We've come a long way in the quest for performance. These days, you don't necessarily have to turn a wrench to extract more power from a diesel truck: You can plug in a tuning device and push a few buttons. Change your needs--say from towing a heavy trailer to hot-footing it down the quarter mile or getting better fuel economy around town--and all you have to do is plug in a different tune.
Of course, tuners aren't the only performance-enhancing options. You can still do a lot of good, old-fashioned things to your truck, such as enhancing the airflow to the engine and helping the diesel fuel burn more completely. Here are some of the newest performance options available for your diesel truck, and we've even included a few for diesel SUVs and vans.
| diesel Performance Products Superchips Flashpaq
Power in a FlashTuning your engine only takes about 10 minutes with Superchips' all-new Diesel Flashpaq for Ford 7.3-, 6.4-, or 6.0-liter Power Stroke F-Series trucks and Excursions. The performance tune delivers up to 114 additional horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The Flashpaq also features tunes to enhance fuel economy and towing. Each tune is dyno validated for power to the rear wheels, not the flywheel, and Superchips pays special attention to exhaust gas temperatures to maintain engine durability.
Superchips888/227-2447
www.superchips.com
| diesel Performance Products Painless Cold Shot
Temperature ReducerThis water/methanol injection system lowers intake, combustion, and exhaust-gas temps for real power gains. The Striker ColdShot cools the intake air to produce a denser mixture that's higher in oxygen. Plus, when evaporated methanol enters the combustion chambers, it increases fuel's octane.
Painless Performance00/423-9696
www.painlessperformance.com
| diesel Performance Products AEM Intake
More Air Going InAEM's Brute Force HD Induction Systems for the 2007-08 GM Duramax 6.6-liter LMM and the 2007-09 Dodge Cummins 6.7-liter provide serious horsepower increases, thanks to increased airflow. The systems feature a rugged, high-efficiency design with a steel heatshield. AEM's Dryflow filter is cleanable and reusable and captures 99 percent of harmful contaminants.
AEM800/992-3000
www.aemintakes.com
| diesel Performance Products MagnaFlow
Exhaustive SelectionMagnaFlow has released nine stainless-steel exhaust options for the 2009 6.4-liter Power Stroke, none of which affect the truck's computer. At wide-open throttle from 50-70 mph, the four-inch single-exit catback (or particulate filter-back) system provides peak power gains over the stock exhaust of up to 24 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque and the five-inch system yields up to 29 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque. All the systems include a muffler delete pipe and intercooled tips.
Magnaflow Performance Exhaust800/824-8664
www.magnaflow.com
| diesel Performance Products DieselPower
A Better BurnDieselPower! from Gold Eagle has been formulated to increase power for towing while also maximizing fuel economy. The fuel additive is said to boost the level of cetane in diesel fuel by up to seven numbers to improve ignitability. Performance Improver and Cetane Booster comes in 12- and 20-ounce sizes; 12 ounces will treat up to 35 gallons of diesel.
Gold Eagle800/367-3245
www.goldeagle.com
| diesel Performance Products DiabloSport Trinity
Testing and TuningIf you've got more than one truck, you'll appreciate DiabloSport's all-new Trinity Performance Monitor. One part number works on all diesel and gasoline 1999-2009 Ford, Chrysler, and GM vehicles, with more applications on the way. The performance programmer is said to be good for over 50 additional horsepower and up to a 30 percent increase in fuel economy. Plus, Trinity serves as a virtual dragstrip and a virtual gauge panel with the high-resolution color touch-screen display. It also allows you to perform diagnostics using more than 100MB of on-board memory.
DiabloSport877/396-6614
www.diablosport.com
| diesel Performance Products Wilson Thrasher Manifold
Fuel Economy or Torque--or BothWilson reports its new Thrasher intake system for 2003-07 5.9-liter common-rail Cummins engines can generate in excess of 300 extra pound-feet of torque or, with lighter throttle use, the equivalent in fuel savings. The system is claimed to provide greater equality of air/fuel distribution than a stock manifold, especially in the cruise zone of 2000 to 2100 rpm. As a result, the Thrasher could increase horsepower, lower exhaust temps, reduce emissions, and improve driveability.
Wilson Manifolds954/771-6216
www.wilsonmanifolds.com
| diesel Performance Products Bully Dog GT 5x7
Coach/Tuner/Gauge MonitorBully Dog's GT (Gauge Tuner) for Dodge, Ford, and GM diesels serves as several products rolled into one. As a downloader, it can add power for towing or racing. As a tuner, it allows you to choose and adjust multiple drivetrain settings. As a monitor, it enables you to track four gauge functions at one time. Plus, it acts as a driving coach, monitoring wasted vehicle energy and letting you know how you can change your driving habits to increase fuel economy.
Bully Dog Technologies866/285-5936
www.bullydog.com
| diesel Performance Products ATS Intercooler
Dramatically CoolerATS' new SubZero Intercooler for 1999-2003 Ford Power Strokes works safely with higher-than-stock boost levels and provides temperature reductions of more than 200 degrees at the engine's intake and up to 150 degrees at the exhaust. The heavy-duty, air-to-air intercooler eliminates factory plastic components, and the unique stepped-tank layout enables maximum airflow to the lower section of the unit (a problem with some other intercooler designs).
ATS Diesel Performance866/209-3695
www.atsdiesel.com
| diesel Performance Products Energy Susp Chevy Diesel Mount
Tougher ReplacementsEnergy Suspension recently introduced a line of patented performance motor mounts for 1988-2002 Chevrolet pickups and SUVs with diesel engines. The redesigned clamshell-style mounts install easily in the factory metal shells. They're molded from Hyper-Flex polyurethane, which offers more than double the longevity of stock motor mounts, plus a torque-resistant feel completely unlike rubber.
Energy Suspension949/361-3935
www.energysuspension.com
| diesel Performance Products Mobil 1 TDT 5W 40 Qt
Diesel-Specific OilMobil 1's new, fully synthetic motor oil is engineered specifically for hard-working diesel engines--those used for towing, hauling, and off-road driving. It can increase fuel economy, make engine startup easier, and reduce oil consumption. It offers resistance to high-temp varnish and low-temp sludge deposits to help keep the engine clean.
Mobil 1contact your local auto parts store.
www.mobil1.com
| diesel Performance Products ZEX Race Diesel Nitrous Kit
Squeeze PowerZEX's Race Diesel Nitrous System can provide 50 to 600 additional horses, helping burn the additional fuel produced by adding certain performance mods. It also reduces exhaust-gas and air-inlet temperatures. The system activates electronically at wide-open throttle using the company's TPS switch, which works with a boost pressure switch to time the nitrous injection with engine load.
ZEX Nitrous System888/817-1008
www.zex.com
| diesel Performance Products accufab Diesel Power Elbows
Quick Flow EnhancerAccufab's Performance Elbow increases airflow by 40 percent and will fit any 2003-07 F- or E-Series Ford with the 6.0-liter Power Stroke. In independent dyno tests with no other modifications, the Performance Elbow showed a nine-horsepower advantage over stock with an equal increase in torque. It also lowers exhaust temps, improves mileage, and reduces backpressure into the turbo. The elbow features a boost port for aftermarket gauges, installs easily with basic hand tools, and is available in an as-cast or polished finish.
Accufab909/930-1751
www.accufabracing.com
| diesel Performance Products Airaid Intake
Efficient BREATHINGAiraid's new MXP Series Intake System for the 2003-07 Dodge Ram 5.9-liter Cummins is good for 23 more horsepower and 33 additional pound-feet of torque. The bolt-on setup includes massive air inlets and a totally redesigned intake tube. Airaid's large, premium filter is hand-poured with urethane to prevent cracking and shrinkage, it's washable and reusable, and it filters down to two microns. An ample, one-piece, high-density polyethylene roto-molded cold air box isolates the filter from engine heat.
