Taking a Second Look: Ford F-250 Built to Help Vets and Tear up Drag Strips
Does it get any more patriotic than a 1,000+ hp diesel truck built and driven by one of our nation's heroes?
1. Saluting our Vets
For us, there aren't many things more American than big, diesel trucks. Especially when they're tuned up to 1,000+ horsepower and capable of turning their tires into smoldering piles of melted rubber. But when your diesel pickup tears up the drag strip while also paying tribute to our nation's heroes, you most certainly deserve a salute. Which is why we (nor Truck Trend) can't ignore what Marine Corps vet Dorian Reyna did with his outstanding Super Duty.
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2. Making a Connection
To say that Reyna has been through a lot might be the understatement of the year. Aside from his service to our country, the shop owner has also fought to overcome the devastation left by the 2017 flooding in Houston. But that little obstacle hasn't dented his resolve, which is evident by the things he's done with his 2012 Ford F-250.
“As a veteran and diesel enthusiast, I really wanted to do a truck that would connect with people,” Reyna explained to Truck Trend. “The re-creation of the shark-faced nose art that identifies the planes flown in WWII by the ‘Flying Tigers,’ the first U.S. volunteer air group, attracts so many people because it is different and historic. The look breaks the ice and gets people to check the truck out, but the message is what really has an impact—especially with fellow veterans.”
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
3. More Than Just a Number
Every little detail on this special Super Duty has meaning behind it. Including the "22" script on the door, the same number of veteran suicides that occur every day in the U.S. The sobering statistic is undoubtedly a sad tragedy, but it's something that Reyna believes we need to talk about more.
“Every veteran out there has lost a buddy in this way,” Reyna explains. “Post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide are huge issues for us, and this truck has connected me with so many people who have had amazing conversations about their service and their lives. People open up when they see it, and that’s the biggest reward I’ve received from building it.”
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
4. The Beast Within
Of course, there's more than one way to make a statement. And it's impossible to ignore this F-250, whether due to the unique looks of the truck or what lies under the hood. You see, Reyna owns and operates Power Stroke Enginuities, so he knows a thing or two about these diesel Fords. The 6.7-liter monster pumps out an impressive 1,180 hp mostly thanks to a good tune and Engineered Diesel–prepared BorgWarner S475 turbocharger. The mighty diesel is enough to propel the Super Duty down the 1/8th mile in the low 6-second range.
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
5. Simple but Effective
This is a race truck at heart, of course, so you won't find too many frills inside. Just the bare bones basics like racing seats and harnesses, the kind of stuff you need when you're tearing up drag strips on the regular. Despite the extreme performance, the drivetrain is a pretty simple setup (except for the exotic dual fuel systems). The transmission, a 6R140 TorqShift six-speed automatic, has been beefed up to handle the abuse, however.
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
6. Putting Power to the Pavement
The same goes for what lies underneath the truck. You won't find any exotic, expensive stuff here. Just stock driveshafts, transfer case, axles, and leaf springs. Reyna did add Flight Fab limiting straps up front and 2.0-inch remote-reservoir adjustable dampers from Fox Racing Shocks, by far the most exotic equipment you'll find on this mostly stock suspension. With a set of 325/45 18 Hoosier drag radials, putting the 1,000+ ponies to the pavement is no problem.
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
7. Giving Back
Reyna's beastly Super Duty is a perfect example of what these trucks can do with just a little money and some elbow grease. Diesel engines don't require a ton of work to produce outstanding power figures, and you don't have to be some kind of millionaire to get them to hook, either. But above all, this truck is a shining example of how one vet is giving back to his brothers. Not to mention a testament to his resolve and grit!
Semper Fi!
If you know a veteran who is suffering from depression or having suicidal thoughts or just feeling the effects of PTSD please click here.
>>Join the conversation about this F-250 for Veterans right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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