7 Best Duramax Tuners in 2022: Effective Tuner for Fuel Mileage

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Written By Nicklaus Frost

Last Updated on: 3rd July 2022, 05:28 pm

Duramax engines are the pinnacle of diesel engine design. As they’re known to truckers, Duramax is designed for heavy-duty use and can power trucks weighing up to 80,000 lbs. Truckers often want their Duramax engines tuned to get better fuel mileage and save money on fuel costs.

The best Duramax tuners is a programmable tuner that can be adjusted in real-time while driving. The programmer needs only plug into a port under the dashboard with a laptop or tablet device and follow prompts on the screen.

How does this work? Well, it starts by entering your desired fuel economy in MPG (miles per gallon). Once you’ve entered your target fuel efficiency, the programmer will automatically adjust fuel mileage. We discuss these products below in our reviewing guide.

  • Bully Dog – 40420 is best programmer for lbz duramax
  • PPE Standard Xcelerator is best for  lb7 duramax
  • Edge 85100 Evolution CS Programmer is best for lmm with dpf delete
  • Innovative performance programmer is best for fuel mileage
  • POWERTEQ CTS3 is best for 2020 -2021 Duramax
  • Hypertech 32501 is best for 2005 Duramax
  • FLASHPAQ F5 in-cab tuner is best as budget Duramax

In short, Duramax tuners are the best way to get the most out of your truck. Duramax tuners can improve fuel mileage, power output, and performance. These diesel engine tuning options will give you a more efficient and powerful drive without sacrificing any efficiency or power.

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Best Duramax Tuners Reviews; 7 Tuners to Check

1. Bully Dog – 40420 – GT Platinum Diesel Diagnostic and Performance Tuner (best programmer for lbz duramax)

Bully Dog - 40420 - GT Platinum Diesel Diagnostic and Performance Tuner

Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner is the perfect way to get significant fuel economy gains, power performance increases, and reduce harmful emissions. Monitor 15 vehicle parameters with our multi-parameter LCD when choosing to set your custom tune files by selecting from among six preloads for long-haul or two loads for around-town driving. Programmable screens let you change variables on the fly with no work required other than a mouse click. We also include unique features like Heads Up Display monitors that are mounted up high where they’re always in view so drivers can adjust just how much information they want to display front and center on a pillar, window, or dashboard for easy viewing without any hassle. When matched to compatible models suggested above, it will ensure proper engine operation.

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Fitting a wide array of diesel models
  • Monitors 15 performance parameters in a row
  • 10 custom tune files
Pros
  • Maximizes power for your tow rig
  • Ensures proper engine operation
  • A programmer is right for you
Cons
  • Tuner does not support a deleted truck

2. The PPE Standard Xcelerator series tuner (best programmer for lb7 duramax)

The PPE Standard Xcelerator series tuner

The PPE Standard Xcelerator series tuner is designed for Duramax 2001-2010 LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM and optimized for tow trucks, utility vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, flatbed trailers, and other high horsepower power equipment. With up to five different levels of horsepower and TQ (depending on the model), it can also be set to adjust your speed limiter from 40mph to 96 mph in one-mile increments or set directly at 200 mph. The product’s transmission reset feature will assist in diagnosing a variety of problems before they compound themselves into something more serious. Quick learning makes configuration faster than ever, while pre-reading engine diagnostic trouble codes help technicians save time when things are done right the first.

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Five power levels of HP & TQ
  • Adjustable speed limite
  • Adjustable gear ratio (2.73 to 5.13)
Pros
  • Better throttle response
  • It optimizes a stock engine’s performance
  • Shifting characteristics
Cons
  • I felt the customer service irresponsible

3. Edge Products 85100 Evolution CS Programmer (best tuner for duramax lmm with dpf delete)

Edge Products 85100 Evolution CS Programmer

The Evolution CS from Edge Products is a state-of-the-art performance tuner system. This Performance Tool includes a 2.4″ button-controlled color screen with three different levels of power to get you the best possible performance based on your personal needs and style. The Scan Tool features include reading and clearing trouble codes but also offer custom gauge backgrounds that come preloaded or can be imported by users themselves! The Maintenance Manager allows for mileage-based vehicle maintenance alerts, so you stay intact with the right detailing when it matters most, all while fending off pesky engine warning lights (and much more). We know you love your car just as much as we do, which is why we created an easy-to-use interface packed full of excellent features like a pro program level.  

