Choate Engineering Performance

05/30/2026

Before you scrap the core, look at the hole. 🔍 We're looking at common failure points and what those "unplanned exit wounds" mean for your engine’s history.

Knowledge is the difference between a repeat failure and a successful rebuild. 🛠️

Does this line up with your previous failure? Let us know your "catastrophic failure" stories in the comments!

05/29/2026

Is your EGR valve actually sanding down your engine? 😬

The debate over diesel emissions is never-ending, but we’re moving past the 'old school' myths and looking at the actual engineering. From the "sandpaper effect" of soot to the common misconceptions about CCV deletes (hint: that oil v***r actually serves a purpose!), we’re breaking down what it really takes to make a modern diesel last.

Read the full breakdown here: https://choateperformance.com/blogs/blog/decoding-diesel-reliability-the-truth-about-emissions

Check Out Our Deep Dive Into Some Of The Most-Debated Topics Among Diesel Truck Owners And Learn Why Diesel Engine Emissions Matter.

05/28/2026

The only thing more broken than this Powerstroke is our audio setup. 😅 Someone (looking at you, Boss) forgot the microphone on the workbench while I was away. Stick with us though, the engine carnage is worth the listen!

What’s the worst engine failure you’ve ever seen?...Or better yet, when's the last time your audio was this terrible? Let us know below! 👇

05/26/2026

Don’t let a factory piston be the weak link in your build. 🛠️

When you’re chasing big horsepower, "standard" isn't enough. Our Choate Engineering Performance piston sets are engineered to handle the heat—literally.

✅️ Coated: For superior heat reflection and friction reduction.

✅️ Flycut: To provide the necessary clearance for high-lift cams.

✅️ Delipped: To eliminate the stress risers that lead to cracked pistons under pressure.

Precision machining meets heavy-duty durability. If you’re ready to build an engine that actually lasts, you’re ready for Choate.

🔗 https://choateperformance.com/pages/choate-high-performance-pistons

05/25/2026

Stop guessing. Start diagnosing. 🛠️

When a Kawasaki 70ZV hits "Limp Mode," you don't have time for trial and error. Our latest blog post dives deep into the Cummins-powered heart of the 70Z series, covering everything from mechanical injection timing to DPF soot levels.

🔗 Check out the Kawasaki 70Z Engine Guide with the link in the comments.

05/22/2026

What’s actually inside a Choate Workhorse Duramax? 📦🔩

We get asked all the time: "What makes it a Workhorse?" It’s more than just a fresh coat of paint. We’ve re-engineered the common fail points of the Duramax platform to give you an engine that outlasts the truck it’s in.

The Build Sheet Highlights:

✅ The Foundation: CNC machined and blueprinted block.

✅ The Bottom End: Keyed crankshaft, new Harmonic Balancer, and a fully balanced rotating assembly (no more harmonic vibration issues).

✅ The Heart: New high-performance pistons, rings, and chromoly pushrods.

✅ The Top End: Fully surfaced heads with a precision valve job, upgraded springs, and o-rings.

It’s built for the long haul, the heavy towers, and the daily grind.

Check out our Duramax Workhorse engines here: https://choateperformance.com/collections/duramax?pf_pt_product_type=Engine+Block&pf_t_engine_form=Long+Block&pf_t_engine_series=Workhorse

05/21/2026

One of the most common (and costly) points of confusion for 6.0L owners is the difference between 18mm and 20mm cylinder heads. It’s not about the head bolts, it’s about the dowel pins, and getting it wrong means your engine isn't going back together correctly.

Do you know which ones your truck requires? Whether you’re mid-build or planning an upgrade, knowing the "why" behind the change in 2006 is crucial for a reliable, leak-free engine.

Stop the guesswork and build with confidence. Read the ultimate guide to 6.0L heads here:
👇
🔗 https://choateperformance.com/blogs/news/18mm-vs-20mm-the-ultimate-6-0l-powerstroke-cylinder-head-guide

18mm vs. 20mm: The Ultimate 6.0L Powerstroke Cylinder Head Guide If you are ordering parts for a 6.0L Powerstroke head gasket job, you will inevitably be asked: "Do you need 18mm or 20mm heads?" For many owners, this is where the confusion starts. Getting this wrong can bring a high-stakes engine bu...

05/20/2026

Don’t let a factory flaw kill your Duramax build. 🛑

If you’re chasing big power (or just want 500k miles of reliability), you need to address the "Big Three" in the rotating assembly. We’re talking about:

✅ Keyed Crankshaft
✅ Harmonic Balancer
✅ Balanced Rotational Assembly

Build it once, build it right.

Looking for a new Duramax engine? Check out our build options here: https://choateperformance.com/collections/duramax?pf_pt_product_type=Engine+Block

05/19/2026

In the world of high-performance diesel, there is a massive difference between a "garage rebuild" and precision re-engineering. When your 7.3 Powerstroke hits the end of its first life, it isn't just worn out...the block has shifted, the cylinders are oval, and the deck is warped from thousands of heat cycles. Simply slapping in new rings and bearings is often just a recipe for a 50,000-mile failure.

At Choate Engineering Performance, we don't just "rebuild." We use CNC technology to fix the flaws that a standard shop skips:
✅ CNC Boring & Honing: Perfectly round cylinders
✅ Diamond-Tipped Decking: Creating a perfect seal for modern MLS gaskets
✅ True Balancing: Assembly balanced to within 2 grams for a "smooth as silk" ride.
✅ Line Boring: Ensuring a laser-straight path for your crankshaft.

Read our latest deep dive into why precision machining is the only way to build a "forever" 7.3 engine. 👇

🔗 https://choateperformance.com/blogs/blog/7-3-powerstroke-rebuild-vs-precision-machining

Stop gambling on a cheap 7.3 Powerstroke rebuild. Learn why CNC precision machining is essential for engine longevity and how Choate Engineering builds "forever" engines.

05/18/2026

The 6.0 Powerstroke you always wanted, minus the headaches. 🛠️

Most people see a 6.0 and think "head gaskets." We see a platform for legendary reliability. The Choate Workhorse Long Block isn't just a rebuild; it’s a complete re-engineering of the Ford classic. We’ve addressed the factory flaws with precision machining, blueprinted specs, and upgraded components so you can finally start enjoying the drive.

✅ Head Studs
✅ Stage 2 Camshaft
✅ O-Ringed Heads
✅ Billet Flex Plate
✅ Coated, Flycut, & Delipped Pistons
✅ Chromoly Pushrods
✅ Balanced Rotational Assembly
✅ Torque Plate Honed

Check out the 6.0 Long Block Workhorse here: https://choateperformance.com/products/6-0l-2003-2010-powerstroke-long-block-workhorse-engine-ford-diesel-crate-engine-20mm-heads