The Mod Every 3.0L Duramax Needs: Edge Products’ Pulsar LT

• May 27, 2022
• Story By
  Mike McGlothlin

Right off the assembly line in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, GM’s 3.0L Duramax diesel-powered half-ton trucks are capable, powerful and fuel efficient machines. But like every other vehicle that’s ever been produced, there is room for improvement. This is where successful aftermarket companies like Edge Products come in. Since 1999, Edge has been manufacturing monitors, modules and programmers for late model diesel and gas-powered trucks alike, and its Pulsar LT module for ’20-newer Duramax-equipped Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 pickups is yet another homerun.

Not only does the Pulsar LT module improve the driving experience thanks to its throttle response enhancement capability, but it also provides the end-user the ability to control a host of other features. Things such as transmission relearn, manual DPF regeneration and high idle can be commanded, the engine’s annoying Start/Stop function can be disabled, the truck’s top speed can be raised and diagnostic trouble codes can be read and cleared. Combine all that with an easy installation, 49-state legality, retention of your factory warranty and a retail price of just over $500 and it doesn’t take further convincing to pick one up for your 3.0L Duramax. For a look at the install and a glimpse at what the Pulsar LT is capable of, keep scrolling.

The 30-MPG ½-Ton Pickup

After a slight delay in the engine certification process forced GM to cancel its 2019 debut, the LM2 3.0L Duramax debuted in its ’20 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. But according to virtually anyone that owns one, the delay was well worth the wait. Of any half-ton diesel truck option, GM’s achieves the best fuel economy (33 mpg highway, 23 mpg city, 27 mpg combined). And thanks to increasing the diesel’s towing capacity to 13,300 pounds for the 2022 model year, GM handily bests the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel—the only surviving diesel option in the half-ton segment (remember, Ford axed the 3.0L Power Stroke last year).

The 3.0L LM2 Duramax

In stock form, GM’s 3.0L inline-six Duramax is an impressive piece of hardware. From the factory it dishes out a class-leading 277 hp, along with 460 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm. Perhaps even more impressive is its construction, which starts with an aluminum block that boasts cylinder sleeves, a block stiffener and beefy, forged-steel connecting rods. Above the head gasket, you’ll find dual overhead camshafts, a 24-valve aluminum cylinder head, an electronically controlled variable intake manifold, an air-to-water intercooler and a state-of-the-art, fast-reacting variable geometry turbocharger. But as with any engine, there is always room for improvement…

Full Control Over The Functions That Matter Most

Enter Edge Products’ Pulsar LT module. Its inline module directly integrates with the factory computer system using OE-style connectors. Once installed, the user has complete control over a host of their truck’s features, which can all be changed using the steering wheel controls. Among many things, the Pulsar LT provides for improve throttle response, allows you to disable the truck’s annoying start/stop function, adjusts the top speed limiter, calibrates to accommodate for larger tire sizes, reads and clear diagnostic trouble codes, has the ability to activate high engine idle for quicker winter warm-up and can even command a manual regeneration interval to clean out the diesel particulate filter.

No Strings Attached (Literally)

As an inline module that integrates directly into the factory wiring harness, no wires need to be fished through the firewall in order to install the Pulsar LT. The installation itself is simple and can be performed cleanly thanks to what’s supplied in the box: zip ties and Velcro strips. In addition, it’s important to remember that as an inline module no trace (or footprint) is left in the truck’s ECM and the truck’s factory engine calibration is in no way altered. This means your factory vehicle warranty won’t be voided by running the Pulsar LT.

Installing The Wire Harness

The install begins with the factory engine-to-body wiring harness connector getting disconnected. This connector is located in front of the air box. From there, the appropriate end of the supplied Pulsar LT harness is joined with the engine side of the factory connector, and then the other end of the supplied harness is installed in the remaining factory connector. That’s it for the harness installation! It’s about as plug and play as it gets.

Installing The Module

Integrating the Pulsar LT module install is equally straightforward, with the remaining connector of the supplied wire harness plugging directly into the module. Mounting the module boils down to personal preference. Using the aforementioned Velcro strips (which are double-sided), the module can be attached to the top of the air box or the back of the air box (firewall side). Or, using the supplied zip ties, the module can be mounted elsewhere in the engine bay.

Setup From The Driver’s Seat

As previously mentioned, the Pulsar LT module is much more than a one-and-done modification. Several features can be programmed and configured, and this is accomplished using the truck’s steering wheel controls. With the digital mph display present on the cluster and the cruise control buttons used to navigate, set up and save your programming changes, it doesn’t get any easier (or convenient) to configure all of the adjustable modes the Pulsar LT features.

Throttle Enhancement

One of the biggest selling points of the Pulsar LT module is its ability to increase throttle sensitivity. A heavy accelerator pedal is a common complaint on many newer vehicles and the ’20-newer Silverado and Sierra 1500’s are no different. But beyond simply allowing for a touchier go pedal, Edge offers the end-user 5 levels of adjustment, including the stock setting (Level 0). On Level 1, responsiveness is reduced by up to 15-percent less than stock. On Level 2, responsiveness is increased up to 15-percent over stock. As for Level 3, that number jumps to 30-percent over stock. On Level 4, it bumps up again, this time to 48-percent over stock. And on Level 5 throttle responsiveness increases up to 65-percent over stock. As a bonus, all throttle boosting settings are navigable on-the-fly, making it even easier to tailor throttle response for your specific needs.