I am new to the Duramax world, in fact the paperwork is sitting in front of me for a 2007 LBZ.

This will be a daily driver, less than 1K miles per month and a tow vehicle during the spring, summer and fall.

I want to keep my warranty active and I am not looking to do anything major.

I've looked at the Nicktane threads and the EGR block off threads.

What basic mods should I be looking at to increase longevity while maintaing warranty.

Time to start ordering stuff.

Do a search for warranty and I am sure you will find a wealth of opinions all over the board. It basically boils down to the individual service dept. you take it to and how much they may let slide. Some will blame anything on your mods and some let things get by. If you are very concerned about the warranty, I would discuss any potential mods with your service dept. Some may think this is crazy, but if you don't, you won't know until you have a problem how they will treat it. If you keep it to stuff you can take off for warranty work, that is another route to consider, especially if you do all your basic maintenance yourself or at a non-GM facility.

I will not do anything until I am out of warranty to the powertrain or exhaust, but that is just me. One thread on this said it best, " If you can't afford to pay for the damage that your mods may do or cause to fall on your nickel, then leave it stock"

A good starting point would be an exhaust. It will free up some power, and I haven't heard about any dealer voiding warranty from one. After that read up on some different programmers and pick one that works for your needs.

Well as you can see from my signature, I had the Nicktane filter unit installed - within the first 1k miles. I had this done by a diesel shop with a good reputation.

Then came the AMP Research steps - so my wife could climb in easier.

I chose the GM Performance exhaust because it gives the benefit of 4" stainless steel without any warranty questions whatever - even the parts counter guy mentioned that it's covered by the factory warranty. The dealer installed the system for around $900. Because I purchased a GM Protection Plan for an additional 4 years and 70,000 miles, protecting the warranty is important.

I had California Automotive Concepts (recommended by the dealer) install my boost and pyrometer gauges, because I'm too crippled up to bother with it, and again to have a warranty for the work. Wasn't cheap - they're a premium shop - $716.00, but its a professional job and looks it. The pyrometer is valuable to monitor EGT, a must if you tow. Because I live on a steep hill, I discovered the turbo was still at 800 degrees when I was shutting down, now I can idle until it drops to 375 degrees.

I did install the Amsoil Dual Bypass Oil Filter set myself, this is a must with diesels to limit fuel soot contamination. I also installed the coolant bypass filter to remove residual casting sand and mineral deposits from the coolant. Radiator and coolant pump failure is largely due to deposits and abrasive particles. I use only distilled water to dilute the DexCool. So far, oil analysis shows that with 6,500 miles on the oil, soot level is less than a hundredth of the limit. So we know the extra filtration works.

Of course, one add-on isn't hardware - it's a good fuel additive. I use Primrose 405C, but there are many good ones out there - to keep moisture out of the fuel, increase lubricity and cetane. Used it from the second fill up and every one thereafter. This truck should still be running when I'm long gone - at least that's the plan.

I will not install an EGR blocker plate or Fingers Stick, as these will void the warranty and are illegal in California (indeed they violate federal EPA rules as well). California will begin inspecting light and medium diesel trucks in 2010, so it would all have to be removed to pass, an additional expense. I will maintain the entire emission system as delivered, including the CAT, to avoid legal problems. Similarly, I will not be using a programmer that has not been certified by CARB or issued an Executive Order number.

Just remember, the manufacturer has to prove the mods caused the problem. Then remember that GM has a legal department and lots more money than we do, so I'd rather not get in a contest with them. Emission modifications are prima facie evidence of intent, and leave you hanging out to dry, there is no legal excuse to fall back on.

The first thing that I've done to my LBZs is install an auxiliary pre-OE fuel filter system. I figure I can control the oil that I put in my crankcase, but I cannot control the way stations maintain their underground tanks, or the transport and delivery of the fuel.

