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Struggling with the deteriorating performance of your vehicle? Probably it is time for some upgrades.
If you really want to enhance your vehicle’s performance, starting with the engine upgrades would be perfect.
In this guide, we will display some of the best LBZ Duramax upgrades that you can consider for your vehicle.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Lbz Duramax Upgrades
- OUR TOP PICK: S&B Filters 75-5080
- RUNNER-UP: Galaxy Auto High Flow Y-Bridge & Intercooler Pipe Kit
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: labwork Diesel Turbo Vane Position Sensor Fit
Comparison Chart of the Best LBZ Duramax Upgrades
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Types of LBZ Duramax Upgrades
There is probably a lot of room for upgrades in almost any car. From wheels to the engine, everything can be upgraded, and performance can be enhanced. But that simply requires a lot of investment. However, if you are on a limited budget, you might want to prioritize your upgrades.
The engine should be your first priority if you are looking for an upgrade. It is probably because it is directly related to the performance of your vehicle. Upgrading your engine with quality components will yield higher performance. Moreover, it would increase the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine.
Here are some upgrades that you can perform with the LBZ Duramax engine.
One-Piece Y Bridge
Replacing your stock two-piece Y bridge can significantly enhance your engine’s performance. Typically, a stock two-piece Y bridge is held together by two O-rings. If you run enough boost, you can blow those O-rings and suffer from boost leak. Installing a one-piece Y bridge can be effective in eliminating this possibility.
Water Pump
A water pump can be a great addition to your Duramax engine. There are a lot of efficient water pumps with gaskets available to prevent your engine from overheating. As a result, your vehicle engine lifespan and performance will increase.
Fuel Lines
Another great upgrade to the LBZ Duramax could be installing newer and better fuel lines. They can significantly improve performance while being cost-effective.
Review of the Best LBZ Duramax Upgrades
Buying a quality engine for your vehicle can be really expensive and time-consuming at the same time. However, upgrading your existing Duramax engine can dramatically improve performance in a cost-effective manner. In this section, we have listed some quality upgrades that can make your Duramax engine perform efficiently and effectively.
Best Overall:
S&B Filters 75-5080
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A high percentage of positive reviews suggest the quality and performance of this product. Most users seem to be completely satisfied with the purchase. They believe that these air filters are worth purchasing and offer great quality. Users also claim that these work perfectly with LBZ Duramax engines.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this product is the number of features it provides to its user. It offers great performance and quality when it comes to airflow. The product itself claims that it can enhance the airflow as much as 50.15%. At the same time, it provides a 99.41% higher efficiency. Meanwhile, the design is perfect as it is fully capable of negating Check Engine Lights.
In addition, the filters feature a quality build construction made of premium silicone material. It increases not only performance but also longevity. The filters provide adequate oil applications while being completely legal in the US.
Bottom Line
Swapping these filters for your LBZ Duramax engine will greatly boost your vehicle’s performance. They are perfectly designed to enhance performance and provide long-lasting operation. We highly recommend that you invest in this product to achieve a maximum satisfaction level.
Runner-up:
Galaxy Auto High Flow Y-Bridge & Intercooler Pipe Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the users who used the product seem to be quite satisfied with its overall performance. They believe that it is worth investing in the product. It increases not only performance but also the lifespan of your engine. People highly recommend this upgrade to other buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this Y bridge and pipe kit are its various enhancements that they offer. It features a completely fabricated one-piece Y bridge that offers high flow. Unlike the stock two-piece bridge, it is more reliable and suitable for a turbo boost. In addition, the intercooler pipe kit offers a durable body with a stainless-steel construction.
The construction is backed by Silicone Boot and T-bolt clamps that make it even stronger. The assembly itself seems to be quite attractive on first look just as it's effective. Also, it comes with a heater hose and clamp.
Bottom Line
Overall, it’s a great upgrade considering the performance boost you get with its installation. Unlike the stock Y bridge, this one-piece unit offers more reliability and efficiency. Besides, the intercooler kit provides a durable pathway for efficient operations.
Best for the Money:
labwork Diesel Turbo Vane Position Sensor Fit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of reviews seem to be in favor of the product and its manufacturer. Thanks to its superb quality and performance enhancement features, it stands out from standard units in the market. Users are quite happy with the purchase of this product. They say that it solved most of their sensor code problems that they were having previously.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this upgrade is the multitude of features that it offers to the user. The most important one is the fix regarding the turbo vane sensor code. If you were having trouble with the sensor code earlier, this is one of the best fixes.
The product offers high quality while offering value for your money. In addition, it is very easy to install and can be considered as a DIY upgrade. Moreover, it is highly compatible with most vehicles with Duramax engines. Also, it comes with an LLY adaptor that offers great utility.
Bottom Line
All in all, it’s a great upgrade to invest in. It is worth investing in this product because it offers great value for your money. If you are on a limited budget, consider buying this product for a reliable experience.
