In this guide, we’ll show you how to get more power and better mileage out of your LML Duramax diesel equipped truck, by putting together the parts you’ll need for a full DPF and EGR delete and tune.
The main objective is for your truck to reach its maximum tire-frying (or fuel saving) potential.
Deleting the failure-prone DPF and EGR emissions systems will allow your truck to breath a lot easier and run more efficiently, all without having the worry of inevitable factory emissions equipment failure.
One thing to be aware of though, if you live in the United States and want to continue to drive your truck on public roads, you need know that delete tuning is for off-road use only.
If you live in a country that doesn’t have such restrictions though, and want to get the maximum potential out of your truck, you will find that there are a ton of parts available for deleting the 2011-2016 LML Duramax, and just as many choices on how to go about tuning it.
Lots of different parts can get us from A to B in the delete roadmap, but there are some that stand out from the rest, and we’ll go over the what part and the why in this guide – starting with two tuner options that are both delete capable.
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A cheap delete tuner for the LML Duramax
- H&S MiniMaxx DPF and EGR Delete Race Version
The powertrain control systems in modern trucks are so heavily tied into the emission system, when you try to run without these systems installed you’ll end up just throwing the engine computer into limp mode. This kills your mileage and performance, unless you have a way of controlling the engine computer to edit those functions out.
One of the biggest requirements, and the first thing to look for in a tuner, is if it actually has the ability to actually delete the DPF and EGR systems. You’ll really want to make sure the tuner you get can do this, as there are some tuners out there that aren’t actually capable of programming the PCM to delete the factory emissions systems.
The good news is that the H&S MiniMaxx Tuner does allow you control over the emission systems, and more. It’s not going to be able to push the limits of modern tuning technology, but it will definitely be able to allow you to delete the DPF and EGR and load up a pre-made tune for more HP or better mileage.
Perhaps it’s best feature is how easy it is on the wallet, compared to the more modern tuners. It does give good value per dollar in how much it can improve your truck over stock.
H&S Mini Maxx DPF Delete Race Tuner Ford, Chevy & Dodge
Ebay.com
The Mini Maxx race tuner is part of the next generation of diesel downloaders from H&S that offer everything a diesel owner could want, all in one high-tech unit. Exclusive to H&S Performance, the Mini Maxx offers the flexibility of shift-on-the-fly tuning, as well as giving you the ability to monitor vital engine statistics at a glance. The full color, high resolution screen allows the user to view up to four parameters at one time.
The best delete tuner for the LML Duramax
- EZ-Lynk AutoAgent
If you need more capability from a tuner, or if you want a tailored tune to squeeze the most out of your Duramax and it’s transmission, look no further than the EZ-Lynk.
This little guy takes the tuning of your Duramax to a whole new level. It’s basically the future of tuning.
You may notice that it doesn’t look at all like a traditional tuner, it completely lacks any sort of screen or buttons. This is because the EZ-Lynk is controlled completely by your smartphone.
It works with Apple and Android phones, which gives it the ability to have what I believe to be one of the coolest tuner features I’ve ever seen: the ability to sync wirelessly with the EZ Lynk’s tuning “cloud” software.
That means that you can upload information directly from your truck to your preferred custom tuning shop, and they can use that info to build your truck a truly personalized tune. All without having to bust out the laptop, which is pretty awesome in itself.
It does cost a bit more than the entry-level H&S, but it makes up for it in features. The tune support from GDP is the best option for nailing down the perfect tune for your truck, and the optional DSP5 switch allows you to switch between tunes on the fly (SOTF) which is an awesome feature.
Chevrolet/GMC- 2011-2016 LML Duramax - Includes Tune Files
Shift on the fly 11-16 with stock exhaust: Stock, 35HP, 65HP, 100HP, 120HP
Shift on the fly 11-16 with deleted race exhaust: 30HP, 60HP, 120HP, 150HP, 200HP (Requires a lift pump upgrade)
Also Features:
Datalogging
Live vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting
Mobile app that communicates seamlessly with your vehicle
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LML DPF Delete Pipe
Replacing the section of the exhaust that normally contains the DPF is easy when you use a complete exhaust kit like this straight pipe system.
