot air from the engine. The box-style full-enclosures draw cooler air through the fender, but the volume of airflow is not as great as with the open filter/hood seal setup. -Ed.
Dear DT,
Go to www.gpcustoms.net and look at the red and black Duramax. Does this truck look familiar? It should. It's got a 4-page spread in your latest mag, but Tom didn't build it! In fact he bought it on eBay. Nothing was changed from the day he picked it up. This creation is totally Great Plains Customs in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Miah Christensen is the owner and the builder of all these trucks. How about giving the credit where it is deserved?? In fact, if you would call him up he would probably mention the $80K+ LMM Dmax that he is finishing up right now. Why not feature the builder of the trucks, not the eBay buyer. Sad, and he takes full credit for the truck too. Do what's right.
Brent Bartels
Via email
Dear DT,
I got my first issue as a subscriber last week and while I still like the layout and the content, I noticed something was missing, the Diesel Addict feature, which I felt is something that really set your magazine apart from the others, was gone. I realize that you have limited space in each issue, but please bring that back. That section was my favorite because that seemed to be the one that most truly represented what most of your readers/diesel enthusiasts actually drive. Overall, I'm still happy with it, but losing that definitely sucked. Thanks for listening. Also, how often is Diesel Tech going to be printed this year? Still every 3 to 4 months?
Ted McKnight
Via email
We hear you Ted. The Diesel Addicts section is one of our favorite features to do, but we didn't have room in that particular issue. For 2008, Diesel Tech will be printed 6 times a year. -Ed.
Dear DT,
I was just wondering if you could tell me what kind of rims you put on the Duramax Build-Up in volume 2 issue 1.
Eric Noble
Via email
Those are 18x9 Ultra Thunder 247s with 33x12.50R18 Toyo Open Country MTs. And yes, they rub a little when you back up with the wheel turned (you didn't ask, but on a Chevy, that's always the next question).-Ed.