Thinking about a Duramax

**Aiblinger** · 05-01-2009, 06:47 AM

I am considering getting out of my 6.0L 1500 to upgrade to a Duramax with a crew cab. What I am concerned about is what the current crop of Duramax engines are producing in the real world for fuel mileage. What do you guys get from your trucks? What can I expect from a stock 08 or 09 Duramax? How much benefit would I see from adding a larger diameter exhaust and what would that cost? Also, I saw mention of "regeneration" in a few posts as I was doing research... what is that? Is that the cleaning process for the particulate filter in the exhaust?

Thanks in advance for any information. I don't know much about diesel trucks (though I have had diesel cars) but I learn quickly so I am looking forward to any advice/help you folks can give me.

**1st Synthetics** · 05-01-2009, 07:45 AM

Let me start by saying I would not trade mine for any other truck, I love it. You are kinda getting the facts right.....The Lmm trucks do get a few MPG less than the former D-max's. It is not the engine it is the particulate filter (DPF) that takes the MPG down. When the truck goes into re-Gen it uses around 1-2 gal of fuel to clean out the DPF. This occurs, depending on driving habbits every tank full to a tank and a half. I have talked to quite a few people that have taken the DPF off and they all seen increases in MPG. You will also need a programmer to do this. Not all programmers will do the job, but there are a lot out there that will. PPe or banks are both popular ones. I have not taken mine off yet but I do plan on doing so in the future. The down side is it will void your warranty and may be a vialation where you live.As far as my MPG, Yesterday when I filled ou I did the calculation and I got 16.7 MPG. When I drove to Wisconson last month I got 18.6.. I think that could of been better but I drove through downtown Chacaigo for about 45 min. Now when I pull my trailer I think I am getting around 14.5-15.6 MPG. I also seen a 1 MPG increase after my first oil change when I switched to AMSOIL 5W-40.

**08silverado3500hd** · 05-01-2009, 10:23 AM

I have a 2008 Silverado 3500HD, brought it home in Nov 07, and just turned 2600 miles. Bought mainly for towing an 18' flat bed trailer and 20' gooseneck cattle trailer. Daily driving a 1990 Silverado with a 454. For the Duramax no highway driving yet, best mileage so far was 15.75 mpg (this was the only fill up without any trailering). Worst so far 10.45 mpg.

**Aiblinger** · 05-01-2009, 01:38 PM

Here is another question for you guys: Is STABILITRAK available on Duramax equipped trucks? I am looking at a couple trucks online and they don't have it. Do you trucks have stabilitrak?

Thanks for all the input so far, everyone!

**08silverado3500hd** · 05-01-2009, 03:11 PM

My 2008 3500 HD doesn't have stabilitrak. Almost positive it wasn't even an option. Looks like for 2009 it is standard on all 1500 V-8's and an option on 2500 ext cab/crew cab.

**1st Synthetics** · 05-01-2009, 03:57 PM

That would not be an option on a 4WD, I don't think.

**Aiblinger** · 05-01-2009, 05:02 PM

my '07 VortecMAX has Stabilitrak and it is 4WD... hmm... I will do some more research. Thanks guys!

**dwill3015** · 05-01-2009, 11:28 PM

Good luck on your search!

**nickgiacalone** · 05-01-2009, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by 1st Synthetics

That would not be an option on a 4WD, I don't think.

I know for the most part this conversation is regarding diesel trucks but my 09 2500hd ext cab 6.0 gas does have traction control and stabilitrac and is a 4wd.

**Aiblinger** · 05-02-2009, 07:33 PM

Thanks for all the info, everyone! I am still hoping for more input regarding 08-09 D-max trucks. Can anyone tell me anything that they didn't know about the truck until after they got it home? Is there anything I NEED TO KNOW before making a purchase?

thanks again!!