Diesel engines have many nuances when compared to their gas counterparts, fuel injectors being one of them. Unlike fuel injectors used on direct injection gasoline engines, diesel injectors often have a higher failure rate and shorter lifespan due to their more extreme operating conditions. When these injectors fail, it can lead to a cascade of performance issues, increased emissions issues, and even engine damage.
The 3.0L Duramax is a wildly capable inline 6-cylinder diesel engine designed for full-size half-ton pickup trucks and SUVs. Due to its amazing power-to-weight ratio and towing performance, GM has chosen to offer this engine in everything from Chevy Silverado 1500 to the Chevy Suburban and even the Cadillac Escalade. Clearly, GM is confident in its new design.
The new 3.0L Duramax shares very little in common with its predecessor the 4-cylinder 2.8L Duramax. It's been completely redesigned from the ground up and features many improvements such as a forged crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and a much stronger block design. The result is an engine that can produce 277 hp and 460 ft-lbs. of torque. Which is comparable torque to that of the more expensive 6.2L gas engine that is offered in most of the same vehicles that the 3.0L is offered in.
We've logged thousands of miles on our 2.8L Duramax Canyon - hundreds with a 5,000-pound load. We continue to find this medium duty diesel worthy of a closer look. When combined with DuramaxTuner.com calibrations you'll discover it can be incredibly fun and responsive to drive.
After all the 2.8L diesel Colorado and Canyon trucks we have tuned you might think we would get bored with them. In reality, it has had the opposite effect. Every time you drive one of these it's hard not to be impressed with it. The seats are comfortable, interior is well equipped and because it's such a light truck (compared to the 3/4 and 1 tons we usually drive) it feels nimble. Especially when you have the SPADE with DuramaxTuner.com's custom calibrations.
You might like the 2.8L Duramax Canyon/Colorado if:
2.8L Duramax Tune Loading Instructions
The 2.8L Duramax in its factory trim is rated at 180 HP by GM and carries a full compliment of emissions equipment to keep it clean and quiet. Backing up the new power plant is the 6L50 transmission. Both the engine and transmission use existing power train control modules which have allowed the team at Duramaxtuner.com to quickly gain access and make improvements. Over the past several months, we've worked with our customers and on our in-house truck, to develop and test tuning for this platform. After hundreds of revisions, we're happy to have a product that significantly outperforms GM's calibration in power, driveability and mileage.
By working through the engine and transmission calibrations together we significantly widened and raised the factory torque curve, settling on a peak of 460Ft-Lbs which is very near the rated capacity of the transmission. With the wider torque curve, we're able to shift the truck sooner, and engage torque converter lockup sooner without bogging the truck. This means less operating RPM and ultimately lower fuel consumption numbers. Best of all, these calibrations work without any other modifications to the truck, meaning that you still get a quiet, clean, smokeless truck that can be returned to stock at any point.
Below are the Tune Loading instructions for the DuramaxTuner.com 2016 model 2.8L SPADE. If you would like help over the phone, feel free to book an appointment with me, and I will be available when you call.
Switch-on-the-fly Tuning with SWITCH for Colorado/Canyon with 2.8L Duramax:
For may years the 2001-2010 Duramax powered Silverado's and 2006 - 2016 Cummins powered Rams have enjoyed the benefits of Swith-on-the-fly tuning. The switch allows diesel truck owners to change tunes instantaneously while driving. Making life much simpler for those who use their truck for multiple purposes. This luxury has been envied by other diesel owners who have to plug in a programmer each time they want to change power levels. Some truck owners with non-switchable tuning have even started leaving trucks in the hottest tune while towing just to avoid the hassle of flashing in an appropriate towing tune.