More Power

[Traveler II]

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve not the most mechanically minded, so please explain in simple terms.

We have a 2008 Chevy Duramax. We have about 50,000 miles on it and it’s done a great job of pulling our rig. We would like to increase the power and also the mileage.

I’ve read about adding “chips” also I’ve read about some different products that Banks makes to improve what I’m asking for. From your experience what is a good way to go to meet our objectives? What works, and what doesn’t?

[sreddy]

In real simple terms - if you improve (increase) air in along with available fuel (large injectors) & remove restrictions on exhaust you will more available power and potentially better fuel economy. To get there you can add large turbo's & inter-coolers, larger fuel injectors & high pressure fuel pumps (& coolers) to finish that you add free flowing exhaust (larger diameter pipes etc) then to manage all of these changes you modify the vehicle computer (the "CHIP" changes).
The CHIP only changes modify the computer for fuel flow, timing, transmission shift points and other computer controlled setting & do improve performance but CAN have negative impact on component life.
As you increase power you also need to know what you transmission, torque converter etc can handle, will your oil pan/ oil pump be large enough is your radiator capable of the increased heat etc. As well, do you have the gauges you need to monitor the upgrades and know what the readings mean
IMHO find out the base specs for your setup then look at what each type of modification offers along with any draw backs - research is the key and is available for the layman from the better vendors.

Some links:
The Diesel Page - for the 6.2L, 6.5L, and Duramax Diesel 6600 GM Chevrolet and GMC light-truck diesel engines
TheDieselPage.com article - BD's Diesel Performance Engineering, May 2005
Bully Dog Technologies
Banks Power | Diesel Trucks, Chevy/GMC
oppinions on the best programmer - Chevy and GMC Duramax Diesel Forum

cheers

[crocus]

If your truck has done "a great job", don't mess with it.
A neighbour chipped his truck, and has had nothing but problems ever since, very expensive problems. Of course he is one of these idiots who thinks his diesel is a race truck.
You could probably get away with a very mild chip, and maybe get a bit better fuel mileage. But look at what you are pulling, you can't expect too much improvement.
On our old truck, I did replace the very poor exhaust system, but I am not about to sacrifice the durability of the engine just so I can get to my destination a few minutes sooner. I don't think any of us are in that big of a hurry.

[EdJunior]

I guess my first question would be, after 50,000 miles of doing a great job, why do you think you need more power? I believe that to get enough of a "noticeable" power increase, you would probably spend more than you get in return. Generally, when you increase power, you are NOT going to increase mileage. Any mileage gains, at least when towing the 5er will be minimal, and again, will it be worth the cost in the end.

But, those are my opinions only. Look at the options, then look at the ROI (return on investment).

[samsc03]

But fellas keep in mind there are times when increasing power in midrange is way better than increasing the power at redline. The top end power claims are meaningless to me of all the aftermarket modifications out there, I want to know where we drive and tow what the gains are.
If you have more power then previously you have to can make it work less to do the same as before. I.e my performance towing with the little v-6 gets way better mileage than anyone could guess without knowing the modifications. Almost 12-14 on camping trips honestly. My speedo is off by a small amount and I know that I calculate 11.5 on refueling just about everytime. I added more air and fuel to my engine by supercharging and fueling and timing properly. Very calculating and expensive on a vehicle not normally modified. It works and reliability only suffers a minute amount but being I did it I can fix it too.

But in my opinion if the truck works now keep it that way.

Sam and Tonya

[herk7769]

I think the engineers at the major truck design labs know what is best for their products as a "system." They are ultimately responsible for making sure the individual components made by many manufacturers WORK TOGETHER. That is why they are called System Engineers.

While modifications to a component may improve the performance of that component, be it engine, trans, or other; you become the system integrator and responsible for what mayhem ensues.

Perhaps better breathing will increase horsepower at the expense of more heat. Now radiator is undersized for cooling your beast. This results in increased coolant temps, which causes the trans fluid to not cool sufficiently, which causes early transmission failure. While not a predicted outcome, it is certainly a possibility.

Leave well enough alone, IMO.

[jackhartjr]

What Herk said X2!
We have a similar truck...I asked the same uestions about chips when I got it. Not one person that has used them would do it again, not the gains they wanted...and it cost a bunch of bucks!
Jack

[Traveler II]

Thanks gang, the reason I thought I needed more power is we have a new fiver on order that is about 900# more than the rig we have now. Our Chevy the way it is has done a good job. I best wait and see what's its going to be with the new rig. What I'm reading is its best to leave well enough alone.

Again thanks for the help.

[jackhartjr]

Ours weighs somewhere in the 7,000 pound range. We get about 10 to 12MPG depending on how I drive it, it almost doesn't matter if that is going to FL in the flats or in the NC mountains.
Jack

[herk7769]

When it comes to money, sex, and gas mileage... Everyone Lies.

However, from fireside chats with other Chevy/GMC 2500HD Duramax drivers who are towing everything from 7000 pound ultra-ultra-lites to big Montana's and other 15-16,000 pound monsters, they all seem to say they get 11-13 MPG. I run about 11.5 on average with my 2008 GMC 2500HD with Duramax and Allison trans towing my 9200 pound Flagstaff.
Your results may vary