Diesel Tuner's Blog

No need to delete emissions to make power!  

Many people looking to make more power with a 2011 - 2016 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.  

Above you can see the dyno graph from our DPF ON sled pull truck.  Named #DTCleanSweep because this truck has "swept away" plenty of deleted trucks on the sled pull track.  It sounds quiet, it runs clean, and it kicks some ass!  This 2012 Duramax makes great power with the emissions equipment still working.  While this truck has a few more upgrades than your normal street truck, it does definitely proves you can make power with the stock exhaust. 

Keep in mind this truck came to us deleted, and was returned to stock.  We had a chance to test it with both setups.  Truth be told, the deleted version made less than 5% more power.  Not enough to notice from the driver seat and obviously not enough to cost us anything at the track. 

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"

2011-2016 Durmax HP Recipe:

Your 2011 - 2016 GM Diesel is powered by the LML Duramax.  This engine is capable on monstrous amounts of power while retaining some reliability, if you know what you are doing. 

No, it's not just for drag racers and sled pullers.  This level of power isn't even just for kids.  600HP is fun for the whole family.  You can have a truck that is reliable and still capable of having a little fun when you want it to.  That is why we put this simple list of 5 things you need to make 600HP and keep your truck on the road. 

Here are some other articles about LML Performance:

• #DTCleanSweep
• Towing with an LML
• LSP means Switch on the fly for the LML

2011-2016 Duramax/Allison Equipped Trucks:

If you have a 2011 - 2016 GM diesel pickup truck then you are familar with the Allison 1000 transmission.  With that, you are familar with the strengths and weaknesses of the calibration, or tune that controls it.  

While this model transmission has provided a great platform for smooth shifting and excellent towing, it's not without downfalls as well.  list a few problems that the features will address.

Read More About LML Performance:

• Top 5 FAQ's About LML Tuning
• LML Emissions ON Tuning
• 620RWHP EMISSIONS IN-TACT

What are some good upgrades if you are towing?

You bought your 2011 - 2016 Silverado HD with a Duramax to tow something with it.  It certainly is capable of performing well in completely stock trim.  Your truck has plenty of power to pull anything up to it's rated Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), it stops well and the ride quality is superb. 

On the other hand, if you spend any length of time towing something you're bound to notice a few things that could be better. Furthermore, if you are towing for long distances, like a family vacation or for work, this LML Duramax engine has to be the most reliable vehicle you've ever owned.  

COMMON QUESTIONS LML OWNERS ASK:

• What aftermarket products help with towing?
• How can you improve MPG while towing?
• Is the LML a reliable truck to tow something with?

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:

• "They dump dirty exhaust back into your engine."
• "The EGR will gum up and fail constantly"
• "Deleting it will get you better fuel mileage."

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!

What is LML TCM Tuning?  Do you need it? How does it work?

If you own a 2011 - 2016 GMC or Chevy Duramax (LML) you probably know it is equipped with an Allison 1000 transmission.  You probably know this is one of the most respected transmissions to ever be matched with a diesel engine.   The Allison's smooth shifting and stellar reliability have earned it a special place in the diesel performance community.  

With all the benefits this transmission provides, it's not without it's own short comings.  Many LML owners have noticed there are times when it just doesn't shift they way want it to.  And when LML owners have questions, they know to call DuramaxTuner.com for help.  

Below you will find the 3 most commonly asked questions and answers on this topic.  

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: