Upgrading and modifying cars and trucks is definitely "big business," and by that, we mean the automotive aftermarket is a $33.4-billion-per-year industry, according to the folks at the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA). That's more money than Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, has amassed in the bank-and that's just one year of the auto-enhancement industry's income. The
Diesel Power staff has been attending the SEMA Show for many years, and 2014 was one of the best we've ever seen.
SEMA says the upgrade industry has grown 19.7 percent since 2009, and it was quite evident in 2014. Not only was every booth filled (something that didn't always happen during the recent recession years), but the floor was absolutely teeming with visitors, models, and celebrities. While we got to hobnob with a few famous folks, including Top Gear USA's Rutledge Wood and Larry Larson, the five-time
Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week winner who pilots the 5.95-second Chevy S-10 on the magazine's January '15 cover, our main mission was to find new and cool diesel engine and truck parts. Here's some of our favorite finds from the 2014 SEMA Show, held in and around the Las Vegas Convention Center.
| Sema 2014 Products Diesel Engine Products Borgwarner Turbocharger
The new EFR (Engineered for Racing) series of turbochargers by
BorgWarner [(800) 787-6464; borgwarnerboosted.com] is designed for high-performance modified diesels using materials that have never before been combined on an aftermarket turbo. A low-weight Gamma-Ti turbine wheel and shaft assembly is used for quick boost response and a stainless steel turbine housing provides better efficiency, improved durability, and resistance to corrosion. Patent-pending dual ceramic ball bearing cartridges allow for more thrust capacity, durability, and efficiency at low expansion ratios, and the EFR units support up to 1,000 hp per turbocharger.
| Sema 2014 Products Diesel Engine Products Aeromotive Diesel Lift Pump
This all-new diesel lift pump by
Aeromotive [(913) 647-7300; aeromotiveinc.com] is built to maximize performance while increasing durability. It includes a water and air separator to keep your truck's engine supplied with pure diesel fuel and fits a standard CAT fuel filter. The pump also has an integrated check valve to keep the system primed for easier starting, as well as a 100-psi fuel-pressure gauge.
| Sema 2014 Products Accel Quicktime Bellhousing
You can now race safely with your manual-transmission Dodge Ram.
Accel's [(216) 658-6413; accelnation.com] new QuickTime bellhousing is designed specifically for the NV4500 five-speed transmission and Cummins combination. The bellhousing is made of precision high-strength steel to prevent clutch-damaging flex and misalignment. It weighs 26 pounds, is SFI 6.1 certified, and includes the block plate and hardware needed for installation.
| Sema 2014 Products Airraid Custom Intake System
The U-Build-It (UBI) kit by
Airaid [(800) 498-6951; airaid.com] allows you to design a custom intake system for your diesel project with modular parts. The UBI is available in dia- meters ranging from 3 to 6 inches and comes with roto-molded tubes featuring multiple bend angles and straight pipes to suit your needs. The master kits include a modular intake tube, coupler, brackets, hose clamps, hardware, and a premium Airaid filter.
| Sema 2014 Products Eaton Direct Acting E Locker
The new Direct Acting E-Locker (seen here in Dana 70 form) from
Eaton [(800) 328-3850; eatonperformance.com] locks and unlocks 100 percent on demand. It takes just the flip of a switch to change the operation from that of an open differential to a full locker sending power to both wheels. The immediate lock-response mechanism is a result of military technology and is protected by a forged-steel case.
The U-Bar headlamps by
AnzoUSA [(888) 360-3696; anzousa.com] can give your rig a unique modern look. The projector-style headlight assemblies feature the latest in LED technology. Different styles of U-Bar headlamps are available for various truck models and all are SAE and DOT compliant to FMVSS No. 108 and manufactured in a state-of-the-art quality-certified facility.
| Sema 2014 Products Amp Research Powerstep Xl
Getting into a big diesel truck is now easier than ever with the new PowerStep XL from
AMP Research [(800) 309-6823; amp-research.com]. The award-winning (New Exterior Accessory Product) part features a 3-inch-lower stepping surface than the original PowerStep while remaining just as convenient. You only need to open a door for the steps to automatically lower and LED lamps illuminate their surface, then close the door for the steps to automatically retract out of the way.
