Diesel Tuner's Blog

What is LML TCM Tuning?  Do you need it? How does it work?

If you own a 2011 - 2016 GMC or Chevy Duramax (LML) you probably know it is equipped with an Allison 1000 transmission.  You probably know this is one of the most respected transmissions to ever be matched with a diesel engine.   The Allison's smooth shifting and stellar reliability have earned it a special place in the diesel performance community.  

With all the benefits this transmission provides, it's not without it's own short comings.  Many LML owners have noticed there are times when it just doesn't shift they way want it to.  And when LML owners have questions, they know to call DuramaxTuner.com for help.  

Below you will find the 3 most commonly asked questions and answers on this topic.  

Tillage and Deep Ripping is Laborsome and Expensive Work! 

Annual tillage can help mix nutrients in the soil, combat compacted soil, conserve soil moisture, and help in other ways.  Many of us throughout the corn belt have to do heavy tillage work (deep ripping, chisel plowing, etc.).  

For you, tillage work represents the  the hardest job your tractor will see this year.   Afterall, the ripper is probably the biggest implement you will run.  Which explains why so many reports come in about tractors being grossly under powered for this practice.  Bogging down on headlands, running slow up gentle grades, being forced to raise the plow to keep from getting stuck, and generally not being able to run at target ground speed to get a consistant finish are complaints we commonly hear from farmers doing this work.  

We see the stress and heavy power demands of tillage work as the biggest opportunity for savings.  Below we'll outline the case for tuning the tractor to save fuel during tillage operation.  We'll also save you from having to make significant capital investment in higher horsepower equipment to pull larger plows and finishers.

Power Manager

• Custom tractor tuning
• Safe for your tractor
• Easy to use and readily available
• Use less fuel per acre
• Cover more acres per hour
• Supports Green, Red and Blue tractors

Tuning for the 2.8L Duramax

The 2.8L, 4 cylinder Duramax was released to the North American market in the 2016 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.  This small truck offers a few note worthy features in the diesel powered configuration.   

Features like a luxurious interior make it nice to be inside the truck.  Comfortable seats, a fancy dash, and other little things in the cabin make an impact on driver experience.  Although for you, the MPG rating and impressive towing capacity is what really sold you on the truck.  22 City and 30 highway is outstanding for anything with a truck bed.  

Towing and payload is higher than usual on a  small truck platform.   7,000 lbs is more than enough for your race car, small/medium boat or travel trailer.  

Sounds great so far, so why tune a 2.8L Duramax?

Duramax VVT Upgrades:

The 2004.5-2005 LLY was the first model Duramax to be equipped with a Variable Vane Turbo (VVT).  VVT  technology provides quicker spool-up, better EGT control, and better overall boost control.  This is also commonly referred to as a VGT or Variable Geometry Turbo. 

To understand the basics of a VVT or VGT technology take a look at this VIDEO on YouTube.

The stock Duramax VVT turbo from 2004.5 until 2010 is similar.  Slight changes to each model (LLY, LBZ and LMM) were made in compressor size, aspect ratio, blade profile and other features.  Despite these changes, you will find the same peak power potential of approximately 530 RWHP.  As a Duramax performance enthusiast this is probably just not enough power to keep your interest for long. 

There are many upgrade options on the market.  Deciding which one is the best for you can be tough.  An endless amount of forum threads and user stories makes it challenging to decipher fact from opinion.  

Stealth 64 Turbo Product Links:

• Stealth 64 LB7
• Stealth 64 VVT
• Stealth 64 LML

2016 Silverado HD, Duramax, High Country, DT520:

Rick Maty brought in one of the nicest LML Duramax powered trucks I have ever seen.   This 2016 Silverado HD came equipped with the High Country trim package, saddle bag brown leather interior and about every option available still gets used throughout the entire year.  

So what modifications would fit such a beautiful truck?  How about the same modification any 2011 to 2016 Duramax trucks benefit from.   All of those modifications just happened to be bundled in our DT520.  

Here are some other articles about LML Performance:

Scottsdale Duramax

This 1985 Scottsdale pickup truck started life with a 6.2L diesel motor.  That's right, the non-turbo, under-powered, over weight regular cab had a dismal 130 horse power from the factory.  

We love the body lines and nostalgia of these trucks.  The swap being partially done prior to it coming to us DuramaxTuner.com was an appealing feature to this build.  This provided a solid head start on a project truck we intended to use for testing.  

"My tractor needs more power!"

This is something you may have thought while doing heavy work like tillage or pulling a loaded down grain wagon.  Or maybe you noticed the lack of power while traveling over some tougher terrain.  

Regardless of when you noticed that your tractor is short on ponies, you need a solution.  You can either trade in your tractor for a larger model in the series or consider tuning to bump the power.  

More Articles About Tractor Tuning:

• Tillage Work
• 5 Reasons to tune your COMBINE before harvest
• Can you ever really have enough power?

WHAT TRACTORS GAIN THE MOST HORSE POWER WITH TUNING?

On many of our published articles and social media post you will find people asking us this question.  We have written responses many times before about which tractors see the biggest gains in horse power from tuning.  

This question motivated us to measure horse power per dollar.  This is something easy to understand and makes a clear point about the cost of horse power, regardless of how it is advertised.  Making it easier for you to compare the cost of tuning with the cost of going to the dealership and buying a more powerful tractor.  It's crazy when you consider many manufacturers charge $600 - $1,000 per horse power. 

Read More Articles about Tractor Tuning

• Top 5 Questions About Tractor Tuning
• Can your tractor ever really have enough power?
• Want to increase the peak MPH of your tractor?

Is your top speed causing a choke point on your operation?

The top speed of your tractor is extremely important.  Whether it be spring, summer or harvest, the top speed of the slowest tractor being used can impact how efficient your farm is.  Also, when using multiple pieces of machinery, keeping up with the other guys can be crucial to the operation.  Simply said, in the field or on the road, your top MPH matters.

Tractors can have their speed limited by either an electronically controlled speed limiter or simply by having a lack of power.   It is fairly straight forward when determining which factor is holding you back.  If you see the RPM gauge bouncing at a specific RPM while in your highest gear, you have a speed limiter.  On the other hand, if you can shift up but do not have the power to run without lugging then it is a lack of power.  With either of these problems, there may be a less expensive solution other than buying a brand new tractor.  

Other articles about Tractors and Combines:

• Shift Up, Throttle Back Review
• Why tune your Combine BEFORE Harvest
• Can your tractor ever really have enough power?