I am upgrading from an 1989 Dodge Cummins diesel to possibly a 2001 Chev Duramax and I had some questions to present to this experienced group:
1) I know the electronic injectors are sometimes problematic. How expensve are they to repalce?
2) I read they use a CP3 two stage injector pump. Do they use a lift pump to bring fuel to the CP3 and is the CP3 damaged if the lift pump goes out?
3) Is the Allison transmission the only automatic available and if not, are the others trouble?
4) Does anyone know the projected life cycle of the Duramax engine? I am thinking of purchasing one with 150,000 miles and would like to keep it many years.
5) Have the electronics been trouble free?
6) Any other issues to be concerned about?
Your seasoned advice will be greatly appreciated.

I am upgrading from an 1989 Dodge Cummins diesel to possibly a 2001 Chev Duramax and I had some questions to present to this experienced group:
1) I know the electronic injectors are sometimes problematic. How expensve are they to repalce? With no special policy (7 year, 200K miles), it is between $ 4500 and $ 6500 to have someone do it.
2) I read they use a CP3 two stage injector pump. Do they use a lift pump to bring fuel to the CP3 and is the CP3 damaged if the lift pump goes out?The Duramax does not have a lift pump if stock. Works on vacuum.
3) Is the Allison transmission the only automatic available and if not, are the others trouble? Allison is the only Auto (5 speed for 01)
4) Does anyone know the projected life cycle of the Duramax engine? I am thinking of purchasing one with 150,000 miles and would like to keep it many years. 150 K is just getting broke in! Some one just posted one that turned over 500K.
5) Have the electronics been trouble free? Search the electronics section of this site, I have not had any problems with mine.
6) Any other issues to be concerned about? Upsetting Dodge and Ford guys!:cool:
Your seasoned advice will be greatly appreciated.


Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice. That information is a great help.

Not to quote anybody, but those injector prices can be beat, probably by a large margin.

Dealer price. If you can find an independent near you that will touch a Demax, your lucky! You could do it yourself, but it will take a while!

N00b here, kind of in the same boat, but it'll be my first diesel.

I think the trick is to either buy an LB7 that's already had the injectors replaced, or find a dealer who would be willing to swap the injectors in a truck you're interested in.

I hate to say it, but for the price range I'm looking in, the 7.3 Ford might be the better option if I can't find the ideal LB7.