DT44 Stealth Turbo - Comparison, Install, Startup, First Drive, and Initial Impressions

**Note to Viewer: Calibrated Power / Duramax Tuner IS NOT a sponsor of this channel or this video series. This turbocharger was paid for, IN FULL BY ME. The opinions in this video reflect my own. **
Was thankful enough to get my hands on one of the first DT44 drop-in stock appearing turbochargers for the 2.8 L LWN Duramax powered trucks. First impressions are very favorable and turbo performs really well. Can't wait to get some more miles on the turbo and return with a "long term" review.
Thank you for watching

[@domesticaveman]

Hopefully you’ll see this: just got the DT44 installed with new map sensor because my existing turbo started to leak and failed. Now I’m getting an emissions warring on my dash telling me my speed will be limited to 65mph in 150 miles. Does this mean I *need* to now get a tune from Duramax Tuner, or is there a way to get around this limitation in the meantime? I want to eventually get their tune, but this whole repair and ordeal was expensive to begin with. Thanks!

[@HunterSkiff]

You need an updated tune file to run the upgraded map sensor. Since it sounds like you don’t have an updated file, reinstall the factory MAP sensor. The DT44 and factory MAP sensor combo will work on an untuned truck

[@mvenner17]

did you fully take the cat out of the truck to take the old turbo and manifold out?

[@HunterSkiff]

No, just unbolt it from the back of the turbo

[@paulwenzl1711]

That exhaust sounds a little raspy. Are you running stick exhaust in this video? I just bought a 2022 and not sure which way to get some performance. Looks like if the dt44 gave you this then I want it!

[@HunterSkiff]

I have an aftermarket AFE exhaust setup. Unfortunately being a 4 cylinder engine they get a bit raspy with most aftermarket exhausts. Some people have played with mufflers and resonators to change the sound to varying degrees of success. If you retain the stock exhaust, and you should......, you will not have this rasp. If I were you and were looking to get more performance out of the truck, the first step is tuning. Tuning on the stock turbo really wakes these trucks up and is the best HP for your $. I would recommend Duramax Tuner for tuning. After that, If you still want more out of the truck you can add the DT44 on top of their tuning and pick up even more power.

[@AnthonysOutdoors]

Wonder what it would sound like on a stock exhaust.

[@HunterSkiff]

Check out Duramax Tuner's DT44 ride along video

[@AshVsYouTube]

That turbo sounds awesome! What exhaust are you running?

[@HunterSkiff]

AFE

[@AshVsYouTube]

@@HunterSkiff No muffler?

[@HunterSkiff]

No muffler

[@thedishman11]

I’ve been looking for exhaust, but no luck only ones I found is from up north and they don’t ship to the states

[@dillonbuerk]

@@thedishman11 I'm from up north! What exhaust were you looking at?

[@breoll86]

Man, that truck is loud! lol If I was younger I would love it, but not for my daily. Great video! I still feel like the factory exhaust manifold is the next biggest restriction. But at these power levels it really works well. My spare motor is getting delivered tomorrow. I'll be fabbing up a new turbo setup on that and then building the motor.

[@HunterSkiff]

With the windows down you can definitely hear the intake and exhaust sounds. but with the windows up its barely louder than stock, no drone, you mostly just hear the S&B intake sucking in air through the auxiliary scoop. You can talk normally with passengers, listen to the radio on low volume etc. I think this turbo's design criteria to use the stock manifold, stock frame turbo, etc etc lends itself very well to spool up, drivability and some performance gains up top, and my real world testing has mirrored that. But I agree with you and what you said above, it's hard to imagine flowing 280, 290, 300+ HP through the stock exhaust manifold and stock-ish turbo hot side and doing so with low drive pressure and EGT in the manifold. Can't wait to see what you come up with for a turbo setup, as well as your engine build. I follow your channel closely. Good luck and have fun!

[@AnthonysOutdoors]

@@HunterSkiff Good to know. Hearing this video I instantly thought, "no way will I deal with that towing for 400 miles." But if you say it's much quieter inside the cab, I'll take your word for it. I'd also have it on a stock exhaust.

