Drove my first Duramax

[YJMBC]

I went by the school to meet my new principal today and saw he had a new Duramax 4x4 ext cab. I asked him if I could drive it and he said sure. He also told me it did not run as well as his daughters Dmax. I got in it expecting it to breathe fire and $#$@$# nails. I started it(finally after it turned over for 3-5 secs)and drove out to the hiway to see what it would do. Got on it at the stop sign and didn't spin the tires. Okay I thought,it doesn't shine until you get to higher rpm's. Ran it thru the gears(auto)and it never ran as well as my Cummins. In fact it ran best after you got to 70 but still not like I had been led to believe they ran and not near as well as the Dodge. It reminded me of a PSD. I took it back to him and the Supt asked if we were ready to trade. No way!I didn't want to make the prin. feel bad so I said his must not be broke in yet,If I can get my Cummins away from ,my wife he could drive it if he wanted and then he can see why the Dmax disapointed me. There were things I liked about the Dmax such as interior,ride smooth shifting transmission etc. Unless his just happens to be underpowered for some reason,needs reprogrammed or somrthing,there is a lot of hype about not much. yj

 

[Barry]

I have read the many testimonials from our members about their encounters with a Dmax. My one and only encounter with one had the variable control dealer installed chip. (GM dealer installed) Let me say that again. (GM Dealer installed) There is a small knob installed on the dash. All the way to the left is stock. All the way to the right is 100 HP. The truck I tangled with had 3,000 miles on it. He was pulling a 33ft. 5er and I was pulling a 24ft. TT. We were in north Arkansas and heading up a hill. I saw him coming and although I tried, there was nothing I could do about it. He came by me like a freight train would pass a hobo. No, I do not need or want to turn up my truck anymore. (check sig. ) It does a great job. Now, there are several points I want you to look at. (1) Why can't we get a DC dealer installed a variable control 100HP chip in our trucks without voiding the warranty????? (2) A Dmax with that chip on it will FLY! (3) I have no idea how long they will stay together producing 400HP, but while they are together, they are stouter than a garlic milk shake. Do I want one... ... no. History and design say they won't last. But, some of them are HELL when well! Beware... ... ... ... .

 

[YJMBC]

Duramax

I really wondered if the one I drove needed reprogramed or something,because I'm telling you it would not run. The owner kept telling me his daughters' ran so much better. I probably need to drive a few more before I form a lasting impression. This one certainly did not meet my expectations. I really think he needs to have his Dmax checked. yj

 

[Barry]

There is an ad in the August Trailer Life, page 18, for the chip. Their website is www.pacificp.com

 

[JFitzgerald]

Two friends of mine took a Dmax out west with two rockcrawlers on a gooseneck to compete in a rock race. One of them owns the Dmax. The other (a PSD owner) said he was impressed that the Dmax would run strong down the interstate at 80+ no problem. On the way back, the aftermarket "chip" died, so the owner put the stocker back in. The other friend said after that, it really struggled with the load.