Airaid Filter Company888/876-8984
www.airaid.com
| diesel Performance Products FAST Diesel Air Fuel Meter
Accurate Wide-Open TuningThe Diesel Air/Fuel Meter from FAST allows you to check engine efficiency at wide-open throttle, so you can determine whether the engine needs more air or fuel to maximize horsepower. The large, backlit display shows A/F ratios in real time. Push a button and the built-in data logger will record ratios for later review on-screen (no laptop required). The meter is compatible with diesel and B20 biodiesel. There's an optional in-vehicle mount kit, as well as a dual-sensor version to measure A/F ratios in two locations at the same time.
FAST877/334-8355
www.fuelairspark.com
| diesel Performance Products Centerforce Clutch And Flywheel
Hold Your HorsesCenterforce has introduced the DFX Series clutch assembly for 2005.5-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9- and 6.7-liter diesels with the G56 aluminum (Mercedes) transmission. The new DFX extreme-performance clutch uses a patented Centrifugal Weight System for increased holding capacity, plus it offers great driveability in high-torque applications. The direct bolt-in setup includes an SMF flywheel, pressure plate, disc, release bearing, pilot bearing, alignment tool, and bolts.
Centerforce928/771-8422
www.centerforce.com
| diesel Performance Products Justice Bros Diesel Fuel Anti Gel
FUEL TREATMENTThe Diesel Fuel Antigel helps prevent the formation of waxy solid crystals in extreme cold. These crystals transform diesel fuel into a gel, clogging the fuel system and causing the engine to run poorly, if at all. The fuel additive also cleans fuel injectors, prevents filter icing, and lowers the cold filter plug point as much as 35 degrees.
Justice Brothers800/835-8784
www.justicebrothers.com
| diesel Performance Products Banks Chevy Ppack
One of EverythingBanks' PowerPack, engineered for working and towing, can provide constant-duty power gains for the 2007-08 Duramax LMM of up to 100 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The system features Banks' OttoMind6 Diesel Tuner with CleanTune Technology and six levels of adjustable on-the-fly power (including a fuel economy setting). It also includes Banks' PowerPDA touch-screen Vehicle Command Center, a Techni-Cooler intercooler, a ram-air intake, and a four-inch stainless Monster Exhaust that reduces backpressure up to 44 percent and keeps exhaust temps at least as cool as stock.
Gale Banks Engineering800/601-8072
www.bankspower.com
| diesel Performance Products Granatelli Big G Diesel Flash Tool
Major Torque in MinutesGranatelli's Big G flash tool for 2007.5-2008 GM trucks with the Duramax LMM adds a claimed 110 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Plus, it increases fuel economy by one to four mpg (depending on driving style) and provides low exhaust temps. The fast tuner enables you to remove the speed limiter and command DPF regeneration, recalibrate the speedo for different tire sizes or gear ratios, and retrain the transmission. It also provides full scan tool capability.
Granatelli Motor Sports805/486-6644
www.granatellimotorsports.com
| diesel Performance Products Flex A Lite
Less LoadReplacing the heavy steel clutch fan in a 2003-08 Cummins-equipped Dodge Ram with a bolt-in Flex-a-lite unit reduces the load on the engine for significant power gains. It also improves cooling for enhanced towing and fuel economy. The Flex-a-lite system includes two 15-inch high-performance S-blade fans made from a unique injection-molded, glass-reinforced nylon for strength and flexibility. A Variable Speed Control module adjusts fan speed to match cooling demand.
Flex-a-lite800/851-1510
www.flex-a-lite.com
| diesel Performance Products CFMPlus
High-Gloss FlowCFM+ has created a unique two-piece intake manifold system for 1999-2003 Power Strokes. The company uses patented manufacturing technology and high-temperature composite materials to create a manifold that increases power, reduces exhaust temps, and provides better fuel economy. It's available in gloss black and red, gloss black and polished, and gloss red and polished configurations.
