David Schaefer’s 2015 GMC 2500HD Denali, known as "Time Bomb," is a remarkable achievement in the world of diesel performance. With a stunning 700 horsepower while maintaining full emissions compliance, this truck is a testament to what can be accomplished with thoughtful engineering and high-quality components. Let’s break down this comprehensive build, exploring the features that make it special and how they come together to create a never before achieved driving experience.
Diesel engines are renowned for their power and efficiency, but they also come with complex emission systems designed to reduce harmful pollutants. Two critical components of these systems are the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). When these components fail, it can lead to decreased performance, increased emissions, and costly repairs. Understanding the common causes of EGR and DPF failure can help you maintain your diesel engine in top condition. Here are the top three causes of failure for each component:
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.
The 2.8L Duramax came onto American soil in 2016 in the form of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. This little Duramax is anything but small. This truck, and we can attest, gets the job DONE.
This Duramax is made to help you tow light loads and help that daily drive feel way more comfortable. It’s one of the reasons the SPADE tuning for this 2.8L platform has been immense. The immaculate MPG rating and towing capacity are what got you in the seat of this truck. GM really nailed it on this model and it continues to sell in large quantities. The 7,000 lbs towing capacity is more than enough for that pop-up camper, small boat, or that weekend race car making it out to the track.
When I told my wife about the truck, she said "Okay, if my truck is so great, why tune it?"
Well, as always, these trucks leave the factory with a lot to be desired. Tuning makes a night and day difference in your driving experience. Adding switchable tuning setup to the truck is the difference between being able to tow the trailer, and feeling comfortable and safe towing that load behind you. Tuning adds reliability, better drive-ability, and it feels like a tougher truck overall.
DPF, EGR SCR, DEF, What does it all mean?!?
Before you throw an exhaust on your 2011-2016 Powerstroke, at least understand what the emissions equipment is and how it works.
Sure there are plenty of guys that had to delete their truck because they had an issue with the emissions equipment. But there are also a lot of guys that have never had a problem with it. Just imagine if you could get the same or ever more power and performance from a DPF, EGR, DEF equipped truck as you could from it's deleted counter part. If you understand how the emissions equipment works, there is less of a chance you will need to delete it.
5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The 2011-2016 Duramax EGR
Some of you reading this are probably screaming at the computer already. Mentioning EGR, or any emissions equipment tends to prompt that reaction. Take a moment to read about how the EGR equipped on the 2011 - 2016 Duramax is NOT going to ruin your engine. Afterwards, if you still want to send a letter about how terrible emissions equipment is, please address it to your local Congressman.
Below you will find 5 things you probably didn't know about the EGR (exhaust gas re-circulation). Including how it is different than previous models, why it works well, and a few other note worthy facts.
A few things you've heard people say about the EGR that are NOT true about the LML EGR system: