The Ultimate Duramax Engine Guide (And Why It's The Best)

Today we're going to go on a journey and look at every Duramax engine that GM has built, from the LB7 all the way up to L5P. We're going to look at what makes each engine special, interesting, the common problems, and why GM had to continue iterating the Duramax line with new engines every few years.

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[randyhymas]

I have a 2500HD with the LBZ. This is the only diesel pickup I have ever owned, and I bought it new in 2007. It is bone stock, with about 340, 000 miles on it. I have been very happy with it. No major issues, and not many minor ones. Still runs and tows great. Still gets good mileage, and doesn't burn any oil.

[veleriphon]

Banks used the L5P as the basis for his supercharged diesel for Lokjaw, and a research project called Killing a Duramax. The stock crankshaft and head bolts handle 1000 horsepower easily.

[emmettjohnson]

I have a 2001 Crew Cab long bed. Bought in 2007 with 145, 000 on it, injectors were done at 120, 000. Truck was getting 19-20 MPG when I bought it. Now has about 340, 000, needs injectors, but still getting 16-17 MPG as my daily ride. No emisson crap, bone stock. My goal is half a million. LUV IT!

[zachtagge]

I have both LBZ and L5P. And they are both great in their own aspect.

[dianawalker]

Awesome video, the Duramax is in my opinion the best of the main 3 US manufacturers . As a mechanic of 15years I have seen more problems with cummins and power strokes than Duramax, and not by a little bit but by a factor of 10.

[uzaiyaro]

After watching a few other videos, it’s nice to hear that GM does seem to care about reliability and each iteration tries to improve on the last. Some stumbling blocks here and there, but they are eventually fixed. Great stuff.

[detroitdiesel-vuig]

My first diesel was a 6.2 Detroit and I now run a 98 506 block 6.5 Detroit. I've had nothing but good luck with them thus far

[bat__bat]

Great vid, lots of great info and history. I had a 02 lb7 and loved it. I used it to haul for work, used 4x4 a lot in muddy, bad terrain in landfills. It handled everything like butter. Sounded so great also! I miss that truck had to sell it. Can't wait to get another one in the future

[jonathangreeley]

Having driven every version of the duramax except the LML, I would say that if it's my money to buy and maintain, I would just as soon have an LBZ. I can work on it, it's very reliable, any problems I might have are well known, etc. If I was suddenly given a truck allowance from work, I would have an L5P, for sure! More hp/ torque, better brakes, better frame, integrated trailer brake, basically more of everything.

[Dustrunnersauto]

Side note: All LB7s are 300hp. I had referenced DieselHub.com for the HP info and they had it wrong, I should've double checked! If you guys enjoyed the video, please SMASH THAT LIKE BUTTON. It helps the channel out a huge amount and helps YouTube put the video in front of more people. Thanks for watching 😬

[flyinbrianz]

I was so impressed with the Duramax that I ordered one in November of 2000. It arrived in May of 2001. I still have the truck today and wouldn't trade it for anything. The biggest issue with the LB7 was the injectors due to poor fuel filters. I replaced my stock fuel filter with the Cat fuel filter. Best upgrade ever!!

[vacayooper]

I have a 2003 LB7, a 2005 LLY, and a 2006 LBZ. The video is right on. All the engines are easy to work on, very familiar with these engines and trucks. I do all the maintenance and repair work. Add a lift pump, an oil bypass system and fix minor issues and they are great.

[danielyoura]

I have two 17 L5p, one fully deleted . Knock on would both trucks have 100k miles - no big issues at all 🔥🇺🇸 . Love the platform . Fast pickups and hauls great .

[klikliks_service]

The L5P is my favorite duramax. They moved the fuel filter out of the fender area. They got rid of Bosch. Smartest moves they could've done.

[susanshelton]

I have the 04 LB7 with 180K on it to date. One set of injectors put on it. I also added a Air Dog lift pump on it and I am really pleased with this truck. I runs perfect and I get right at 20mpg with it. This is my first diesel truck I’ve owned. Towing a 29’ travel trailer with it with no issues. I have a programmer for it but do not use it very much.

[jackwhitcher]

I daily drive an 07 LBZ. Fantastic truck with a quarter million on the OD. I’m not very nice to it and I regularly give the throttle some tough love, and it has held up fantastic. Not a single peep or complaint from the motor itself. Not to mention while I’m doing all this fun driving, I’m averaging about 14mpg!

[gofastorgohome]

I’ve had a 14 LML for 6 years. It’s been a great motor. Lots of power, great mileage. I’ve installed a FASS system, upgraded Down pipe, intake, among other things…. Rough estimate on power is around 500 hp mark. I’ve worked on all except the L5P, and the LLY to present is the easiest motors to work on

[heldtheflashlightfordad]

LMM is what I got. It's been a damn good truck with plenty of power, but I wouldn't shy away from any of the duramax years. None of them are "bad" engines. You shouldn't be tuning your truck into self destruction mode anyway. Nice little tow tune and ditch the dpf, good to go.

[Zoofactory]

I purchased my first diesel with little to knowledge of the engines. I’m sleeping a little better knowing the mechanic that inspected it said “if I don’t buy this 01’ LB7 in great condition with new injectors, someone will - today” There were 2 guys in line at the dealer waiting to buy it when I came back from the test drive. So far, it’s pulling the toy hauler wonderfully! Thx fir the video, Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

[McLacBlack]

Great vid! Spot on (except the LB7 hit the market at 300 hp)! Best engines are the LBZ & L5P. I absolutely LOVED my LBZ! Miss that truck!