Blogs

Discover the pros and cons of 10-speed transmissions and how SunCoast Performance enhances their durability and performance. This blog features a video breakdown that covers why Ford and GM use these advanced gearboxes, common issues, and how SunCoast upgrades them for better reliability and power handling.

Buying a used diesel truck can be a great investment, offering power, durability, and longevity—if you choose wisely. However, without careful inspection and research, you could end up with costly repairs and regrets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key factors to consider when purchasing a used diesel truck, with insights from the helpful video in our blog article as well.

The Ultimate Frankenstein Diesel Truck: Cummins, Power Stroke, and Duramax Combined Forget brand loyalty. If you could cherry-pick the best diesel components from the Big Three — Dodge, Ford, and GM — and build the perfect truck, here’s what we’d use.

Since its debut in 2001, the Duramax diesel engine has become a powerhouse in GM's lineup of heavy-duty trucks. Developed as a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, the Duramax series brought modern performance, reliability, and tuning potential to Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models.

What if you could build the perfect Dodge or Ram Cummins truck using only the best components from every model year? No aftermarket. No swaps from other brands. Just the strongest, most reliable OEM parts Dodge ever paired with a Cummins engine.

When talking about diesel trucks—especially Chevy and GMC HD models—the Allison transmission has become synonymous with reliability, performance, and heavy-duty durability. Since its introduction in 2001 alongside the 6.6L Duramax, the Allison transmission has earned its place as one of the most respected automatic transmissions ever bolted behind a diesel.

The evolution of Ford’s Power Stroke injection systems reflects broader shifts in diesel technology—from mechanical simplicity to high-pressure, electronically controlled common rail systems. Each generation of Power Stroke diesel brought new fuel delivery systems with unique advantages and challenges. Here’s a complete breakdown of the injection systems used in Power Stroke engines from 1994 to today.

Starting a diesel truck on cold mornings can be challenging due to factors like fuel gelling, reduced battery efficiency, and increased oil viscosity. However, with proper preparation and techniques, you can ensure reliable starts even in frigid conditions.

Diesel trucks deliver unmatched towing power, better fuel efficiency under load, and long-term durability that makes them ideal for work or play. With modern clean diesel technology, improved resale value, and engines built to last hundreds of thousands of miles, driving a diesel isn’t just a choice—it’s a smart investment for those who demand strength, reliability, and performance.

Thinking about buying a diesel truck? This blog breaks down the pros of diesel ownership, who it's best for, what to expect, and key maintenance tips to keep your truck running strong. Whether you tow, haul, or just want serious longevity, learn why diesel might be the right choice for you.

Every month, we drop a fresh batch of #dieseltips® to keep your wrenching a little easier and a lot more entertaining. August didn’t disappoint. From check engine lights to missing bolts, this blog post covers the highlights.

From injector issues in the LB7 to the modern beast that is the L5P, every Duramax generation has contributed something valuable. If we could combine them all into one bulletproof setup, here’s what we’d use.

Another month, another set of truths from the shop floor. September’s #dieseltips® covered everything from driveway stains to diesel math, proving once again that owning one of these trucks is equal parts pride, pain, and comedy.

Wade from Thoroughbred Diesel and Montana from SunCoast Converters break down the most common failure points in Ford’s 10R140 and GM’s 10L1000 10-speed automatic transmissions.

When it comes to diesel performance and reliability, the Cummins name is legendary. Since its introduction in Dodge trucks in 1989, the Cummins turbo diesel engine has built a reputation for power, durability, and aftermarket support. Over the years, the engine has evolved through multiple generations, each offering improvements in horsepower, torque, emissions compliance, and fuel efficiency.

Since 1994, the Ford Power Stroke diesel engine lineup has gone through several major revisions, with each generation bringing its own set of performance characteristics, engineering changes, and challenges. From the mechanical 7.3L to the modern 6.7L Power Stroke, Ford’s diesel engines have powered generations of Super Duty trucks with a mix of durability, innovation, and sometimes frustration.

The injection pump is the heart of any diesel engine’s fuel system, and when it comes to Duramax-powered Chevy and GMC trucks, each generation has brought new technology, performance gains, and a few pain points along the way. From the bulletproof CP3 to the problematic CP4 and the robust Denso HP4, this guide covers every injection pump used on the Duramax diesel from 2001 to today.

In this in-depth video overview, we take a close look at the 2020 Ram 2500 powered by the legendary 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. From dyno pulls and a complete walkaround to towing readiness and on-road impressions, this review breaks down what makes this Ram one of the top-performing diesel trucks in its class.

If you're driving a 2nd Gen Dodge with the VP44 injection pump, there's a good chance you've heard of the infamous P0216 code. Maybe you've even been told it's a "death code" for your pump. We're here to tell you: it's not that simple. Let’s break it all down.

Thinking about buying a used Chevy or GMC with the LML Duramax engine? Discover the pros, cons, common issues, and what to expect when it comes to performance, maintenance, and ownership costs in our expert buying guide.

Diesel burnouts are a captivating display of power, skill, and performance. This blog explores the adrenaline-pumping appeal of these burnouts, from the thick clouds of smoke to the roaring engines that attract enthusiasts. It highlights the mechanics behind burnouts, the diesel truck community's passion for these events, and the techniques involved. Discover why these smoky spectacles continue to thrill audiences across the country.

If you own a 2003–2007 Dodge Ram with the 5.9L Cummins engine, you’ve likely heard about injector failure. The 5.9L common rail Cummins is known for its durability and performance, but the fuel injectors are a well-documented weak point—especially as mileage climbs or fuel quality drops. This blog breaks down the most common 5.9 Cummins injector failure symptoms, what causes the issue, and how to fix it.

If you're driving a Cummins-powered Dodge or Ram truck or shopping for one, you've probably wondered which transmissions have been paired with the legendary 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins engines over the years. Whether you're into towing, diesel performance, or just keeping your truck on the road, understanding your Dodge Ram Cummins transmission is a big part of the equation. This is your complete guide.

If you’re driving a 2007.5 or newer Dodge Ram with a 6.7L Cummins, injector failure is something to keep an eye on—especially as mileage climbs or if you’re running performance mods. While the 6.7L Cummins features more advanced fuel delivery and emissions controls, the injectors are still a wear item, and when they go bad, they can cause serious damage.

Ford’s Power Stroke lineup has had its share of highs and lows. From the ultra-reliable 7.3L to the powerful but finicky 6.0L, and finally to the refined modern 6.7L — there’s something to love (and hate) in every generation. But what if you could build the best Power Stroke ever using only the strongest factory components from each era? Let’s bolt together the ultimate Ford diesel using the best the Blue Oval ever produced.

From the original 7.3L workhorses to today’s high-output 6.7L diesels, every generation of Power Stroke has been paired with a transmission designed to handle serious torque. Here's a breakdown of each transmission that came with the Power Stroke diesel platform, including their strengths, weaknesses, and common failure points.

Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and impressive torque. However, as fuel prices rise, many diesel truck owners are searching for ways to maximize their fuel economy without compromising performance. The good news is that with the right strategies and maintenance habits, you can achieve both. Here’s a comprehensive guide to increasing diesel fuel economy without sacrificing your vehicle’s performance.

The Ford Powerstroke 6.0L diesel engine, introduced in 2003, was designed as a high-performance powerhouse for heavy-duty trucks. While it offered significant power and torque, it also became notorious for its mechanical and reliability issues. Many truck owners and mechanics have had to deal with recurring failures, leading to extensive repairs and modifications. In this post, we’ll break down the most common failures of the 6.0L.