FYI: Randy Reyes’ ’06 Ram 3500, known as “Red Delicious,” is a monster truck that can hit 2,100 horsepower on the wheels and aims for the 8.90s in the quarter mile, but recently blew up on the dyno in his pursuit of 3,000 horsepower.
### Randy Reyes’ Red Delicious: A Drag-Racing Beast
Many pickup truck owners use their vehicles for towing, hauling, or work-related tasks, but Randy Reyes has taken his ’06 Ram 3500 dually, affectionately dubbed “Red Delicious,” to an entirely different level. This 7,700-pound diesel beast is a certified dragster, clocking the quarter mile in an astounding 9.42 seconds and achieving a top speed of 151 mph. Most impressively, it puts over 2,100 horsepower to the wheels, with its engine producing more than 2,700 horsepower at the crank.
### Unmatched Engineering and Raw Power
Reyes has been relentless in his pursuit of power and structural integrity for Red Delicious. His dedication is evident, though his recent endeavor may have pushed the limits a bit too far.
#### The Dyno Disaster
In a jaw-dropping display of power, Red Delicious attempted to reach a staggering 3,000 horsepower on the dyno. The result? The engine exploded from the chassis, blowing off the hood and shattering the grille. Despite this setback, the truck remains an engineering marvel.
### Custom-Built Engine with Unrivaled Components
According to Diesel World, Randy enlisted Industrial Injection to build a custom engine for his truck. The build started with a 6.7-liter Cummins block, but it was scaled down to 5.9 liters to endure more significant impacts. This powerhouse features Carillo rods and high-temperature resistant Mahle Monotherm pistons.
The engine’s boost is driven by an innovative turbo setup, using two 88mm turbos feeding into a 94mm turbo, which produces a massive 130 psi of boost. To ensure a steady flow of power, Industrial Injection provided an XP fuel pump and King Cobra injectors.
### Nitrous Oxide and its Rate-Limiting Effects
Red Delicious also employs three stages of nitrous oxide, capable of pushing the boost up to 150 psi. Theoretically, this system could significantly exceed 2,100 horsepower, though the engine will need a rebuild before hitting the track again. “I haven’t hit the track hard yet, but when I go hard, I think I can get into the 8.90s,” Randy told Diesel World in 2023.
### The Competition: Another Diesel Titan
Chris Patterson’s 2007 Dodge Laramie has also ventured into the 3,000 horsepower territory. The first diesel truck to exceed this mark, Chris set a record at the 2021 All-Track Challenge with his Laramie, hitting 3,089 horsepower on the dyno.
#### Chris Patterson’s Record-Breaking Engine
Chris’s truck features a Hamilton Comp block paired with Stage 3 heads and a billet cam. The fuel system is powered by two Exergy 14mm CP3 pumps. Although he uses a triple turbo setup for record runs, his dual-turbo configuration is more commonly in use.
### Conclusion
Though Randy Reyes’ recent dyno trial ended in a spectacular engine failure, it underscores the extreme engineering and ambition encapsulated in Red Delicious. The pursuit of power in the world of diesel drag racing continues unabated, with record-breaking competitors like Chris Patterson pushing the limits. As Reyes rebuilds, the drag racing community eagerly anticipates what’s next for Red Delicious.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
