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.
Over the years, GM has changed a lot regarding the turbos they use on Duramax engines. Not only have they changed manufacturers a handful of times but each RPO has its own unique measurements for key components. This can make it a headache when trying to track down exactly what the measurements of your stock turbo are. Luckily we've compiled this list of stock Duramax turbo specifications along with other helpful information so you can get a good idea of what you're already working with before you dive into the sea of turbo upgrades these trucks have to choose from. However, while some turbos may have the same peak power output, the size and shape of specific components can affect things such as exhaust gas temperature, drive pressure, and turbo efficiency range.
What's an RPO? Crucial Duramax Information!
This article will help you understand what an RPO is, how to find yours and when it will be needed. An RPO or Regular Production Option is a GM-specific code, made up of 3 characters, that helps the manufacturer specify what configuration of options has been or needs to be applied to a vehicle. This can include anything from paint color to powertrain options. For Chevy/GMC Duramax trucks each type of engine can be signified by a different RPO code.
We have lowered our MAP pricing on the Stealth 64 Turbo:
Calibrated Power, home of DuramaxTuner.com, has ramped up in-house production of the Stealth Turbo line. This added capacity and volume of turbo production has provided an opportunity to lower MAP pricing on all Duramax models and allowed the Cummins 5.9L Stealth 64 to be a low price and top quality leader in it's category.
Our Stealth 64 Turbo's are:
What do you need to make 600HP in your LBZ?
600 RWHP (Rear Wheel Horsepower) with your LBZ makes one of the most fun trucks to drive! They sound great, look amazing and feel like a rocket ship if you do it right.
(Chuck Dilley's LBZ was actually a lot more than 600HP when this picture was taken, but it's a great picture)
There are many recipes out there to make this power. Each with it's own advantages and shortcomings. Below you will find our recommendation assuming you meet this criteria:
- Drive-ability is crucial! It's not just about a number on the dyno, you want to be able to daily drive this build when you are done.
- You are NOT trying to sled pull in a 2.6 or larger class.
- The truck must maintain its reliability. You don't want to constantly worry about blowing a motor. Or maybe you tow with it and want to (or have to) still let the wife drive it once and a while.
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:
What is the the best tool a diesel enthusiast could ever ask for; a Mustang 4WD Chassis Dynamometer. Why is that? An 4WD Chassis Dyno gives you the ability to see exactly what your truck is capable of. It also provides tuners the safe and controlled enviroment required to test calibrations and dial in your truck to best running condition. Which in turn, gives you a truck that not only makes big power, drives as smooth as possible and gives you insight to when and how your truck performs at it's best.
- Find your PEAK Horse Power and Torque
- Get the smoothest running truck possible
- Gain insight into how and when your truck performs it's best
Many people have estimated horse power and torque numbers based on what someone else has told them. A Chassis Dyno gives you the ability to know exactly how much power you have at the wheels. No guessing or estimating involved since a dyno is a measurement tool at it's core.
Beyond peak power, there is drive-ability to consider when you have a heavily modified truck. Any tuner can make the peak power number, the difference between them is how the truck drives on the street. Smoke output, shift points, throttle response and so much else can be dialed in when you are strapped to a dyno for testing.
Diesel truck owners often want more RPM. The logic here is that RPM equals power. However, a chasis dyno gives you a clear picture of where and when your truck makes peak power. When it comes to competing with your truck, this is crucial! Diesel guys know all too well how close sled pulling or drag racing can be, so every possible edge really matters.
The Diesel Performance Podcast sponsored by Calibrated Power Solutions has been a hit! We currently have over 70 episodes and counting. Our $15k Budget Build was such a hit, we wanted to do a $30k and possibly frame out a higher priced build show in the future. Thank you for listening!
Stock Duramax Turbo Upgrades!
Duramax owners are generally proud of how their stock turbos perform. They spool quickly, run hard and are capable of over 500 RWHP (once you tune it and make a few supporting modifications to handle the power). However, after driving your truck around 520 RWHP for a while, the addiction will creep in and you may find yourself shopping for more power. We all do it! For some, it may not even be about more power, it may be about EGT control under load, or it may just be the factory turbo had an issue and needs to be replaced. If you are anything like me, you will not want to replace it with the factory components if there is an upgraded, after market, charger available.
Stage 1 (~430RWHP)- (~430RWHP)- This set of modifications maximizes the value and reliability per dollar on a truck with a stock transmission. Reliable power levels up to 430rwhp can be achieved with this set of parts. The factory transmission parts are the limiting factor.
Includes:
- Fuel system (suggested) - FASS 150
- Tuning: Stock trans EFILive Tuning / SPADE Jack
Stage 2 (~530RWHP) (~530RWHP) -This set of modifications maximizes the value and reliability per dollar on a truck with a built transmission. Reliable power levels up to 530rwhp can be achieved with this set of parts. The factory turbocharger is the limiting factor. We highly recommend gauges with this setup, as it’s limited turbocharger capacity means it has the potential to run high EGT’s which (left unchecked) can cause engine damage.