Recent content by Chris Tobin

Hey Guys, As you've probably noticed the Performance Diesel magazine scene has pretty much dried up and I haven't been writing much at all since COVID-19 hit and things really slowed down. We are going to be moving to NC from TN doing the deodorizing work that I have done for much of the last...

Very sad to hear that drag racing LEGEND Tom "Mongoose" McEwen died on June 10th, he was 81. I remember wanting to be "Mongoose" when I was a kid and playing with the "Snake and "Mongoose" Hot Wheels cars and play sets!!!! Technically I worked with him as he was the Motorsports Director at...

Anyone know the guy's name that won the TS Event All Truck Shootout? I am trying to finish my article and I can't find the guy's name... He was driving a white GMC Duramax truck... very clean truck for sure!!! Thanks in advance:clap:

Hey Guys, we now have a Diesel World and Ultimate Diesel Builder's Guide magazine booth that we will have at some events we are covering. Stop by and say hi and pick up a free copy of the magazine, maybe even a decal too! We also have some free digital subscriptions to give away at events too...

I just got official word that Wagler is adding drag racing to their event this June!!! There is a nearby track that is 1/8-mile I believe and supposed to be a very nice facility... The event has been good so far and I expect this year to be even better. Hopefully I'll see a lot of you guys...

The EPA MPG rating for the second generation Curze Diesel has finally been released and it is up to 52 MPG highway for the MT sedan and 47 MPG with the 9-speed AT sedan! Pretty darn impressive considering that this is with the updated EPA test that seemed to knock everyone down a few MPGs...

We just picked up a 2015 Cruze Turbo Diesel yesterday so our 2006 VW Jetta TDI is now officially FOR SALE. I will not have time to detail it and to put up pics until I get back from the UCC event, but many of you have seen the car and know of it. It has bee the subject of several Diesel World...

I just finished driving a Colorado Z71 Diesel CCLB for a week to review. The review will be out in the April/May 2016 issue of Ultimate Diesel Builder's Guide magazine on the newsstand in about two months. I won't give away any major details here, but put simply it is an impressive lil' truck...

I heard from Aaron that he is putting up $1,000 cash for a 5.7X or better pass on the drag strip. I guess the Challenge details are on Facebook for those that do that thing (I don't) but I hope someone can get their truck dialed in to take Aaron's money!!! Good luck guys!!! I'll be there with...

We finally finished the gear change and axle upgrade in my 2001 LB7 Chevy Silverado and I have some of the old parts available if anyone needs/wants them... Here's what I have: 9.25-inch Front Ring and Pinion 3.73 ratio. It looks to have a good wear pattern, I never noticed any noises or...

Over the weekend Kyle (my son) and I bought a 2002 Jetta TDI so we now have two TDIs in the Tobin family stable!:woohoo: It is in pretty decent shape, but needs some work and it will eventually get a manual trans swap too! Hopefully we'll start working on it soon! We'll keep you guys posted...

My subscription copy of the December 2013 issue of Diesel World just got here in the mail today. That issue has the review I wrote on the Chevy Cruze Diesel. Read it over and let me know what you think.

The guys at RPM Offroad are selling one of their 2005 Dodge Ram desert race trucks. It is the sister truck to the one they won the SCORE Stock Full Class Championship with and is fully caged for desert racing. They are selling it for $60,000. It needs some minor prep work like new from and rear...

Well I finally found myself a TDI project car... Last night I picked up a Salsa Red '06 Jetta TDI that was in real nice shape with 88k miles on it...:rockwoot: I'll be doing quite a few things to the little VW so look out for it in a future issue of Diesel World. Here's a pic from the ad, I...

I may have found a TDI with a blown engine... Anyone know a reputable company that sells rebuilt TDI engines? GEX in AR seems to have decent prices at $2499 for a rebuilt ALH longblock but looking for one closer and more readily available since they are atleast 30 days out... I'm trying to find...