[@HunterSkiff]

Yes it is surprisingly quiet. Again, the S&B intake is louder than the exhaust with the windows up. And when I say "louder" I mean relatively speaking, IMO neither are "loud." With a stock intake and windows up I assume most people wouldn't even know the truck is modified

[@tjrob3452]

@@HunterSkiff I can't wait to get this turbo and yes I have a S&B and it's very loud until you open up the throttle then mine quiets down. But it's loud enough my kids were like dad what's that air gushing noise. LOL. It seems I can hear your turbo whistling some, I do want to hear that even if a little, the stock turbo is so quiet, i'm sure it has dampening.

[@HunterSkiff]

@@tjrob3452 This turbo is maybe a hair louder than the stock unit. Whistle sounds more "crisp" if that makes any sense. It's hard, and stupid, to try and describe sound over the internet

[@thetrailoutthere]

That thing sounds like a freaking jet!

[@HunterSkiff]

check out the high idle video on my channel

[@bertus76q]

Nice!

[@HunterSkiff]

Yooooo!

[@paullarue4896]

Sounds Badass How much was the total with MAF and Tuner etc etc? Rough Est. ?

[@HunterSkiff]

turbo was $1150, map sensor $174 if you go with their sensor (they will support other sensors), gasket set was $95 if I remember correctly

[@paullarue4896]

@@HunterSkiff And which tuner or did you have a tuner?

[@HunterSkiff]

Figure another ~$1000 for engine AND transmission tuning. Less if you already have hardware. It should be noted you can run this turbo on a factory tune, but obviously you will need tuning and a MAP sensor to fully take advantage of what this turbo has to offer

[@a-saltweapon]

Great video brother. Would I have to re-tune my 2020 with the new turbo?

[@HunterSkiff]

Thanks man. This turbo can be installed on a totally factory tuned truck. If you already have existing tunes on your truck for the stock turbocharger, this turbo will work with those as well. And of course to take full advantage of the turbo you will need a DT44 specific tune revision. This turbo works well with factory stock and stock turbo charger trans tune files as well

[@a-saltweapon]

@@HunterSkiff Thanks looks like I would want to re tune anyway with the upgraded MAP sensor. I didn't see the turbo for sale on thier web site. Do you have to call them to order it? Thanks for the info

[@HunterSkiff]

I am not privy to the latest updates on DT44 availability and purchase procedure. Best case is to call Duramax Tuner. During the call would also be a good time to ask about their MAP sensor solutions

[@Sleeper_Rado]

Was the map sensor a direct swap or did you have to do any wiring

[@HunterSkiff]

Direct swap, plug and play.

[@CanadianStadium]

Do you have after market exhaust on your truck and was the air box replaced?

[@HunterSkiff]

Aftermarket exhaust and it has an S&B intake with the auxiliary inlet open

[@TheSilver9r]

How much did you pay for the turbo if you don't mind sharing? I have been unable to find it on their website. Lots of ads for it, vids etc but no price.

[@HunterSkiff]

Turbo was $1150, plus $90 something dollars for the gasket set (which you will need). Last I heard the product isn't live on the website but you may be able to get your hands on one by calling Duramax Tuner and ordering it over the phone. Extension 2121 will put you in touch with Chris, who I ordered mine through

[@TheSilver9r]

@@HunterSkiff cool thanks man! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@HunterSkiff]

you and me both. Let me know if you have any questions going forward, or with the install.

[@BuffaloBrandedOutdoors]

Where can I buy this turbo?

[@HunterSkiff]

Give Chris a call over at Duramax Tuner, he is extension 2121. I am not privy to the latest updates on sales, shipping times, etc.

[@QUIKENs2000]

Did you have to remove the fender liner to remove the turbo ?

[@HunterSkiff]

Yes. You will need to remove the fender liner to get to the DOC bolts, turbo coolant and oil lines. Liner comes out easy.

[@Sleeper_Rado]

Do you have a whine to your turbo too? Sounds like a bad bearing.

[@HunterSkiff]

Almost 5,000 miles on this unit with no whine. Working on “long term” review as we speak

[@Sleeper_Rado]

Where’d you get the directions for the boost leak test, Ik how to do it but idk what the specs are for it.

[@HunterSkiff]

The pressure and torque specs for the faceplate and clamps are cut into the faceplate. I believe they want you to test up to 25psi on this particular faceplate

[@AshVsYouTube]

Does everything you need to get it up and running come with the DT44?

