Diesel Tuner's Blog

2011-2016 Durmax HP Recipe:

Your 2011 - 2016 GM Diesel is powered by the LML Duramax.  This engine is capable on monstrous amounts of power while retaining some reliability, if you know what you are doing. 

No, it's not just for drag racers and sled pullers.  This level of power isn't even just for kids.  600HP is fun for the whole family.  You can have a truck that is reliable and still capable of having a little fun when you want it to.  That is why we put this simple list of 5 things you need to make 600HP and keep your truck on the road. 

Here are some other articles about LML Performance:

• #DTCleanSweep
• Towing with an LML
• LSP means Switch on the fly for the LML

Stealth 64 G2 Technical Information:

If you have an LB7 and are considering a replacement LB7 turbo, you want the best!  It has to be a turbo that is going to be reliable and meet your demands for performance.  You want something that is cutting edge, proven to work and a turbo that you can still drive or tow with everyday.  You need an upgraded LB7 turbo that is going to deliver.  And if you are looking for a Stage 1 LB7 turbo upgrade, you probably will look at the Stealth turbo line. 

Shopping for the best turbo means understanding what you need and what the turbo can do.  Here you can find the technical information about the Stealth 64G2 along with some insight as to what you should be looking for when shopping for an LB7 turbo upgrade. 

Other Articles About LB7 Turbo Options:

• LB7 Turbo Upgrade
• 6 Things to Know Before Upgrading Your Duramax Turbo
• How Much Boost Should My Stock Duramax Turbo Make

640HP with this completely drop-in turbo:

The Drop-In turbo options for your 2001-2004 GM diesel Duramax are generally limited to about 600 RWHP.  Finally there is an option to take your truck that little bit extra without sacrificing drive-ability. 

The new Stealth 64 G2 is a direct replacement for your stock turbo.  It requires no additional hardware, pedestal, coolant line re-route or anything else.  Utilize your factory down pipe and retain a completely stock appearing turbo.

Stealth 64 G2 Unique Features:

• 640 RWHP capable
• Stock-like spool up
• Great for towing and performance

03-05 Cummins Custom Tuning is Finally HERE!

For over a decade the diesel performance industry has been waiting for REAL custom tuning for their 2003 - 2005 Cummins.  These early common rail engines have dealt with box programmers and pressure boxes for long enough, finally there is a solution.

MM3 Tuning has been out for less than a year and has already made a big splash in the highly modified Cummins world.  With the capability to tune 1998.5 to 2017 Cummins this tuner has a wide range of support.  

However many different reasons there are for the success of this new Smarty based custom tuning platform I dont know, but the 3 reasons below are certainly the most common ones we here at Calibrated Power. 

ARTICLES ABOUT MM3 TUNING:

• The 7 Worst Types of Headlines (And How to Fix Them)
• 5 Major Challenges Marketers Face (And How to Solve Them)
• The Top 10 Qualities of High-Quality List Posts

640HP with this completely drop-in turbo:

The Drop-In turbo options for your 2001-2004 GM diesel Duramax are generally limited to about 600 RWHP.  Finally there is an option to take your truck that little bit extra without sacrificing drive-ability. 

The new Stealth 64G2 is a direct replacement for your stock turbo.  It requires no additional hardware, pedestal or coolant line re-route.  Utilize your factory down-pipe and retain a completely stock appearing turbo while being able to make up to 640RWHP. 

Stealth 64 G2 Unique Features:

• 640 RWHP capable
• Stock-like spool up
• Great for towing and performance

2011-2016 Duramax/Allison Equipped Trucks:

If you have a 2011 - 2016 GM diesel pickup truck then you are familar with the Allison 1000 transmission.  With that, you are familar with the strengths and weaknesses of the calibration, or tune that controls it.  

While this model transmission has provided a great platform for smooth shifting and excellent towing, it's not without downfalls as well.  list a few problems that the features will address.

Read More About LML Performance:

• Top 5 FAQ's About LML Tuning
• LML Emissions ON Tuning
• 620RWHP EMISSIONS IN-TACT

How does Allison 1000 TCM Tuning help with towing?

TCM Tuning is the modification to the programming calibration of a Transmission Control Module (TCM).  Ever since 2001 when the Duramax was first offered in the 2500 and 3500 GMC and Chevy  HD truck it has been paired with the Allison 1000 transmission. 

These trucks are designed for towing and if you use it that way, you can probably think of a few ways you would like your transmission to act differently.  That is where TCM Tuning may be able to help.

Common Complaints About Stock Transmission Tuning:

• "When I try to pass and I am in 6th gear, it is very reluctant to downshift."
• "While merging on the express way it seemed to take a long time to get from one gear to the next. It's even worse with a trailer on."
• "Even with tow haul mode on the truck doesn't seem to shift well since I put these larger tires on."

Apache Build Thread, Season 1, Episode 2:

With the cab and bed of this 1958 Chevy Apache truck mounted on the 2003 Silverado HD frame you can start to see this crazy idea come to life.  

A lot needed to be done to make this project happen.  The video below goes over the first round of modifications required to get our build going.  From little things like raising the height of the body mounts 10" to chopping 3' out of the HD frame to fit the Apache, we did it all.  

BUILD SOMETHING POWERFUL @ DURAMAXTUNER.COM

• Custom Builds
• Towing
• Street Trucks
• Sled Pulling
  

What are some good upgrades if you are towing?

You bought your 2011 - 2016 Silverado HD with a Duramax to tow something with it.  It certainly is capable of performing well in completely stock trim.  Your truck has plenty of power to pull anything up to it's rated Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), it stops well and the ride quality is superb. 

On the other hand, if you spend any length of time towing something you're bound to notice a few things that could be better. Furthermore, if you are towing for long distances, like a family vacation or for work, this LML Duramax engine has to be the most reliable vehicle you've ever owned.  

COMMON QUESTIONS LML OWNERS ASK:

• What aftermarket products help with towing?
• How can you improve MPG while towing?
• Is the LML a reliable truck to tow something with?

ApacheMax Build Thread, 1

This 1958 Chevy Apache pickup started life in Michigan.  Eric Kock had bought the truck new in 1958 and drove it daily while logging in the UP.  

While Eric owned the truck it had a hard life, being worked on logging trails and used like a truck everyday.  However, he took great care of it and actually did a frame up restoration twice while he had the truck. 

In 2013 it made it's way to DuramaxTuner.com with the original paint  scheme still intact. 

The original plan for the truck was to swap the body onto a GM 2500 HD chassis and throw an LB7 Duramax motor and driveline in it.  It sounds simple right? Originally there were no plans on doing a fully built motor and since it was going to mate up to a ZF6 the plan only included an aftermarket clutch.  In the end, it turned out to be "Something the Terminator would drive" (Nick Preignitz).