Best LBZ Duramax Injectors:
Bosch 0986435521
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers consider this to be one of the most crucial upgrades you can perform on your engine. They say that replacing your engine’s injectors with some quality ones can provide you with great performance and longevity. Users highly suggest investing in this product for the ultimate user experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What strikes us about this upgrade is the performance boost that it provides to your vehicle. A newer and upgraded fuel injector can provide adequate fuel delivery to the engine. Therefore, investing in a quality injector will improve your vehicle’s performance drastically. The unit replaces your inefficient stock injectors without any modifications.
Furthermore, they are perfectly designed to increase your engine’s power at full throttle. They are fairly simple and easy to install, as well. If you own a stock truck, this is a great upgrade for your vehicle’s engine. Also, it comes with two years of manufacturer’s warranty.
Bottom Line
In short, it is a great upgrade to perform, considering the improvement in the vehicle's performance. It also protects your engine from any damage in case your stock injectors are inefficient. If you are looking for an upgrade, then this should be on your list.
Best LBZ Duramax Turbo:
Garrett 848212-5001S
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Well, the reviews say it all. With a large number of reviews suggesting the immense performance boost, this is a must-buy. Users highly recommend others to invest in this turbocharger. They believe that it is worth investing as it greatly improves the overall performance of your vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you enjoy riding a vehicle with a powerful engine, then this upgrade is just for you. Being highly compatible with Duramax LLM, LLY, and LBZ engines, it is worth an investment. It not only increases your engine’s performance but also decreases distortion. At the same time, it improves van actuation.
The best part about this upgrade is that it offers the latest updates by Garett. It is also quite reliable and offers superior quality than most conventional units. Also, it features cobalt pins, banjo bolt, and sensors for maximum reliability.
Bottom Line
If you want to extract maximum performance from your vehicle’s engine, this is your upgrade. This turbocharger is perfectly designed to enhance your engine’s capabilities to a whole new level. If you like being a power user, then don’t hesitate to buy it.
Best LBZ Duramax Engine Oil Cooler:
Dmax Performance Engine Oil Cooler Assembly
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report the premium quality and features of this product. They claim that it is a great addition to have for your Duramax engine. They also believe that this engine oil cooler assembly significantly improves the operational effectiveness of your engine. It is highly recommended by a number of users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Well, this upgrade needs no introduction. If you want to improve the performance of any engine, this upgrade is a must. This engine oil cooler assembly is designed to provide your engine with a kick start thanks to its high-quality and affordable price that allows you a cost-effective solution for increasing the engine’s performance.
Meanwhile, this assembly uses a perfect design with a mix of premium build materials to offer great performance. It is also relatively more durable than conventional units and offers long-lasting operation. It is also compatible with most Duramax engines.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the engine oil cooler assembly upgrade is a great choice. It offers you a cost-effective solution to increase your Duramax engine’s performance to a higher level. We highly recommend performing the upgrade.
Best LBZ Duramax Head Gasket:
ARP Stud Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers say that upgrading to ARP studs is probably the most effective upgrade for any Duramax engine. They say this because they all experienced a whole new level of a performance boost. Most users reported the reliability of the product and highly recommended it to others.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Having problems with assembling the engine? Try the new user-friendly ARP studs and forget your engine worries forever. This ARP stud kit brings you the luxury of reliable engine assembly. Not only this, but it also acts as a catalyst for your engine’s performance. It also helps in increasing the lifespan of your engine without major maintenance.
Furthermore, the product offers two years and 200,000 miles worth of manufacturer’s warranty. It comes with a bundle of ARP studs and various gasket sets to make sure everything is in place while assembling. All in all, it is worth an investment.
Bottom Line
If assembling an engine worries you, try switching to the ARP studs. They are not only reliable but also convenient for easy assembly. They are available at an affordable price as well, which makes them a great upgrade.
Best LBZ Duramax Exhaust:
Diamond Eye 4" Turbo Back Exhaust
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are pretty happy with the functionality and attractive design of the product. They say that this exhaust is quite appealing to the eye. At the same time, it delivers the job perfectly and makes for a great choice. Users also recommend using this exhaust if you like great functionality backed with a catchy outlook.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this exhaust is its overall build quality and functionality. It features durable construction that features a stainless steel body designed to last. It also provides you with versatility as it offers various sizes and shapes. In addition, the exhaust is highly compatible and works perfectly with most vehicles.
The exhaust itself seems quite eye-catching, and it is also very effective. It provides a fancy exit to the fumes being ejected while offering a finishing touch. If you are looking for an exhaust that is attractive and effective, this one's for you.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this exhaust is a great way to pair performance with an attractive look. It not only offers a great outlook but also delivers a solid path for exhaust fuel. It works far better than stock exhausts while being eye-catching as well.
Best LBZ Duramax Glow Plugs:
ACDelco 9G
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A large number of buyers recommend purchasing these amazing glow plugs. They believe that these are some of the finest they have used so far. They perform quite well in cold climates and make sure your engine starts on the first attempt. Users are quite satisfied and admire the quality of the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you live in a part of a world with a cold climate, this upgrade is a must. These glow plugs are perfectly designed to provide heat to diesel engines for cold starts. Most engines fail to start due to cold thus, causing inconvenience. Well, these are a great solution for such situations. They also offer self-regulation to control the electric flow to make sure your engine doesn’t overheat.
