Duramax engines are already built with great characteristics and performance. But, when you own a truck, you always want to add a bit of torque and horsepower. Thankfully, Duramax engines can handle a lot. It can sustain a lot of added power. You can expect much with the help of a good tuner and a couple of upgraded parts.
But what is the best tuner for a 6.6 Duramax? It all depends on your needs. You can target to improve towing capacity, fuel economy, or to improve power. From the tuners, we reviewed the overall best diesel tuner, the Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner. If you are looking just for monitoring performance, Edge Insight CTS3 is a great option.
We tested 8 different tuners, and they all show promise. Regarding your needs, you will find the best tools for you. Stay with us, and read all about these good tuning tools.
Benefits of Using a Tuner for a 6.6 Duramax Engine
Tuners have several capabilities but are most commonly used to improve vehicle performance. This is done by changing engine parameters. Also, tuners are used to increase fuel economy, test performance, clear diagnostic codes, and improve towing capacity.
Increased Horsepower and Torque
One of the key features of Duramax tuners is the option for a noticeable increase in horsepower and truck torque. When you connect the tuner to the car’s computer, you can unlock a lot of power. Some diesel engines will allow adding more than 100 horsepower without changing stock parts. These tools can get you unlocked power from the engine’s power reserves.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
One of the greatest advantages of using Duramax tuners is the ability to improve fuel efficiency. This is not just listed in the product features but is tested by the users. Depending on the tune, you can drive your truck 3 to 5 miles more per gallon. That is not a minor upgrade; you will feel that in your wallet.
Enhanced Throttle Response
With the help of the performance tune, you can expect a better throttle response. This means your engine will respond quicker and better when you need it. Whether you want to pass someone or you are towing a heavy load, this will come in handy.
Customizable Tuning Options
These advanced diesel tuners come with different tuning options. You can make unique types of tunes depending on your needs. Do you want to focus on the power? No problem? Do you want to save on fuel? There is a way! You can see improvement in truck performance in the way you want. You can make a balance between truck speed and fuel consumption. You can create your ideal truck experience.
Top 8 Tuners for a 6.6 Duramax Engine
We have on test 8 very popular tuners with different features. We tried to cover tools that offer various options, so you can make the best choice for yourself. With these, you can do magic with diesel powerplants.
Edge Insight CTS3
This tool from Edge is a digital gauge display that shows different data about your truck. You can customize and choose the parameters you want to monitor. A great feature is setting an alert if a certain parameter reaches a predefined point.
Also, you can pair this tool with a Duramax Pulsar tuner to better monitor power levels. Its display can also be connected to a backup camera, so you don’t need an additional screen.
This tool is a great way to monitor your truck’s performance and is the best monitor-only option. It also offers to check and erase error codes, which is a great feature. Its just over $500 price tag is another reason to buy this tool with great gauge monitors.
SCT Performance Livewire TS+
A beast of the tool comes from SCT performance with the TS+ model. This model comes with a 4-inch touchscreen that is easy to use. It comes with an ambient light sensor, so you will not waste time on that.
This software offers numerous options for drivers who want to play with their engines. The most beneficial other features are:
- Adjusting different size fuel injectors
- Allows you to remove or edit the speed limiter
- You can decrease or increase the idle speed
- You can add or remove the timing by the rpm range
- Allows to shift the axle ratio to correct shift patterns
- You can change tire size to the correct shift patterns and the speedometer on your truck
- You can install the aftermarket intake without the check engine light turning on
- Save the stock tune. This way, you can save your stock features for the warranty.
This tuner comes with improved gauges and a very precise display. Its price of around $600 is a bargain when compared to its features.
Bully Dog GT Platinum Diesel Tuner
The best from the bunch is a Platinum Diesel Tuner from Bully Dog. With it, you can monitor the performance of your truck and improve them if needed. This way, you can see where you need to apply the custom-made tunes so you can get the most out of the truck’s performance.
With Bully Dog, everything is user-friendly, starting from the installation. You need to connect the tool to the OBDII slot. Also, connect the HDMI cable to the port of the OBDII adapter plug and run the cable under the dashboard. Connect the HDMI to the tool.
Depending on your driving style and needs, you can choose custom tunes for your truck. You can focus on the enhanced power gains, or if you want to save fuel, focus on active fuel management.
With the help of this tool, you can get an increase in power from a stock Duramax engine. Just avoid implementing the Extreme mode with the stock socket head bolts. They can scratch and even blow.
There is a great feature, called a Driving coach, that monitors the functions of the car. From there, they can see where the truck is experiencing a drop in power. Also, the driver can adjust those performances for their leisure.
This tuner allows you to monitor power levels and thus keep track of all the features of the engine. This tuner works so easily, and even amateurs in this field will get the hang of it. It can be used for vehicles with Chevrolet 6.6 engines, Dodge Ram 5.9 and 6.7 engines, and Ford 6.0, 6.4, 6.7, and 7.3L engines. Its price of $470 is another reason to buy one of the best tuners in the market.
H&S Mini Maxx Race Tuner
This tuner comes in the form of a handheld computer with a color screen. It offers different on-the-fly tuning options. You can also monitor 20 engine parameters on the screen. Some of the parameters are transmission and intake temperature, fuel rail pressure, boost, and others.
It also offers 4 power levels that you can choose on the fly. With it, you can get up to 250 horsepower gains. It is also one of the few tuners on the market that can completely delete the EGR and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Its price of $1,500 is the highest on the list, but with it, you get many features compared to the competition.
EFI Live AutoCal Tuner
This tuner from EFI Live is a bit different from the rest of the list. With it, you cannot tune your truck yourself. It is a handheld device that can store tunes made by professionals. It can store different settings that you choose. A tuning technician will make custom-tune abilities based on your needs.
