Tuned Diesel Colorado ZR2 | 5 Things I Love & Hate (Fuel Mileage, Reliability, Etc)

MPG, reliability, sound, mods, quality, technology. See what I've done to fix the things I hate about it, plus the things I love! Hint, the Duramax engine + exhaust are some of my absolute favorite parts of owning this truck!
Merch - www.boostedapexdesigns.com
Instagram - / boosted.apex
Patreon - / boostedapex
Pressure Washer:
giraffetools.com/products/gra...
amzn.to/3EgZmH1
ZR2 Parts I've Used: Site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
ZR2 American Flag Decals: ebay.us/iJnaDc
DD SS3 Ditch Lights: ebay.us/fhVKFI amzn.to/3mL9z7N
DD SS3 Colorado Ditch Light Kit: amzn.to/3mNsiQ5
30" Rough Country Light Bar: ebay.us/fWmVVq amzn.to/3BkOdSI
Colorado Light Bar Mounts: ebay.us/J9McGV amzn.to/3GqFDp8
Auxbeam 6 Gang Switch: ebay.us/ce1GUq amzn.to/3vTFPZd
Banks iDash: ebay.us/q2wQVq amzn.to/3bv4w5C
Method Race 312s (Bronze): ebay.us/wjQgN9 amzn.to/3s8srhw
Kenda Klever RT Tires: ebay.us/A6WnEe amzn.to/3byqDIC
Aftermarket Akkon Headlights: ebay.us/T07XLM amzn.to/3rW36as
Bed Hooks: ebay.us/7vftT5 amzn.to/2Xj2ltW
LED Bed Lights: ebay.us/mGY1pp amzn.to/38pUDot
Profile Prism Switchback Halos: ebay.us/lK3rkm amzn.to/398HSgU
Morimoto Bluetooth Controller: ebay.us/NhKZ2Y amzn.to/2Lmc1kI
Black Front and Rear Bowties: ebay.us/oqjb6A amzn.to/3okoe82
LED Reverse Light Pods: ebay.us/2z2ikr amzn.to/2Prd2KG
Center Console Tray: ebay.us/fUA8Zi amzn.to/2T3FDHA
AFE Intake (open style): ebay.us/CpSBHw
Exhaust & Downpipe: ebay.us/XJklYD
Blazer Shift Knob: ebay.us/P5dS1A
1" Leveling Kit: ebay.us/G2UdhX
Universal Catch Can: ebay.us/N3v13V
4 TL-R Morimoto Projectors: ebay.us/z0LTP2
Morimoto HB LED High Beam Projectors: ebay.us/sPPq5e
5" Black Exhaust Tip: ebay.us/cUjFoi
LED Reverse Bulbs: ebay.us/HSqqSF
OEM Center Console w/out charger: ebay.us/8dkbwH
Garage Upgrades:
LED Ceiling Lights (set of 6): amzn.to/36m00GP
LED Cabinet Lights (set of 3): amzn.to/3irLWhg
Quick Jacks: amzn.to/36gkqBc
Wall Cabinets: amzn.to/2TwigqJ
Wall Mount Power Tool Rack: amzn.to/3dNLHvc
Retractable Air Hose Reel: amzn.to/3D6tZyh
Welding:
AHP 203XI Tig Welder: amzn.to/3zH7Zs4
Yeswelder Plasma Cutter: amzn.to/3Iz6xLt
Yeswelder LYG-Q800D Helmet: amzn.to/3FgB9zO
Klutch Welding Table: amzn.to/3r4qqTK
Tillman Tig Gloves: amzn.to/3f7ErL4
Tig Torch Holder: amzn.to/3qbhWex
Deburr Tool: amzn.to/3tiBLSO
Other Tools / Gear I use:
Husky Toolbox (white/black): amzn.to/2V1p9Av ebay.us/oYNmGv
Tekton Swivel Ratchets: amzn.to/3uLXdNs ebay.us/3MHh5k
S.W.A.G Band Saw Table: amzn.to/3ku3Mkh ebay.us/NiEypw
Hanging Extension Cord Reel: amzn.to/2RebLXQ ebay.us/8Yv1X3
Universal Step Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/3ag12TJ ebay.us/4IjhVr
Magnetic Vice Jaw Inserts: amzn.to/2ZmUXPs
Cordless Tools:
Milwaukee Right Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3BwUgFj ebay.us/bRXqAz
Ryobi 1/2 Impact: amzn.to/2UG03Yg ebay.us/3FvRVy
Ryobi 3/8 Power Ratchet: amzn.to/3yek85O ebay.us/4YviJx
Ryobi 1/4 Impact: amzn.to/2UDRVHD ebay.us/11aLy0
Ryobi Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3gnoCAQ ebay.us/W59ocA
Ryobi Drill: amzn.to/3DhyWV1 ebay.us/rqIhti

