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EPA Regulations: Duramax Aftermarket Performance Offerings

EPA regulations have continued to get stricter for manufacturers. Ford, GM, and Ram have had to thrust countless resources into developing the growth of their diesel engine platforms while simultaneously competing in the horsepower battle that consumers demand. Around 2007, the launch of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and stricter Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) provisions was thought to lead to the end of diesel performance as we knew it. Much like the major hit the muscle car market underwent with the launch of unleaded gasoline, owners and performance junkies were left scrambling, wondering what would come of the high performance market.

SAVED BY THE AFTERMARKET

However, regardless of what the EPA can dish out, there always seems to be a backup plan. Luckily for us, most of these entities belong to the aftermarket and it didn’t take long for the performance offerings for the 2007.5-2010 LMM Duramax to expand into a list that never ends. Two of these companies, AFE Power and Edge Products have been working tediously for years to bring emissions friendly and even some CARB compliant products to the market to make an already great performing truck even better, without having to remove the EPA mandated DPF and EGR systems.

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Like every internal combustion engine ever produced, the fourth generation of Duramax, the LMM, can benefit from additional airflow, both in and out. By opening up the intake passage with a high flowing Momentum HD intake and a less restrictive Bladerunner turbo intake manifold, air can enter the turbocharger easier, creating quicker spool-up, better throttle response and improved engine efficiency. On the exhaust side of things, the DPF and Catalytic Converter will continue to be the main restriction, but an Atlas 5-inch DPF Back exhaust system with mandrel bends can reduce turbulence and increase power and torque while helping reduce exhaust gas temperatures. To go along with the additional airflow, some tuning support via the all new Edge Juice Attitude CTS2 system can offer up to 100-additional horsepower at the touch of your fingers without hurting the OEM drivetrain or emissions equipment.

EDGE JUICE CTS2

For those looking for a little extra pep or mileage from their new truck, improvements to the intake system and performance tuning are always one of the first places to look. The Edge Juice CTS2 is all new to the market this past year and offers a sleeker and more user friendly monitor with touch screen and swipe technology. By running the under hood Juice module, the performance settings can be adjusted on-the-fly—giving the user power on demand for every situation, whether it be towing a fifth wheel or keeping that Camaro in the next lane in the rear view mirror. The Juice system also allows control over transmission defuels, EGT’s power back down, a built in turbo timer, mileage coach, data logging and even maintenance reminders. The CTS2 is completely user adjustable with multiple display screens and dozens of factory sensors you can monitor, including the DPF regeneration status. The Edge Juice CTS2 really offers complete control over the LMM Duramax, which is an added bonus to the extra 100 hp it can add at just the push of a button.

The 2007.5-2010 LMM Duramax was the first generation of Duramax to be equipped with the new emissions regulated Diesel Particulate Filter in the exhaust system, which helps reduce smoke and emissions expelled from the tailpipe. In the early years, this was thought to be the death of diesel performance, but with time, the aftermarket caught up and better towing performance and horsepower is now just a few bolt-on parts away.
The 2007.5-2010 LMM Duramax was the first generation of Duramax to be equipped with the new emissions regulated Diesel Particulate Filter in the exhaust system, which helps reduce smoke and emissions expelled from the tailpipe. In the early years, this was thought to be the death of diesel performance, but with time, the aftermarket caught up and better towing performance and horsepower is now just a few bolt-on parts away.

AFE POWER MOMENTUM HD

The all-new Momentum HD intake systems from aFe Power offer a revolutionary design that offers the best in both flow and filtration. Running a massive 1,000 cfm 10-layer 360-degree radial flow filter, the cotton media offers 99.59% filtration efficiency without hurting flow to even the hungriest engines. All stainless steel hardware, reinforced 2-ply silicone boots and T-bolt clamps ensure years of trouble free performance and durability in harsh conditions. Testing has shown up to a 42% improvement in flow over the stock air box, which equates to better turbo spool-up and better overall engine efficiency.

ATLAS 5-INCH DPF BACK EXHAUST

The Atlas DPF-Back exhaust uses 5-inch mandrel-bent aluminized steel tubing and OE-style bayonet hangers for near perfect fitment and durability. Each kit includes a massive 7-inch black powder coated or polished 304-stainless exhaust tip to really beef up the look of your truck and replace that ugly trumpet-style tailpipe. Maximizing flow is the name of the game when it comes to exhaust, so the 5-inch diameter is a no-brainer, especially when the DPF and catalytic converter are being kept intact (as they act as mufflers) bringing down the sound levels from the healthy Duramax power plant.

