Killing a Duramax
After weeks of adding sensors, changing intercoolers and piping, ECM tuning, and more, Gale and the Banks test group were finally ready to crank over the Duramax L5P engine in Dyno Cell No. 2. The plan for the engine is complex. First, there has been conjecture online for more than two years over what the L5P engine is truly capable of.
Late last year the ECM was jailbroken and a small handful of tuners began doing their best to tune the truck by flashing a newly soldiered CPU. Sure, it voids the truck’s warranty and creates a whole host of issues. A few of these tuners were even made into social media stars after turning up the tune until the engine cranked several hundred horsepower above its factory-rated 445 flywheel horsepower.
But how far can this engine actually be pushed with stock components before the turbo reaches its limit and goes into choke and provides nothing more than heat? How far can the engine be pushed with a bigger turbo and cooling system? Gale intends to find out.
Project Photo Gallery
Latest News
RAM Owner’s Birthday Present
Shawn Secrest upgraded his 2012 Ram 3500 Dually with a series of Banks Power performance products, including the Monster-Ram Intake Manifold, Ram-Air Differential Cover, Boost Tube Upgrade, PedalMonster, and iDash SuperGauge. These modifications significantly improved the truck’s performance, throttle response, and overall driving experience. Shawn was particularly impressed with the elimination of the grid heater ...
Read moreiDash Helps Enthusiasts Make Better Parts
Joël Selder, a Dutch Alfa Romeo Giulia owner, discovered Banks Performance products through YouTube and has since used them to develop performance upgrades for his car. The iDash DataMonster, Sensor Modules, and AirMouse have been invaluable tools for datalogging and analyzing performance data, allowing him to create innovative and efficient modifications.
Read moreCam Science: Killing a Duramax Part 14
Unleash your Duramax L5P’s full potential with expert insights from Gale Banks and Comp Cams. Dive deep into the science of diesel combustion as Gale decodes the intricacies of squish, swirl, valve timing, and more. Discover why stock pistons reign supreme and how this groundbreaking camshaft collaboration is set to revolutionize performance. This isn’t just ...
Read moreGM Authority Recognizes Diesel Authority
Upgrade your truck’s towing and hauling capabilities with the hidden potential of the Duramax L5P engine. Recent tests revealed the L5P pushing a staggering 912 horsepower and 1,389 lb-ft of torque using stock internals. This translates to a significant jump over factory figures, achieved through modifications like optimized turbocharger piping. Learn more about unlocking the ...
Read moreUnclog the clog: Killing a Duramax Pt 12
Banks Power engineers uncovered a significant restriction in the exhaust system of the Duramax L5P engine. By replacing the stock manifold outlet pipes and turbine pedestal with larger diameter components, they were able to unlock additional horsepower and improve overall engine performance. This modification demonstrates the importance of proper exhaust flow and demonstrates how seemingly ...
Read moreSneak Peek: Killing A Duramax
Banks Power is working on a project to build a high-performance Duramax engine, aiming for 900 horsepower without internal engine upgrades. The team is focusing on improving airflow and exhaust systems to achieve this goal. The progress of the project will be documented in a new video series called “Killing a Duramax.”
Read more852 HP: Killing a Duramax Part 11
Want to unleash the hidden power of your diesel engine? S&S Diesel Motorsport’s Denso injectors, proven to deliver 50% more flow, can be the key. See how our customer achieved a mind-blowing 852 horsepower with their L5P setup. Read the full story and be part of the journey to break 900hp! Upgrade your engine and ...
Read moreCooler Oil: Killing a Duramax Part 10
Uncover the truth about Duramax performance upgrades. This in-depth analysis compares stock vs. upgraded oil coolers and conventional vs. AMSOIL synthetic oil. We put these components to the test on the dyno, scrutinizing every detail with iDash data. See firsthand how these changes impact horsepower, RPM, and engine health. Discover if the hype around the ...
Read moreNew Turbo: Killing A Duramax Pt 5
Gale Banks and Diesel World Magazine’s Adam Blattenberg discuss the future of the “Killing A Duramax” series. With the stock turbo reaching its limits, a new Precision turbocharger is the next step to unlock more horsepower from the L5P Duramax engine.
Read moreDamage Check: Killing a Duramax Part 9
Wondering how to supercharge your L5P engine? Gale and the team dive deep into maximizing horsepower with high-flow injectors, precision engine diagnostics, and a healthy dose of skepticism. From cylinder pressure checks to internal inspections, no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of 800 horsepower. Learn how advanced tools like borescopes and pressure transducers ...
Read more711 Horsepower: Killing a Duramax Part 8
Stock Duramax Engine Pushed to 711 HP! Want to unleash the hidden power in your Duramax? Watch Gale Banks upgrade a stock L5P to a monstrous 711 horsepower with a new turbo, fueling components, and expert tuning. See how it’s done and learn the secrets to unlocking serious power gains in your own vehicle! ...
Read moreSpool is in Session: Killing a Duramax Pt 7
Gale Banks and Kory Willis from PPEI discuss their plans to push the limits of a Duramax engine. They delve into topics like intercooler efficiency, data logging with the iDash, and optimizing airflow to the cylinders. The goal is to achieve maximum performance while maintaining engine reliability.
Read more65% Better: Killing a Duramax Pt 6
Looking to Unleash More Power from Your Engine?
Gale Banks compares a stock turbo to a new Precision turbo and the results are staggering: a massive 65% improvement! This high-performance upgrade delivers not just incredible power (pushing a Duramax past 600hp), but also increased efficiency with lower fuel consumption and exhaust temperatures. Learn more ...
Read moreCAM SCIENCE! Killing A Duramax Pt 14
Unleash your Duramax L5P’s full potential with expert insights from Gale Banks and Comp Cams. Dive deep into the science of diesel combustion as Gale decodes the intricacies of squish, swirl, valve timing, and more. Discover why stock pistons reign supreme and how this groundbreaking camshaft collaboration is set to revolutionize performance. This isn’t just ...
Read moreStarving the Monster: KILLING A DURAMAX Pt 4
Gale Banks explores the importance of air density in engine performance on episode four of Killing a Duramax. He demonstrates how a restrictive intake can significantly reduce power output. By analyzing data from the iDash, he highlights the impact of air density on turbocharger efficiency and overall engine performance. The next step in the project ...
Read moreNEW CAMSHAFT! Killing A Duramax Pt 13
Banks Power is pushing the limits of the Duramax L5P engine, aiming for a 1,000 horsepower milestone with stock internals. The team is focusing on camshaft upgrades and fuel system modifications to achieve this ambitious goal. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this exciting project.
Read moreTurbo RPM! KILLING A DURAMAX Pt 3
Gale Banks explains the concept of variable geometry turbochargers and how to avoid damaging them. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring engine parameters using the iDash to prevent excessive heat and pressure buildup. The video also demonstrates the effects of extreme operating conditions on a turbocharger, highlighting the importance of proper tuning and maintenance.
Read moreKILLING A DURAMAX Pt 2: 550 Horsepower! 🔥
Witness the Duramax L5P pushed to its limits! Gale Banks takes you on a thrilling journey as he gradually increases power and monitors the engine’s performance.
Read moreKILLING A DURAMAX Pt 1: First fire! 🔥
he wait is over! Gale Banks embarks on a scientific mission to push the limits of a Duramax L5P engine (link to episode 1).
The objective: Discover the tipping point for this powerhouse engine through controlled testing and data analysis.
Read more