Looking to build an LB7 perfect for me needs. Need advice and some shops that might be able to help. Here is the background and the direction I am headed:

Have a 2004 CCSB 4X4 with lots of accessories that I use for work (bed slide, camper top, inverter, printer, laptop stand, etc.) I like the truck, and it works great for what I do, but it has 262,000 miles on it now and the motor is REALLY smoking bad at idle now. Feel bad for people in traffic and the smell is pretty strong even for a gear-head like me. My basic problem is that I like my truck, but her old legs are getting tired. I am NOT interested in another LB7 motor unless there is a way to fix the smoke (thus far I have replaced 2 sets of injectors.)

Here is the actual question: If you were building the ultimate duramax from all the years put together (LB7, LLY LBZ) what would you build and how do you suggest I go about figuring that out? Oh, you will need to know that I don't plan on any more power upgrades that a solid street/tow tune and exhaust. I would also love to have the 6 speed tranny. Cost is not an issue unless you are talking about getting up beyond 15K for the whole thing turn key. I figure that is AT LEAST what I will spend on a new (used) truck.

If you put down where you are from in the details next to your avatar that would help others help you.;)

Thanks. I'm in Houston. Not a lot of support down here. I've talked to a few shops around here, and they seem scared to death of taking on an "uncommon" project.

There was an episode on SpikeTV's Powerblock Xtreme 4x4 on 3-19-2011 called "Diesel Buggy" Part 5 that showed how to upgrade an LB7 by putting on LBZ heads. They did it so it would get rid of the LB7's injectors and use the LBZ injectors that have many less problems than the LB7. The work that was done on it was by Fleece Performance Engineering,Inc. with the CNC Ported LBZ Heads from SoCal Diesel. I tried to find the episode on Xtreme 4x4's site but only had info but no video. There is a video you can watch online at Amazon for $1.99 for that episode if you enter the info I stated above. Here is the link to Xtreme 4x4's episode of the Duramax with the venders and parts used. I hope this helped.
http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/index.php/xtreme4x4-episodes?ep_num=XT2011-05&ep_sea=1101

Here is the link to the Amazon $1.99 online video if anyone wants to view it.
Amazon.com: Xtreme 4x4: Season 2011, Episode 5 "Diesel Buggy Pt. 5": Amazon Instant Video

Mine as well use an LBZ if your gonna put LBZ heads on the LB7 the LBZ/LMM rods are a little bit better. Your smoking issue may not be the motor is hurt, might be an injector or 2??? Are you looking to do a major build( pistons, rods, cam, etc.)?? If so your looking at about 10k to have a bottom end done, then those Socal heads will run you between $2-5k depending on what you have done, Socal cam is close to $1000, plus all the machine work, then you can decide on charger(s) $3000 and up and then the fuel system, stock cp3 with another one out front $2000 for the dual cp3 kit.


If you just make what you have "better" Id do all 8 injectors, put new headgaskets with ARP studs, build trans, and a good lift pump, you can see about 500 rwhp and have a good reliable daily driver.

Moved to other performance discussion

Since you have an 04, I would just replace the injectors and go!

You say you do not want more mods other than the tuner you have and exhaust, so just fix what you have, beefing everything up just because seems a bit over the top! I would do all the beefing up if I were throwing more fuel and prressure at it, but that is not your case.

Unless it is just what you want! It is your money, Go for it!

Good Luck!

For what your wanting just replace the injectors and make sure you change fuel filter as often as possible per owners manual or conditions. I would also recommend two simple things to insure you want have this problem for a long time as well as many miles. 1. When you fill up, Fill up at the same station you know and trust get them to tell you how often there tanks are checked. 2. Invest in a lift pump setup of your choice my peference is the (Kennedy Diesel Twin Pump Filter Combo Kit) and you should be worry free JMO. The experts may correct me and thats fine by me.

do i hear a smokey dmax in the texas area with injector problems. give me a shout bro i can help u out.