You can use AutoCal Tuner to boost performance and horsepower or improve fuel economy. The downside is that you will need to contact the professionals before you can load any tuning plan. Its price of around $500 is similar to other tools that offer direct tuning. It is a cloud-based tuning tool that can store all your customized tunes.
DiabloSport Predator P2 Tuner
Another excellent tuner comes from DiabloSport. It is easy to install – hook the tool to your computer and then plug it into the OBDII port. Then follow on-screen instructions for easy installation.
You can make custom tuning options for your truck. If you are unsure of the best options, you can hire a professional who can load the best tuning options into the tool. With this tool, you can choose from different settings. You can pull out every last bit of energy from the engine, adjust it to be more off-road friendly, or make a towing-tune truck.
Other great features are:
- Erasing error codes
- Correcting the speed limiters for changing tire size
- Disable the AFM and MDS for a smoother ride
- Increase fuel economy.
And all that for a price of $400 is a bargain. You get a great way to install custom tunes and improve power levels.
PPEI EZ Lynk Tuner
This EZ Lynk Tuner tool from PPEI is a user-friendly tune with many advanced settings. Installation is easy, and the only downside is a lack of a monitor. To use this tool, you must connect your phone to the tuner and install the smartphone app.
With this tuner, you, as a truck owner, can adjust your truck to gain the most power and acceleration. Or do you want to tow more? No problem. And the best thing is that everything is safe. All the adjustments are controlled, and the truck can handle them even on long trips.
Check Out Next Level Tuning: PPEI EZ LYNK:
Smarty Touch Programmer
This simple but powerful tool from MADS is a bit expensive but worth buying. The heart of the system is a 4.3-inch touchscreen. There are 4 different appearance layouts to choose from. A safety alarm will alert you about any engine values going into the red.
This is one of the best diesel tuners, thanks to its great display and its interface that is easy to use. It offers 10 power levels, which is the most compared to other tuners. It also offers half the engine power if you need to lower the exhaust smoke.
With it, you can choose the right upgrades and get the maximum performance. With its horsepower and torque, the increase is real and measurable. On the downside is a relatively high price of $1000 that can rise to $1350. But, with this price, you get lifetime custom tune support.
Comparison of the Top Tuners
All these tuners are easy to install. Some of them, like the DiabloSport tuner, will require a laptop. The rest require just the OBDII port to work. Smarty Touch and LiveWire TS+ come as a touchscreen; the rest are handheld tools.
Mini Maxx Race Tuner with the $1500 is the most expensive on the list, followed by the Smarty Touch Programmer. The rest of the tuners cost between $450 and $600.
DiabloSport, BullyDog, and Smarty Touch Programmer offer the most performance levels to choose from. Mini Maxx Race Tuner only offers to delete DPF and EGR for improved performance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tuner for a 6.6 Duramax Engine
When choosing between Duramax tuners, you can focus on engine performance, towing capabilities, or fuel saving.
Performance Goals
Most of these tools offer significant performance boosts with the stock components. These tools offer different levels of tuning so that you can improve the performance step by step. You can start easy and monitor the performance. If everything is going okay, you can turn it up a notch.
Basic levels offer around an additional 30 horsepower, and the maximum goes to 150 horsepower. If you want more, you must upgrade the components so they can handle that.
Budget
Budget is one of the main factors when buying a performance tuner. There are cheaper tuners that cost around $400, but those more advanced can go to a $1,000 plus price tag. The price will ultimately impact the features and possibilities of the tuner. If you are looking for something basic, great budget options exist.
Compatibility with Other Modifications
Some tuners, like Edge Insight CS3, are compatible with other modifications, like the backup camera. This option can come in handy and save you some money.
Warranty
Some tuners can make your truck warranty void. Before buying anything, check with your tuner dealer. LiveWire TS+ offers a saving stock installation that you can always return if you need it. That way, you can always keep your truck in warranty.
What Is the Best Tuner for a 6.6 Duramax: FAQs
What are Reviews of Duramax Tuners?
That is the review process of the tuner. You go through the tuner’s features and value its work. From the review, you can see what you can expect from a tuner.
How Do You Get 30 MPG on a Duramax?
There are 4 things you can do to achieve 30 MPG on a Duramax:
– Don’t let the engine idle for long if you can
– Go easy on the gas
– Keep an eye on a tire pressure
– Service and maintain the truck regularly.
How Much Horsepower Does a Tuned 6.6 Duramax Have?
With computer tuning and changing some stock parts, Duramax can be tuned to +600 horsepower. Making a powerful truck has never been easier for a truck aficionado. If you improve the engine intake, exhaust, and transmission, you can try extreme tuning of the stock vehicle.
What Does a Tuner Do for a Gas Truck?
Tuner does four key things for a gas truck:
– Improve speed and acceleration
– Increases fuel efficiency
– Decrease maintenance cost
– Monitor engine work and prevent damage.
Final Considerations
We tested 8 proven tuners for a Duramax and concluded that Bully Dog GT is the best bang for the buck. It is inexpensive, offers simple installation, and has a lot of functions. With it, you can boost your engine stock power and you can monitor its performance.
If you want a monitoring tool, we would recommend Edge Insight. It offers compatibility with the backup camera, which is a great feature. EFI Live doesn’t offer programmed tunes, but with the help of professionals, you can improve your ride significantly. If you want a great tool with a touch screen, a good but pricey choice is a Smarty Touch Programmer.
We tried to cover as many budget options that fall between $400 and $600. If you choose any of those, you will not make a mistake. Increasing raw power is now just a step away. You will not miss out on this opportunity if you are a diesel enthusiast.
