When it comes time to start adding power to your diesel truck, do you want to start by replacing hard parts under the hood or with engine calibration? A tuner is one of the first modifications most owners will make to any truck, but there are a variety of options out there and choosing the right one can be a bit tricky. And since the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine has been around since 2001, it has had a number of iterations from the LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM, LML, to the current L5P. More than two decades have made time to see a lot of Duramax calibration options hit the market. And while it can be a bit overwhelming, you can make a better decision for yourself if you have a basic understanding of your Duramax tuning options and breakdown your needs and/or wants into categories that will help you find the best programmer for your Duramax.
There are two basic ways to tune your Duramax engine. The onboard computer can be reflashed or the recalibration can be done inline with a module that uses wiring harnesses in between your onboard computer and your engine. A flash usually requires no fixed equipment and is often done with a hand-held programmer through the OBD-II port. An inline module is a fixed unit that modifies the signal prior to the engine and does not require reflashing the onboard computer. An added benefit of an inline module is that it does not leave a footprint on your computer. This can be especially beneficial if your truck is still under warranty.
Once you figure out how you want to tune your engine, do you desire onboard tuning control by way of in-cab display or controller? While some tuners are flash programmers that you unhook and leave in the glovebox, others have wired controllers or displays/gauges in the cab that allow you to monitor a variety of vehicle parameters in real time.
Predictably, the more equipment and features a tuner offers, the higher the cost. A basic flash tuner will usually be the most inexpensive one to purchase while one with an in-cab touch display and extra features will be something you pay for. Certain Duramax tuners offer on-the-fly power level adjustment. If this is something you feel you need, you’ll require a unit with in-cab control or a wireless connection.
If you’re looking for more than a flash programmer and instead something that is permanently installed, do you want a wired connection through your firewall or would you prefer a wireless/Bluetooth connection? Is performance testing something you require? If so, you’re likely looking at a tuning unit with some type of onboard display. What about Diagnostic Trouble Code reading? Many tuners come equipped with the ability to scan and potentially delete DTC codes that come up in your OBD-II system.
On top of all that, the tuners we sell have been tested time and time again, with most having a variety of onboard safety monitoring systems that react immediately if they sense anything wrong or see a temperature spike. You obviously have a number of options to think about before choosing the right Duramax tuner for your truck, but we hope this guide will help you narrow down the choices. There is no single tuning option that is best for everyone as we don’t all have the same needs, but with a little research, we know you’ll be able to find the best choice for your own truck. And if you still need some help, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 888.99.DIESEL.
What Makes a Great Duramax Tuner?
We don’t just sell diesel parts here; we’re enthusiasts, too. And like any enthusiast, we’ve developed some opinions on what is essential, what’s not, and what we prefer our tuning equipment to do. Whether you call them tuners, programmers, engine calibration modules, or chips, a great Duramax system has—besides multiple power-boosting levels—some type of display or readout that shows vital information. It has multiple safety features to ensure you never damage your Duramax engine. It can be adjusted with in-cab controls, and preferably has power levels that can be adjusted on the fly. Data logging can be a very useful tool when you need it, and performance testing is a basic need to produce some crude performance numbers. The ability to scan DTC codes and potentially erase them can be extremely useful as well.
Beyond that, a great Duramax diesel tuner will allow for tire and gear ratio size adjustment, shift point changing, maximum pressure & temperature cap adjustments, and the ability to turn off things like TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems). Some tuning systems even offer the ability to control other on-vehicle equipment like lights or compressors—even other tuners! If we can check off all or most of those features with a reliable tuning system, we’d call that a great Duramax tuner.
Best Diesel Tuners for Duramax
The best tuner to recalibrate your Duramax engine should be one that makes you happy and meets your needs. And if we’re asking our customers which tuners those are, these four stand out as popular sellers for Duramax 6.6L engines.
Tuner #1 – Edge Evolution CTS3
The Evolution CTS3 comes with the updated 5-inch touch display with swipe screen technology. It has faster processing speeds, higher resolution, and WiFi updating capability. The Evolution is a flash tuner that plugs into your OBD-II port and gives multiple PIDs at the touch of a finger. Besides increasing your Duramax’s power, fuel economy, and allowing you to monitor multiple engine parameters, it also has Edge’s EAS (Expandable Accessory System) that allows you to add options like an Edge backup camera.
Tuner #2 – PPE Standard Xcelerator
The PPE Xcelerator is a hand-held flash programmer made for Duramax engines up to 2010 and adds up to an incredible 225hp and 335lb-ft torque with either four or five power level settings. The Xcelerator has the ability to adjust tire size, gear ratios, and can read real-time data. It can scan and clear any DTCs that may arise and has a Transmission Reset as well as a Transmission Quick Learn feature to adjust and enhance your transmission’s shifting abilities.