CFM+760/598-2478
www.cfmplus.com
| diesel Performance Products DynoMax Jeep Cherokee Exhaust
JEEP EXHAUSTDynoMax has released a new single exhaust system for the 2008-09 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6. The catback system features a single-inlet/single-outlet Ultra Flo Welded muffler for straight-through exhaust flow. The muffler is housed in a heavy-gauge, hand-welded case. The system also includes three-inch, mandrel-bent 409 stainless-steel piping and a polished stainless tip.
DynoMax Performance Exhaust734/384-7806
www.dynomax.com
| diesel Performance Products Trusted Performance Towing Compounds
Easier Turbo UpgradeTrusted Performance's new Towing and Performance Compound Turbo kit for the 6.0-liter Power Stroke is designed to work with the factory Y-pipe, downpipe, intake, and EGR systems. The complete bolt-in kit does not require the cab to be lifted during installation. Official performance numbers aren't available yet, but the kit was designed for people who want to tow with 500 horsepower.
Trusted Performance817/736-8058
www.trustedperformance.com
| diesel Performance Products MADS SmartyNoLimits
10 TunesMADS' new Smarty S67 for the 6.7-liter Cummins in the Dodge Ram features 10 different performance levels, good for up to a 170-horsepower increase on an otherwise stock truck. The tunes download quickly; a typical ECM update only takes about five minutes. You can also recalibrate the speedo for up to 44-inch tires, can set the S67 for manual high idle in all performance levels, and it reads diagnostic trouble codes in plain text.
MADS Electronics (distributed by Wagner & Associates)888/225-7637
www.smartypower.com
| diesel Performance Products arp
Don't Lose Your HeadIf you're adding more boost to your turbodiesel, ARP's Custom Age head studs offer an extra measure of security. The studs provide sufficient clamping force to prevent cylinder heads from lifting when you've got exceptionally high combustion pressures. These studs are manufactured from ARP's proprietary Custom Age 625+ material, which has a minimum rating of 260,000psi tensile strength. The ends of the studs are broached for easy installation, so cylinder heads can be removed in tight quarters.
ARP800/826-3045
www.arpdiesel.com
| diesel Performance Products Flow MaX
More Flow and More ReliableBD's new Flow-MaX lift pump for the 2001-07 Duramax is designed to deliver ample fuel flow for engines that are making up to 600 horsepower and beyond. It flows 150 gallons per hour at 10 psi, and up to 165 gph at full flow. The Flow-MaX features a hard anodized aluminum body and a proven gerotor design. It's compact, quiet, and durable.
BD Diesel Performance800/887-5030
www.dieselperformance.com
| diesel Performance Products Red Line Diesel Oil
IT'S Good Enough for JetsRed Line's low-friction 15W40 Diesel Motor Oil is highly resistant to thermal breakdown, so it's great for trucks that run high oil temperatures due to hot weather, heavy loads, or towing. It also provides double the detergent and acid-neutralizing ability of conventional petroleum diesel engine oils to keep the engine cleaner. Red Line's unique products contain polyol ester base stocks, the only lubricants that can withstand the tremendous heat of modern jet engines.
Red Line Synthetic Oil800/624-7958
www.redlineoil.com
| diesel Performance Products Edge CS And CTS
Double-Duty ProgrammersEdge Products has introduced the all-new Evolution CTS and CS power programmers, which will retune a late-model diesel to improve horsepower, torque, and driveability. The CS features a 2.4-inch button-controlled color screen. Its big brother, the CTS, features a 4.3-inch color touch screen, as well as a video-in port to connect a backup camera or DVD player. Both double as dash-mounted gauge display devices, and they can be used as scan tools.
Edge Products888/360-3343
www.edgeproducts.com
| diesel Performance Products HP Tuners MPVI
Tune It YourselfHP Tuners' VCM software suite consists of a data logger and a file editor, which are designed to help you to extract as much power as possible from a Duramax. Rather than being limited to several preset tunes, you can custom tune the truck to suit your needs. In fact, VCM Suite supports nearly 700 editable parameters for the Duramax.
