Chandler is a leading content writer for 8020 Media. Outside of writing truck related GM content for Chevy Trucks he creates a lot of articles around LS engines over on TuningPro. Chandler is a gearhead with tons of hands-on experience. Furthermore, he has a masters degree in history that makes him invaluable in crafting high-quality, well-researched articles on both classic and modern Chevy trucks.
A cold air intake can add up to 15whp and 25wtq to the Duramax LB7, among a number of other performance benefits, this makes an intake one of the best performance upgrades for these engines. Outside of just power gains you get improved gas mileage, better throttle response, and faster turbo spool. Ultimately, it creates…
The big 8.1 Vortec came with pretty good power levels from the factory. However, just a few bolt-on modifications like tuning, intake manifolds, headers, camshafts, and cylinder heads can add some impressive horsepower and torque. The engine can handle about 550whp before needing some more advanced upgrades like internals. We’re going to cover five modifications…
Outside of ECM tuning, a cold air intake is one of the best upgrades for the Duramax LMM. The factory intake box is restrictive which leads to power gains, improved efficiency, some fuel economy improvements, and better throttle response when it is upgraded to a more free flowing intake system. We’ve been manufacturing cold air…
Engine tuning is the best performance upgrade for a Duramax LMM. A simple plug-and-play tuner, or custom tuning, can easily add over 100+ horsepower and 200+ torque. Additionally, you get a number of other benefits like increased gas mileage, better towing, transmission tuning capabilities, and a more efficient engine overall. There are a lot of…
One of the most restrictive components on the Duramax LMM is the factory downpipe. It is crushed and limits exhaust flow leading to increased backpressure. Ultimately, this leads to higher EGTs, decreased engine efficiency, and puts more stress on the turbocharger. Upgrading the factory downpipe to a larger 3″ performance downpipe is one of the…
GM’s 6.0 Vortec engine was one of their longest running and most successful engines, spanning from 1999-2019. The engine was used across their spectrum of vehicles, from SUV’s and half-ton trucks as well as being the Duramax alternative all the way until it’s retirement in 2019. The engine spans multiple generations and engine variations. We’re…
General Motors/Chevrolet produced the 5.3 Vortec engine for nearly two decades from 1999–2014. It spanned two generations of their small block V8, and was finally succeeded by the 5th Generation EcoTec3. Known for its reliability, performance, and stout design, the 5.3 Vortec engine was hugely successful. Though it was discontinued nearly a decade ago, the…
Chevy first debuted the compact S10 truck in 1982 as the successor to their outgoing LUV truck. Among Chevy fans, the S10 was one of the top trucks of the 1980s-’90s, and it was known for its versatility, style, and reliability. General Motors also sold rebadged versions of the S10 under their GMC, Isuzu, and…
The Detroit Diesel Series 53 engines have been in production for more than six decades. Detroit Diesel, a subsidiary of General Motors, introduced the Series 53 in 1957, and it is still being made today. GM put the engine in several medium duty trucks, commercial trucks, and boats. The Detroit Diesel 53 Series has even…
In 1996, Chevrolet released their 7.4 Vortec V8 engine. It was part of Chevy’s penultimate generation of their big block series, and it is sometimes called the 454 Vortec. It is distantly related to the 454 LS6 V8 that Chevy put in their famous 1970 Chevelle SS — hence the 454 name. Though it had…
The 6.0 Vortec responds extremely well to performance mods and upgrades. Being derived from the LS2 featured in the C6 Corvette and Pontiac GTO, it loves to make power. In addition, the incredibly strong internals and block make it almost bulletproof until well over 700hp. This guide will cover everything you need to know about…
The Chevy 5.3 Vortec engine has steadily gained a reputation over the past two decades as one of the most reliable and capable motors in the GM/Chevy line. The engine is known for its bulletproof reliability, solid engineering, and decent performance. However, the 5.3 Vortec can still feel a little underpowered from the factory at…