Tuner #3 – Bully Dog GT
The GT Platinum tuner from Bully Dog is a well-priced unit with power increment levels up to 135hp and 204 ft-lb torque gains that can be adjusted from the either windshield or pillar-mounted 2.4-inch color screen. The unit remains plugged into the OBD-II port and allows up to 15 different vehicle parameters to be displayed at a time. It allows you to access gear ratio and tire size, as well as testing performance capabilities. You can also scan, read, and potentially remove any DTCs that may pop up.
Tuner #4 – EFILive AutoCal V3 with Custom Tuning from Kory Willis of PPEI
This EFILive Autocal V3 unit is loaded with tunes built by Kory Willis of Power Performance Enterprises Inc. The Autocal tuners are more custom-oriented than a standard flash module, with the ability to hold multiple custom tuning files that can be uploaded onto the Duramax’s ECM, and PPEI loaded five custom tunes tailored for how your truck is set up. The Autocal V3 can display data while logging it and can double as a DTC scanner. Transmission tuning is also available using the Autocal, but PPEI will need the operating system number from the TCM (transmission control module).
More Duramax Tuning Insights
We’ve created a quick chart to figure out what tuner options are available for your era 6.6L Duramax engine.
| Tuner/6.6L Duramax Generation | LB7 2001-2004 | LLY 2004.5-2005 | LBZ 2006-2007 | LMM 2007.5-2010 | LML 2011-2016 | L5P 2017-2019 | L5P 2020-2023 |
| AFE Scorcher HD Power Module | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| AFE Scorcher Blue Bluetooth Power Module | X | X | X | ||||
| Banks Automind | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Banks Derringer Tuner with Idash | X | X | |||||
| Banks Six Gun Tuner with Idash | X | X | |||||
| Bully Dog BDX Performance Programmer | X | X | |||||
| Bully Dog GT Platinum Tuner | X | X | X | X | |||
| Diablosport 7203 Predator 2 Programmer | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Diablosport 8245 Intune I3 Platinum | X | X | X | X | |||
| Duramax Tuner Spade | X | X | X | X | |||
| Edge Juice with Attitude CTS3 | X | X | X | ||||
| Edge Evolution CTS3 | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Edge Evolution CS2 | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Edge EVOHT2 Tuner | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Edge Pulsar LT + CTS3 | X | X | X | ||||
| Edge Pulsar V3 | X | X | |||||
| EFI Live Autocal V3 Tuner | X | X | X | ||||
| EZ Lynk Auto Agent 3 | X | ||||||
| PPE Standard Xcelerator | X | X | X | X | |||
| PPE Economy Xcelerator | X | X | X | X | |||
| SCT BDX Performance Tuner | X | X | |||||
| SCT X4 Flash Programmer | X | X | |||||
| Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Superchips Dashpaq | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| TS Performance 1110201P MP-8 Prod Module | X | X | X |
AFE SCORCHER HD POWER MODULE GM 6.6L DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2023
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: No
Price: $503.84
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-18167-afe-scorcher-hd-power-module-01-04-gm-66l-duramax-lb7.aspx
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-18164-afe-scorcher-hd-power-module-045-10-gm-66l-duramax-llylbzlmm.aspx
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-18155-afe-scorcher-hd-power-module-11-14-gm-66l-duramax-lml.aspx
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/afe-77-44010-scorcher-hd-module-gm-l5p
AFE SCORCHER BLUE BLUETOOTH POWER MODULE 11-23 GM 6.6L DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2011-2023
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes (via iOs or Android)
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wireless
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: No
Price: $555.66
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-18162-afe-scorcher-blue-bluetooth-power-module-11-14-gm-66l-duramax-lml.aspx
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/afe-77-84010-scorcher-bluetooth-module
BANKS 66411 AUTOMIND PROGRAMMER 01-16 GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $439
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/banks-66411-automind-programmer
BANKS 66692 DERRINGER TUNER WITH IDASH 1.8 17-23 6.6L GM DURAMAX L5P
Duramax applications: 2017-2023
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: No
Price: $769
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/banks-66692-tuner-17-19-duramax
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-banks-67102-derringer-tuner-with-idash-18-2020-66l-gm-duramax-l5p
BANKS 61416 SIX-GUN TUNER WITH IDASH 1.8 07.5-10 6.6L GM DURAMAX LMM
Duramax applications: 2004-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $934
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-banks-six-gun-tuner-with-idash-datamonster-18-045-05-66l-gm-duramax-lly
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/banks-61414-six-gun-tuner-w-idash-18
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/banks-61416-six-gun-tuner-w-idash-18
BULLY DOG 40470 BDX PERFORMANCE PROGRAMMER
Duramax applications: 2006-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $377.10
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/bully-dog-bdx-performance-programmer
BULLY DOG GT PLATINUM DIESEL TUNER 40420 CUMMINS/DURAMAX/POWERSTROKE
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $422.10
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/bully-dog-platinum-diesel-tuner-40420