I'm all about mods that enhance longevity- even to the extant it infringes on warranty. Although all of these could be removed if needed:
• EGR block with fingerstick
• PCV reroute (will help keep things clean)
• Aux. fuel filter
• Synthetic fluids throughout
• Cognito idler and pitman arm braces
• Mud flaps, hood protector (protect from rock chips)
• Run a good fuel additive for lubricity

Axlenut,why do I think that you still have the "Do not remove" tag on your mattress? I live in California with a 50K LBZ that I plan to keep forever also. Blocking and sticking along with a good tune is the best thing for your truck.

Well as you can see from my signature, I had the Nicktane filter unit installed - within the first 1k miles. I had this done by a diesel shop with a good reputation.

Then came the AMP Research steps - so my wife could climb in easier.

I chose the GM Performance exhaust because it gives the benefit of 4" stainless steel without any warranty questions whatever - even the parts counter guy mentioned that it's covered by the factory warranty. The dealer installed the system for around $900. Because I purchased a GM Protection Plan for an additional 4 years and 70,000 miles, protecting the warranty is important.

I had California Automotive Concepts (recommended by the dealer) install my boost and pyrometer gauges, because I'm too crippled up to bother with it, and again to have a warranty for the work. Wasn't cheap - they're a premium shop - $716.00, but its a professional job and looks it. The pyrometer is valuable to monitor EGT, a must if you tow. Because I live on a steep hill, I discovered the turbo was still at 800 degrees when I was shutting down, now I can idle until it drops to 375 degrees.

I did install the Amsoil Dual Bypass Oil Filter set myself, this is a must with diesels to limit fuel soot contamination. I also installed the coolant bypass filter to remove residual casting sand and mineral deposits from the coolant. Radiator and coolant pump failure is largely due to deposits and abrasive particles. I use only distilled water to dilute the DexCool. So far, oil analysis shows that with 6,500 miles on the oil, soot level is less than a hundredth of the limit. So we know the extra filtration works.

Of course, one add-on isn't hardware - it's a good fuel additive. I use Primrose 405C, but there are many good ones out there - to keep moisture out of the fuel, increase lubricity and cetane. Used it from the second fill up and every one thereafter. This truck should still be running when I'm long gone - at least that's the plan.

I will not install an EGR blocker plate or Fingers Stick, as these will void the warranty and are illegal in California (indeed they violate federal EPA rules as well). California will begin inspecting light and medium diesel trucks in 2010, so it would all have to be removed to pass, an additional expense. I will maintain the entire emission system as delivered, including the CAT, to avoid legal problems. Similarly, I will not be using a programmer that has not been certified by CARB or issued an Executive Order number.

Just remember, the manufacturer has to prove the mods caused the problem. Then remember that GM has a legal department and lots more money than we do, so I'd rather not get in a contest with them. Emission modifications are prima facie evidence of intent, and leave you hanging out to dry, there is no legal excuse to fall back on.

I applaud your integrity. Do you also strictly obey all speed limits? If so, I applaud that, too. If you visit Nevada please keep right and definitely stay out of the hammer lane.

Funny post. lmao

I applaud your integrity. Do you also strictly obey all speed limits? If so, I applaud that, too. If you visit Nevada please keep right and definitely stay out of the hammer lane.

Yes, I do - set speed control at posted limit on freeway, only slow to pass CHP Officers ticketing speeders. This last trip to Oregon the CHP and OSP were really hammering the folks - especially the SUV and Toyota crowd.:D Them tickets run in excess of $300.

About 15 years ago my wife got a speeding citation and our insurance went up $500 per year for three years. That's $1,500 additional on top of the fine. :mad:

Nevada has a 75 MPH speed limit on I-80 East of Reno and I do enjoy it. I only pull into the fast lane to pass trucks and police cars citing speeders. :) I rather blow my dough on casino action than traffic fines.

Axlenut,why do I think that you still have the "Do not remove" tag on your mattress? I live in California with a 50K LBZ that I plan to keep forever also. Blocking and sticking along with a good tune is the best thing for your truck.

