Top 5 FAQ's About LML Tuning

LML Emissions Equipped Tuning:

The 2011 through 2016 Duramax (or LML) is one of the best trucks GM has ever made. However, the opportunity to make it even better is just instinctual for American diesel truck owners.

The most impactful improvement an LML owner can choose is aftermarket tuning. As we talk with owners considering LML Tuning there are several questions that just about every truck owner will ask. This article will provide the most common questions we are asked at DuramaxTuner.com along with corresponding medium-winded answers.

1. What kind of MPG can I get?

First, it's important to establish that there's a lot of variability in mileage: Driver habits, average road speed, idle time, ambient temperature, to name a few. Below assumes you normalize for these variables. With that said, a single wheel truck can generally manage 16-18 MPG mixed on stock tires with a reasonable driver during mixed use (unloaded). Tuning can improve these numbers by providing a wider torque curve. With a wider torque curve the engine is able to accelerate and maintain speed by producing more HP than stock at lower RPM. Generally speaking, when the engine can operate in a lower rev range, it can save on parasitic power loss and save you fuel. Of course, we can only comment on our LML SPADE. The SPADE provides our custom tuning calibrations which widen the torque curve just as mentioned above while maintaining air/fuel ratios that are not detrimental to the emissions controls. We do this by analyzing our exhaust during testing on a load cell dyno at all load and RPM points, a tedious process. The result is wider torque curve that can work to benefit you 1-2 MPG or more depending on load/usage.

2. What can I expect to gain from TCM Tuning?

Drive-ability! That really is the best way to put it. Our TCM tuning is a night and day difference for those of us with a heavy foot. When the LML SPADE and TCM tuning are matched drivers win. Transmissions use similar programming to engines, where the control module does it's best to maximize the efficiency of a mechanical operation. When the engine is tuned, but the trans is not, the trans system is not prepared for the extra torque load, the shift points are not optimized to take advantage of the wider torque curve, and the transmission lockup schedule is not designed to put that extra torque to the pavement. With TCM tuning, we syncronize these systems.

- Overall better performance

- More intuitive converter lock-up strategy

- Increased line pressure for better clutch holding capacity

- Truck lugs when the torque is there and kicks down when you need more

- Quicker shifting

-Longer trans life and lower overall temps

3. Do I need LSP tuning?

LSP Tuning is short-hand for switchable tuning on LML trucks. This feature was one of the most widely requested options to be added to the LML SPADE. For years other models of the Duramax have been supported by the EFILive's DSP5 function which offers the ability to change tunes while driving as well. Now that LSP gives a similar result, truck owners finally have this convenience as an option. LSP allows you to match the output of the powertrain to the usage of the truck. If you're towing heavy, it's important to run a powercurve that will not compromise reliability with excessive temperatures and torque loads to transmission. When unloaded, the truck is ready for the extra power, switch on the fly for more than 100 extra rear wheel HP. If you would like to learn more about Switch on the Fly LML Tuning (LSP Tuning), click the button below and complete the corresponding form. One of our knowledgeable staff will contact you within 1 business day.

4. Should I delete the emissions equipment?

This is probably the most common question we get about LML Tuning. Many people have read about an experience with a DPF, DEF or EGR code or failure at some point and get scared in prematurely deleting equipment without considering all angles. Keep in mind that GM has spent countless dollar and hours on developing a reliable vehicle. Certainly there are the vehicles out there that have had issues, but there are also so many out there that have performed flawlessly, squeaky wheels are the ones you hear. Remember deleting the emissions equipment makes for a louder truck that will regularly smell like diesel fuel. On top of that deleted trucks are rarely accepted for warranty work, usually rejected at trade in, and are a legal liability on most roadways.

Take our experience with #DTCleanSweep, our 2012 Emissions Equipped Sled Pull truck with made 620 RWHP and ran over 20 hooks last pulling season (2016). Dyno runs, street driving, towing, quarter mile passes and especially sled pulling, this truck has been put through the paces. Shining every time we test it. Not only did it outperform many deleted trucks in the dirt, placing 1st a few times and in the top 3 most of the year, it had all of the factory DPF, DEF, EGR still equipped. Understand the real limitations of the factory emissions equipment before you get scared into deleting. We've made 700+ rear wheel horsepower through a factory exhaust. Listen to a podcast about it here.

Gains in MPG come from tuning, not from removing emissions equipment. After years of testing at DuramaxTuner, it is realistic to say that properly tuned emissions equipped trucks and deleted trucks will easily calculate less than a 5 % difference in fuel mileage. At 5%, you'd have to drive 120,000 miles to recoup the fuel savings of a $1000 DPF and EGR delete parts. Is the smoke, noise, lost warranty, and potential legal trouble still worth it?

We have put together several articles on this topic, and podcast episodes, and videos. Below you will find an option to request more information about LML Emissions Equipment if you would like to learn more.

5. Will it void my warranty?

This is ultimately up to the technician, dealership and GM personnel that you deal with. After all of the testing and years and miles on the road we can confindetally say the LML SPADE does not sacrifice reliability when used as intended and very rarely is a truck tuned in this manner rejected for warranty work. The emissions equipment remainsintact on the truck and a stock file is provided with the SPADE.

Videos about LML Tuning:

If you would like to see the Dyno Graph for the Race tune provided with the LML SPADE just click the button below.