I have just purchased a 2003 Duramax. It has 130,000 miles and has been very well maintained. It has NEVER had the injectors done and it still runs like a champ. This is my daily driver and I am not interested in insane power. I will be towing very seldom. I am looking for mods that will spunk up my truck a bit and also tips on keeping it in good running order. For example the cat fuel filter? Thank you in advance for your responses

 

You can get a better drop in air filter that's cleanable, that will save money in the long run. Diesels love to breath better. Then you can change the exhaust to a better flowing system.
And a mild tuner and that would be a good start.

 

Okay thank you for the reply, what do you mean by a drop in air filter? A k&n? Or a new intake?

 

no no no on the k&n get a s&b or any other intake other than k&n unless you wanna dust the engine. A cat fuel filter upgrade is a must on these trucks and the common rail cummins the factory only installs 7 micron fuel filters and these newer injection systems require at least a 2 micron. biggest reason for duramax and cummins common rail injector failure.

 

Get a lift pump!!! all of them are pretty good i guess, I would get an Airdog, Kennedy, or a FASS. This will prolong the life of your injectors. However i would start saving for the injectors because they could really go out at any time. If i were you i would do lift pump and then either wait till they go out or just bite the bullet and replace them.

 

I agree with a lift pump. Help those injectors as much as you can. I have a FASS 150 and love it. After that I would go to a dp back exhaust, S&B intake, boost increase valve, efi live

 

Skip any aftermarket air filter as the stock one flows plenty. Meny test have shown this. I wouldn't go messing around with lift pumps or fuel filters. If you're injectors have been serving you good so far best not to upset them with fuel system changes. Keep using the fuel filter you currently buy and fill up at your same station. Lift pumps are good if you are draining your fuel rail or have a week cp3

If you just want a small bump in power then get efi live. A 40 to 50ish hp tune will make towing more fun and will usually not reduce the life of the transmission much. For mild bumps in HP you dont need any exhaust upgrades but that is up to you. Some report small increases in mpg from free flowing exhausts.

At this point, unless you want to go big, keep ot simple

Jason