highfive
Nashville
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Joined: 06/30/2008
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As I am sure it is with many new diesel truck owners, you quickly become aware that there is a tremendous interest in aftermarket mods for your truck. But is it really worth the $$? How long, for example, would it take you to amortize the expense of a performace ECM upgrade if it earns you an extra 1 1/2-2 mi/gallon? I have heard that intake and exhaust mods should always come ahead of engine performance programs (a la kennedydiesel.com).
In the real world, does all this make a difference if your 3500 dually is already equipped with a Duramax 6.6 LBZ making 360 hp and 650 ft-lbs of torque?
I would appreciate opinions and specific recommendations.
Thanks.
Stuart
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Since you are running a 2006 truck the warranty will be in effect for a long time to come. Use the search function above, there was a thread a while back concerning GM's warranty statements and after market parts. Will probably answer some of your questions. Personally except for things like the EGR delete and the DPF delete there is not much I would consider doing to a modern diesel unless maybe you were interested in racing it.
Donn
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Glen41
North Texas
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Joined: 01/25/2008
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Payback time depends on the mpg diff and the price of fuel. Cannot predict fuel prices, and cannot always believe product sales info. Check the TV forum here and try to find one matching your truck and driving habits.
OOPs, just saw post above. Checking the warranty is definitely a great idea.
Fun is that stuff that happens in between mistakes.
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A DRW Prodigy, AirBags, CoPilot, EarPlugs
34 ft River Canyon with most of the pieces still attached
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outdoorsman2007
In the Woods - Somewhere!
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Joined: 04/12/2007
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I didn't buy my performance chip in the hopes it would pay for itself. I bought it for the performance modification.
I have a 2004.5 LLY and the Edge Juice w/Attitude brings it to about 450hp and 850 ft lbs torque. It has 5 mod levels and level 5 (extreme) is fun to play with but I don't tow at that level. Level 5 is for when I am at the drag strip on open night. 
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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A free flowing exhaust is usually a good upgrade to any motor. Most upgrades will not increase the fuel mileage though so if saving money is the goal, probly not going to happen.
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
B&W TurnoverBall g-neck Curt Magnum rr DrawTite ft
HD springs Rancho9000s Bilsteins poly sway bushings
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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mountainkowboy
Twin Peaks, CA
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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My Dodge was the last year for for a non-computer engine, so all my mods are manual. I went from 225hp/425tq and 12-14 mpg towing and 16-18 mpg empty to 375hp/675tq and 14-16 mpg towing and 19-22 mpg empty. Will I get payed back for the mods...........maybe if I keep the truck long enough. But not having to downshift on hills is priceless!
Chuck & Ruth FMCA# F393447
05 Holiday Rambler 34SBD W-22 (maxed out)
06 CRV (frog)
01 Ranger Edge (frog Harley Hauler)
05 HD Road King (retro style)
Weekend Warriors till Retirement
9 Years 7 Months and Counting
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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I put a Superchip and 4" exhaust in my '01 Dodge dually. I didn't really care if I got better fuel mileage so much as I wanted a bit more power for towing, and it was worth it. A noticeable power difference with and without, but no noticeable change in mileage. Which is a plus I guess: increased power/torque with no decrease in mileage.
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
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JIMNLIN
Big Cabin, OK
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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intake or exhaust mods is a waste of money for just a 40-60 HP towing box. Now if your into tire melting 150 hp+ and 400+ torque gains (above stock) then many other components will need to be upgraded. I added EGT/boost gage to a previous '01 2500 Dodge/Cummins and a 40-60 HP box to stir up the underpowerd 235/460 Cummins. It did the trick. No other mods were needed for that small refueling box and all for less the 500 bucks. Those small hp boxes are popular with commercail haulers as at 10-12 mpgs towing everyday in excess of 26k, a 2 mpg gain (20 percent) is great.
I don't have the DMAX but with just stock 305/555 my '03 Cummins HO NV5600 handles my 11200 GVWR 5er with ease and gets great mpg's.
Lots of different hp boxes available out there to choose from.
Jim
'03 2500 Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs
'97 Park Avanue 28' with two slides
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DSteiner51
Wooster, Oh
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Joined: 01/30/2004
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Add your performance mods and make sure you get at least a minimum of 10% increase. Preferably at least 20%. Stretch headbolts, increase stress on connecting rods, crankshaft, torque converter, transmission, drive shaft/ujoints, and rear axle. When things break curse the manufacturer who didn't know what they were doing and now refuse warranty. Get on RV.net and condemn those who overload weight wise 1% to max of approx 5% GVWR and state how warranty will be voided (you deserve it), how the vehicle will fall apart pronto and how extremely dangerous you are. You will immediately be qualified for "expert" status on RV.net. Go for it!
D. Steiner
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mountainkowboy
Twin Peaks, CA
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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DSteiner51 wrote:Add your performance mods and make sure you get at least a minimum of 10% increase. Preferably at least 20%. Stretch headbolts, increase stress on connecting rods, crankshaft, torque converter, transmission, drive shaft/ujoints, and rear axle. When things break curse the manufacturer who didn't know what they were doing and now refuse warranty. Get on RV.net and condemn those who overload weight wise 1% to max of approx 5% GVWR and state how warranty will be voided (you deserve it), how the vehicle will fall apart pronto and how extremely dangerous you are. You will immediately be qualified for "expert" status on RV.net. Go for it!
you've got issues................dont you!
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