These stainless-steel exhaust stacks and a matching headache rack by
Dark Threat Fabrication [(501) 206-8079; darkthreatfabrication.com] can give your diesel truck a unique look while improving performance. The headache rack features an integrated 42-inch dual-row LED lightbar along with red and amber LED lamps around the frame for braking and turn signals. The powdercoated high-flow 7.5-inch-wide stack pipes have 4-inch inlets (with a 5-inch model coming soon) and can be ordered with 8.5-inch heat shields that are available in multiple colors.
| Sema 2014 Products Arp Cummins 4bt Engine Kit
Diesel engine swap fanatics can rejoice now that
ARP [(800) 826-3045; arp-bolts.com] has come out with a kit for the Cummins 4BT engine. The Pro Series APR2000 head stud kit will allow you to turn up the power on the swap-friendly 3.9L four-cylinder diesel engine thanks to a 26 percent increase in strength over the factory bolts. The complete set includes 18 head studs, 18 parallel ground washers, 18 8740 chromoly steel 12-point nuts, four 8740 M8 bolts for the rocker arm stands, and a 1/2-ounce pack of ARP Ultra-Torque fastener assembly lubricant.
| Sema 2014 Products Comp Turbo Replacement Turbocharger
There is now a drop-in ceramic ball bearing replacement turbocharger for your '03 to '07 Cummins-powered truck thanks to this new unit by
Comp Turbo [(909) 594-8400; compturbo.com]. The turbo features a billet compressor wheel with an extended tip, a lightweight turbine wheel, and a Turbosmart boost actuator. The billet aluminum bearing housing surrounds the patented Triplex ceramic ball bearing system that's designed to accelerate much faster than a conventional setup, with a mechanical efficiency of up to 99 percent.
| Sema 2014 Products Fab Fours Front Winch Bumper
Forget parking problems with the Premium Sensor Front Winch Bumper by
Fab Fours [(866) 385-1905; fabfours.com] that works with the factory park assist system. Four integrated holes in the bumper are compatible with the factory sensor housings and integrated into the design that uses 1/4- and 3?16-inch-thick steel. The bumper is available with a full guard, a prerunner guard, or no guard, and it accepts winches that are capable of pulling up to 16,500 pounds.
It seemed like everywhere you turned at SEMA 2014 there were wheels by
American Force [(888) 360-6701; americanforcewheels.com]. The company makes everything from more traditional looking dualie wheels to designs with dramatic colors. The 3D series even features flush-mounted plates available in a number of textures and finishes that allow you to change up the look of your truck without removing the wheels.
| Sema 2014 Products Curt Manufacturing Safety Chain Anchor Set
Your manufacturer-installed towing-prep package can be improved with a factory-style gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors set by
Curt Manufacturing [(877) 287-8634; curtmfg.com]. The kit comes with heavy-duty, forged, safety chain anchors; a gooseneck ball; rubber hole cover; and a sturdy carrying case. The chrome-plated hitch ball is made for easy installation with a quarter-turn latch-locking system, and the safety chain anchors have large openings and a durable powdercoat finish.
| Sema 2014 Products Coty Built Tdi Kit
You can now have a common-rail VW 2.0L diesel-powered Jeep JK thanks to the team at
Coty Built [(604) 888-7274; cotybuilt.com]. The TDI kit is currently available for manual-transmission-equipped Wranglers and integrates seamlessly with the existing Jeep electronics. The company also offers kits for the 1.9L TDI engine for YJ and TJ Wranglers and the XJ Cherokee.
| Sema 2014 Products Decked Trubk Bed Organizer
You can stop climbing into the bed of your truck to get gear with this SEMA-award-winning pickup truck bed organizer by
Decked [(208) 806-0251; decked.com]. The weatherproof sliding drawers can hold up to 200 pounds of gear, and the unit is made from 100 percent recycled HDPE with UV protection additives. The organizer has a steel subframe and a 2,000-pound deck load rating so you can make full use of your pickup's bed.
