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If you have a GM with an LML Duramax engine, odds are pretty good that you already feel like you are king (or queen!) of the road.
But what if we told you there was a way to maximize the power and performance on your truck so that it is operating at its very best, maximum capacity? LML Duramax tuners can take your truck to the next level – not to mention saving some money in your gas budget.
Read on to learn more about these awesome devices.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tuner for LML Duramax
- OUR TOP PICK: Edge Evolution CTS3
- RUNNER-UP: Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SUPERCHIPS FlashPaq F5 Tuner
Comparison of the Best LML Duramax Tuners (2011-2016)
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What Years Fall Under 6.6L LML Duramax?
Before you invest a decent amount of money into a tuner, make sure it will fit your vehicle. 6.6L LML Duramax engines are not the most common model on the market, so it is especially important to be conscientious when shopping for a tuner for this kind of engine. GM only make 6.6L LML Duramax engines from 2011 to 2016. Double check your truck before you buy!
Does Tuning Affect Regen Frequency?
First of all, just to clarify – “regen” means “regeneration,” and refers to a process in which the engine clears out its own soot levels once they get too high. And to answer the question: yes, tuning affects the frequency of this process. It makes sense, as tuning often produces increased engine power, which will result in increased soot, which will result in an increased necessity for regens. However, a good tuner will adjust to minimize soot production as much as possible.
What Can I Expect to Gain From Installing a Tuner?
Why is installing a tuner a good idea? Check out some of the things you will gain:
Fuel Economy
One of the biggest reasons truck owners may balk at purchasing a tuner is because of their relatively high price tags – but when you think about the fact that many tuners can drastically improve a truck’s fuel efficiency, you will realize they are actually a pretty good investment. Most tuners will pay for themselves fairly quickly when it comes to saved gas money.
Efficiency
Besides fuel economy, your biggest gripe with your truck is probably that it is just not that efficient to get around in. Whether going uphill, or hauling a trailer, or, God forbid, hauling a trailer uphill, trucks can sometimes just be a little clunky when it comes to shifting. But tuners can change all that and create a smooth, efficient shifting process. You will be surprised at the vast difference a good tuner can make.
Improved Horsepower
Let’s be honest – of course you bought your truck for the utility purposes, but you also bought it because of the awesome engine and incredible power under the hood. What if we told you that a tuner could make that even stronger? Tuners can ratchet up a truck’s horsepower so that it is that much more awe-inspiring. And the engine can end up being a lot louder, too.
Review of the Best Tuners for LML Duramax
Now that you know a bit more about what tuners can do for you, let’s check out some actual products!
Best Overall:
Edge Evolution CTS3
PROS
CONS
The Edge Evolution CTS3 is arguably the most complete and modern tuning device on the market today.
To start, the screen is a thin, high-definition touchscreen that is infinitely customizable. You can build numemrous pre-saved dashboards to display engine parameters like boost, RPM, fuel pressure, speed, EGTs, current gear, and loads more. Swap between these dashboards with a quick swipe, set one up for highway driving, performance runs against your buddies, or towing!
As for the tunes (which are included), LMLs are supported with 4 power levels:
- Level 0: Stock Power
- Level 1: 40 HP / 85 TQ Increase
- Level 2: 75 HP / 180 TQ Increase
- Level 3: Up to 135 HP / 240 TQ Increase (varies depending on LML year)
Edge's system is also expandable with their EAS platform. You can incorporate custom probes to measure parameters at specific parameters, new modules, integrate it with your backup camera, and more!
Bottom Line
The Edge Evolution CTS3 is the cutting edge of tuner ability and technology. Also, many LML owners are quite happy with the tunes and feel they are safe enough for the engine and trans. Our recommendation would be to keep to the Level 1 tune when towing for the best MPG and to keep from damaging anything!
Runner-up:
Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner
PROS
CONS
The Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner is a extremely successful tuner that will utilize a connection to the unlock cable on your truck to unleash all of its raw power. All of this new power contributes to many different beneficial changes in your truck, including the evening out between its torque and its speed.
Plus, maximizing power also always equals a maximization of fuel efficiency. Some users report that their Bully Dog GT can increase their average miles per gallon by up to four miles! Not so bad when you are driving one of the historically least fuel efficient cars on the market.
The Bully Dog GT will easily pay for itself soon when it produces that level of fuel efficiency. Also, you will never again have to worry about your truck downshifting unexpectedly when it is cranking its way up hills – the Bully Dog GT helps it maintain its speed with absolute ease.
Bottom Line
The Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner is an excellent tuner that will unlock unheard of power from your truck and rocket up its fuel efficiency. Plan on calling Bully Dog once this tuner arrives in the mail so you can get it up and running and enjoy the benefits!
Best for the Money:
SUPERCHIPS FlashPaq F5 Tuner
PROS
CONS
The SUPERCHIPS FlashPaq F5 Tuner is an excellent tuner that will make you wonder why you had not invested in a good tuner sooner! This tuner is fantastic at keeping track of exactly what is going on with your vehicle, even while you are driving it – the FlashPaq will continue to monitor different sensors even while the vehicle itself is in motion.