[@gideontladi]

I look forward to your videos. Keep up the great content.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks, will do!

[@MrDmthomp32]

A woman who helps you wash the truck! That’s a keeper sir! Truck is pretty sweet as well.

[@matt13ross]

True story, and thanks!

[@PlankGFX]

I bought a 2020 Bison gasser a few months ago. Cant wait to start modding it. Bought the AEV bison low center tube for the bumper, and the Decked system for the bed so far.

[@matt13ross]

Nice first set of mods!

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

My ZR2 has yet to be stuck whereas my brothers Gladiator has been recovered several times. Now, when I tuned it from HD Diesel (RIP to them) the exhaust removal was a royal PITA. The funniest part though is that I can hear the turbo wind down and whistle with the straight pipe. I love my truck and the Bose system slaps but cooled seats would’ve been so nice. I’ve got an iPhone so the CarPlay feature works great.

[@matt13ross]

RIP to HD lol, didn't know they went MIA.

[@ryanlogan2911]

F those HD jholes. They burned a lot of people.

[@richarde1355]

I love the lack of tech. Hate the new tech and the direction towards everything electric. All those tech (or lack thereof) things this owner hates I enjoy. The bulbs as incandescent, I agree.

[@revolution2405]

I have a 2021 ZR2 with the Duramax diesel and I love it, except the lighting and MPG. First things first, I am not very mechanically inclined but with KZbin, I've gotten better. How did you tune it to get the type of MPG you're getting and 2nd, how did you put those LED's in the grill? Any little bit of help would be appreciated

[@Seraphimfitness]

what did you do to get that gas mileage? Exhaust and just the tune? What exact exhaust did you get and tune?

[@StevenLNew]

3 Things I hated about my baby Duramax ZR2 was no power rear slider window, no HomeLink garage door opener, no sunroof, and no cooled seats options. Otherwise, it's been my favorite vehicle thus far. I regretted selling it for sure. For a $45,000 truck it should at least have HomeLink and a Power sliding window.

[@matt13ross]

Totally agree with you!

[@frankmantione3268]

I just started watching your videos. You and your girlfriend seem so down to earth. Love your Colorado. I am back tracking Y'all STAY WELL FRANKIE FLORAL PARK L.I.

[@matt13ross]

Haha thanks! And thanks for watching old videos too!

[@actuallyken8874]

They need to bring back the crotch fan and i will forgive them for a lot of their shortcomings. Haha.

[@matt13ross]

LOL I feel like that's never coming back.

[@Andrew-lk6wj]

What tune did you go with? GDE?

[@johnnyd8989]

What did you have to do to get 33s to fit?

[@le_potate3861]

Sub-par interior is GM's calling card. It doesn't matter if the vehicle runs like trash, as long as the inside looks like trash GM is happy

[@KgMonster11]

What tune did you get?

[@BangtimeLeRock]

Just got a 2019 z71 Finna mod it up

[@user-kc1zx4ki9l]

감사합니다 💯

[@Garci96b]

I have a Canyon Denali with the Duramax. The thing I hate most is the seats. Its like GM forgot how to make comfortable seats since 2000.

[@matt13ross]

I actually don't mind the seats at all! Maybe I haven't experienced really nice ones though.

[@Garci96b]

@@matt13ross I'm almost at 80,000 miles on mine. If you go on a 10+hr trip you'll find that the seats too firm, almost traded mine in because of it.

