Hello, I'm new to both the 'Diesel Place' and 'Diesels', however already I want more power...... I'm leading towards the 'BD Intimidator' (over the Hypertech, etc.), does anyone run this in their Diesel?

I have a 2003 Chev 2500 HD Crew Cab... I'm not looking to take it to the Drag Strip (not yet anyway... LOL), I'm just looking for a bit better Fuel Milage and MORE POWER.

Any/all Help would be appreciated, keep in mind that I'm looking for best bang for my little buck. I'll then look at Exhaust, Cold Air Intake etc in the future.... But I thought I would start with a 'Programmer' or 'Chip', while trying to stay under $500.00 CDN.

Thanks again all and start the comments/reviews coming.

welcome to the forum, you will find more info here than you could ever imagine. Create a sig for yourself so we can see exactly what you have. Do a search, you will find tons of info on programmers and exhaust stuff. How much more power do you want? The Allison can handle about 80 horses over stock, anymore and you are asking for trouble, if you want more than that then plan on getting a tranny done. I would recommend getting gauges (EGT and boost) before modding it.

DuryMcgee seems to have you lined out about this great site. As far as your questions about hypertech/ BD Power? Where are you located at? I actually have both programmers and would be more than happy to let you try them out.

Stackedmax, much appreciated, however I'm in Canada. given that you also have a 03'22500HD Crewcab, have you tried both in yours with everything else Stock (I see your rig/pictures, by no means stock... LOL)?

Again, I'm looking for a little better fuel milage, and maybe 75 or so HP. I would like a little more punch off the line and also wanted to ensure no lack of power when it comes to pulling my 5th wheel in the summer time.

I upgraded from a 2000 Z71 (with a 5.3 L Vortec) and I did expect a bit of 'Power / get up and go' loss, but I feel that I have lost a bunch of 'get up and go..... I realize that I have more torque/pulling power, but can I get a bit more 'get up and go', without damaging/risking anything?

That's what I'm trying to get to.... and of course the best product for the price/money.

[quote=Sorensen;979539]I upgraded from a 2000 Z71 (with a 5.3 L Vortec) and I did expect a bit of 'Power / get up and go' loss, but I feel that I have lost a bunch of 'get up and go..... I realize that I have more torque/pulling power, but can I get a bit more 'get up and go', without damaging/risking anything?

quote]

There is something wrong with your truck if it has less get up and go when compared to a 5.3!

Durymcgee, I have had the Duramax checked out (pre-purchase inspection by one of the biggest dealerships in town) as I just purchased the new truck 1 week ago... and I was not surprised that the Diesel has less 'get up and go' than the Z71 5.3 Gas truck.

Remember that the Z71 is a sports truck, 1/2 ton (much lighter) and running on Gas.... the 2500 is much heavier and with-out the Turbo (again off the start with/given the Turbo lack) I would think it's normal for the 1/2 ton Z71 (on gas) is faster. (Only off the start).

Once I get moving (5 - 10 KMS), my Duramax kicks in (the Turbo starts assisting) and I have good power (I still want more). I'm hoping that a bit more HP (say via a Programmer), the initial GO will be better... not to mention the gas mileage and better towing my 5th wheel trailer.

Am I wrong about the Z71 and the off the start 'get up and go'? Remember I'm talking 'Getting Moving' off the start, not torque.

Yea maybe, I had the same truck as you before my dmax, the dmax is much quicker and more powerful, just a matter of perception. A tuner will help, I like the edge juice attitude setup because it is adjustable on the fly, and has gauges built in.

I have had the BD Intimidator since January and it works well for my purposes. Like yourself, I'm not drive a CC long box down the "1320". Noticeable pick up on level 3, but nice to have a bit more for towing as well. It'll also read DTC codes and adjust for larger tires. Don't forget the exhaust (to lower EGT's).

Good luck.

Jedmax, have you done the exhaust, or something you plan on doing next? I just wonder if this is a NEED to a 'very nice to have'.

Also, does the BD Intimidator have the option to mess with/change the speed limiter?

Thanks.

Also, I see that you are using an 'Airaid Cold Air Intake', did you run the BD Intimidator first or after..... and any noticeable difference with the 'Airaid'?

Thanks again.

For a small tune an exhaust is not really needed, if you want to run a bigger tune it will definatly help. In my opinion put an exhaust on first.
As for an intake, they really wont do anything for you besides a little turbo wistle, I am actually putting my stock filter back in my truck because I have found dirt inside my intake tubing.
Just my 2 cents

I agree with the previous post on air filiter/boxes. I used to run an aftermarket one, but now I just run stock air box and paper filter. If your in any sort of dirty conditions, it'll kinda be a nightmare. Even my drop in K&N filter needed to be completely cleaned after about 3-5 days of driving in the summer. Kinda sucked a lot of dirt/chaff/pine needles/small animals/children into the box!!

GOod luck !
J-HEFF

Not sure why my reply didn't post, but here goes again...

The BD Intimidator will eliminate the speed limiter (think it's set around 157 km/hr), but the disclaimer is that the speed rating on your tires should be able to handle the speed. You can go to BD's website and download a pdf of the the manual and what the programmer will do. The BD is similar to the PPE programmer.

Exhaust would be a "need" in my opinion. I tow a trailer in the summer months and the 4" exhaust should help keep the EGT's down while towing and running the BD in Tow mode. Just waiting for the Autometer guages to come in so that the pyro can be installed at the same time. Just remember that diesels don't produce the corrosive moisture that gasser do so even an aluminum 4" exhaust will last a long time compared with a gasser. Do a search and you can see member's opinions...MBRP's seem to be a fav. Also remember that the LB7 will be louder than a LLY with an aftermarket exhaust.

Airaid is a personal preference...just to be difference from the DMax next to me. No noticeable performance increase...there's some thread on this site that show the stock air box performs very well. The hood and fender of my 2003 isn't sealed (I think the 2006 has a rubber seal to fill the gap between the hood and fender....anyone out there to confirm?) so you have to be careful at the carwash not to spray directly at the filter area...I have an Airaid prefilter over top which seems to help a bit. There are products (AFE and Volant for example) that have a cover over their "cone" filter which would help keep water and stuff out.

Nuff ranting...you're off to a good start by buying a DMax...lot of opinions on this forum. It's just money, right?

Your sig didn't give any details...where in Canada are you?

Good luck.

Thanks all, your feedback and friendliness is very much appreciated! There is allot of information on this SITE, it's truly amazing (the info and the knowledgeable members).

I think I'll start with the BD Intimidator (keeping it on a low setting) and soon after go with exhaust.

Thanks again all and see you on the road.... BTW, I'm in Calgary, Alberta Canada.

Sorensen,

I'm also in Calgary if you want to see the setup...just send me a message.