| Sema 2014 Products Palmer Performance Dashlogic Interface
The SEMA Mobile Electronics Product runner-up this year is the
DashLogic interface by Palmer Performance [(801) 709-6300; dashlogic.com]. The little device plugs into your '07 to '13 Duramax-powered GM truck's ODB-II port and sends tons of information to the Driver Information Center in your gauge cluster. Everything including horsepower, torque, oil temperature, boost pressure, and even 0-to-60-mph times can be displayed right on your factory dash.
| Sema 2014 Products Bd Diesel Trple Turbo Setup
If you want one or multiple turbochargers to upgrade your diesel project, the folks at
BD Diesel [(800) 887-5030; dieselperformance.com] have everything you need. The BD booth was showing off this 24-valve Cummins engine with a slick triple-turbo setup in bright green. The engine also had a tricked-out valve cover and intake horn in gloss black with a ghost skull pattern that is a major step up from the boring factory parts.
| Sema 2014 Products Dci Performance Xt5000 Heatshields
Keeping cool is essential to a diesel's performance and efficiency, and preformed XT-5000 heat shields by
DCI Performance [+61 3 9357 2511 (Australia); dciperformance.com.au] can give you an edge. The 5-inch (outside diameter) composite parts are designed to withstand temperatures up to 1,830 degrees and are built for easy fitment. The preformed shields are available in 45- and 90-degree bends along with 24-inch straight lengths, and DCI offers numerous other types of heat- and sound-shielding products.
| Sema 2014 Products G2 Axle Billet Wheel Spacers
Turn your diesel into a wide-track off-roader using these new billet wheel spacers by
G2 Axle [(310) 900-2687; g2axle.com]. The eight-lug spacers are built using CNC-machined T6061 aluminum for use on 3/4- and 1-ton trucks so they can run wide tires. The spacers have pre-installed Grade 8 studs and a corrosion-resistant, anodized finish.
| Sema 2014 Products Fabtech Dirt Logic Coilover
Customize your ride for on- or off-road performance with adjustable Dirt Logic 4.0 coilovers by
Fabtech [(877) 432-2832; fabtechmotor-sports.com]. The shock setup has a 10-way knob for quick adjustment and a 4-inch steel body with a 35?8-inch billet aluminum piston. The Dirt Logic 4.0 also has a 4-inch remote reservoir to keep the internals cool, and the shocks are handmade by Fabtech employees here in the U.S.
You're encouraged to "get crazy" with Metal Mulisha exhaust tips by
Gibson Performance [(800) 528-3044; gibsonperformance.com]. The "Brian Deegan-approved" black ceramic tips come in various sizes that range from conventional to giant attention-grabbers, and all feature a rolled, slash-cut tip. The Metal Mulisha exhaust tips are made in the U.S.A. and feature a clampless connection for easy bolt-on installation.
| Sema 2014 Products Florida Torque Flexplates
There are two new products by
Florida Torque [(800) 790-0039; floridatorque.com] designed to keep the manual transmission behind your truck's Cummins engine performing reliably. The billet flexplates are designed to prevent cracking and breaking under extreme stresses and are compatible with all aftermarket and stock torque converters. The one-piece 300M billet input shaft with hub is cryogenically treated and comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty against defects.
| Sema 2014 Products Hellwig Big Wig Air Suspension Kit
There's a new Big Wig air suspension kit for the '14 Ram 2500 with rear coil springs from the engineers at
Hellwig [(800) 435-5944; hellwigproducts.com]. It adds load-leveling capability and each bag is rated at 2,800 pounds. The "largest-in-class" airbags are able to support that weight without punishing passengers thanks to running at 30 to 40 percent lower pressure than similar products, and they can be bolted on with no drilling required.