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Best canned tuner for my LMM so far!
  • 2.4 inch buttoned color screen
  • Scans, reads and fixes trouble codes
Pros
  • Got me better mileage to boot
  • The device setup can be done in less than 10 minute
  • Best for trans temp & throttle position
Cons
  • Very nice on the phone, but sometimes no results

4. Innovative Performance Chip/Power Programmer for 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel (Best Duramax tuner for fuel mileage)

Innovative Performance Chip/Power Programmer for 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel

Upgrade your Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine with the Innovative Performance Chip / Power Programmer and see permanent and measurable gains in horsepower +35 HP, torque by up to 100 lb-ft TE*, and fuel efficiency with an improved timing curve. The simple plug-and-play installation makes upgrading seamless! Instantly gain the horsepower and fuel mileage savings you want with our Innovative Performance Chip. Combine it with your next favorite power programmer to get free extras like increased cooling fan, and faster engine warm-up time, faster turbo response, and boost throttle control for even more performance potential!

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Boost your HP, TQ, throttle and fuel economy
  • Safely gain up to +35 HP & +5 MPG in fuel mileage
  • Comes with guide; installs in less than 15 minutes
Pros
  • NO mechanical experience required to setup
  • Smoother shifting from the tranny
  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee
Cons
  • No mileage increase very disappointing (A reviewer said)

5. POWERTEQ Edge Products Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge Monitor (best tuner for 2020 -2021 Duramax)

POWERTEQ Edge Products Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge Monitor

The Insight CTS3 is the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art touch screen monitor on the market. This innovative, technologically advanced device can be installed in minutes and provides you with all three crucial EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperature), which could measure exhaust flow of a vehicle’s turbo as well as MGAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure), which gauges intake air pressure. Using Bluetooth technology, this PC-based system pairs with an Android smartphone or tablet to provide you easy data logging capability, real-time graphs for easier engine tuning adjustments, and more than one hundred preloaded calibrations from top tuners like Cobb Tuning! The Insight CTS3 does not require any additional purchase of sensors but is compatible with 1996 and newer vehicles equipped with an OBDII port.

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Available for any OBD II vehicle (1996 or newer)
  • Equipped with an OBDII (diagnostic) port
  • Internet Updatable
Pros
  • Having a digital gauge display
  • Inexpensive alternative
  • Works well with custom tuning products
Cons
  • It won’t register boost readings

6. Hypertech 32501 Max Energy Power Programmer (Best programmer for 2005 Duramax)

Hypertech 32501 Max Energy Power Programmer

We are producing maximum horsepower results in improved performance and fuel efficiency with the Max Energy tuning kit from Hypertech. This kit includes easy-to-follow directions, a tuner cable, calibration code scanner finger tool, EGT sensor probe extension wire set, 3-year limited warranty (in North America only), diesel engine pre-calibration verification paperwork complete with a video sent by e-mail, and technical support 24 hours a day.

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Optimized Engine Tuning
  • Speedometer Calibrator engineered for some non-stock tires
  • Reads and clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s)
Pros
  • Additional power
  • Optimized transmission functions
  • Maintain cruising speeds
Cons
  • Screen displayed not programmable for some vehicle like 2014 Tahoe

7. BRAND NEW SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ F5 IN-CAB TUNER (Best budget Duramax Tuner)

BRAND NEW SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ F5 IN-CAB TUNER

Superchips Flashpaq F5 In-Cab tuner is the most advanced, powerful & easy to use the tuner on the market. It features a high-definition, 2.8″ color screen and a re-designed graphic interface for improved user experience. The Flashpaq F5 offers increased memory with a faster processor for improved tuning & updating speed, performance tuning for the Economy, Towing Daily Driving Extreme Tuning, and Diesel coverage for various Duramax models (EX: 2016 LML).

