2001-2004 GM 6.6L LB7 Duramax Engine Tuning by PPEI

What does PPEI’s tuning do for my LB7 Duramax

• Tuning is intended to increase the horsepower (hp) and torque (tq) the engine can produce. OEM manufacturers, like GM, show vehicle hp and tq based on the amount of power produced by the engine, at the engine, which is 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. 

• PPEI, unlike the OEM, measures hp and tq at the wheel. What does that mean? – It means PPEI measures power that the vehicle produces to the ground showing the amount of powertrain loss from the engine, through the transmission, to the wheels. PPEI refers to this as the “baseline,” in this case, for the LB7 Duramax, we measured 250-wheel hp and 450-wheel tq. The baseline shows a powertrain loss of 50 hp and 70 lb-ft of tq. 

• PPEI’s primary focus when tuning or creating a calibration is focusing on the overall efficiency. Many individuals search for the most horsepower & torque and view it as the “best tuning,” however, more times than not, it’s quite the opposite. Many tuners advertise tuning based on the highest hp & tq, surpassing the threshold of efficiency. When the threshold of efficiency is overpowered, issues start showing up, which can be as minor as poor fuel economy or as significant as transmission and engine failure.

• At PPEI, we love our performance, but we develop all calibrations around reliability, giving you peace of mind no matter the situation. Whether you’re at the dragstrip or hauling a heavy trailer across the nation, PPEI’s LB7 calibrations redefine the limits and safely go beyond the OEM’s performance. 

• PPEI’s LB7 calibrations may produce up to an additional 230-wheel horsepower above the OEM baseline. PPEI’s LB7 performance calibration brings the overall horsepower up to just shy of 500-wheel hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, PPEI offers a seamless method to change between 5 different power levels (tunes).

Power Level 1: Economy +15/30 RWHP

This power level is designed to reduce lag and improve throttle response for optimal efficiency. 

Power Level 2: Heavy Tow +30/60 RWHP

This power level is designed for towing anything over 15,000 lbs. Do not use any power level higher than power level 2 for towing loads that exceed 15k lbs as this will surpass the stock engine and stock transmissions threshold of efficiency which increases the chance of mechanical failure and decreases overall reliability of your vehicle.

 Power Level 3: All Purpose +60/100 RWHP

This power level is designed for towing anything under 15,000 lbs or daily driving. This power level is what we at PPEI recommend for everyday use as it boost overall all performance while retaining  reliability. 

 Power Level 4: Street +100/160 RWHP

This power level is designed for daily driving but has a little spice to make things interesting while keeping your Duramax safe and reliable without pushing the factory components beyond their abilities. The street calibration packs a punch that it doesn't come with from the factory. This calibration is not intended to be used for towing as it could surpass the threshold of efficiency.

  Power Level 5: Performance +120/230 RWHP

This power levels development process specifically derived for the purpose of giving you a wow sensation when you press the peddle. Obviously, the wow-factor doesn’t exist from the factory as the LB7 is kind of boring and rightfully so. At PPEI, we thoroughly enjoy pushing vehicles to their limits and finding the weak link, which is why the aftermarket industry for hard parts exists. Without knowing the weak link, the automotive performance industry would be throwing darts blindfolded. This calibration is specifically designed to be used a ¼ mile at a time. PPEI highly recommends that you do not tow at all or daily drive in this calibration as it pushes the limits surpassing the efficiency threshold of the factory components.