THE 7-TREE JAMBOREE

30 OIL-FIRED DINOSAURS HIT THE DYNO

If you’re still interested in 7.3L Power Strokes in the year 2018, you’re either one of two kinds of people: 1) You’re the owner of a workhorse that just won’t quit; or 2) you’re hell-bent on making your 7.3L competitive. When the most powerful 7.3L Power Strokes in the nation were once again summoned to the annual 7Tree Jamboree at Beans Diesel Performance, we were looking forward to seeing a bunch of old Fords tear up the drag strip and hook to the sled.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for this year’s inviteonly gathering. After a slow-moving weather system dumped several inches of rain on the area and kept temperatures below 40 degrees, there was no other choice but to cancel the pulls and drag races. But even though the festivities on both pavement and dirt were rained out, it didn’t put a damper on the fun. Instead, the action moved indoors to find out who could make the biggest number on the chassis dyno. All told, 30 trucks would be strapped to the rollers, and before the affair was over 21 made at least 600 hp or more. With no shortage of full nitrous bottles, more than a dozen ghetto-foggings took place as well—one of which produced a new 7.3L horsepower record. While the dyno was occupied we were also able to mingle with truck owners, many of whom pulled their trucks out of the rain, popped their hoods and partook in an impromptu version of cars and coffee—although this rendition might’ve been more aptly named “7.3s and beer.” Here, we’ll run down the parts combinations of some of the most powerful trucks in attendance, kicking off with the top 10 finishers on the dyno.

Rain or shine, the 7Tree Jamboree brings out the best of what’s left of the 7.3L world. The people are genuine, the camaraderie is contagious and the caliber of trucks is impressive. As a bonus, the event serves as a reminder that true 7.3L diehards will stop at nothing to keep pushing the ancient, 444ci, Heui-injected V8 to new heights.