Diesel Tuner's Blog

Do you need a lift pump on your LML?

You should strongly consider a lift pump for your LML (2011-2016 Duramax).  Although there are many benefits a lift pump provides, your LML needs them for 2 main reasons, RELIABILITY & PERFORMANCE. 

First, we should clear a few things up before diving into this topic.

• Lift Pump:  A low pressure pump that draws from the fuel tank and pushes it to the high pressure fuel pump.  LML's do not have a lift pump from the factory.  
• CP4.2:  High pressure fuel pump equipped on the LML.  Mounted in the engine bay, directly feeds high pressure to the common rail and draws fuel from the tank. Commonly called the Cp4.
• LML:  Short hand for Chevy and GMC 6.6L, V-8, turbocharged, Duramax engines available in the 2011 - 2016 HD trucks. 
• Brands: DuramaxTuner.com is an Authorized Dealer for FASS.  For purpose of this article we are not going to split hairs over brands.  We certainly suggest doing your research for what is going to meet your needs the best. 

Last year we ran our 2012 Duramax with a few aftermarket goodies and the stock emissions equipment.  Not only did the truck compete the entire season, it won several events!  Taking home 5 first place spots and placed in the top 3 more often than not.  

With 617 RWHP on tap DT Clean Sweep almost made it look easy.  

The 2017 sled pull season is approaching and we wanted to a way to give back to you, our fans!  So we are offering a FREE Poster featuring #DTCleanSweep shipped to you!

Last year we ran our 2012 Duramax with a few aftermarket goodies and the stock emissions equipment.  Not only did the truck compete the entire season, it won several events!  Taking home 5 first place spots and placed in the top 3 more often than not.  

With 617 RWHP on tap DT Clean Sweep almost made it look easy.  

With the 2017 sled pull season approaching we wanted to a way to give back to you, our fans and get everyone excited for the upcoming year.  So we are offering a FREE Poster featuring #DTCleanSweep shipped to you!

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:

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.  

Other Article About LML Performance

• How Regen Works in an LML Duramax
• How to keep your LML Reliable
• Stealth 64 LML VVT Turbo

Finally you can switch power levels in an LML with EFILive Tuning by DuramaxTuner.com

The most commonly asked question about LML (2011 - 2016 Duramax) tuning is "When will switch on the fly power levels be available?"  Switch on the fly tuning has been available for the 2001 - 2010 Duramax trucks for years.  It offers many conveniences and is a favorite feature among enthusiast.  

Finally, DuramaxTuner.com has a working switch to adjust power levels while driving!  Much like the DSP5 switches for the previous model Duramax trucks, this new Switch on the fly LML Tuning offers a simple to install rotary switch along with the LML SPADE.   

Other LML Articles:

• How does REGEN work in an LML Duramax?
• How to keep your LML Duramax reliable!
• LML Stealth 64 VVT Turbo

No need to delete emissions to make power!  

Many people looking to make more power with a 2011 and newer LML Duramax think an aftermarket exhaust is required to make power.  This is simply not true!  Countless people reach over 500 RWHP with just the LML SPADE and a lift pump.  

The most common myths about making power with an LML Duramax:

• "The DPF is going to fail"
• "Higher hp tunes will plug up the filter"
• "I deleted my truck and now I get better MPGs"

Drop-In Duramax Turbo Options

In the old days, there was no such thing as a "drop-in" turbo.  You pretty much had to buy a turbo that was designed for a different application and convert it to run on your Duramax.  Meaning the requirements for installation included several custom fabricated pieces to make it work.  

As technology in the diesel performance industry has advanced, our options for parts have expanded.  No longer do we have to use semi turbo's and roal coal to make power.  Now with the common rail injection system and variable vane turbo advancements there is a real need to find a turbo that makes more power than stock, while retaining all the benefits of a stock turbo. 

Benefits of a stock turbo:

• Quick Spooling 
• Clean installation
• Reliable
• Serviceable by any dealer or reputable shop
• Requires no custom fabrication

However, they do lack peak power, and peak power matters!  When looking for which upgraded unit to replace the stock turbo, we recommend matching the replacement as close as possible to the desired power level to minimize compromising drive-ability.  Any extra capacity you buy in peak for performance will cost you low end response.  Example: Looking to make 650rwhp? Buy a turbo that can just barely squeak out 650rwhp, do not buy something that's good for 850rwhp because it will drive poorly a light load.