Regardless of how much effort goes into tuning it, every engine has its limits. This was drastically demonstrated at a recent dyno competition where a Ram HD pickup aimed for over 3,000 horsepower, only to witness its Cummins engine fail spectacularly. Fortunately, the moment was captured on video in slow motion for our viewing pleasure.
The vehicle in question is the “Red Delicious” Ram, crafted by Randy’s Transmissions from Utah. As reported by Diesel World, this 2006 Ram 3500 HD is equipped with an Industrial Injection Cummins engine modified from 6.7 liters to 5.9 liters. It features a concrete-filled block and all necessary components to achieve impressive power levels. The build includes completely custom rotating assemblies, water-methanol injection, and a massive tri-turbo system that can generate up to 130 psi of boost. This setup delivers 2,200 horsepower at the crank before engaging its nitrous system, which, in a three-stage process, pushes boost to 150 psi. Theoretically, this truck could run the quarter mile in the eights, but over the weekend, Randy Reyes aimed to break the 3,000 horsepower barrier.
Unfortunately, instead of reaching that milestone, the truck suffered multiple failures.
While on the dyno, catastrophe struck as the Ram’s engine erupted. The explosion sent debris, including parts from the grille and a piston, flying through the air and severely damaged the truck’s body. The impact compromised the front bumper, hood, windshield, and firewall. The engine itself was left with gaping holes, resembling the aftermath of an explosion, revealing the cylinder sleeves akin to mechanical carnage.
Randy’s Transmissions does not hold the engine’s supplier responsible, viewing this kind of failure as an inherent risk in the pursuit of extreme horsepower. Reyes mentioned on Instagram that he is uncertain whether to rebuild the truck with a billet block or permanently retire it. Rebuilding could potentially showcase its capabilities with a billet block, but it could also lead to even more destructive failures. While the latter scenario is not ideal, it would certainly be a darkly fascinating outcome for such a powerful engine meeting its demise.
