3000+ HP Cummins Billet Block!

When the word “Cummins” is mentioned, diesel enthusiasts get excited. Arguably the most legendary diesel engine put in a pickup truck, the platform is more popular than ever. But what about the ultimate in power at the track? In 2022, the diesel industry is seeing Cummins engines surpass the 3000 hp mark. We did a recent episode covering 3000 hp Cummins engines and this post is what we learned from Freedom Racing Engines.

What is a billet block and why does a 3000 hp Cummins need one? The factory block is incredibly strong, but they all have their weakness. Freedom Racing Engines told us one of the main reasons they designed a billet block was for driver safety. Cast iron factory blocks (at extreme power levels) can come apart and send shrapnel everywhere, potentially injuring the driver and/or bystanders. A custom-made billet block does a better job at protecting people at high power levels than factory cast blocks. Second, by designing the engine as a custom, non-production engine, Freedom Racing Engines has no limits with the setup. Racers like Derek Rose from DNR Customs pilots a UCC winning truck – and is always looking for an edge at the track. Freedom Racing Engines allows him (and other racers) to gain the advantage.

“If a billet block is the way to go at the track, do I need one for my daily driver?” The simple answer is no, not at all. Race engines like the 3000 hp Cummins from Freedom Racing Engines are not designed for daily driving, towing, or operating on a public road. A lot more goes into these builds than just the block material. They are designed for 1/8th mile wide open throttle runs versus 20,000 miles per year in stop-and-go traffic or towing a trailer. If you’re building a race truck, is it the best option?

A billet block, depending on how competitive you want to be, could be your winning ticket. On our podcast episode, Derek told us the confidence the engine gives him as he flies down the track, limits downtime and repairs. One of the hidden aspects of racing we learned about was operating costs. Things like crew, spare parts, getting from race to race, waiting on replacement parts, and more, can affect a racing budget severely. The Freedom Racing Engines billet block gives a racer like Derek the ability to eliminate these pitfalls and focus on other aspects of his team.

Is a 3000 hp Cummins in your build plans? If it is, it’s important to consider the safety and flexibility a billet block gives to the competitive racer. The blocks aren’t cheap and wait times may be extended. You will definitely need to discuss your goals and build plans with the engine builder, as these setups are custom built. But what it takes in time and money is paid back in winner circle trips and safety when taking off down the track. We hope you found this blog as helpful as we did when learning about billet blocks and what makes them advantageous.