After 2 Power Strokes I've switched to a Duramax (07 LBZ, CC,SWB, 4x4) so any opinions are appreciated. I am looking to do some up-grades and wondering if anyone would chime in. Just did PPEs air-box mod. Planning on adding a 5" straight exhaust, Transgo Jr., and either a PPE Economy or Standard tuner. Also planning on draining the engine and transmission fluids and using Royal Purple in both. I want to add some power but Uncle Sam doesn't pay enough for a trans upgrade, would the transgo and a 90hp (maybe more) tune be ok and not ruin anything. Any problems with my plans? Once again any opinions are appreciated.

You may want to do a little research on the Royal Purple. I have seen some tests where it doesn't fare so well. A lot of guys on here don't like it. Also, if I were going to buy a tuner right now it would be the Spade with the EFI tunes and DSP 5 switch.
Just my .02
Welcome to the Dieselplace and good luck with the truck. Hold on to your wallet!

Thanks for the in put on the Royal Purple, would really hate to spend the $$$ on it and not be worth it. Will do some checking on the Spade.

"jdwiley80" I have the same truck as you and just wanted to offer you some advice based on my experiences. First off it is my opinion (with proof through oil analysis) that unless you experience very cold weather with your duramax..say like way below zero frequently, OR run extended drain intervals ..that synthetics are a waste of money. This past summer I ran a batch of rotella 15w40 non synthetic under hard usage for 9,000 miles...those miles included towing a 38 foot 5th wheel in the summer heat and running a bullydog tuner in the process. My sample sent in came back nearly flawless to say the least, with recommendation to run it even longer if I had not changed it out yet. I am now running rotella T6 synthetic 5w40 and am shooting for a once a year interval if safely possible..which I will support with oil analysis. Also regarding power upgrades...while everyone may have a different situation than me, I believe that the torque converter is the weak link in these 6 speed transmissions...I think the converter will slip/shudder before is limps the rest of the trans. I did install the transgo jr...but my converter does act up on 100 plus horse tunes. Im just gonna drive it as long as possible until I save the money to pull the trans and build it right with a heavier duty converter. Just giving my two cents man! -Andy

Your upgrades seem spot on. PPE is the most recommended canned tuner but check into the EFI Autocal from ATP.

Sent from my Android phone while not driving...

Thanks both for the replies. I ran Rotella in my 6.0 and ran Mystik in my 7.3 never had a problem with either. Just thought Royal Purple was a better oil but I guess not. I am doing some research and trying to understand the EFI and Spade, hate to admit it but those 2 are really confusing the hell out of me.

Efi is spade or autocal. Some people go to a local shop and get efi. Some get a a pre tuned ecm. Some buy a v2 (whats used to tune the truck) and buy tunes. And now they have the autocal which is like a v2 but without the option of you adjusting tunes. There should be an EFI sticky somewhere on here

Sent from my Android phone while not driving...

I second the Rotella in you engine but for the transmission, Transynd is the best fluid available which is TES295 certified and is the Allison recommend fluid. It is available from any Allison dealer. You can also use the Transynd in the transfer case.

I would also recommend the Duramax Tuner Spade EFI programmer over the PPE. EFI is a programming language that you use to write custom tunes with, the Spade simply packaged the EFI tunes for your truck into an easy to install format for those who don't want or don't have the time to learn to program with EFI.

OK think I am getting some of this. Looks like the Spade (Jack) has 5 different tunes already in it, just plug it in and choose the setting. Any thoughts on this? Heard good things about the PPE tuner and is a little cheaper so that's why I was leaning towards it. Uncle Sam actually pays pretty good it's just Momma and Jr use it all and Daddy gets stuck wishing!

Looks like its Rotella and Transynd. Thanks Andy and The JDMan.

The Spade is a new product on the market based on the EFI live programming language. When you order the Spade you are given some options and they can makes changes to your programs as your truck is updated. The 5 positon switch allows you to select one of five different programs on the fly depending on your driving conditons. The Spade may be priced a bit higher than PPE but you get a lot more for your money. Do a search on EFI there is a ton of info on it.

http://duramaxtuner.com/jack

Take a look at the EFI Live tuning section below.

You can always try whatever oil you decide on and then get an oil analysis and see how it works in your truck. This is also a very good indication of what's going on inside your engine. I recommend Blackstone Labs if you go that route.

Moved to other performance discussion

What's the cost on Transynd ?

I purchase my tranSynd by the gallon from an allison dealer in michigan for 33 dollars a gallon. Also, I wanted to point out to the original poster of this thread that with time the tranSynd will turn a dark color (similar to motor oil) and as far as I am aware ( I have been doing lots of research) this is supposed to be "normal" from what I read. The dye used to color this fluid for some reason changes color quickly...and is not supposed to be the sign of burned fluid. I originally was quite upset that I switched to this very high quality expensive fluid only to have a "burned up" look on the dipstick for me within 25,000 miles..but after researching this subject, I found that this is how it is.

I am running nearly 100 percent tranSynd, and did not do a "flush" method...just kept draining and refilling. When I installed my transgo jr shift kit I tried my best to measure all of the fluid I lost and came up with about 12 quarts...if I recall the converter and cooler lines should hold almost another 2 gallons. I started changing over to the tranSynd before I started the transgo job. It gets quite expensive for that fluid!