| Sema 2014 Products D Force Boost Controller
The new D-Force boost controller by
GFB [+61 2 95340099 (Australia); gfb.com.au] is built specifically to work with turbodiesel engines. It comes with a long list of features and has a 50-psi capability. The D-Force is designed to be easy to use and install, and it works with turbochargers that use a traditional wastegate.
| Sema Products 2014 Hitch Gear Chain Up
The Chain-Up is a "no-drag solution" from the folks at
Hitch-Gear [(503) 899-0480; hitch-gear.com] based in Oregon. The trailer-chain harness prevents twisting and binding while keeping chains from dragging on the road. Installation requires a one-time setup and can keep safety chains off the ground during storage and make hooking up your trailer easier.
These new Ram EcoDiesel intercooler pipes by
MBRP [(888) 636-7223; mbrp.com] are built to increase flow by 28 percent over the stock tubes. The boost pipes are made from polished "show-quality" 6061 aluminum and feature mandrel-bent 2.5- and 3.0-inch tubing. The kit includes both hot- and cold-side applications and can provide faster turbo spool times, better throttle response, and improved fuel economy.
| Sema 2014 Products Mcleod Workhorse Hd Clutch
The Workhorse HD clutch by
McLeod [(714) 630-2764; mcleodracing.com] is built for manually shifted trucks that require more holding capacity than a stock clutch can supply. It's available in 121/4 inches or 13 inches, with either a standard or HP pressure plate. A performance flywheel is included, and both ceramic-lined or organic disc materials are available.
| Sema 2014 Products Sp Tools
Perform your own diesel repairs with dedicated instruments from
SP Tools [(714) 693-7666; sptool.com]. The LB7 puller kit is used to remove injectors from '01 to '04 Duramax engines without sacrificing the stainless steel sleeve while avoiding firewall clearance issues, which can cut service times by 50 percent or more. The Ford 6.4L diesel arm puller is built to properly service the turbo or actuator on Power Stroke engines and prevent damage from the use of pry tools such as screwdrivers.
| Sema 2014 Products Lrg Rims 104 Wheel
The new eight-lug 104 wheel by
LRG Rims [(855) 577-5633; lrgrims.com] is designed to be strong and lightweight at the same time. The one-piece aluminum wheel has a unique 14-spoke pattern and is available in two-tone, black, and all-chrome styles. The 20-inch 104 is available in multiple widths and offsets, includes an LRG center cap, and comes with a lifetime structural warranty.
| Sema 2014 Products Rigid Industries Capture
Get footage of all your driving adventures, day or night, with a GoPro camera using the
Capture by Rigid Industries [(855) 760-5337; rigidindustries.com]. The waterproof unit combines bright LED lamps with a constant power source for the camera so you don't have to worry about the battery running out. The Capture uses a 10-inch RDS series housing for a wide light spread, and it has high and low brightness controls so you can get great looking video in all conditions.
| Sema 2014 Products Rancho Competition Radius Arm System
You can now add 4.5 inches of lift to your '14 Ram 2500 4x4 with the new
Competition Radius Arm System by Rancho [(734) 384-7804; gorancho.com]. The system has been tested to fit 37-inch tires and uses Rancho front coil springs and progressive-rate rear springs along with competition-style radius arms. The kit is engineered to be 100 percent compatible with the factory stability control system and has been FMVSS126 certified.
| Sema 2014 Products Transfer Flow Refueling Tank
Stay legal by using this DOT-compliant 40 gallon in-bed refueling tank by
Transfer Flow [(800) 442-0056; transferflow.com]. The tank is accepted for carrying gasoline and other fuels, and it comes with a 12-foot hose, a locking cap, a nozzle, and a 12-volt refueling pump.
| Sema 2014 Products Turbosmart Wastegate Sensor Cap
This wastegate sensor cap by
Turbosmart [(909) 476-2570; turbosmartusa.com] can give you the edge in tuning your truck's turbodiesel engine. It allows for data logging and tuning based on valve position. The cap uses a simple 0-5 volt sensor and is available for all Turbosmart wastegate sizes up to 60 mm.