KEY-FEATURES:

  • Diesel coverage for various Duramax models
  • 2.8″ color (HD) screen
  • Speedometer correction for maintaining tire size & gear ratio
Pros
  • Tunes the daily driver, heavy tower & enthusiasts
  • Instant power change in minutes
  • Adjust speed & rev limiters
Cons
  • I don’t know a friend reported the driver side power window stopped working

Why You Need a Duramax Tuners as a Duramileage Module Upgrade?

  • Fuel economy savings

Duramax Tuner is a module upgrade for the Duramileage that gives you the ability to tune your engine in order to increase fuel mileage. This simple, inexpensive upgrade has helped many people save on gas costs and get better mileage out of their cars. If you have a Duramileage, this module will help you save money and time!

  • Towing performance

Duramax Tuner is proud to announce strong towing performance. This module upgrade will help drivers get the most out of their fuel with a simple installation. It also offers many other features that you may want to take advantage of like, throttle-response, horsepower, and torque in the driving hours.

The RPM range will help you get more miles per gallon by adjusting your driving habits and maximizing your truck’s potential. To my knowledge, I think, A Duramileage Module Upgrade can give you up to 500 pounds more pulling power when needed. Installing this module upgrade will keep your vehicle stable under any conditions and prevent rollovers as advertised.

  • Proven results

Duramax Tuner for fuel mileage is a great product.  It changes the way your truck’s engine works, making it more efficient and saving you money on gas. To take full advantage of this product, you need to buy from our recommendation first.  This module is what tells the Duramax Tuner which parts are needed for an increase in fuel efficiency.  The best thing about upgrading your Duramileage Module is that it takes only a few minutes to do!

FAQ:

  • Do tuners improve gas mileage?

It depends if you’re just purchasing a tuner or installing it. If you buy the tuner and just leave it in the box on your backseat, probably not that much (maybe 5-10% for something high end like an Ecotech AEM), but if you install it and have someone who knows what they’re doing install it, then yes – anywhere from 10-30% more gas mileage is possible.

Tuners work by raising or lowering the engine’s operating range to match where most of its fuel efficiency is found. So they’ll make your car turn better since more power is available at that specific point on the horsepower curve while still being able to idle cheaply when necessary.

  • How do I get the best gas mileage out of my Duramax?

Keeping your tires properly inflated is the single most important thing to do if you want the best gas mileage out of a Duramax.

When you’re driving, it’s not just how much gas that you use on anyone fill of the tank – everyone uses a little more fuel when they accelerate, for example. The difference between people who get better mileage than average and those that don’t can depend in part upon what kinds of driving habits they have. For instance, delaying acceleration after stopping (for stoplights or stop signs) rather than slamming down on your accelerator could give your engine time to catch up with the higher load and make more fuel-efficient power settings. Taking corners more slowly avoids wasting energy while moving sideways.

  • Are tuners bad for your engine?

The fuel mixture, where gas and air are mixed to create a “perfect burn” for the engine, is determined by ECU mapping (or in older cars, sometimes just carburetors) rather than an external tuner.

Thus any change in tunability can affect the value of the mapping curve – which is something that you want to make sure has been tested and tuned before going into a high-performance application like tuning for racing or your local drags.

Furthermore, the tuners offer you some power gains but not nearly as much as people want to think they do. Tuning up from stock settings typically only puts about 20-30 horsepower into what was already available*, at best getting you 5-10%.

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Final thoughts

The best Duramax tuners will depend on your needs. If fuel mileage, horsepower, or towing are priorities in your list of requirements, then we would recommend checking out the Edge Diesel Tuning Power Programmer with AutoTune and DEF pump bypass. This device can be installed at the home garage or by a qualified mechanic, which makes it an affordable option for drivers who want more control over their truck’s performance without shelling out big bucks to pay someone else to do it themselves. For those looking for increased power and reliability, our mentioned options are available today, but if you’re not sure what’s right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help you ASAP!

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