1. AFE Power offers a magnitude of simple bolt-on parts that can improve upon the factory LMM intake and exhaust systems without removing any emissions equipment, most are even C.A.R.B. compliant. Like any diesel engine, better air in and better air out can increase efficiency, power, throttle response, and overall performance.
1. AFE Power offers a magnitude of simple bolt-on parts that can improve upon the factory LMM intake and exhaust systems without removing any emissions equipment, most are even C.A.R.B. compliant. Like any diesel engine, better air in and better air out can increase efficiency, power, throttle response, and overall performance.
2. While the factory air box does an excellent job of keeping dirt and debris from entering the turbocharger and engine, there’s definitely room for improvement in the flow department. The factory filter can be restrictive, and replacing it with an easy-breathing AFE Momentum intake system can really help that Duramax get all the air it needs to meet heavier demands when towing.
2. While the factory air box does an excellent job of keeping dirt and debris from entering the turbocharger and engine, there’s definitely room for improvement in the flow department. The factory filter can be restrictive, and replacing it with an easy-breathing aFe Momentum intake system can really help that Duramax get all the air it needs to meet heavier demands when towing.
3. The factory plastic turbo inlet horn also creates some restriction in the intake system and doesn’t offer the best open pathway for air to enter the turbocharger’s compressor. AFE Power’s Blade Runner is a nice aluminum cast piece that has smooth transitions and air deflects to offer better flow from the new intake, which will allow for quicker turbo spool-up and off throttle response.
3. The factory plastic turbo inlet horn also creates some restriction in the intake system and doesn’t offer the best open pathway for air to enter the turbocharger’s compressor. aFe Power’s Blade Runner is a nice aluminum cast piece that has smooth transitions and air deflects to offer better flow from the new intake, which will allow for quicker turbo spool-up and off throttle response.
4. The LMM Duramax uses a Crankcase recirculation system, which basically allows the crankcase breathers to be dumped back into the air intake. Since this whole project is about keeping your truck 100% emissions friendly, the AFE Power Bladerunner inlet pipe will reuse the factory crankcase breather system.
4. The LMM Duramax uses a Crankcase recirculation system, which basically allows the crankcase breathers to be dumped back into the air intake. Since this whole project is about keeping your truck 100% emissions friendly, the aFe Power Bladerunner inlet pipe will reuse the factory crankcase breather system.
5. Inside the cast, the AFE inlet manifold uses a patented multi-direction vane (MDV) technology that guides air to the turbocharger to increase spool-up and power. AFE’s dyno testing has shown a 9-hp and 23 ft-lb. torque improvement. Best of all, its CARB compliant.
5. Inside the cast, the aFe inlet manifold uses a patented multi-direction vane (MDV) technology that guides air to the turbocharger to increase spool-up and power. aFe’s dyno testing has shown a 9-hp and 23 ft-lb. torque improvement. Best of all, its CARB compliant.

AFE BLADERUNNER INTAKE MANIFOLD

The Bladerunner Turbo Inlet Manifold, also from aFe Power can help increase performance by creating quicker turbo spool-up off idle and throughout the midrange which can help lower exhaust gas temperature and improve throttle response. Cast from durable A356-T6 aluminum with a patented multi-direction vane (MDV) design, inside it helps guide air through the manifold to your turbo inlet to maximize flow coming from that massive Momentum HD intake. Best of all, the Bladerunner intake manifold is CARB compliant and will maintain the factory crankcase breather system and can be used with stock and aftermarket air intake systems. DW