| Sema 2014 Products Tailgate Pong Tailgate
A fun game of "soda" pong is just a tailgate drop away with this setup by
Tailgate Pong [(800) 356-7704; tailgatepong.com], which features formed cupholders for a perfect rack every time. The insert installs on tailgates in less than 10 minutes and is made with HDPE plastic so the gate remains completely functional.
| Sema 2014 Products Mickey Thompson Metal Series Wheels
The new Metal Series wheels by
Mickey Thompson [(330) 928-9092; mickeythompsontires.com] provide lots of options for customizing your diesel. You can choose from the 16-spoke MM489, the 5-spoke MM245 with a two-stage matte black finish, or the 8-spoke MM164M with diamond-cut accents. The Metal Series wheels are made from high-strength aluminum and are available in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.
| Sema 2014 Products Sb Filter Cold Air Intake System
Improve the already impressive fuel mileage of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with this cold-air intake system from
S&B Filters [(909) 947-0015; sbfilters.com]. The kit features a closed box and a cotton-gauze filter that can be cleaned and reused. The intake is a drop-in replacement for the factory unit and is designed to increase the power, performance, and efficiency of the 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel engine.
| Sema 2014 Products Misfuel Alert
This little device could save your Cummins, Duramax, Power Stroke, or other diesel engine from a costly mistake by providing just what the name of the company implies: a
Misfuel Alert [(940) 372-9551; misfuelalert.com]. The simple unit lights up and says "Diesel Only" along with providing a recordable audio warning to make sure no one puts gasoline where it doesn't belong. Just peel and stick the Misfuel Alert inside your fuel filler door and the battery should last five years with normal use.
| Sema 2014 Products Steel Eagle Undercarriage Cleaner
Prolong the life of your diesel truck by giving it a professional cleaning with an Undercarriage Cleaner by
Steel Eagle [(800) 477-3924; steeleagle.com]. Remove dirt, grime, road salt, and other debris using this rolling sprayer that operates with pressures up to 4,000 psi and temperatures up to 250 degrees. The rolling sprayer requires just 51/2 inches of clearance under your truck and is able to clean up to 24 inches at a time.
| Sema 2014 Products Nitto Tire Exo Grappler Awt
Enjoy four seasons of four-wheeling with the new Exo Grappler AWT by
Nitto Tire [(714) 252-0007; nittotire.com]. The all-weather tire is made with an all-new chip-resistant compound and has variable-pitch tread blocks with gear-shaped edges. The 3-ply sidewalls employ large sidewall lugs for additional strength and are available in a choice of two different designs.
| Sema 2014 Products Wiseco Race Piston
The strength and features of a "max effort" race piston are now available in the new line of consumer pistons by
Wiseco [(800) 321-1364; wiseco.com]. The diesel-only pistons are built for the 24-valve 5.9L Cummins with a 15.5:1 compression ratio, and they're manufactured from raw forging at Wiseco's Ohio facilities.
| Sema 2014 Products Ppe High Flow Exhaust Manifold
Greatly improve the performance of your GM rig's Duramax engine with a 50-state-emissions-legal High Flow Exhaust Manifold with Up-Pipes kit by
PPE [(714) 985-4825; pacificp.com]. The manifolds are engineered to remove the factory manifolds' weak points and restrictions, and the bellows leading to the up-pipes are larger, providing 37 percent more flow than the stock parts. The up-pipes are made from 11-gauge stainless steel with 0.120-inch-wall diameters, and there are built-in bosses that are pre-tapped for an EGT gauge.
| Sema 2014 Products Wilwood Tx6r Brake System
Give your truck military-grade stopping power with the TX6R brake system by
Wilwood [(805) 388-1188; wilwood.com]. The setup is built to stop an armored vehicle with a 14,000-pound GVWR and uses a six-piston staggered bore caliper that's optimized for even pad wear and pressure distribution. The housing is made from hard-coated, forged aircraft aluminum and the cast iron brake discs are available in sizes up to 16 inches in diameter.
