In stock form the LBZ doesn't use the turbo as an exhaust brake, its just the transmission doing all the work to slow the truck down, you can get EFI live and get it tuned to close the vanes on the turbo but stock it wont

 

I prefer the LBZ due to the all the bugs being worked out from the LB7 and LLY, but it doesn't have all the '07.5 and up garbage like the DPF and later the Urea......and I like the classic body style better, too. Now before you say "you can just bypass everything like the DPF". You have to remember, a lot of states have emission test or at least visual inpections. So telling someone to delete something, then they get in trouble later is not a very good way to make inter-webby friends.

Don't get me wrong, I love the LMM and LML. They make great power and still get decent fuel economy even with the add-on Gooberment garbage, but sometimes you just want to bypass a generation or so to see what's next in the technology field. The basic Duramax engine is still the same. The electronics up top have changed as EPA regulations and technology progress, but the core foundation is set.

I have a LLY. Bought it new in '05, it has 94,000 miles on it with at least 50-60k of those is 100% load behind it. I have more mods than I can remember, but it is now complete and to my likeing for strong towing. All I do now, is get in and drive.

 

Could have sworn I read it was activated on factory programming when in tow haul mode, or driver activated in the larger trucks. guess I misread?

either way it does a damn good job

 

I have an 05...engine code LLY. If price wasn't a consideration I would have purchased the 06/07 (LBZ) but when I purchase my truck 2 years ago the 06/07 were almost $8K more than what I bought my 05 for. There are a few mods that are recommended for the LLY series motors. Most of which I completed for around $1K....I've owned both Dodge and Ford trucks. Without a doubt the combination of the Duramax/Allison is the best setup available. Good Luck with your decision....

 

If you are looking into getting a duramax i would look into the 06-07 LBZ's they seem to be the best as far as engine internals and injector reliability. They do have a egr system that you will want to get deleted and also I would re route the PCV system to keep the oily air from going through the intercooler and turbo. And I believe that 06 was the last year for a manual trans in a duramax. I loved my 07 lbz and I wish I still had that truck!

 

only on the LML when you turn it on, all the older ones it isn't activated, you have to have special tuning with EFI live in order for it to be on

 

Drat! Sux I won't be able to get an efi live setup till spring

 

Thanks guys! It seems like alot of you suggest the 06/07 LBZ. I think my buddy picked one up earlier this year so he will let me take it for a spin. I like the 3rd gen cummins, but only as a toy not a daily driver what kind of fuel milage are you guys seeing with the LBZ?

 

by hand calculation 17.5mpg and ive been playing around with it quite a bit since it's new to me still.

 

Haha i know the feeling! its hard not to play whith a new ride