[@matt13ross]

I don't plan on a trip that long thankfully lol

[@jakemurphy7907]

those 99-07 captains seats were heaven, i upgraded to a nbs 07 and was so let down by the whole interior but mainly the seats and the dome lights not swiveling

[@richard-grenda]

I actually found on GM parts direct the radio bezel and transmission/gear selection in black ordered mine and makes everything look better, the silver trim on the steering wheel and door panels I can't find them anywhere but in an ugly fake carbon. The only main complaint I have with my 2019 ZR2 would be that it doesn't have keyless entry and more aftermarket support as far as offloading accessories.

[@richard-grenda]

And it really bothered me that a $50k truck would come garbage lighting all over. First mods I did was replace all the lights with HIDs, added a light bar did baja designs squadron pros for ditch lights. Next on the list is 33s because the 31s it comes with nakes the truck look not aggressive at all. Just little things that GM is really out of touch with, truck is designed and marketed as an offroad vehicle but doesn't have a front facing camera so you can easily see from inside if you'll drop off something or if it's good to go. The truck from factory does amazing but a little love to make it better and more unique never hurt.

[@matt13ross]

Care to share the part number? That sounds like a nice upgrade!

[@richard-grenda]

@@matt13ross yeah I'll have to search for it again took me forever to find the part numbers

[@AKS-74U]

Did you feel like the truck was kind of gutless stock? And did it pick up some pep with the emissions delete?

[@matt13ross]

Very very slow stock. Modded, almost as fast as a 5.3 Silverado.

[@LuisPG92]

Just stumble with your video. So basically you hate everything I love about this trucks 😅 good info tho

[@prfectprsistence]

HEY, I like the sound of my V6 lol. Yeah, I think the rear camera was not adjusted for the lift, so you always think you are wider than you really are with the guide-lines. Lighting, couldn't agree more, I NEED an update. I'm pretty sure my 21 ZR2 has 33" from factory. I'm gonna go out and check that right now lol. Totally would love your truck, but there's been issues with 4c diesels in Canada with the cold.

[@matt13ross]

Haha! The rear camera isn't clear either, just sucks! No no, go check out your tires. They are 31s lol

[@parasiticmold9827]

Wait HOW did you get 28 mpg for the diesel Colorado? Please show me! I been lucky to get 26 at most and that’s only on the hwy cus on the streets it’s more around 16

[@matt13ross]

Some tuning and mods!

[@devansavage6317]

I love the zr2 duramax, it's so different and unique for a truck of it's class. I would definitely consider getting one someday, if I play my cards right. The only problem is emissions testing where I live. I would love to do a delete and tune if I had this truck, but it would never pass where I live.

[@matt13ross]

Yup, the one and only off-road diesel mid size truck. And there will never be another one :(

[@theopras6672]

Stupid question, but do you know what mileage you get out of it with a delete and tune? I'm contemplating getting one and wanting to know. Appreciate your time!

[@totalglitch]

The V6 does not get horrible mileage, my mother owns a Denali and she is avg 22. Granted it's not a zr2 but what do you expect with a lifted bigger tire truck.

[@santalla03]

When you’re ready to sell it lemme know. Also been looking at stealth turbos for this model. Good stuff. From duramax tuner

[@matt13ross]

It’s for sale now!

[@midriftmike6161]

Those stickers are awesome. I agree with all your points for likes and dislikes. I have similar conversations with people that always say “Wow that’s a diesel.” But I actually like the fact that there is no keyless entry. And that the tech is lower. I think that when you use the wireless charger that apple play works, but the placement and size fo that charger wasn’t well thought out.

[@matt13ross]

The wireless charger won't work with Carplay or Android Auto, still needs plugged in. Which defeats the purpose of the wireless charger lol.

[@jamescampbell720]

I understand your dislikes list so well. My Silverado 1500 is behind the times for its day both in interior and HP. My girlfriends Camaro felt like how you describe your truck... the things chevy focused on are done well, but the interior and tech depts. have been taking too many holidays because their results were lacking. How many miles were on your ZR2 by the time you traded it in? Any real issues with the Diesel reliability ?

[@matt13ross]

The Colorado ZR2 had only 15k when I traded it in. No issues at all with it though.

