Hi, I am new to the forum; found it through one of my fishing/boating forums. You guys seem to have a wealth of knowledge on the subject and I did a search only to become more confused. I was wondering what kind of performance chip I could install that might give my Duramax/Allison a little more torque in the towing department. I am still under warranty and don't want to take a chance with breaking it. I don't want any added smoke (there isn't any now) and wouldn't want to stress the transmission.


From what I have gathered I would have to make alterations to the exhaust system also, but I would prefer to stay away from those types of modifications. I had a Hypertech system on my 1996 5.7L but it required high test, a cooler thermostat, K&N filter, and headers with matched dual exhaust system to make it worthwhile. The only change I've made to my '03 Duramax is the K&N filter.


The truck has all the performance I need for everyday driving. I am getting a larger boat and my mindset that you can always use a little more pulling power. If I got better mileage that would be iceing on the cake.


Any suggestions for something for something simple and worthwhile? Or should I just leave it alone?


Thanks, John

Welcome and enjoy this site. I know alot of people are using the Edge to help with extra torque. They keep it on the lower settings and dont have troubles with their trannys or exhaust temps. I personally use the Edge on the High setting when I pull, however I have gauges and no muffler and also a Suncoast level 3.


Good luck and enjoy this forum.


BenEdited by: blnagel

John C, I got a predator programmer before I got my edge and I have to say that on the lower settings like for torque they are both great. But I must warn you it is very difficult to leave them turned down and wonder what the bigger settings can do, I only speak from experience. My truck is my daily driver/work truck and now I have to add sport truck. I started thinking, "I will just do this program thing for fuel economy" and then I went to the next setting well thats all history now after I've done the trans, exhaust, intake, and have ordered a 200+ hp replacement computer. So I am just warning you diesels respond totaly different to a programmer than a gasser.


Good luck,


Dan

Dan,


Isn't that the truth?!? Power is addictive. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif


I've used a Power Pup and have an Edge/Attitude. Both work very well. I personally like the Edge best. Ben said it best.


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley30.gif

Thanks guys for your time and information. It looks like I can use the Edge on the low setting without any other modifications. Now I need to check out the warranty issue. Thanks again, John

I posted this on another thread:


I too want the Edge but I just started out with the Quad 135. This thing will make you http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/hihi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gif. The only reason that I went with the Quad instead of the Edge is my truck still being under warranty and it is very easy to take off if it needs to go in.

Juice is very easy to yank off. You dont need to do exhaust but it will help lower your EGT's. Any performance tuner can techincaly screw with your warranty. If they dont see it thoughhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif The edge is one of the safest programers out there since it will automaticly back down if you egt's get to high or if it senses trany slip. You can still damage your trans with the edge even though it will back down but IMO its harder to hurt it bad. The banks stuff has these features too IIRC. You will need to install an EGT probe on your truck for the egt back down to work and its also a good idea to have a way to monitor your egt's anyway. If your dealer asks why you have a EGT probe in there not hooked up say you read on the internet that its really important to watch your EGT's bla bla bla and you are int the process of installing the gauge but havent gotten around to it yet. The edge with the attitude is a very good bang for the buck IMO. IMO keep it under 90hp added(un loaded) on a stock trany if max stock trans life is what you are after.


Also ditching the K&N in favor of a factory acdelco filter may be a good idea IMO

Again, thanks for the replies and sharing your knowledge. I'm still a little leary of ruining my warranty so I might wait until I get the new boat before I make a decision. The only reason I would consider doing this is for additional towing power which is why I went with a diesel this time around. The stock set up is fine for my everyday driving (of course the chip may change my mind).


Ratlover, I was wondering why I should go back to the stock air filter? This is not the first time I have seen this mentioned? Is it warranty or a performance issue? I can tell you that it has not made any noticeable difference in performance or economy though it seemed to help with my old gasser. If anything fuel economy seemed to go down but that's probably just my imagination. John

search around the site some more. There was an extensive test done on the filters and I believe the OEM filter got the best flow while permitting the least amount of particles to pass. The K&N didn't actually fair right on the top of the list.

I just read the thread(took a while) on the air filter tests. I just ordered the stock AC Delco from my local guy and will replace the K&N. Long term protection of my engine is more important to me.

I've got a question for you. My '03 Dmax is in the hospital right now getting the injectors done. I've got it juiced (usually level 3) as I tow quite a bit. I didn't take the juice out before sending it in and they just said I shouldn't run with it because it can blow up the injector pump, has anyone had this happen, or are they just trying to cover their ass because they know there are problems with the injectors. I love the added power and can't imagine running without it again.


2003 Chev 2500HD LS


Edge Juice w/Attitude


Putco Boss Bars, Rhino Lining, Bug Shield


14,000 GVW - Bobcat Trailer

Sounds like you just got real lucky.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gif