Well, the new diesel smog check regulations for 2010 cover all diesel vehicles made prior to the 1998 model year, all vehicles less than 8,500 pounds GVWR as soon as they set test procedures, all vehicles from 8,501 to 10,000 pounds GVWR, as soon as they set test procedures, and finally vehicles from 10,001 pound to 13,399 pounds GVWR as soon as they determine the best way to identify these vehicles and set the test procedures, and finally all diesel vehicles over 14,000 GVWR. In other words they have set a priority for testing all light and medium diesels in California.

What are the test procedures?

"For diesel-powered vehicles, a visual inspection is made of
emission control devices and the vehicle's exhaust emissions are
tested in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department,
that may include, but are not limited to, on-board diagnostic
testing. The test may include testing of emissions of any or all of
the pollutants specified in subdivision (c) and, upon the adoption of
applicable standards, measurement of emissions of smoke or
particulates, or both."

Because I live in an area requiring smog testing, I just don't want to hassle with swapping stuff in and out. Or paying fines - it is a crime here in the California Free-Range Mental Asylum.

EGR valve replacement is a normal part of the maintenance routine these days, as is occasional de-coking of throttle bodies and intake manifolds.

Tunes, programmers and the blocking plate will give GM a valid reason to void my warranty, a large expense if the engine fails. If I'm on the road when the engine quits, and I call GM for a covered tow - they'll tow it to the nearest dealer. How am I suppose to get that blocker plate off in the middle of nowhere, on a hot engine, on the side of the road? Just isn't worth the hassle. Besides, this truck has all the power I need, and with the extended mileage and years on the warranty, GM foots the repairs.

Yes, I do - set speed control at posted limit on freeway, only slow to pass CHP Officers ticketing speeders. This last trip to Oregon the CHP and OSP were really hammering the folks - especially the SUV and Toyota crowd.:D Them tickets run in excess of $300.

About 15 years ago my wife got a speeding citation and our insurance went up $500 per year for three years. That's $1,500 additional on top of the fine. :mad:

Nevada has a 75 MPH speed limit on I-80 East of Reno and I do enjoy it. I only pull into the fast lane to pass trucks and police cars citing speeders. :) I rather blow my dough on casino action than traffic fines.


Just so we all know.... there is NO such thing as a fast lane on any US interstate. ;) (just got out of traffic school for speeding :rolleyes:)

Just so we all know.... there is NO such thing as a fast lane on any US interstate. ;) (just got out of traffic school for speeding :rolleyes:)


Dude, you are okay in my book. :D

Just so we all know.... there is NO such thing as a fast lane on any US interstate.

True statement. However, the following states reserve the left lane for passing: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington (source: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/).

You may believe you're driving exactly the speed limit and can, therefore, legitimately stay in the left lane, but your speedometer may be calibrated differently than the one in the vehicle following closely behind you. That driver may believe you're driving slightly slower than the speed limit and wish to pass you. If you're aware that someone behind you wishes to drive faster than you are, do the safe thing and pull over to the right lane (after signaling, of course) and let them pass you. If you don't do that you are causing an unsafe situation that may result in an accident.

True statement. However, the following states reserve the left lane for passing: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington (source: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/).

You may believe you're driving exactly the speed limit and can, therefore, legitimately stay in the left lane, but your speedometer may be calibrated differently than the one in the vehicle following closely behind you. That driver may believe you're driving slightly slower than the speed limit and wish to pass you. If you're aware that someone behind you wishes to drive faster than you are, do the safe thing and pull over to the right lane (after signaling, of course) and let them pass you. If you don't do that you are causing an unsafe situation that may result in an accident.


And your point is.... mine is still the same, there is no "fast lane" on any interstate. As you so kindly mentioned it has to be POSTED for it to be "reserved" passing lane ;) Not here to argue, just wana save everyone a ticket like i got :(

One of the few things that annoy me is when i come to a road block in the road. I mean, both lanes in front of me being blocked by 2 vehicles, each driving the same speed, and no one feels obligated to slow down or speed up, to let others by. That gets me fired up!

One of the few things that annoy me is when i come to a road block in the road. I mean, both lanes in front of me being blocked by 2 vehicles, each driving the same speed, and no one feels obligated to slow down or speed up, to let others by. That gets me fired up!