[@jamescampbell720]

@@matt13ross good to hear. in 2 weeks chevy unveils the new redesigned ZR2, so im waiting to see what it looks like inside and out, as well as if the diesel will still be an option before I look to make a purchase. I only want a diesel though so if its not offered on the new one i'll either buy used or just not buy one at all.

[@matt13ross]

I'm excited to see that truck too. Everyone says there won't be a diesel and it will be the gas 2.7 I4 turbo only.

[@peterberglund5492]

I know this has been awhile, I have a 2017 diesel,H2O/methanol injection,dt44 turbo,tuned,4.10 gears 33" tire's. So where did you get the in bed tire carrier? Would it work against the bed side? Good looking truck.

[@matt13ross]

Jealous of those mods for sure! 589 fab

[@ShaunsJeep]

Having owned the Zr2 diesel and now having a gas Gladiator rubicon I can honestly say the Colorado has struggled more and goten stuck a few times. The gladiator is a monster with the lockers front axel and disconnect sway bar. I miss the mpgs for sure.

[@matt13ross]

Plus you can fit WAY bigger tires on the Gladiator! I actually almost bought one before my Colorado but they are just too expensive. I don't like the engine options either.

[@ShaunsJeep]

@@matt13ross Lol bigger tires is and understatement you can fit 35's on the Rubicon stock and im now running 37's with average around 18 mpg and thats with a steal bumper winch and 3 inch lift. I cant wait for the upgraders for the new Zr2.

[@matt13ross]

I know, it's not fair! lol

[@Baptistbowhunter]

Is the fuel mileage hand calculated or just going off the computer?

[@matt13ross]

Computer

[@derrickwolter1]

Does it come with a nice sound system?

[@matt13ross]

Bose was pretty good

[@Midmo]

Had Colorado diesel LT for just under a year. Traded it and went back to gas and went into a RAM rebel it has everything you describe is missing with the exception of the better gas mileage. I hated the OS2 oil I had to order cause I couldn’t find any local. And I hated the temperamental limp mode because of cold weather. It also was an awkward seating position that gave me back pain and could never get comfy.

[@matt13ross]

Can't go wrong with any of the new trucks really. What's your gas mileage? 15 ish?

[@stevenpeterson7234]

Have you had any transmission problems?

[@matt13ross]

Sold the truck, but no.

[@FlatlanderGear]

I think lack of tech over time will be a good thing…

[@preston_highwaycrawlers]

If you didn't sell the Colorado yet. Let me know.. ill show my wife and see if it meets her criteria for her next overland build.

[@matt13ross]

Sorry, it's gone! Traded for a yellow Porsche lol.

[@elizabethpayette9115]

Love the ZR2 also, are you an Eagles fan or Steelers fan. I love/hate The Steelers.

[@matt13ross]

Steelers!

[@tylermccune9861]

You ought to do a Colorado give away $10 entry or something bet you would make a killing bad*** one of kind truck for sure

[@matt13ross]

That would be ideal but no way I would sell enough merch to pay for that lol.

[@Travisj9935]

Emphasizes on best off-road but doesn't off-road. Best daily driver.. Having owned a 2021 Ranger tuned making 340whp & 400wtq and getting amazing mpgs on 34's. I beg to differ. I can easily tow my utv in my 7X16 cargo trailer and still run high 12's in a qtr mile. No I don't have a front locker but it will blow away the Zr2 everywhere else and is substantially cheaper too.

[@matt13ross]

No way a gas ranger gets 30+ mpg on the highway.

[@filipe6953]

whats the price?

[@matt13ross]

For what exactly?

[@KDlGG]

GM in general interior wise has been way behind for years. So I’m not surprised they’re still keeping the Colorado behind on the interior. Ford and Ram absolutely destroys them on interior. I have No idea why Chevy and GMC just sits there not really doing anything, the Escalades and some other SUVs are up there but that’s about it

[@matt13ross]

Have you seen the new Silverados and Sierras? Granted, it took too long, but the new interiors are VERY nicely updated.

