Ken Bruner Raises the Bar Again with a 3,000‑HP Deck‑Plated Cummins

In the world of elite diesel performance, a group of elite builders consistently redefine what’s possible. Ken Bruner of Capital Diesel Performance is firmly on that list, and his latest engine build proves it once again. Recently highlighted by Engine Builder Magazine, Bruner’s new 6.8‑liter deck‑plated Cummins engine is a no‑compromise combination designed to survive and thrive at the ragged edge of four‑digit horsepower. In fact, this engine is already flirting with the 3,000‑hp mark, placing it among the most formidable Cummins* builds in competition today.

Shop‑Built to Top‑Tier Hardware

Bruner’s progression to this 6.8-liter platform didn’t happen overnight. Early in his career, Capital Diesel Performance relied on garage‑assembled engines that pushed impressive power for their time. But as competitive diesel events like the Ultimate Callout Challenge continued to escalate, Bruner recognized the need for a fundamentally stronger foundation. That realization led to strategic partnerships with Freedom Racing Engines and Fleece Performance, resulting in a purpose‑built, deck‑plated competition engine capable of withstanding extreme cylinder pressure and sustained abuse.

At the heart of the build is a Hamilton Cams* competition wet block that has been filled and deck‑plated by Freedom Racing Engines. The deck‑plating process adds thick steel plates to the block’s deck surface during machining, dramatically reducing bore distortion under load and improving head gasket sealing.

Engineering for 3,000+ Horsepower

Displacing 6.8 liters, the engine features a carefully matched rotating assembly and valvetrain designed for durability over short bursts of peak output. This isn’t a dyno‑only hero engine; it’s designed for repeated competition use. Durability was prioritized alongside power, with every component chosen to survive drag launches, dyno pulls and the brutal torque loads of sled pulling.

That multi‑discipline durability requirement is what makes this build especially relevant to Ultimate Callout Challenge competition. UCC demands that competitors run the same truck across drag racing, dyno and sled pull events — leaving zero margin for fragile combinations or single‑use setups.

AMSOIL Ultimate Callout Challenge Bound

Bruner’s modified Cummins isn’t just a technical exercise. The truck is built to compete and fans can expect to see it in action at the AMSOIL Ultimate Callout Challenge. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, UCC has become the premier proving ground for diesel innovation, bringing together the most advanced trucks and builders in North America for a three‑day showdown of drag racing, dyno competition and sled pulling.

Held June 5-7, 2026 in Indianapolis, the AMSOIL Ultimate Callout Challenge places unique demands on engines — rewarding power, reliability and balance rather than single‑event dominance. Bruner’s new build is tailored precisely for that environment.

History at UCC

Ken Bruner is no newcomer to the UCC spotlight. He has competed multiple times, steadily refining his program before delivering a commanding overall victory in 2024. That championship run included a blistering 5.29‑second drag pass, over 2,800 horsepower on the dyno and a huge 317.81‑foot sled pull — one of the most complete performances in event history.

That well‑rounded success perfectly reflects Bruner’s engineering philosophy: build engines that don’t just make big numbers but do everything well. His continued partnership with AMSOIL also highlights the importance of high‑performance lubrication in extreme competition environments, where engine survival can rely on oil stability and protection under extreme heat and load.

Pulling Ahead

Bruner’s 3,000‑hp 6.8-liter Cummins is more than just his next step – it’s a snapshot of where competitive diesel performance is headed. Deck‑plated blocks, collaborative builds between specialty shops and relentless focus on durability are increasingly becoming the standard at the highest level of the sport. As competitors at the AMSOIL Ultimate Callout Challenge continue to push the envelope, builders like Ken Bruner ensure the bar will keep moving higher. When the truck rolls into UCC, it won’t be just another entry — it’ll be looking to set a new benchmark.