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:
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: