ok, i got a ton of questions. i have a 04 dodge ram hemi now, and am looking to get into my first diesel. i like the duramax, and i like the cummins, but the 2 obvious advantage the chevy has that i appreciate are the better transmission and a nicer ride. sooo... what do you guys think i need to know before buying my first diesel. are they much more to own and run than a gas 1500 truck for a guy who only has 500 lbs worth of dent repair tools to haul around. it would be a daily driver for work. im really looking for the power, so stock form is not what i need advice on. im looking for the potential. i dont want to redo the transmission, so how much power can i reliably add with just a chip. what kind of quarter mile times can i safely run with nothing more than intake, exhaust, and chip (or for a while just a chip). i really want that low end torque that my hemi with 4.10 gears just doesn't have. that power to accelerate or keep up with traffic without downshifting. sorry for the run on questions but just help me get started please.
My first diesel
- Thread starter jasonsram
- Start date
Maintenance - 2.5 gallons of 15W-40 every 5,000 miles, $40 fuel filter every 10,000 miles, $10 Allison spin-on filter every 10,000 miles, a quart of 2-stroke oil or recommended amount of commercial additive in every tank of fuel, two batteries every ~7 years, and front hub assemblies every 80,000 miles or so.
About 80 horsepower over stock on the 5 spd Alli, and 120 hp on the 6 spd, seems to be the general consensus. That is dependent on driving style. If you don't want to build the trans leave it stock.
The stock intake is good for 500 rwhp, especially if you swiss cheese it. You could always delete the emissions and straight pipe the stock exhaust. I would put a 4" exhaust on it though. You need to plan on deleting the EGR and rerouting the PCV as well, unless you get an LB7.
About 80 horsepower over stock on the 5 spd Alli, and 120 hp on the 6 spd, seems to be the general consensus. That is dependent on driving style. If you don't want to build the trans leave it stock.
The stock intake is good for 500 rwhp, especially if you swiss cheese it. You could always delete the emissions and straight pipe the stock exhaust. I would put a 4" exhaust on it though. You need to plan on deleting the EGR and rerouting the PCV as well, unless you get an LB7.
fuel cost, to me is the biggest item to dent your wallet. as mentioned it takes more oil and some other minor odds and ends, but as far as potential diesels trump gassers hands down.
all opinions will be biased though as far as which brand, keep in mind you're on a dmax forum, so....
all opinions will be biased though as far as which brand, keep in mind you're on a dmax forum, so....
at least you know enough to not put power stroke in the decision. as for all around daily driver I have friends with cummins and i don't really notice much of a maintinece difference between the two. both powerful both reliable... Allison gives edge in my opinion
Perfect!
Welcomce to DD
you will have the best with the d max for sure EFI live id huge.
so what kind of quarter mile times do guys run with say a 120hp tune, or around 90 to be conservative, on the stock transmission. i dont ask cause im gonna be tracking the car or anything, but just to have an idea what we're talking about compared to my current rides.
welcome to the forum! just some things i have found over the years. cummins is a good engine, but the dodge is a pile of crap. when a duramax breaks down, it can a pain to figure out what is wrong and it can be costly. just make sure you do really good research on whatever truck you decide to buy :thumb:
28mpg? Hand calculated? #2 diesel? No propane or help? Never heard or seen anyone with these numbers in a truck before. And ive owned a bunch myself. I get 18-19, sometimes break 20 barely. All hand calculated
I have an 2007 LBZ. Keep up the maintenance and treat it right and it will last you forever..:thumb:
I get 17-19 mpg all around. Interstate 60 mph it will get 20-21. I have had mine for almost 3 years and I still love it!
Essential mods :
EFI Live tune
4/5" exhaust
Pcv re-route
EGR Blocker
You can do lots more, but these would be the 1st thing I would do.
I get 17-19 mpg all around. Interstate 60 mph it will get 20-21. I have had mine for almost 3 years and I still love it!
Essential mods :
EFI Live tune
4/5" exhaust
Pcv re-route
EGR Blocker
You can do lots more, but these would be the 1st thing I would do.
The LB7 engines 01-04 do not have an egr system and the pcv is already routed to the ground. Lb7s also to my knowledge don't even come with a catalytic converter. The 04.5-06 LLYs and 06-07 LBZ have a egr and the pcv is routed into you air intake which requires a re-route to atmosphere. IMO a egr delete is a much better option but just a blocker plate will keep the soot out of your engine. The 07.5 and up trucks being LMM and LMLs have a dpf along with a egr which needs to be regened frequently espically if idling alot. The dpf can be deleted with a exhaust kit but tuning will be required to stop the truck from trying to do regens. Tuning is also required with a egr blocker plate or delete. EFI live is the only way to go when it comes to tuning a duramax and there are many reputable tuners. I should also mention that there is an exception to the LB7s not having egrs and those are the cali models.
Just to keep your engine clean on the inside n make it last alot longer. I've had my 07 lbz goin on 6yrs n I love it! Gets 21mpg hiway doin 70. Hand calculated.
Agreed. I have a dodge and a duramax, and work for a cummins dealer. Love the cummins, and the straight axle in the front, but thats about it. Thought about a common rail but didn't want to pay to build a trans, and didn't want to every day drive a manual.
The duramax/allison package is great, only downfall in my opionion is the IFS. I chose the duramax and am very happy with my decision.