It also comes with four different pre-programmed tune settings: Economy, Towing, Daily Driving, and Extreme Tuning. These settings can do it all, from improving your truck’s gas mileage, to amping up its throttle response, to streamlining your truck’s shifting capacity (even while it is towing something behind it!). There is not much the SUPERCHIPS FlashPaq F5 Tuner will not be able to do for your vehicle.
Bottom Line
The SUPERCHIPS FlashPaq F5 Tuner is a top notch tuner that will make a huge impact in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of your truck. Just know that if you do require assistance, SUPERCHIPS is notorious for not being great at customer support.
4. Diablo Sport Predator 2 Programmer
PROS
CONS
The Diablo Sport Predator 2 Programme is an awesome tuner that will cause immediate positive impacts for your truck. Users report a lot of really incredible numbers when it comes to this tuner – how does a 10% to 20% increase in your gas mileage sound? The Diablo Sport’s eco tune will be able to fix that right up for you, and its Diablo tune will also increase your horsepower by 10 to 20 as well!
All that plus firmer shifting makes this tuner a dream come true. This tuner will correct common speedometer issues as well as automatically calibrate to your truck’s specific tire size. If you are looking for a tuner that will rock your truck’s socks off, look no further than the Diablo Sport Predator 2 Programme.
Bottom Line
The Diablo Sport Predator 2 Programme is a fantastic tuner that will produce a noticeable positive difference in your truck’s operation. But be forewarned it does not come with a convenient mounting mechanism.
Best Monitor-Only Option:
Edge Insight CTS3
PROS
CONS
The Edge Insight CTS3 is one of the best monitoring gauges on the market for keeping track of every single one of your truck’s most important vitals. If you are interested in data on your EGTs, your engine’s performance, your injector balances, your fuel rail pressure, your transmission, or pretty much anything else you could possibly think of, the CTS3 has got you covered.
This accurate style of monitoring makes the CTS3 a must have monitor for anyone who anticipates requiring a lot of their truck over the years, whether that be towing things uphill or going on a lot of intense road trips. And even though the CTS3 has got everything covered for you, it is not intricate or complicated to use. This device is accessible and will allow you to easily view everything you would ever want to know about your truck.
Bottom Line
The Edge Insight CTS3 is an excellent monitor when it comes to gathering reliable data for your truck. It pairs nicely with any tuner (not just Edge products) out there that may not have a display or offer monitoring.
6. Duramax Tuner SPADE Tuning Device
PROS
CONS
The Duramax Tuner SPADE Tuning Device is an excellent tuner if you are looking for something that will not require a ton of additional work on your part when it comes to programming and adjusting the device itself. The SPADE will arrive at your door with a variety of different pre-programmed tunes that you can just plug and play.
These tunes include an Econo Sport tune, which is specifically designed to enhance your truck’s fuel efficiency and save you some gas mileage, as well as individualized tunes for pulling both light and heavy towing loads. You can move easily from one tune to the next, even while in motion, with the switch function on this handy little tuner.
If you are looking for a tuner that will increase your vehicle’s capability and efficiency without a lot of extra effort on your end, the Duramax Tuner SPADE Tuning Device is the choice for you.
Bottom Line
The Duramax Tuner SPADE Tuning Device is a great tuner that will get the job done for you. The only issue is, if you do choose to program it yourself, it can be a little difficult to operate.
7. EZLynk Tuner with GDP Custom Tunes
PROS
CONS
What Other LML Owners Are Saying
EZLynk AutoAgent 2 is a user-focused tuner. The device plugs into the OBDII port, and the smartphone app is as simple to use as can be. However, a few customers have complained about the lack of a monitor. Many LML owners praise the GDP technicians, saying that they work quickly and effectively. People also say that the tunes from GDP improved their truck significantly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With the help from GDP tuning techs, the EZLynk AutoAgent 2 will improve the performance, fuel economy, and overall driving experience of your truck. Tracking parameters in a powerful truck is crucial, and the AutoAgent smartphone app will let you do that, and much more! The application has many customization options, technical communication, and detailed vehicle management.
The tuner has a cloud-based tuning system that allows you to receive tunes in minutes. The EZLynk also has the functionality to read and clear codes by yourself. All in all, an excellent tuner for the LML Duramax.
Bottom Line
If you want a more powerful truck that runs smoother and saves on fuel, don’t purchase a new truck, buy the EZLynk AutoAgent 2 for your LML Duramax. The extraordinary power your truck will gain from GDP tunes will put a smile on your face.
Conclusion
If you are looking to elevate the game on your 6.6L LML Duramax engine, there is no better way to do it than by investing in a quality tuner. Whether you are looking for better fuel efficiency, improved shifting, increased horsepower, or just overall awesomeness, there are tuners out there that can get it done for you. Think about what you would like to see from your fully tuned truck and then invest in one of the quality models from our list. Happy driving!