6. Comparing the stock turbo inlet manifold (top) to the new AFE Bladerunner, you can see the improvement from making smoother radiuses and bends, eliminating restrictions in the airflow passage before the turbocharger. The AFE piece is a direct replacement with no modifications required.
6. Comparing the stock turbo inlet manifold (top) to the new aFe Bladerunner, you can see the improvement from making smoother radiuses and bends, eliminating restrictions in the airflow passage before the turbocharger. The aFe piece is a direct replacement with no modifications required.
7. The all new Momentum HD intake systems use a massive 10-layer air filter for the absolute best filtration and flow available. The one-piece modular air box offers OEM like fitment while keeping inlet air temperatures cool with the use of an auxiliary air scoop.
7. The all new Momentum HD intake systems use a massive 10-layer air filter for the absolute best filtration and flow available. The one-piece modular air box offers OEM like fitment while keeping inlet air temperatures cool with the use of an auxiliary air scoop.
8. Countless hours went into the design and functionality of the Momentum HD product line. In the LMM Duramax application, testing showed an improvement in flow over the stock airbox by 42-percent and a peak gain of 20 hp and 57lb-ft. torque.
8. Countless hours went into the design and functionality of the Momentum HD product line. In the LMM Duramax application, testing showed an improvement in flow over the stock airbox by 42-percent and a peak gain of 20 hp and 57lb-ft. torque.
9. With the new Bladerunner inlet manifold installed, the Momentum HD intake will connect right to it using the supplied boots and hose clamps. The system fits together like the OEM unit would, but with the additional flow will produce better turbo spool-up, meaning you’ll get into the engines power band sooner, making for better acceleration and throttle response.
9. With the new Bladerunner inlet manifold installed, the Momentum HD intake will connect right to it using the supplied boots and hose clamps. The system fits together like the OEM unit would, but with the additional flow will produce better turbo spool-up, meaning you’ll get into the engines power band sooner, making for better acceleration and throttle response.
10. To compliment the additional airflow from the AFE intake pieces and high flow 5-inch DPF Back exhaust system, tuning adjustments will be made with the all new CTS2 Juice with Attitude kit from Edge Products. As a complete plug and play system with state of the art in-cab touch screen monitoring, adjusting power levels on-the-fly, and watching boost, exhaust gas temperatures, and even DPF regeneration is just a glance away.
10. To compliment the additional airflow from the aFe intake pieces and high flow 5-inch DPF Back exhaust system, tuning adjustments will be made with the all new CTS2 Juice with Attitude kit from Edge Products. As a complete plug and play system with state of the art in-cab touch screen monitoring, adjusting power levels on-the-fly, and watching boost, exhaust gas temperatures, and even DPF regeneration is just a glance away.
11. Under the hood, the Edge Juice with Attitude system will piggyback into a few factory harnesses, including the main engine control harness. Simply unplugging the factory connector and placing the new harness in between the two OEM plugs will give the Juice module all the engine data and parameters it needs access to make fine adjustments to improve drivability, power, and towing performance.
11. Under the hood, the Edge Juice with Attitude system will piggyback into a few factory harnesses, including the main engine control harness. Simply unplugging the factory connector and placing the new harness in between the two OEM plugs will give the Juice module all the engine data and parameters it needs access to make fine adjustments to improve drivability, power, and towing performance.
12. Inside the under hood fuse box, the Edge Juice system will use two wires connected to fuse jumpers that will allow the kit to be setup with a Turbo Timer. The turbo timer can be setup to idle the engine even after you’ve shut the key off and stepped out of the truck until a pre-set time or EGT is reached. This helps the engine come down to a safe shutdown temperature prolonging component life, like turbocharger bearings.
12. Inside the under hood fuse box, the Edge Juice system will use two wires connected to fuse jumpers that will allow the kit to be setup with a Turbo Timer. The turbo timer can be setup to idle the engine even after you’ve shut the key off and stepped out of the truck until a pre-set time or EGT is reached. This helps the engine come down to a safe shutdown temperature prolonging component life, like turbocharger bearings.
13. The Juice module is attached to the top of the fuse box, and just one main harness will be fed through the firewall into the CTS2 monitor that will be mounted from the windshield with the included mount. Because the system piggybacks into the stock wiring harnesses, not only do you get adjust on the fly tuning, but it can also offer power back down if EGT’s get too high, offer defuel on shifts and even monitor transmission-slip to keep the stock Allison transmission safe.
13. The Juice module is attached to the top of the fuse box, and just one main harness will be fed through the firewall into the CTS2 monitor that will be mounted from the windshield with the included mount. Because the system piggybacks into the stock wiring harnesses, not only do you get adjust on the fly tuning, but it can also offer power back down if EGT’s get too high, offer defuel on shifts and even monitor transmission-slip to keep the stock Allison transmission safe.
14. With more airflow in the engine and additional fueling from the Edge Juice with Attitude CTS2, the exhaust was the last step. While the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter were left intact to keep the emissions man happy, a DPF Back 5-inch Atlas system will replace the stock trumpet-horn tailpipe with a much nicer black powder coated 6-inch tip.
14. With more airflow in the engine and additional fueling from the Edge Juice with Attitude CTS2, the exhaust was the last step. While the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter were left intact to keep the emissions man happy, a DPF Back 5-inch Atlas system will replace the stock trumpet-horn tailpipe with a much nicer black powder coated 6-inch tip.
15. The installation of the AFE Power 5-inch exhaust kit couldn’t be any easier: The stock tail pipe section is unbolted at the OEM 3-bolt flange and removed from the factory hangers. The new kit will reuse the hangers and bolt right back up in place of the OEM pieces. The massive 5-inch pipes fit nicely over the axle and around the rear tire with no rubbing issues at all.
15. The installation of the AFE Power 5-inch exhaust kit couldn’t be any easier: The stock tail pipe section is unbolted at the OEM 3-bolt flange and removed from the factory hangers. The new kit will reuse the hangers and bolt right back up in place of the OEM pieces. The massive 5-inch pipes fit nicely over the axle and around the rear tire with no rubbing issues at all.
16. In the cab, the CTS2 monitor offers a sleek, but easy to read display for showing the driver just about everything they’d need to know while cruising around town or towing that 37-foot fifth wheel over the mountains. Edge offers complete control over what the driver monitors with multiple PID’s, back grounds, and even gauge colors that are all user adjustable.
16. In the cab, the CTS2 monitor offers a sleek, but easy to read display for showing the driver just about everything they’d need to know while cruising around town or towing that 37-foot fifth wheel over the mountains. Edge offers complete control over what the driver monitors with multiple PID’s, back grounds, and even gauge colors that are all user adjustable.
17. A nice feature to the Juice with Attitude is the ability to change power levels while driving, a simple drop-down screen gives the driver access to five different power levels and will also display DPF status. On the chassis dyno at the Edge Products facility, the all-stock truck produced 319hp/616ft-lbs. torque. After our installation was complete, the AFE Power parts and Edge Juice was set on level 5; our truck peaked at 410 hp and 775ft-lbs. and saw gains of 91 hp and 159ft-lbs., all while keeping 100-percent emissions compliant.
17. A nice feature to the Juice with Attitude is the ability to change power levels while driving, a simple drop-down screen gives the driver access to five different power levels and will also display DPF status. On the chassis dyno at the Edge Products facility, the all-stock truck produced 319hp/616ft-lbs. torque. After our installation was complete, the AFE Power parts and Edge Juice was set on level 5; our truck peaked at 410 hp and 775ft-lbs. and saw gains of 91 hp and 159ft-lbs., all while keeping 100-percent emissions compliant.
[divider]Results[/divider]