X2

:beerchug:

And your point is.... mine is still the same, there is no "fast lane" on any interstate. As you so kindly mentioned it has to be POSTED for it to be "reserved" passing lane ;) Not here to argue, just wana save everyone a ticket like i got :(

I get it. Your point is that since you got a speeding ticket it's OK for you to drive slower than or equal to the speed limit in any lane you choose because you're only trying to slow people down and help them avoid tickets, right?

I get it. Your point is that since you got a speeding ticket it's OK for you to drive slower than or equal to the speed limit in any lane you choose because you're only trying to slow people down and help them avoid tickets, right?

Nope... just letting everyone know there is no fastlane on any interstate in the US. Thats all ;)

X2 For some reason over here in GA every lane on the interstate is a fast lane its like the motorists don't even notice the speed limit sign they just blow by it as if it wasn't even there. lol

Nope... just letting everyone know there is no fastlane on any interstate in the US. Thats all ;)

If there is no fast lane then there is no passing lane. What you're saying is that there is no need to change lanes to allow someone driving faster than you to pass on a particular side (i.e., right or left), correct?

If there is no fast lane then there is no passing lane. What you're saying is that there is no need to change lanes to allow someone driving faster than you to pass on a particular side (i.e., right or left), correct?

Nope... there is no such thing as a fastlane on any interstate in the us. Nothing more, but you can keep trying to make this an argument Im just stating the truth, nothing more. ;)

By the way, I'm looking at getting a 5" exaust (cat back :( in AZ we have emissions testing) I was wondering what are the benifets from 4" do you know?

This last trip to Oregon the CHP and OSP were really hammering the folks - especially the SUV and Toyota crowd.:D Them tickets run in excess of $300.

man, I didn't know they give out tickets just for suvs and toyotas.

EGR valve replacement is a normal part of the maintenance routine these days, as is occasional de-coking of throttle bodies and intake manifolds.



You'll definitely need some "de-coking" with an EGR functioning over the long-haul...
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257214&highlight=pcv+reroute+hose (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257214&highlight=pcv+reroute+hose)

Nope... there is no such thing as a fastlane on any interstate in the us. Nothing more, but you can keep trying to make this an argument Im just stating the truth, nothing more. ;)

By the way, I'm looking at getting a 5" exaust (cat back :( in AZ we have emissions testing) I was wondering what are the benifets from 4" do you know?

I'll concede your point that there is no such thing as a "fast" lane. However, there is such a thing as a "faster" lane and it is the left lane, as proven by the ubiquitous signs "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" on all Interstates. End of discussion.

NV also smogs light diesel trucks and the technician visually checks for a cat. It doesn't have to be a factory cat and I have a 5" Magnaflow cat (virtually zero blockage) spliced into my 5" MBRP turbo back exhaust.

man, I didn't know they give out tickets just for suvs and toyotas.

Yep, it was strange, normally don't see that many CHP in far Northern California. Usually they thin out around Santa Rosa or Windsor, but not this last trip. Even stranger was the number of SUV's and them little Toyota's they were stopping. A little red Camry was closing fast on my left, swooshed by, followed in a few seconds by a CHP - nailed! There were several more spotted along the way. I'm sure it was a coincidence. Or maybe all those elderly Camry drivers are hopped up on too many Red Bull's and trying to get to a rest stop to change their Depends. When I think about it, the Oregon State Police stopping SUV's maybe isn't such a big deal after all, because in Oregon most vehicles are SUV's or pickup's. :)

One of the few things that annoy me is when i come to a road block in the road. I mean, both lanes in front of me being blocked by 2 vehicles, each driving the same speed, and no one feels obligated to slow down or speed up, to let others by. That gets me fired up!

Thats why they produce Road Armor bumpers.:eek::D

Its called a suicide pass, that bit of room between the lane and the ditch is usually enough to get you by the two vehicles traveling side by side at identicle speeds... Just hope the shoulder of the road is covered in rocks so that the vehicles get a nice peppering... They'll get out of the way next time