This exhaust kit comes ready to bolt directly to your downpipe and gives your turbo a straight shot directly out the back of your truck. As you can imagine, a straight shot without all the restrictions of the honeycomb DPF filter not only sounds better, it flows way better than before. Naturally, less restrictions = more power and more efficiency.
This exhaust kit works perfectly for deleting the LML trucks – even with different bed and cab configurations, although some of the shorter length models need to trim it down to fit.
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LML EGR Delete Kit
An EGR delete kit is actually sometimes more of a preventative repair item for LML duramax engines, because of how clogged the system gets. I see a lot of people having to do repairs on almost the entire EGR system over the trucks lifetime.
Why not just get rid of the headache altogether. That’s where this kit comes into play.
Now, it’s true that the EGR function can be edited out of the ECM with a tuner, and the EGR valve kept in its place, in which case you wouldn’t need a blockoff plate. There’s a possible failure when you do that though, the boost pressure from the turbo can still overcome the EGR valve even if the function is turned off, causing exhaust gasses to leak past the valve and into the intake.
This blockoff kit eliminates that issue and ensures that the exhaust gasses cannot enter the intake tract at all anymore.
If you’re wanting to tackle the install of this kit yourself, or if you’re looking for more information about EGR deletes for the LML, take a look at the install portion of this post.
Performance EGR Cooler Kit for 11 - 16 GM LML Duramax
2011-2016 GM 6.6L Duramax LML EGR Delete
Increases off the line torque and horse power. Completely replaces/removes the entire EGR system.
Enjoy quicker turbo spool and lower EGTs along with faster re-circulation of the coolant resulting in lower coolant temps. An EGR Delete capable race tuner is required in conjunction with this kit.
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LML DEF/Urea Tank Delete
After you tune the emissions requirements out with a delete tuner, and replace the exhaust to remove the DPF and DOC, you can then remove the terrible eyesore that is the DEF tank. This tank, if you hadn’t noticed, sticks out under the frame on the passenger side of your truck.
Simply undo the sensors and filler, then unbolt the tank straps to get this plastic pee jug off your truck.
No more worrying about filling the urea. That alone is worth all the trouble of the emissions delete.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful to you and gives you some direction on which parts you’ll need to put together and tune a full DPF and EGR delete package for your 2011-2016 Duramax.
Thanks for reading and if you have questions or anything to add, feel free to reach out in the comments below!
Oh and just for fun, here’s a clip of what the exhaust noise sounds like coming from a tuned LML truck:
What parts will I need to get my truck def free?
Hi Maxi, you will need a tuner and you’ll need to replace the dpf section of the exhaust. Either of the tuners above will work and the exhaust listed will take care of removing the dpf. After that is done you can remove the def tank.
after i install the tuner and delete the emissions, can i drive it with the cat and dpf still inline? if so what would be the side effects? im gonna have to take it to the muffler shop.
I would highly recommend that you wait to flash your tune until after the exhaust is finished. Running with the factory exhaust and no regens can clog up the DPF to the point where it becomes a dangerous restriction.
the mini max will work on a 2015 Duramax?
Owen,
Yes it will work just fine on a 2015
Looking to delete my def system on a 2012 GMC 6.6. I’m stuck on a ranch in NM about 400 miles from a dealer and have about 70 miles to go…. time to delete this POS def system whats the best way
Hey Al,
Best deal I could find for you is this kit on ebay: https://ebay.us/HtsciQ
Even includes an EGR delete as a complete package.
Hope this helps!
Im also in “limp mode” currently got about 70 miles with a 55mph limit restriction…I feel like I should drive this thing off a cliff and report it stolen..In all seriousness my question is can I delete the DPF via tuner/flash with a straight pipe when im currently in “limp mode,” to regain normal driving conditions tuner not withstanding….
Yes you can do just that with a tuner.