It took less than four hours to complete the installation of all these parts, and the initial test drive proved it was four hours well spent. With much better acceleration from a stop, quicker spool-up and better passing performance on the freeway, the additional airflow and power really made the truck fun to drive again. The owner was able to swing by the Edge Products headquarters located in Ogden, Utah, for some final chassis dyno tests to see just how much improvement was made in the horsepower department. The dyno chart comparison between stock and modified, while maintaining legal emissions equipment, offers proof that the DPF and EGR system weren’t the final blow to diesel performance and there is still plenty of power left on the table in 2008-plus trucks.

In complete stock form, before bolting on any aftermarket parts, the 2007.5 LMM Duramax managed to squeeze out 319 hp and 620lb-ft. of torque, which is actually a very solid number, especially for being “showroom stock.” Running the Edge Juice with Attitude CTS2 system on Level 0 (stock), the dyno showed the AFE Power package gained an additional 12 hp at peak. The most commonly used power level for daily driving and towing is Level 3, so it was tested next with a peak of 381 hp and 724lb-ft. of torque, which is definitely something you can feel when leaving a stop light. To see max potential from this setup, the Juice system was set to Level 5, and the tests were re-run at wide open throttle, this time bumping numbers to a very respectable 410 hp and 775lb-ft. of torque. Overall gains of 91hp/159tq are right on par for the advertised numbers from Edge. The increased throttle response and power while towing have really brought some fun into driving again and make life from behind the wheel much more pleasurable as a whole. Fewer stops at the gas station have become a welcomed side effect from all of this too, with a minor bump in fuel mileage as well. 

SOURCES:

aFe Power

888.901.7693

aFePower.com

Edge Products

888.360.3343

EdgeProducts.com

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