Why do some people want their diesel pickups to emit black smoke?

Question

I suppose they think it looks cool (it doesn't) but if there's a valid reason that I'm unaware of please enlighten me. I happen to know that black smoke is unburned fuel (at $5 a gallon) as well as a loss of horsepower. I'm not just "blowing smoke" as I have this on the authority of an expert. I can no longer drive with my car windows down, dine on outdoor patios in town or take a walk without one of these going by and ruining my pleasure with their toxic show of bravado. More importantly they are ruining the necessary, live giving air that we all breath.

Answer 1

I guess that they think they look cool, or that they think that their truck is faster. Kinda like the ricer scene with the Honda civic with loud exhaust, trunk spoiler, wild paint and stickers, but no motor mods so it isn't any faster than a normal civic... It's all about trying to look cool. Many diesel people frown upon excessive smoke, some is to be expected, but a car lane filling cloud is rediculous.

Your absolutely right. The smoke is unburned fuel; the engine is being overfueled for the amount of boost that is being generated. Another things is that it contaminates the crankcase oil, requiring more frequent oil changes because of the soot.

A lot of it has to do with tuning. Many aftermarket chips and programmers allow the user to tune the amount of fuel injected at low boost levels. The more fuel, the more smoke. Keep in mind, that the truck is still more responsive with the added fuel, but is still wasting fuel. As engine speed increases, the smoke usually thins because of the increased boost pressure from the turbo.

There are cases where people just run the most extreme tune, and do nothing with the turbo, so overfueling happens at all rpm levels. They think they are fast, but could be faster if they would match the air flow to the fuel levels. Smoke is just power wasted.

Answer 2

Wow....why is it the vast majority of you environmentalists are so hypocritical?  The person in the diesel truck is "ruining the necessary, live giving air that we all breath." but I bet you don't think twice about hopping in your Civic or Prius to drive to the corner Starbucks for a latte fix with your windows down.

Answer 3

hold up......diesel trucks are normally supposed to emit black smoke. they have WAY more power and horsepower. now why would someone want to do this on purpose.....idk