The Legendary TNT Diesel Trucks - Badass Lifted Trucks

The Legendary TNT Diesel Trucks

Diesel trucks have become an iconic symbol of American culture. With their rugged durability and hauling capability, diesel motors represent hard work, determination, and an unstoppable can-do attitude. Of all the diesel truck brands on the market today, few incite as much passion and loyalty as TNT Diesel.

TNT Diesel rose to prominence in the late 1990s as diesel performance modifying was coming into the mainstream. The brand built a reputation for having some of the baddest high performance diesel trucks around. Even now, decades later, a TNT diesel elicits ogling stares and dropped jaws at truck shows across the country.

TNT Diesel History

TNT Diesel was founded in 1997 by Cory Willis, a diesel mechanic based in the Pacific Northwest. Willis had been modifying trucks as a hobby and decided to turn his passion into a business. The TNT name was chosen as an abbreviation for "Trucks and Turbos."

In the early days, TNT focused on installing aftermarket turbochargers, programmers, exhaust systems, and other bolt-on parts. This allowed diesel trucks extra horsepower for towing and off-roading. TNT also gained fame for its signature black and red color scheme.

By the early 2000s, TNT diesel trucks were becoming icons on the show circuit. The brand was known for outrageous horsepower numbers achieved through heavily modified engines. With twin turbo setups, extensive modifications, and advanced tuning, TNT diesels were making over 1,000 horsepower to the wheels.

TNT at Truck Shows

The TNT brand is strongly associated with truck shows, especially "Maxxed Out" events. These shows cater to the wildest and most extreme diesel truck builds around. TNT is usually featured prominently at major Maxxed Out shows.

At the 2023 Tailgate and Tallboys event, TNT brought some of their most insane diesel builds yet. Crowds gathered around the TNT display oohing and ahhing over the pickup trucks. Many fans were snapping photos and taking videos to post on social media.

One standout TNT truck was a lifted Ford Super Duty sporting a quadruple turbo setup. The four Garrett turbos and highly built engine allowed it to put down nearly 1,500 horsepower. Yet despite the outrageous performance mods, the truck remained street legal and drivable.

TNT's Legendary Duramax

Perhaps the most famous TNT diesel build ever is the TNT Duramax. This truck, based off a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500, became an internet sensation back in the MySpace days. The heavily modified Duramax diesel engine, built by engine guru John Schroeder, made an insane 1,474 horsepower on the dyno.

The TNT Duramax retained a very sleeper look on the outside, with just a regular cab and simple black paint. But under the hood, it was a fire-breathing monster. The truck became a legend among diesel enthusiasts and still gets discussed in online truck forums today.

At truck shows, TNT often brings out the original Duramax or new versions paying homage to it. The Duramax put TNT on the map and inspired countless diesel truck fans to do their own builds.

TNT's Influence on Truck Culture

It's hard to overstate the influence TNT Diesel has had on truck culture and the diesel performance scene. Before TNT came onto the scene, diesel truck modifications were mostly limited to towing and utility applications.

TNT helped push the performance envelope and showed just how insanely powerful diesel motors could be. The brand pioneered many ideas like multiple turbos, extensive engine building, and advanced ECM tuning that are now commonplace.

Walk around at any diesel truck show today and you'll see TNT's influence. So many of the wild, super high horsepower trucks are following in the footsteps of what TNT started back in the 1990s. Love them or hate them, TNT diesel trucks have left an undeniable mark on the diesel world.

TNT Diesel Trucks Still Going Strong

Decades later after those early days, TNT Diesel remains one of the most respected and recognized names in diesel performance. While other brands have risen and faded away, TNT continues turning out mind-blowing trucks year after year.

Now under new ownership but still based in the Pacific Northwest, the TNT team continues to innovate and push boundaries. Their trucks are works of mechanical artistry, even as emissions regulations and technology changes make diesel builds more challenging.

If you attend any major diesel truck show in the country, you can expect to see the badass TNT rigs on display. The newest builds incorporate cutting-edge technology while still delivering that classic TNT wow factor. After over twenty years, the TNT diesel trucks remain a must-see icon of truck shows and diesel culture.

FAQs

How much horsepower can a TNT diesel make?

TNT diesel trucks are known for their insane horsepower numbers. Their most powerful builds can put down over 1,500 horsepower to the wheels. TNT often uses multiple turbochargers, built engines, and aggressive ECM tuning to reach these power levels.

What trucks does TNT build?

TNT Diesel most commonly modifies Ford Super Duty and Chevy/GMC heavy-duty pickups. This includes trucks like the Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 and the Chevy Silverado 2500, 3500. TNT has built trucks based on both older and newer model years.

Where are TNT diesel trucks built?

TNT Diesel is based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. They build all their trucks in-house at their facility. TNT got its start in Washington state and remains based there today.

Why are TNT trucks so popular?

TNT diesel trucks are icons of truck culture because of their extreme performance and iconic style. TNT pioneered crazy horsepower levels that inspired many diesel truck enthusiasts. Their recognizable lifted black trucks with red accents stand out at any truck show.