In addition, these glow plugs are responsible for optimizing the throttle response in your engine. They not only offer high compatibility but also provide better performance with GN-type regulating coil.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a quality upgrade for your engine, then look no further. The glow plug upgrade is far beneficial, considering you are living in a colder climate. They not only save you from inconvenience but also provide great reliability.
Best LBZ Duramax Fuel Filter:
ACDelco TP3018
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of users have shared their experience while using this fuel filter. They are of the view that these work like a charm. They protect the engine from any contaminants, which allows your engine to perform consistently. Also, it saves you a lot of maintenance costs and increases your engine's durability and lifespan.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you want to increase the lifespan of your engine, a fuel filter is what you need. It actually helps you fight and block the contaminants, which might hinder the engine’s performance. It provides reliable protection against dust, rust, and various paint particles that get stuck in the engine. These filters are designed to trap contaminants to make sure your engine performs consistently.
Moreover, this high-quality fuel filter is available at a reasonable price tag. It also seems to be quite attractive and offers a clean, neat outlook.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a reliable fuel filter, then consider this one. It has all the qualities of a high-quality unit that provides protection to your engine. If you want your engine to perform consistently over time, this is worth an upgrade.
Advantages of Investing in a Few Quality Upgrades
Upgrading your vehicle’s components to a better and newer version will almost always pay off. It will increase not only the performance of your vehicle but also its lifespan. Since there are a lot of components in a vehicle that can be upgraded, it might sound a bit difficult. However, prioritizing and upgrading the major components can significantly boost your vehicle’s performance.
Here are some advantages of investing in quality upgrades.
Performance Boost
Of course, with a better and new version of component upgrades, you will achieve a higher performance level of your vehicle. Newer or upgraded components will perform more efficiently and effectively; hence your vehicle’s performance will improve.
Increased Lifespan
Yes, adding newer and better components means an increase in the life expectancy of your vehicle. Those components will work longer and increase your vehicle’s lifetime.
Less Maintenance
If you tend to make some quality upgrades, you might have to spend less on your vehicle’s maintenance. It is particularly because new or upgraded components are designed to perform better and for a longer duration. Therefore, upgrading your vehicle’s components might just save you from maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Investing in some quality upgrades for your vehicle can be time-consuming and costly at the same time. However, in the long run, you can witness a far better performance and efficiency of your vehicle. In this article, we have listed some crucial upgrades for the LBZ Duramax engine. These will not only improve performance but also increase your satisfaction.
People Also Ask
People often ask quite a lot of questions regarding the products they purchase. To ensure you have no ambiguities, we have listed some frequently asked questions. These will help you find the right answer and eliminate any confusion you might have.
What is So Special About the LBZ Duramax?
Different vehicles feature various types of engines. Out of those, some engines are quite powerful, reliable, and tweakable. The LBZ Duramax is one such example. Quality block casting, durable connecting rods, and updated ECM make it stand out from the rest. To put it in perspective, the LBZ Duramax can generate 360hp right out of the box.
How Many Miles Can You Get on a LBZ Duramax?
The LBZ Duramax is a very powerful and reliable engine that can outlast most conventional engines. These heavy-duty engines are specifically designed to last longer. The miles you can get out of an LBZ Duramax greatly depends on your usage. If you run adequate maintenance checks, it might last several hundred thousand kilometers.
What is an LBZ Duramax?
The LBZ Duramax is one of the most powerful, reliable, tunable, and drivable engines to date. Its exceptional performance and durability make it far better than any other. It is designed with better block casting, sturdy connection rods, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system. As a result, it can produce 360hp and 650lb-ft of torque.
How Do I Know if I Have an LBZ Duramax?
Nearly all engines have an associated VIN number to detect the type of engine. Most of them are located on the engine to make sure the owner can find it easily. To check whether you have an LBZ Duramax, look at the 8th digit of the VIN number. If it is a ‘2’, it’s an LLY, and if it’s a ‘D’ then, it’s an LBZ.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Injectors in a Duramax?
Replacing the injectors in a Duramax can be time-consuming and costly. If you are looking to replace an injector, there is a high probability of replacing the others as well. An LLY has a total of eight injectors. Replacing all of them would mean a total estimated cost of around $3000-$4000.
What Does LBZ Stand For in Duramax?
The LBZ Duramax is a successor of the LLY Duramax engine that was first launched in early 2006. However, by the end of 2006, its production was halted and replaced by the LBZ Duramax engine. The newer release was almost identical to the old version; however, it had a more powerful tune. As a result, it produced more power and torque.
What Years Are the LBZ Duramax?
The LBZ Duramax was first launched in late 2006. With a number of injector issues and overheating problems, the LBZ Duramax replaced its predecessor, the LLY. LMM later replaced it; however, it is renowned for its power and torque generation.
