The 2023 Diesel of the Year contest, stems from Engine Builder’s Diesel of the Week series, sponsored by AMSOIL INC. This series began in 2019 as a way to showcase the increasing number of diesel performance engines being built. The Diesel of the Week profiles diesel builders, racers, their shops, and a specific diesel engine build in detail.

Out of the more than 50 diesel engines profiled in 2023, Engine Builder’s readers and social media audience selected a Top 10 diesel engines worthy of being crowned Diesel of the Year. 

After counting the votes, Kill Devil Diesel’s billet 7.0L Powerstroke engine built for KC Turbos’ race truck claimed the Diesel of the Year crown for 2023.

The billet 7.0L Powerstroke engine made its debut during the 2023 Ultimate Callout Challenge this past summer, performing well at the heavy-hitter diesel event. Since then, the KC Turbos truck, Haunter, and the race team went on to be NHRDA Pro Street World Champions, while also setting a new record for the quickest 6.0L Powerstroke in the world, and a new world record for NHRDA Pro Street with an ET of 5.12 at 134 mph.

“We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Diesel of the Year award from Engine Builder magazine for our 7.0L billet Powerstroke engine, the powerhouse behind the KC Turbos race truck, the fastest 6.0L Powerstroke in the world,” says Jared Alderson, owner of Kill Devil Diesel. “This recognition is a testament to the relentless dedication and innovation of the entire Kill Devil Diesel team, and all of our partners in the industry who make this possible. We extend our gratitude to Engine Builder magazine and everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey. This accolade is not just a win for Kill Devil Diesel; it’s a celebration of the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives us to continue pushing the boundaries of diesel engineering.”