HP Tunerswww.hptuners.com
| diesel Performance Products SCT Touch Screen Xtreme
Totally Wireless TunerSCT's Touch Screen Xtreme offers 100-percent wireless connectivity with a vehicle's PCM/ECU using Bluetooth technology. It's capable of uploading performance or fuel economy programming into Ford and GM gas and diesel vehicles. It allows you to data log, instrument, and monitor the entire vehicle--including doing performance calculations like quarter-mile times--using completely wireless technology. There's even a 12-volt, two-pin output port so you can run things like nitrous solenoids or water/methanol pump drivers. And it's a music player, image viewer, and GPS unit, too.
SCT866/297-6298
www.sctflash.com
| diesel Performance Products Transfer Flow Dodge
Go Farther Between Fill-UpsTransfer Flow's 56-gallon replacement fuel tank for 2003-09 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Quad Cab longbed diesel pickups provides extra fuel capacity without taking up valuable bed space. Transfer Flow's unit fits in the same area as the smaller stock tank. The black powdercoated tank is manufactured from 12- and 14-gauge aluminized steel for rust resistance and strength and is baffled for extra support and to minimize fuel slosh.
Transfer Flow800/442-0056
www.transferflow.com
| diesel Performance Products K&N Cummins Intake
Smoother, Greater AirflowIn testing, K&N's High-Flow Intake System provided a gain of 16.4 horsepower at 2600 rpm over the stock Ford intake in a 2008 Super Duty with the 6.4-liter Power Stroke. The new system draws air through an oversize, cone-shaped K&N high-flow air filter that never needs to be replaced. A powdercoated heat shield replaces the stock air box to protect the filter and isolate it from engine heat. Air then travels through a roto-molded polyethylene tube designed for more laminar flow.
K&N Engineering800/858-3333
www.knfilters.com
| diesel Performance Products diesel Clean
Efficiency and Durability EnhancerDiesel Kleen increases the cetane number to help diesel fuel burn more quickly and completely. It's also said to increase mileage up to eight percent, increase the fuel's lubricity, improve engine smoothness and idle, decrease power lag, speed up cold starting, clean dirty fuel injectors, reduce piston and combustion chamber deposits, and stabilize stored fuel.
Power Service Products800/643-9089
www.powerservice.com
| diesel Performance Products aFe Filter
Strong, Efficient FilteraFe's Pro Guard D2 Diesel Duty oil filter is designed to produce maximum efficiency with minimal flow loss. It features a heavy-duty canister and coil spring, and an anti-backflow valve to reduce damage during cold starts. The aFe NF21 progressive synthetic media includes a thick outer layer to trap large particles, a thin inner layer to trap smaller particles, and an inner screen that provides support and structural integrity to a four-micron level.
advanced Flow engineering951/493-7100
www.afepower.com
| diesel Performance Products Royal Purple Filter
Heavy-Duty Oil FiltersUsing the technology found in heavy-duty truck and equipment fleets, Royal Purple's microglass oil filters use synthetic glass microfibers--10 times smaller than conventional cellulose filter fibers--for filtration that's said to be 99-percent efficient. Each filter uses a silicone anti-drainback valve to prevent dry starts even in extreme conditions. This filter allows change intervals to be extended to up to 12,000 miles in pickups.
Royal Purple888/382-6300
www.royalpurple.com
| diesel Performance Products MAX Programmer
MAX ENERGYMax Energy Tuning is a power programmer designed to get the most energy out of fuel, improving the vehicle's range at part throttle and power at full throttle. Hypertech's goal was to optimize the spark and fuel curves over the entirerpm band, to increase engine efficiency, horsepower, and torque. Max Energy also contains transmission/converter programs that further increase fuel mileage by lowering shift points and locking the torque converter at lower speeds, reducing engine revs, friction and pumping losses, and torque converter slippage. Diesel applications have three stages of tune and even at Stage 3, safe EGTs are maintained while towing at maximum recommended capacity.
Hypertech901/382-8888
www.hypertech.com