[@KDlGG]

@@matt13ross I’ve seen them and sat in them, to each their own but in my option they’re still behind. It feels like a van or uhaul interior to me, even on the higher trims. Countless duramax guys even validated it for me when they started complaining about paying 70-90k on a truck and getting sub par interior and features. They did update but it still doesn’t feel like it represents the price point

[@KDlGG]

@@matt13ross I should clarify, I HAVENT gotten into the 2022 silverados, if that’s what you meant by new, I didn’t even know they were released yet, dealerships around here haven’t sold any or had any here so I haven’t had a chance, I googled it thought. The radio actually looks good, it’s good they actually integrated the screen into the dash instead of looking like some plug and play kit a kid came up with. Maybe they took the past years complaints seriously, hopefully they keep going up and don’t go stagnant like prior years

[@matt13ross]

Yea the 2022 refresh was a GREAT upgrade IMO. I really really like the new interiors. The 2021s, not at all!

[@rock-uu7qr]

@@KDlGG every brand has felt the same for decades? Our high country is pure Luxory

[@yellowcolorado25]

So you're keeping the truck?

[@matt13ross]

You must not have watched the whole video...lol

[@yellowcolorado25]

@@matt13ross you caught me. I got busy right at the beginning of the video.

[@matt13ross]

Lol no prob!

[@Lmfaoonick]

I thought my canyon with 80k miles was low Jesus Christ loll

[@matt13ross]

haha

[@michaelayd5314]

Still for sale?

[@matt13ross]

Sold!

[@michaelayd5314]

@@matt13ross I’m from Baltimore, been talking to the dealership about the truck. They said you gave them the stock exhaust, to pass inspection they have to put it on and possibly tuned it back to factory. I wanted to buy it Bc it was tuned and got better gas mileage. What’s the process of getting it tuned again?

[@tjbarke6086]

4:49 Truckflation is real.

[@doorjam8793]

DUDE GET THIS TRUCK BACK PLEASE!!!!! FUCK THAT SILVERADO, GET THE COLORADO DIESEL BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tgkg]

Needs standard transmission.

[@matt13ross]

That would be sweet but the manual is dead.

[@nickf6447]

45 k lol how that go

[@matt13ross]

Went just fine.

[@Jessersadler]

get a foam cannon. worth it

[@matt13ross]

I have one and sometimes use it. I honestly don't know what the point it. Doesn't really save time or change how I was it.

[@Jessersadler]

@@matt13ross Porvides lubrication to remove the dirt as well as breaking the water tension and allowing the soap to soak. Think of how you do dishes, sometimes soaking helps loosen the crud. But mainly even coverage with a visual que to see that every part of your paint is lubricated, so the dirt you're removing doesn't put more scratches in the paint when scrubbing.

[@Jessersadler]

@@matt13ross also double bucket. . .

[@matt13ross]

I actually really like it under the truck for cleaning the frame and such. Even if I use it on the paint, I still use a brush and soap bucket lol.

[@dezdman8623]

Guessing you haven't sold it yet...

[@matt13ross]

Not yet!

[@dezdman8623]

@@matt13ross lol. I commented before watching the whole video. I saw your post on fb. Btw. Your video installing the 589 tire carrier was pretty helpful. I watched your video to install mine yesterday.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! I love that tire carrier, planning on something similar on the Silverado I think.

[@Scotty777]

Right with you on the list! I wish I would have deleted and tuned my '17 right away before the EPA got all nazi on the diesel community. I've dropped almost 2K in just emissions related failures in the last 6 months. These are great DD's and tow very well too. I tow a very large pontoon and it handles that like it's not even there.

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

Real crappy part is that HD Diesel went out of business and now there’s only one company making the delete kit and they’re about $1k more than the HD. I saw the kit that Boosted got so I got the same one and for $2k you got the tuner, custom tune, trans tune, and straight pipe.

[@matt13ross]

Yea the emissions stuff is just such a PITA but we all have to deal with it unless we go electric.

[@matt13ross]

What company does it now?

[@jamesajanda]

I am interested in buying the truck. Where is your email address?

[@matt13ross]

Idk if KZbin will allow me to post it without spam flagging it.

[@matt13ross]

[e-mail]