DIABLOSPORT 8245 INTUNE I3 PLATINUM PROGRAMMER 01-10 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wireless
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $419.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/diablosport-8245-intune-i3-01-10-gm
DIABLOSPORT 7203 PREDATOR 2 PROGRAMMER 01-16 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $389.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/diablosport-predator-2-01-16-gm
DURAMAX TUNER SPADE PRELOADED TUNING DEVICE 01-10 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $933.30
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-16695-duramax-tuner-jack-series-spade-preloaded-tuning-device-01-10-66l-gm-duramax.aspx
EDGE EVOLUTION CTS3 TUNER 01-16 GM 6.6L DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $749.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-edge-85400-200-evolution-cts3-tuner-01-16-gm-66l-duramax
EDGE EVOLUTION CS2 01-16 DURAMAX TUNER PROGRAMMER
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Yes
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $499.94
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/edge-evolution-cs2-tuner-programmer
EDGE JUICE WITH ATTITUDE CTS3 01-07 GM 6.6L DURAMAX LB7
Duramax applications: 2001-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $1,129.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/edge-juice-w-attitude-cts3-lb7-gm
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/edge-juice-cts3-045-05-lly-duramax
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/edge-juice-with-attitude-cts3-06-07-lly-lbz-gm-duramax
EDGE EVOHT2 TUNER 01-16 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: No
Price: $482.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-14026-edge-evoht2-tuner-01-15-66l-gm-duramax-gm-gas-applications.aspx
EDGE PULSAR & INSIGHT CTS3 TUNING MODULE 15-23 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2015-2023
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $1,249.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-edge-pulsar-lt-insight-cts3-15-16-gm-66l-lml-duramax
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-edge-22600-3-pulsar-insight-cts3-tuning-module-17-19-66l-gm-l5p-duramax
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-edge-22601-3-pulsar-insight-cts3-tuning-module-20-21-66l-gm-l5p-duramax
EDGE 22401 PULSAR V3 TUNING MODULE 20-23 GM 6.6L DURAMAX L5P
Duramax applications: 2020-2023
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes (cruise control buttons)
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $926.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-edge-22401-pulsar-v3-tuning-module-20-21-gm-66l-duramax-l5p
EFILIVE AUTOCAL V3 TUNER | 01-07 DURAMAX | BY KORY WILLIS OF POWER PERFORMANCE
Duramax applications: 2001-2007
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes (capability)
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $1,095.98
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/autocal-tuner-01-07-duramax-willis-ppei
EZ LYNK AUTO AGENT 3 BY DURAMAX TUNER 11-16 LML DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2011-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes (via iOS or Android)
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wireless
On-the-fly-tuning: Yes
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $1,180.65
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-ez-lynk-auto-agent-3-by-duramax-tuner-11-16-lml-duramax
PPE STANDARD XCELERATOR 01-10 6.6L LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $449.99
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/ppe-standard-xcelerator-01-10-duramax
PPE ECONOMY XCELERATOR 01-10 6.6L LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $359.99
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/ppe-economy-xcelerator-01-10-duramax
SCT 40490 BDX PERFORMANCE TUNER
Duramax applications: 2006-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $385.48
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/sct-40490-bdx-performance-tuner
SCT X4 POWER FLASH PROGRAMMER 06-10 GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2006-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $385.48
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/sct-x4-power-flash-programmer-06-10-gm
SUPERCHIPS DASHPAQ+ PROGRAMMER AND MONITOR 01-16 GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: Yes
Monitor/gauge in cab: Yes
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): Wired
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: Yes
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $649.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-superchips-dashpaq-programmer-and-monitor-01-16-gm-duramax
SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ F5 TUNER 01-16 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2001-2016
Flash or inline tuning: Flash
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: Yes
Price: $399.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/superchips-f5-tuner-01-16-duramax
TS PERFORMANCE MP-8 PRO MODULE 04.5-10 6.6L GM DURAMAX
Duramax applications: 2004-2010
Flash or inline tuning: Inline
Onboard tuning control: No
Monitor/gauge in cab: No
Wireless/Bluetooth or wired (w/ in-cab control): N/A
On-the-fly-tuning: No
Performance testing: No
DTC scanner: No
Price: $595.95
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-16336-ts-performance-1110202p-mp-8-pro-module-045-07-66l-gm-duramax-lly-lbz.aspx
www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-16337-ts-performance-1110204p-mp-8-pro-module-075-10-66l-gm-duramax-lmm.aspx