[@HunterSkiff]

There is a gasket set for an additional fee. Would HIGHLY recommend the gasket set. But yes, everything you need is included

[@AshVsYouTube]

@@HunterSkiff What about the tunes, will they sell them to me in the states?

[@HunterSkiff]

Duramax Tuner sells emissions compliant tuning that works with this turbo charger. No need to delete your truck to take advantage of the turbo charger

[@AshVsYouTube]

@@HunterSkiff My truck is already deleted so I am assuming I'd just need different tunes and hopefully better tunes then I have.

[@HunterSkiff]

you could run this turbo charger on your existing tunes and pickup some power and run a little cooler. And of course you can add an upgraded map sensor and get a tune revision to push the turbo charger further than a stock turbo tune file.

[@tomasomaley9116]

how fast can you clog up your dpf filter?

[@HunterSkiff]

Is that a theoretical question?

[@adventurekidz1781]

Straight pipe deleted?

[@HunterSkiff]

not needed with this setup

[@samueldowdy]

How does the stock 6L-50 transmission handle the 500+ foot pounds of torque??? These transmissions are the weak link of the truck……

[@HunterSkiff]

The transmission has been great so far. The converter gives the trans a bad rep. It’s stronger than people give it credit for

[@jeffs4760]

We have the turbo whistle now on our stock duramax 2018 ZR2. (didnt seem to have it before) We're at 54k miles is this normal? I've heard it on the road with other diesels and my buddy says it's just the turbo spooling up with boost. It's hard to find research on this. Also, we're getting a little exhaust in the cab. Have you gotten this? Maybe a clamp needs tightening at the downpipe from the turbo?? Thanks

[@HunterSkiff]

Need some more details on your situation. You have a stock turbo truck and the turbo is making a whistle or noise all of a sudden? A loose connection between the exhuast manifold and the head, between the turbo and the exhaust manifold, and between the turbo and the downpipe will also make noise. You should be able to see a whisp of smoke at the leak. Also check your exhaust connections further downstream

[@manuelgomez2715]

👍

[@HunterSkiff]

👌👌

[@richardhintersehr9014]

That engine only has 21 lbs of oil pressure at idle?

[@HunterSkiff]

Even lower when it warms up. warmed up at idle I usually see 11-12 psi. going down the road at 2000rpm I usually see 43-45psi

[@dixiemudtoy]

The oil pumps on these trucks are more about volume than pressure

[@williamhustonrn6160]

Great stuff man, wish it was still possible to get the aftermarket muffler tuning from duramax tuner..

[@nickpriegnitz5895]

Negative, Ghost-rider

[@TheSolidarityx]

Having a hell of a time finding exhaust for my 16, and anyone besides motor ops to tune it. Any recommendations? Message me if you could thanks

[@HunterSkiff]

I don’t follow the delete market all that closely so unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be able to help you. With that said, it is not necessary to delete the emissions equipment to run the DT44, map sensor, etc into that 280/550 wheel mark

[@paullarue4896]

I just put 35 in on and need this before I blow my turbo up

[@HunterSkiff]

you put what?

[@paullarue4896]

@@HunterSkiff 35 in BF Goodrich K02 on. It's like driving a Bradly vehicle now

[@HunterSkiff]

oh sorry, just didn't read your comment right. Not sure tire size has anything to do with blowing your turbo up though?

[@jasonelliott9762]

Is your truck .....on a diet?

[@HunterSkiff]

Maybe re-watch the video

[@OhioPalmTrees]

@3:20 that sound is.....god awful... never in my life did I think id ever say stock exhaust back on asap!!!! Does ryans diesel make a turbo for these 2.8s? Idk...that turbo does not look well built. My ryans diesel turbo for my lly duramax was 2500 bucks but its internals are all billet. Sounds like jet aircraft.

[@HunterSkiff]

No Ryan’s diesel does not make a turbo for this engine but This turbocharger has a billet wheel as well. I’ll pass my turbocharger ideas by you from now on and you can tell me how well they’re built by how they look and sound, never-mind how they perform right?!?

[@OhioPalmTrees]

@@HunterSkiff unfortunately those are not really performance motors. Check out my shorts, few videos of my truck on there. You'll have yours traded for a 6.6 before the end of the videos 🤣

[@HunterSkiff]

Update: I still have my 2.8 and did not trade it for a 6.6