Duramax Upgrade

[hotrdd]

Looking to put an engine and transmission in my M1152. Not new to diesels but definitely new to Duramax. Look for recommendation for Duramax engine and transmission combo so that I can improve general driving and towing my camping trailer. I'll do some outboard brake upgrades and some other items but right now I want to understand what engine to look for, or what complete donor truck years? So far the one I've heard about the most is the LB7?

 

[Mullaney]

Looking to put an engine and transmission in my M1152. Not new to diesels but definitely new to Duramax. Look for recommendation for Duramax engine and transmission combo so that I can improve general driving and towing my camping trailer. I'll do some outboard brake upgrades and some other items but right now I want to understand what engine to look for, or what complete donor truck years? So far the one I've heard about the most is the LB7?

.
Talk it over with @Mogman .
He has a thread about what you want to do... Even has some pricing info in that thread (see below)

Duramax 6.6 and Allison Transmission Swap

I’ve read many threads on this, but no one really put together the cost to do this. Here’s what I’ve found so far, tell me what I’m missing and I’ll add it. price for duramax swap Complete engine drop in: $13,500 Allison transmission: $4,000 Radiator and hoses: Mounts: Body lift: Axles...

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[Mogman]

I did an LMM, that would be mid 07-10, The LB7 is earlier I do not think it has a VGT which is a big upgrade. bottom line they are all basically the same only some more work and more deletes are needed for the later years, physically they are all pretty much identical.
But the biggest thing that helps is get a complete donor truck so you have all the matching computers and wiring.
After saying all that do your homework as I have little experience with the later engine/trans/transfer case units.

 

[Mogman]

What I would like to do is try that 2.8L baby Duramax, a simple tune will get you over 230HP to the wheels, a small investment should yield 300 easy, all anyone really needs, smaller, lighter what is not to love, sorta like the almost impossible to find 4BT/turbo only I think the 2.8L has a lower profile and is lighter and much more advanced.
I have been watching the salvage sales.......