Well thats the best news ive heard about that truck for a few weeks.. This is my first diesel truck but i did have a Cobb tuner on my 2013 STI.. I do remeber it as plug and play right from the OBD2 reader port.. although no “no limp mode” on the STI. Lol.
can I delete the dpf and def and run a tuner without deleting the egr system
Hi Greg,
Yes you can definitely do just that.
What kind of MPG’s are you looking at after the full delete and tune?
Thanks,
Brooks
Most people report about an 15-20% increase.
Can I do the full delete and still keep it reasonable tame sounding. I’m fine to have a healthy rumble but don’t want it to sound like a tank. Maybe a real muffler?
Hello, I just have the problem with 08/09 Chevys Express based ambulances, because the Diesel in Mexico is not as clean as in USA, many times I have the “Clean Exhaust” or “Engine Power Reduced” and some of them dont start any more… what is your personal recomendation to fix this…?
is there a programer I can use in many ambulances? or need to buy a programmer for each vehicle…
We dont have emission test in Mexico…
Thanks
Hey Joel, if you have 08/09 vans then they would have the older LMM duramax. Your best option for those would be this kit: https://ebay.us/sfRDIQ
You’re going to need a programmer for each van as they are assigned to the VIN.
Im thinking of doing the delete on my LML .Can you get an exhaust with a flow through muffler. don”t really want it to be too loud
Hey James, the turbo does a great job of silencing the exhaust but yes you can go even quieter with a built in muffler in a 4″ system like this one: https://ebay.us/oICfFQ
My truck is a 2015 LML will this parts you suggest fit?
It will if yours was built late 14 or early 15. The difference is that they switched to a bolted flange off the turbo for the 2015.5 – 2016 lml downpipe instead of the v-band clamp like on the earlier models.
If you have the flange you’ll want this exhaust kit instead: https://ebay.us/zUAwTh
I have a 2015.5 Chevy LML and I want to delete the EGR DEF DPF. Where can I find all the right parts? Also what’s a better tuner H&S or BullyDog?
If I remove all this stuff will my truck still be legal for Texas state inspection
Hey Rob, the off-road tuning options are not street legal and won’t pass inspection.
Hi Jeff
Your site led me to all the right parts to delete my 2011 Duramax LML. Your site answered questions a professional mechanic couldn’t answer. I will tell you though I used the Sinister Diesel EGR delete kit and removing the last 2 bolts and 2 nuts from the up pipe was more than a challenge. Some forums suggested removing the cab to get at them. I ended up using an offset 12 point box wrench 13mm (nuts) and 12mm (bolts) and a 24″ bar to pry on the wrench with. In the end it all worked out though and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the great advise.
I’m glad we could help Jim, thank you for sharing your trick!
Hi Jeff, I have a 2012 Duramax and would like to do a full delete and tune. I am leaning towards the ez link with exhaust kit. Can I do this myself without a shop? I have a long box and am not sure if the kit will work? I am also going to install a lift pump. This is my first diesel and love it. I would also like to make it last. I am also planning on buying a computer scan tool. I know I am going to spend some money but it is worth it to me. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Ryan
Ryan, I think just about anyone can do it, just take your time and have fun!
Hey you forgot about the lift pump the LML CP4 needs a lift pump to properly supply fuel on tuned engines plus it can save on costly fuel system repairs.
Thanks Buddy, you are absolutely right. A lift pump is an essential upgrade for high horsepower applications.
Question for you Jeff, I have a 2011 6.6 L Duramax, The DEF system failed around 100K miles. The truck slowed to 55 mph, I took it into the dealer and they said they could delete the DEF system and that replacing what failed was about the same price as deleting. They used an engine analyzer to reset the codes and I made it back home. The problem continued until I bought a kit and removed the DEF myself. I now have 260K miles on the truck.
I’ve had multiple glow plug failures and was reading that there is a glow plug module and that may be the cause, I purchased one, installed it and replaced the bad glow plugs. Now I have a code that says” Glow plug module not programmed. What is the process for programing that ?