Duramax power

[Kansas Kid]

Seems like alot of companies have started coming out with some minor upgrades for the Duramax diesel recently.  Most all of them are based off of a "Power Play" module by Speed Zone Peformance.  It simply plugs into the computer port under the dash, and has a hand held control that allows you to turn a dial from 0-80 extra horsepower.  I came across this variation of this setup, and it looks really good.  Installation looks dang near stock, a huge plus in my book!  Kind of pricey though.....  

 

btw, although I really like the look of this setup I don't think I would buy it at this point.  This system only increases the fuel pressures, and does nothing with the turbo wastegate on the Duramax.  Diesels need fuel and air to make power, and stay at safe EGT levels.  This type of programmer is only giving more fuel....

 

Duramax programmer

[Kansas Kid]

Got it to work.  

[Zane]

I really wonder if there would be any long term side effects to the engine .... ???

 

Makes you wonder.....

That much power would be great though!!!

[NeXuS1]

i dont know much about the new engines GM's running but really  sounds like a boost controller to me. still cool tho.

 

 

 

 

now this is badass

 

the web page with the hardware...

[Kansas Kid]

One would think it is a boost controller based on how it operates, but it does absolutely nothing to change boost pressure.  Most guys running it are seeing 20-22psi stock, and within 1-2psi with it at full power.  It simply fools the ECM into upping fuel pressures by an amount controlled by the rheostat.  Not much too it really.

[Kansas Kid]

Quote from Mervz, posted on Sep. 19 2001,9:11

I really wonder if there would be any long term side effects to the engine .... ???

 

Makes you wonder.....

 

The last thing I would be worried about is the engine.  These diesels are very tough, and most suffer no ill effects from these types of mods.  You would probably start loosing durability when increasing Hp in excess of 200 or so.  I'd be more worried about the automatic tranny then anything else....

 

That much power would be great though!!!

 

 

And you're dang right that the increase in power would be great.    Did I mention no decrease, maybe even an increase, in fuel mileage with these upgrades?

[Jpshostr]

What the heck are you pulling with a pickup that requires you to have more than 300hp?  I know more power is cool, but shouldn't you be thinking about a bigger truck if you need more than what you can get stock now?

[NeXuS1]

more power  = faster up hill, quicker from a stop. and then with no trailer you have some good old fashon tire smoking.  now everyone wants that.

[Kansas Kid]

Quote from Jpshostr, posted on Sep. 19 2001,9:35

What the heck are you pulling with a pickup that requires you to have more than 300hp?  I know more power is cool, but shouldn't you be thinking about a bigger truck if you need more than what you can get stock now?

 

I know alot of people who are happy pulling their trailers with 210Hp TBI 350's, yet now we have a 300Hp Vortec 6.0. Which would you rather pull a large trailer with?  The old motor does the same job, why upgrade to more power?  Because it plain and simply does the job better, same way with adding some extra power to the Dmax.

[NeXuS1]

you forgot the tire smoking part...

[Kansas Kid]

Did I mention all that tire smoke!  

[BROKER]

Got to say that, i'm up in the air on this one! I have already had my ally replaced.More power, scratch that,more torque is something i'd be interested in.Reliability is everything as far as i'm concerned.

Just my US$.02 or CDN$.01

[Jpshostr]

I knew I would catch some flak for saying that, but let me explain where I am coming from.  Yes, a more powerful truck will pull a trailer much easier, no question about that.  But the problem you are getting into now when you get pickup trucks turning out over 300hp is that people are going to start using them in applications that are just unsafe for everyone on the road, pulling trailers that don't belong behind a pickup.  Guys go out and buy a pickup, and since its got a 300hp diesel or a 340hp gas motor in it they can use that to pull their xx' long trailer that weighs way too much for a light duty truck instead of a truck that is suited to the application like a Topkick or even in some extreme cases a Freightliner.  Sure, maybe this smaller truck can pull the load, but it sure can't stop it or handle it under emergency situations near as well as a bigger, correctly sized truck.  You can't tell me that since you are a good driver you will never get yourself into those situations, there are many other drivers out there that will do it for you.  The kicker is that with a Duramax now pushing $42K in some trucks, you are spending close to the same money for a truck that isn't right for the job as you are for a larger one that is what is needed.  Sure, tire smoke is cool, but who the heck spends a ton of $$$ to burn off tires with a work truck?  

 

Go ahead, flame away, but when we are reaching these power levels with PICKUP trucks many people out there are going to be stupid and use them instead of the correct truck for the job at hand.  

[NeXuS1]

those people who go out and buy something that they know isnt safe for what they want to do there isnt much you can do about it.  boosting performance is up to the owner. some people like to have access to the extra power. theres pros and cons to both.  i still want a 550hp 454..   flames are bad, but tire smoke is good..  anyways..

[Kansas Kid]

Quote from Jpshostr, posted on Sep. 19 2001,10:38

Go ahead, flame away, but when we are reaching these power levels with PICKUP trucks many people out there are going to be stupid and use them instead of the correct truck for the job at hand.  

 

People have done that for years and years, and you can't tell me they haven't.  I've seen numerous old beaters out there pulling way past what they are rated, probably just as many as I do with new trucks.  Power doesn't have jack to do with people being idiots, and a lack of power isn't going to make them stop!  Idiots will be idiots.